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  October 31st 09, 7:36

  Media

  I have received some special treats in the last few days. First came a parcel of literature from a friend in Japan and then a lovely framed-print from a friend closer to home.

  

  I highly recommend this shiny red book, created by a group of young Japanese artists. Beautiful product shots, detailed descriptive passages and a couple of thoughtful essays make it a stimulating and encouraging read. Hanako – 22 years of women’s issues under its belt – has just released Issue 1 of its men’s venture. The result is far from disappointing. Again, the photography is strong and the abundance of nice lifestyle ideas make for a very pleasant Saturday morning flick-through.

  

  My friend Arran (arrangregory.com) produced this charming, positive piece of art. Although this photo does nothing resembling justice to the finer details, it gives you an idea of how refreshing his work is. I’m sure that we’ll be hearing about and seeing a lot more from him over the next while.

  Communication

  Thank you to everyone who made it to our party on Thursday. It was great to host you in our new store, about which we had so many nice compliments. Talking to friends, family and customers about our stores and products is crucial so thanks for the input and the support.

  
  

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• Two to see, one to look forward to.

  October 19th 09, 14:09

  I have taken in two good exhibitions over the last few days and they could not have been more different.

  If you have read any art press over the last while, you will know that Kapoor at the Royal Academy is as garish and intrusive as ever. He’s made one of my favourite places his waxy playground but it is surprisingly refreshing and awesome to see a crater of wax bull-dozing through the Academy’s immaculate rooms. It’s a whole lot of fun. The mirror balls in the courtyard create an amazing scene in their reflections of the Academy’s classical architecture too. Kapoor seeks and deserves your attention.

  Runs till December 11 http://www.royalacademy.org.uk/

  

  

  Monday morning, Yuko Shiraishi at the Annely Judy Gallery: a much more relaxed scene. Shiraishi has drawn on Sci-Fi inspiration to create a tea-house with a difference. Clean lines and typically Japanese minimalism make it a most aesthetically pleasing experience.

  Runs till October 24 http://www.annelyjudafineart.co.uk/

  

  And, starting mid-November, the Design Museum has a treat in-store for us. I saw this Dieter Rams exhibition in Tokyo (and wrote about it here: http://ahsoko.blogspot.com/2009/06/dieter-rams-fuchu-art-museum-in-fuchu.html). It’s educating, extensive and inspirational. For anyone with as much as a vague interest in product and industrial design or if you just like looking at nice looking things, it’s one not to miss.

  http://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/2009/dieter-rams

  

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• New knits and sweats…in our new store

  October 3rd 09, 1:58

  The shop is ready and we’re delighted with the results. It’s been nice to merchandise it with some great new knits and sweatshirts; just what you need for getting through the chillier days that are upon us. 

   

  

   

  

   

  

   

  

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• Chapter 2

  October 1st 09, 12:47

  As you may have heard, or seen on James’ blog, we’re opening a second shop. We have established ourselves in the West End and built a cosy base on Beak Street. Now it’s time to take on the edgy East. A work in progress:

  

   

  

   

  

   

  

   

  

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• Anglo-Japanese Relations

  October 1st 09, 12:34

  Back in London after a year in Japan, it has been interesting to look at the relationship between the two countries. Although the USA is intertwined into Japan’s post-war history and the countries still have a close, complicated relationship, I don’t think many would argue that political or formal relations between Britain and Japan are particularly prominent. However, at ground level it’s a different story. Maybe I’m just more aware of it but I feel like I’m seeing more Japanese people around London, overhearing more Japanese in shops and cafes and experiencing a generally bigger Japanese stamp here than I did a year ago. In the art world the links between the countries are unquestionable. Two of London’s biggest art events this year were headlined by the Japanese: Yayoi Kusama and SANAA Architects at the Southbank and Serpentine, respectively. In music, Japan’s Fuji Rock and Summer Sonic Festival’s are annually brimming with British acts. But the world of clothing and fashion is maybe where the link shows up strongest. At Albam, some of the earliest foreign contact we had was, despite the distance, with Japan. Our relationships there continue to be fruitful and it has been fascinating for us to learn about Japan and its people through that connection. 

   

   

  

  Yayoi Kusama, Hayward Gallery

   

   

  

  SANAA Architects, Serpentine Summer Pavilion

   

   

  

  James and the Maiden gang at Old Spitalfields Market

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• Introductions introductions

  September 27th 09, 3:47

  I thought I would introduce myself before starting to post here. I’m Gareth. I’ve been part of the Albam team for about a year and a half. I’ll be writing about news, projects and ideas from within and around Albam. Also, a bit about what’s going on and what we’re up to in London or where ever we may be that week.

  I thought I would follow the self-introduction by mentioning some recently enjoyed spots in London, which have opened in the last six months or so. Not long ago I came back to London after a year in Tokyo. It is great to be back and see new, interesting cafes and eateries amongst the more familiar chains and – now notably – shuttered store fronts and closing down sales.

  

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  J + A Cafe is a cosy operation run by Johanna and Aoife in a wonderful old diamond-cutting room in Clerkenwell. Quality shines through in all areas of the cafe – from interiors and furnishings to the all important ingredients. Simple, home-style cooking mirrors the friendly atmosphere and offers a refreshing break from the ‘get as many long-named ingredients as we can into each dish’ idea that seems to have consolidated itself in overpriced restaurants throughout the capital

  Wild & Wood provides a moment of peace, or refueling, at the foot of Oxford Street’s chaos. The interior is not revolutionary but it’s tasteful and warm. A fine selection of pastries, cakes and sandwiches are married with Monmouth Coffee and rounded off with Sally’s chocolate truffles.

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• Hillwalker

  August 7th 09, 15:16

  Finally our first Fall outerwear piece is coming out on the 17th August. I have had some time off over the last few weeks hence it has all gone quiet. No phone, no blackberry, no laptop, just my climbing gear and a series of rocks to keep me occupied. So now the team is back in a group and this is the first piece of many many more that are due to drop. Climbing tomorrow and if the weather is good then the camera will be coming out!

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• NEW!

  July 12th 09, 15:07

  

  As this is a new blog we thoought we should start with an image of something new, so new it is only in pattern stage! As we have a Behind the Scenes blog already and we have a serious amount of things about to drop over the next few months, we think this is a good place to show some of those things that are happening.

  In between a lot of climbing I will be taking some pics of what we have got on, so do take a look back every once in a while.

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