Despite the rainy weather I had a delightful bank holiday weekend, complete with a day of friendship bracelet making with Lauren, and a wonderful first date. With only two weeks to go until Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour it was time to get serious about friendship bracelet making, so Lauren came round to have a crack at it. We’ve got about thirty bracelets done so far!
On Sunday I went out on a wonderful first date to the Ikon Gallery, I talk more about the exhibitions we visited further on in the post, and ended up spending eight hours chatting and walking around the city (in between the torrential downpours at least!). Being open to romance has definitely been a game-changer for 2024 and I’m looking forward to where this little chapter of my life takes me.
WHAT’S INSPIRED ME THIS WEEK
As a fashion designer, and general creative type, I am constantly seeking inspiration wherever I am, and these posts are a way to document what has ignited something within me this past week. Whether its artwork I’ve seen online, photography that moved me, or a collection of colour in nature that kick-started a creative idea in my head, I’ll be sharing four ideas that have brought me joy in the past seven days.
R. READING
I’ve been reading a Black Mirror-esque novel, Broadcast by Liam Brown, and I’m loving it so far.
A new level of entertainment is introduced when an influencer has a micro-chip inserted into his mind that streams his thoughts live to the nation.
I love how it’s tackling the question of how far society is willing to go with disregarding privacy in the name of entertainment. A world where influencers stream their thoughts doesn’t feel too improbable, which is utterly mind-blowing, and I’m excited to see where the book goes.
E. EDUCATING
On Sunday I visited the Ikon Gallery in Brindleyplace on a first date, where we saw two exhibitions. One was a National Gallery exhibition, with a painting on loan from the National Gallery, to celebrate the their 200th anniversary. The painting was surrounded by other artwork inspired by the piece, including a video soundtracked to a very emotive piece of Latin.
The second exhibition, the favourite of mine and my date’s, was inspired by life in the Midlands. In the middle of the exhibition there was a pool table that you could actually play on, so we got involved – it would be rude not to, right? It felt so fun to get involved in the exhibition in a whole new immersive way.
P. PLAYING
With only a couple of weeks left until I see Taylor Swift I’ve had her on repeat, even more so than usual.
Words cannot describe how excited I am to see The Eras Tour, and I am buzzing with excitement every time I listen to any of Taylor’s songs.
O. OBSESSING OVER
I mentioned the poet and writer Rocco Frattasio in a recent post, and I am utterly obsessed with his work.
This week he announced his book of poetry, which I’ll definitely be ordering, but for now I’m just as hooked on listening to him reading his spoken poetry and prose. His talent is unlike anything else I’ve seen in a very long time, and his words really seem to speak to my soul.
R. RECOMMENDING
The recommendation this week ties in with the first date I went on: I recommend trying dating apps. I was always so anti-dating apps, but after giving them a fair shot I’ve had some great dates through them. You owe it to yourself to at least give it a try!
T. TREATING MYSELF TO
This might sound like a silly thing to treat myself to, but I bought a new duvet and set of pillows this week, in preparation for my friend Taylor’s visit, and I’m already looking forward to that feeling of a fluffy new duvet. Roll on feeling like I’m sleeping on a cloud!
Love Chloe x
