The Allure of Forgery: Why Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Work Is Targeted by Fraudsters
[Article] David Henty, a self-proclaimed “King of Forgers,” was eager to discuss his thoughts on Basquiat. An unassuming British man with white hair, tattoos, and a mischievous smile, Henty’s forgeries include works by Basquiat, Caravaggio, and Picasso. His imitations, once covertly sold through art dealers and auction houses, fooled countless buyers. After being exposed by the British media, Henty reinvented himself as a legitimate artist, with his replica works now commanding as much as $70,000. His precise interpretations of Basquiat’s distinctive style have earned him unexpected praise in the art world.
Bound: An Embroidery Story
[Exhibition review] Bound: An Embroiderer’s Story ran from 16–21 January 2025 at Downstairs at the Department Store in London. The carefully curated exhibition featured work by 15 emerging contemporary textile artists, including Lucy Newman, Rebecca Offredi and Alex Standring.
The show channelled the entrepreneurial spirit of the Young British Artists (YBAs) of the early 90s, who, led by Damien Hirst, rented spaces and organised their own exhibitions to challenge the art establishment. Nearly 30 years later, the Bound Collective brings that same energy and originality to textile arts, showcasing a range of talent and approaches to embroidery.
Goldwork Embroidery and the Historic Uniform of Men
Civil Splendor: Civil Uniforms at the Court of St James
[Essay for exhibition catalogue] Look closely at a Military Uniform or a Court Dress and you will likely see row after row of the tiniest coiled metal wires, some with a dull shine, others that reflect light like a diamond. Each coil of wire will have been meticulously placed by hand with a single needle and thread. They are secured and couched into place over hundreds of hours to build complex patterns and flora. But what are they and why are they so special?
Chinese Art in American Museums: A Critical Moment
[Art news] Chinese art has played a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange, shaping creative industries and inspiring audiences across the United States. Yet today, the future of this exchange faces mounting challenges. As H.R. 7476 concludes its journey in the current Congress, incoming President Donald J. Trump’s proposed 60% tariffs on Chinese imports and heightened restrictions on international partnerships signal an intensifying shift in U.S.-China cultural relations.
Content for Colombian fashion house, AMARPO
[Site content] AMARPO is a luxury fashion brand founded in 2016 by award-winning designer Ana Maria Restrepo Gutierrez. Our brand is rooted in the vibrant collages of nature and the uplifting energy of colour. We specialize in creating extravagant, colorful, and bold designs using exquisite hand embroidery techniques. Our unique approach blends traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, resulting in wearable art that elevates your wardrobe and stirs your soul. Inspired by Colombia's rich cultural heritage and Ana's extensive experience with leading design houses like Ralph & Russo, Erdem, and Alexander McQueen
Policy Watch: New China Policies and their Impact on American Museums
[Art news] The proposed Countering Communist China Act (H.R. 7476) has raised concerns among museum professionals about its impact on cultural exchange and planned exhibitions. While the current congressional session is drawing to a close, the bill’s prospects appear strong given the incoming administration’s hawkish stance on China policy. Aimed at addressing national security risks, the legislation introduces stricter compliance rules, including increased financial oversight and due diligence, which could make it more difficult to acquire and exhibit Chinese art in the U.S.
NFT : WTF Documentary
[Researcher] Documentary with Damien Hirst, Beeple and other early NFT adopters and artists telling the story of the rise of the the digital art movement. Produced with Atomized studios for HENI and NETFLIX UK. Directed by BAFTA award winning David Shulman.
PEGGY HARTANTO & The Little Mermaid
[Press release] In honour of Disney's 100th anniversary, PEGGY HARTANTO (PH) is excited to announce an enchanting partnership with Disney. Drawing inspiration from the timeless animated classic, ‘The Little Mermaid’, the respected fashion brand unveils their exclusive capsule collection, ‘WONDER.’
Gucci product descriptions for Net-A-Porter.
[Product descriptions] Working with SEO, brand and marketing specialists at Croud I created Gucci product page copy designed to convey history, heritage and craftsmanship while simultaneously helping increase organic Google traffic.
King Charles Coronation Embroidery
Discover The Ornate Vestments and exquisite Embroidery of the King’s Coronation
[Article] The coronation of a new British Monarch is a ritualistic, symbolic and ceremonial event that is widely considered the pinnacle of pomp and circumstance.
The city of London and the historic Westminster Abbey serve as the grand backdrop to an ancient practice brimming with small, meaningful acts. For centuries the world has only been able to appreciate the vast spectacle, missing many of these finer details.
In 2023, for the coronation of His Royal Highness, King Charles III we have a rare opportunity to see everything. From the spectacular horse-drawn Gold State Coach accompanied by the Yeomen of the Guard to the fine embroidery on the Imperial Robe, we will see it all.
Nude Study of Thomas E. McKeller
(1917–21), John Singer Sargent. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
[Article for Art Scene] John Singer Sargent was an American portrait artist synonymous with the gilded age. His portraits are frequently loaded with psychological complexity driving an emotional dialogue between the viewer and the subject.
Nude study of Thomas E. McKeller (1917-21) is an uncompromising and sometimes uncomfortable work that presents the viewers with a single nude male figure placed awkwardly on a block. An overhead light illuminates his upper chest, and the angular contours of his shoulders and ribcage vibrate with highlights and shadows. His arms closely frame his torso, his legs bend backwards and outwards while his muscular neck holds his head high as he gazes upwards and out of the frame.
How to develop an HR team that hires the best sales reps
[Blog for Zendesk] Great sales reps can be the most important people in your business. The very best have tenacity, character and are self motivated. They also have to be smart, quick-witted and personable. 59% of customers get irritated by a generic pitch or worse, a salesperson reading a script. If your company has a strong team selling your products, you will benefit from sustainable growth and happy customers. If you have a weak sales team, profits will decline and your customers will find other suppliers.
Why Customers Stop Using Your Services And How To Prevent It
[Blog for Zendesk] Securing customer loyalty and attracting new clients is vital to every successful business. But the balance has to be right. When a business attracts fresh customers at the expense of existing clients, the net gain is zero.
Emily in Paris x My Beachy Side.
[Press Release] The hit Netflix show, Emily in Paris continues its fashion partnership with My Beachy Side as they launch their new Spring Summer 2023 collection.
With Emily in Paris heading towards a fourth season, Netflix and series creator Darren Star are both continuing their official collaboration with the Turkish sustainability focussed fashion brand. Inspired by the much-loved show, the hotly anticipated 2023 Spring Summer collection reflects the playful Joie de vivre tempered with refined modern craftsmanship and elevated design.
Mr Porter Product Descriptions for Kering Menswear Brands
Product descriptions for 100s of seasonal menswear products listed on Mr Porter site. Kering designer brands included Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Gucci and more.
Why luxury pens should get more Attention.
[Article for Inkstable.com] It’s Christmas, your birthday or maybe a wedding anniversary. You have a wrapped gift in your hands and you begin to untie the little bow and gently pull at the neatly folded paper. Whatever it is, it’s fairly small but reassuringly heavy. It’s probably a perfect and thoughtful gift, but what if it isn’t? You fear for a moment you might hate it, and the reaction will flicker across your face before you can stop it. As you remove the last of the wrapping paper you compose yourself ready to express delight no matter what is in the box.
Product Descriptions for Kipling’s SS23 Collection
Client supplied product tech specs, design inspirations and early photography so I could write product descriptions for their Spring Summer 2023 range.
La Côte Club
[About Us / Brand development] La Côte Club is a luxury jewelry brand inspired by the shimmering blue seas and effortless glamour of the Côte d’Azur. Each exquisite piece is meticulously handcrafted using only the finest materials by skilled artisans, resulting in bold, timeless, and modern designs that are destined to become jewelry heirlooms.
Andy Warhol, Big Campbell’s Soup Can, 19¢ (Beef Noodle), 1962
[Art analysis for art buying service] In the 1960s the American pop artist Andy Warhol reinvented the art aesthetic and transformed the way we look at the world. Like other great names in art, his work is a turning point, a fulcrum with a distinct before and after. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio intensified the drama, emotion, light and dark establishing the Baroque art movement, Édouard Manet chose essence over realism and birthed impressionism and Marcel Duchamp placed a urinal on a plinth in a gallery and created the Ready-Made.
PEGGY HARTANTO:
SS22 “Wonderland”
[Press release and pop-up exhibition copy] Taking inspiration from the magical and fantastical animated Alice in Wonderland film, Indonesian designer, Peggy Hartanto has created her Spring Summer 2022 collection ‘Wonderland’. The whimsical ready to wear collection uses romantic scallops, elegant drapery, bold colours, soft prints and surreal silhouettes to reimagine the magic of Alice’s adventures in contemporary womenswear.
The collection is inspired by three equal aspects: firstly, the enchanted garden of live flowers from the film; secondly, the Victorian styles of Lewis Carroll’s lifetime.
In Victorian fashion the delicate bows, complex laces, pagoda frills and multiple layers were emblematic of cultural anxiety; a perpetual need to conceal hard lines, frayed edges or tempting flesh. Hartanto has stripped back the psychological stressors and refined the overwhelming complexities into clean, modern and feminine shapes that project confidence and surety.
Why is it so important to write in a journal?
[Article] Journaling or writing in a diary has existed for as long as there has been paper. Recording personal daily experiences, reactions to global events and intimate thoughts is a way of preserving the moment. Journaling can feel like an act as an exorcism, a spiritual cleanse or therapy, but is there a science behind it? What are the true science-based benefits of writing in a journal, for our mind and well-being?
Restoration Drama:
Two Garter Banners for St. George’s Chapel
[Magazine article] In 1901, at the start of the short reign of King Edward the VII, the Royal School of Needlework completed work on the Monarch’s Garter Banner, a large embroidered panel destined to hang over the Sovereign’s stall in St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
The myth of standardised clothing sizes and how it fuels the returns crisis
.
[Website copy] For most shoppers, vanity sizing is a commonly accepted distortion of accurate sizing designed to satisfy the shopper’s ego. While accusations of distorting our body image and contributing to eating disorders might be common, this approach stops us from identifying the source of the issue. Dig a little deeper and we discover the idea of ‘accurate sizing’ itself, is actually a myth; one that could be easily solved.
Iconic Airline uniforms.
[Website copy] In the world of workwear apparel, the outfit with the most fashion credentials has to be the airline uniform. It exists somewhere between a pragmatic piece of daily workwear and a signifier for the airline and even the host country.
The Best Portobello Road Cocktails for Celebrating with Family and Friends .
[Website copy] BritYard’s collection of Portobello Road spirits are perfect for making your own cocktails at home. Impress your friends and family by mastering three classic Martinis and one all time French favourite.
Gino D’Acampo launches Play to Earn NFT Metaverse Game, Big Town Chef.
[Press release] Celebrity daytime TV chef Gino D'Acampo is leading an exciting project to create a brand new play-to-earn Metaverse game. Launched on the 14th March by his chef avatar, his crypto gaming team are busy creating Big Town Chef. A next generation metaverse game that enables players to farm, trade virtual ingredients and compete in cook off battles.
What the Metaverse means for fashion and which brands are leading the way.
[Site content] March 2022 marks the first-ever Metaverse Fashion Week, demonstrating the increasing interest and demand for virtual clothing. Iconic British department store Selfridges will start the week by unveiling their flagship virtual store; and brands such as Elie Saab, Guo Pei, Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce & Gabbana, Cavalli, Paco Rabanne are expected to participate.
7 For All Mankind Campaign featuring Cara Delevingne
[Press release] British model, turned actress Cara Delevingne is the new face of 7 For All Mankind’s upcoming S/S 2022 campaign. The new collection aligns with Delevingne’s ongoing initiative to challenge the international fashion industry to become more sustainable and responsible.
Jo’s Art History Podcast.
[Podcast] Unlucky for some, but not today, as Jo sits down with art and fashion historian Robert McCaffrey to discuss one of Britain's best loved designers - Alexander McQueen and his love/exploration of the sublime.
Art and fashion have an interesting way of infusing and Robert takes Jo through the concept of the Sublime, McQueen's inspirations from within the history of art and just how he channeled them during his catwalk presentation for his collection No.13..
The Heritage of Lingerie: Innovations, Choice and Freedom
[Website copy] The birth of modern lingerie is typically charted from the first world war when women were moving from the home into the workplace to help with the war effort. This transformative change in the daily routine of thousands of women demanded more practical and comfortable clothing and undergarments.
Hand & Lock x Coloreel
[Website copy] Hand & Lock have partnered with Coloreel to test and develop the latest machine embroidery technology. Described as the biggest innovation in embroidery for 30 years, it has the potential to help reduce the 215 trillion litres of water wasted by the fashion industry every year.
The Swedish company’s Instant Thread Coloring Unit allows machine embroidery to be more vibrant, creative and sustainable.
Could the mega-trend for fashion house collaborations signal the return of “American Raf”?
[Commissioned for internal research] “Raf Simons has designed for his eponymous label as well as Jil Sander, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior and now Prada. He is one of only a handful of designers to have worked for such a diverse range of houses on both sides of the Atlantic. His experience working with Calvin Klein reveals the fundamental split between the design and commercial priorities between Europe and America.”
Sara Danish: Food Styling.
[Website content] Sara Danish is an accomplished food stylist with experience working closely with chefs, editors, and photographers to produce irresistible images for the New York Times, Parent Magazine, and the bestselling Pinkalicous cookbook. A graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education, she has worked with respected chefs, restaurateurs and authors such as Alison Fishman and Marcus Samuelsson. In addition to developing her own seasonal menus for ‘Sara’s Supper Club’, she c
Embroidered Arts Exhibition 2021
[Public speaking] The 2021 Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery culminated in a show-stopping five-day exhibition at the Bargehouse warehouse on London’s iconic South Bank. Combining both prize entrants from 2020 and 2021 with an exciting array of contemporary and historic embroidery works, the exhibition was a rare opportunity to see so much exquisite craftsmanship.
Malloch’s X Brityard
[Site content] Malloch's is a premium knitwear brand that celebrates British style with influences of vintage Hollywood and Rock & Roll icons. The brand actively champions British manufacturing and a local supply chain. A natural fit for a British online department store that celebrates and champions premium made British brands, we were excited to speak to founder Chris Chasseaud to learn more..
Adriana Krawcewicz: Bio for fashion illustrator and stylist.
[Site content] British and Polish multi-disciplinary fashion artist, Adriana (Adriana Krawcewicz) was born in late 80’s Poland and works in visual and musical mediums to make personal and uplifting art. A born storyteller, she uses her art, creative direction, music, video and fashion to meditate on the personal and the universal journey.
The Art of Embroidery
[Article for exhibition brochure] ‘…The human hand sought artistic mastery over the material world and this aesthetic progress exists today in our repositories of culture and history. We can chart timelines and see how creativity blossomed and bloomed, regressed and then flourished. We can date these practices with ease because the objects endured through the ages. But what of the artistic expressions made in textiles?’
The LA Fashion Boutique Bringing its Luxury Classic Comfort to Shoppers Around the World
[Press release] ‘…Established in 2012 The GEOM was a popular LA boutique that took the bold step of relaunching online in 2021. With a focus on comfort and style, the brand's sought after LA minimalist womenswear is now available for shoppers all across the US and around the world.’
Videmus Omnia Spring Summer 2022 - Evolver.
[Press release] The new collection explores delicate emotions, dramatic silhouettes and original visions of the future. Partly inspired by the Surrealist’s interest in the subconscious, imagination and perception, the collection uses complex prints, pagoda frills and layering to engage and excite the eye.
How TikTok Helped This Denim Kickstarter Reach its Goal in Nine Hours
[Press release] Jeans are stitched with Coats’ Epic EcoVerde threading, a 100 percent recycled premium polyester core spun sewing thread that creates durable, attractive seams with greater abrasion resistance. Each pair is finished with a sustainable back patch and eco-friendly metal trims.
How Videmus Data became the Marie Kondo of Digital Data for The University of Birmingham.
The average person has eight different social media platforms and spends over two hours browsing and interacting with content each day. This creates mountains of customer data scattered across hard drives all around the globe. In amongst all that data is something of value; something that could determine and help you steer the next phase of your marketing strategy and dramatically expand your reach.I
Diana’s Wedding
Veil in Vogue
[Published research] My archival research into the embellishment on Princess Diana’s wedding veil revealed an untold story about the woman who single handedly embellished the 140 metre long veil. The research was later used in a Vogue article by Alice Newbold.
Marketers love The Art of War, but are they missing the main lesson?
[Site content] Loved by influential business leaders around the world, the most famous lesson from Art of War is misapplied. While some may argue how vital it is to know your competition, we argue that unless you’ve had a look in the mirror you may still be missing the point.
Marie Claire.
[Published research] My archive research led to a comprehensive account and verifiable press quote that was used in a Marie Claire article detailing the untold story of Princess Diana’s wedding veil.
After Fashion:
Reinterpreting Costume Today.
For this special online National Gallery lecture, author and cultural historian Kassia St Clair was joined by leading contemporary fashion makers, designers and art historians to discuss the influence of art history on fashion and costume design. Guests included tailor of bespoke period clothing Zack Pinsent, fashion and art historian Robert McCaffrey and renowned costume designer Ellen Mirojnick.
Monocle Interview with Emma Nelson
As part of the promotional campaign for Hand & Lock’s 250th anniversary I was invited onto the Monocle’s Sunday Brunch Show with Emma Nelson. The 10 minute interview covered embroidery history, the practice of training modern embroiderers and the decline of practical embroidery training.
Videmus Omnia.
AW2021 Collection, The Wanderer
[Press release] Music and fashion have been closely intertwined for most of the 20th and 21st centuries. The grunge stylings of the 1990s are forever synonymous with the music of Nirvana whilst the flapper dresses of 1920’s New York evoke a vibrant vision of a live Jazz band. These powerful connections between clothing and music form the basis for the designs of Videmus Omnia (We see everything) by designer Yun Qu. This is especially true of her latest AW2021 collection “The Wanderer”.
The Sports Car Inspired Perforated Leather Travel Accessories Collection.
Luxury American travel accessories brand Autopilot have released a fresh 2021 collection inspired by the interior finish of high-end luxury sports cars. Featuring perforated leather in three lux colors: burgundy, creme and jet black, the new collection includes everything a true travel connoisseur needs for their global adventures. (Press release)
Alexander McQueen:
The Sublime and Melancholy
[Academic Article] This article considers the concepts of Melancholy and the Performative Sublime in the catwalk presentations of the late designer Lee Alexander McQueen (1969-2010). I will examine No 13 (1998) and The Widows of Culoden (2006) to establish how McQueen explored philosophical concepts deeply associated with the fine arts. (Academic article)
12 ways Embroidery can Boost Your Mental and Physical Wellbeing.
[Site content] If you’ve ever sat down to work on your embroidery you will know about the benefits the practice brings. Within minutes of working on a project your mind grows quiet and the repetitive action fulfils your body’s need to be occupied. (Website blog).
Luxury Swimwear by Bionda.
[Advertising copy for Vogue] Creating ethical luxury swim and resort wear, Bionda was founded by Melina Bernardini. Designed in Italy and handmade in Brazil, each limited edition collection is an expression of Melina’s heritage and inspirations. From the iconic elegance of the 70s French Riviera, to the Carioca spirit of Rio de Janeiro, Bionda encapsulates a timeless confidence for the modern woman.
The two Australian finalists vying for tonight's prestigious Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery
[TV interview] "Six people will come away with prizes," said Robert McCaffrey from Hand & Lock, the 250-year-old London embroidery house that runs the awards. "That's fairly good odds considering you have two Australians in the mix."
Five things you can do in preparation for embryo transfer.
[Copy for London Womens Clinic] What can you do to prepare your body for embryo transfer and ensure the best possible outcome? Here are our top five tips for preparing your body for an embryo transfer.
SUNU by Renaissance Creative Studios Los Angeles.
[Press release] Founded in 2016, Renaissance Creative Studios Los Angeles (RCSLA) is proud to announce the release of their debut womenswear collection. Inspired by western and tribal traditions.
The Yabin Love Shirt Dress.
[Press release] The LOVE Shirt Dress is an elegant and versatile piece of contemporary fashion for the modern woman who wears her heart on her sleeve (literally). The oversize shirt dress is made from 100% mid-weight cotton, with a classic fuse front placket, buttoning up the front and tying at the collar with a statement peach/pink velour ribbon. (Website copy)
Pras the Bandit Taps Wolfsloth for Bold Tattoo-Inspired Capsule.
[Article generated by press release] Singapore-based label Pras the Bandit has called in tattoo artist Wolfsloth for a concise capsule livened up by striking graphics that nod to the artist’s distinctive sensibilities.
The Real Eastenders.
[Magazine article] East End Babylon, a new film by director and Greenwich resident Richard England, shines a spotlight on E16 punk band The Cockney Rejects. The little known story of the cult, influential band is told alongside a social history of the East End, the docklands and life after the Second World War.
Vegan Deptford: a handy guide.
[Article] Arguably South London’s most diverse neighbourhood, SE8 is changing. Its new identity is bound up in the thriving food and cafe scene, as well as the emerging shift towards all things meat and dairy free: and I should know – I’m a local. Welcome to vegan Deptford.
Pitter Patter
of Tiny Feet.
[Editorial for the Daily Mirror] Pregnancy - nine months of anticipation, preparation, excitement and joy
Bravery over Blackheath.
[Magazine article] During the Battle of Britain, one pilot’s bravery saved the residents of Blackheath from disaster. Robert McCaffrey finds out more.
An official memorial stone was unveiled on Blackheath in June to mark the spot where a young World War II pilot lost his life on the first day of The Blitz.
Edward Underwear: Great for the wearer and good for the planet.
[Press release] Newly launched British men’s underwear brand, Edward Underwear, combines timeless British elegance and superior enhanced comfort for the discerning gentleman. Inspired by the human body, Edward Underwear is the first British designed underwear brand for men to focus on comfort and style while using more sustainable materials.