Miss Haberdash postcard China ....

My first trip to China was way back in the 80s so I was in for a surprise on arriving in Guangzhou. Huge public spaces are alive in the evening with families and tourists enjoying the cityscape. Modernist buildings stand tall illuminated by the latest LED lights, it's quite breathtaking.

Photo: W Hotel Guangzhou, Miss Haberdash 2015

Staying at the W hotel is the height of luxury with every detailed considered. Enjoy the art and then the view.

Photo: Library Guangzhou, Miss Haberdash 2015

Miss Haberdash postcard from Atlanta ....

While most of you were busy packing away the Christmas paraphernalia, Miss Haberdash was packing her suitcase and embarking on a whistle stop world tour of the new trends for Christmas 2015. Yep, it all begins again.

First stop was Atlanta, Georgia, home to AmericasMart and one of the USA's largest Christmas trade fairs. It was bitterly cold but we had no reason to venture outside with hundreds of suppliers showing indoors.

Photograph: Miss Haberdash 2015

It really is a visual feast and inspiration overload. It was easy to get lost in this Christmas wonderland, stay posted as I reveal upcoming trends later in the year.

Photograph: Miss Haberdash 2015

Miss Haberdash day tripper 3....

If you need another reason to visit Healesville aside from the cute koalas, (currently showing at the famous Healesville Sanctuary) travel north east of town to the spectacular Maroondah Reservoir Park.

Photo: Miss Haberdash 2014

Constructed in the late 1920s, a footpath spans the top of the dam. A short walk will take you to  Henderson's lookout where you can survey the impressive Yarra Ranges.

Photo: Miss Haberdash 2014

Photo: Miss Haberdash 2014

As you'd expect Healesville is also a great place for food & wine. There's also fine op-shop shopping along Nicholson street and some very trendy boutiques.

Miss Haberdash day tripper 2 ....

An escape to spectacular countryside is less than 30 minutes away when you're lucky enough to live in Melbourne.

The Organ Pipes National Park is just off the Calder Freeway and butts up against the McMansions on the very edge of Melbourne's suburban sprawl. A habitat for native flora and fauna, the perfect time to visit is now. Jacksons Creek is full to bursting and the Wattle trees are in bloom, just beautiful.

Organ Pipes National Park, Miss Haberdash 2014

Organ Pipes National Park, Miss Haberdash 2014

Organ Pipes National Park, Miss Haberdash 2014

Miss Haberdash in Recife....

Yesterday I visited Oficina Brennand the gallery, sculpture garden and home to Francisco Brennand. Off the beaten track it's quite a hike from Recife but so worthwhile. Over 30 years Francisco Brennand has created a fantastical world that is populated by strange ceramic sculptures. It's not to everyone's taste, the works are disturbing and sinister, but utterly unique. Here's a taste of what to expect.

Miss Haberdash 2014

Miss Haberdash 2014

Miss Haberdash 2014

Miss Haberdash 2014

Miss Haberdash 2014

The North East of Brazil has a strong folkloric tradition, these fabulous stories are translated into art, music and poetry. One of the most popular folk artists is Severino Borges whose woodcut prints are seen all over Recife. His distinctive style is bold and graphic a perfect fit for all those tourist trinkets.

Miss Haberdash in Olinda....

Olinda is a historic town situated  6 miles from the hustle and bustle of Recife. Brightly coloured buildings twist around ancient cobbled streets it's a haven for artists, bohemians and travellers. Since my last visit it has also become the perfect canvas for graffiti artists, very familiar to inner city dwellers the world over. For you crafty types I also found evidence of  yarn bombing, cross stitching, pom poms and bunting flutters on every street corner. The only thing missing is the hipsters - shame about that.
 

Brazilian bunting, Miss Haberdash 2014

Cross stitch purses, Miss Haberdash 2014

Street grafitti, Miss Haberdash 2014

Long live yarn bombing, Miss Haberdash 2014

Miss Haberdash no Brasil....

Oh Brasil! After 2 days of torrential rain causing severe flooding and landslides the sun is shining and Natal is looking great.

Beach umbrellas, Miss Haberdash 2014

Local Fisherman, selling his catch, Miss Haberdash 2014

Brightly coloured parasols line the beach and everyone comes out to play. Beachwear means less is best and it's easy to spot the gringo. Here are some pics from the first few days.

What the best dressed are wearing, Miss Haberdash 2014

Beach sarongs, Miss Haberdash 2014

What about the football you ask! So far Miss Haberdash has two clear winners for colour, sheer exuberance and passion the Mexican and Ghanaian fans cannot be beat. But with four matches to go it's anyones game. For more in depth analysis go to Shoot Farken at http://www.shootfarken.com.au/  !!

Ghanian supporters, Ghana vs USA, Miss Haberdash 2014

Miss Brasil and Mexican wrestler, Miss Haberdash 2014

Miss Haberdash Lisbon ....

Lovely Lisboa, winding streets, jacaranda trees and lots and lots of tiles (best seen at the Museu National do Azulejo). Decorative patterns in all colours cover the pavements and the building facades, I was in heaven.

Lisbon city street lined with jacaranda trees. Miss Haberdash 2014.

Detail from freize, Tile Museum, Lisbon. Miss Haberdash 2014.

1970 tiles, Tile Museum, Lisbon. Miss Haberdash 2014.

You can't miss Sintra (where I took these photos) just a short train ride from the centre of Lisbon, the National Palace is stunning.

Bottom right, conservators at work, National Palace. Miss Haberdash 2014

Ceiling painted with swans, National Palace .Miss Haberdash 2014

Blue and white tiles line this room at the National Palace.Miss Haberdash 2014.

The Alfama is the oldest part of the city and hosts a famous flea market, Feira de Ladra.

Fiera de Ladra, Lisbon.Miss Haberdash 2014

Market stall, Feira de Ladra, Miss Haberdash 2014

So much to see, and I didn't even mention the Portuguese tarts!

Miss Haberdash Manchester calling ....

Situated in an old market in the trendy Northern Quarter of Manchester the Manchester Craft and Design market is a favourite haunt.

Home to jewellers, textile designers and ceramicists the market is also a showcase for the very latest in graduate talent.

One such is Elizabeth Jane Winstanley her exhibition is titled Tactile Illusions. Her eye catching pieces explore surface pattern and use alternative media to create optical illusions.

Miss Haberdash, 2014

Miss Haberdash, 2014

Miss Haberdash on tour ....

First stop Manchester, and it's raining, no surprises then!

It's still drizzling as we exit the tram at Salford Quay, now home to the BBC and swanky new developments that have gentrified this once derelict area. The Lowry is an an impressive gallery/ arts complex and showcases the unique art of  L.S. Lowry. His industrial landscapes populated by stick figures are immediately recognisable. A social history of time and place.

An Old Church, 1943, L.S.Lowry

Miss Haberdash on holiday ....

Miss Haberdash will soon be heading to cooler climes for a much deserved working holiday. Frankfurt, Germany is host to Christmasworld an epic industry trade show, chance to view the very latest for Christmas 2014 and beyond!

It feels all wrong to be packing hats, scarves & boots when the temperature outside (and inside) is a balmy 43 degrees! Here's a front cover from my Girls' Crystal collection, keep your cool.

Miss Haberdash kramtastic....

With the temperatures hovering around the 40 degree mark a krama comes in very handy. This multi purpose Cambodian scarf can also be used for mopping your brow as a shade cloth, head cosy, sarong etc. etc. you can get very creative with them.

Usually made from 100% cotton and woven on traditional looms they are an essential Cambodian accessory and make a great present.

from various, wikipedia 

Miss Haberdash in Cambodia....

One week in and Cambodia has been a whirlwind of temples, tuk-tuks and tourism.

In Siem Reap coachloads of Chinese tourists (the new middle class) swarm over the temples. Jostling for best sunrise/sunset position at Angkor Wat it's quite a scene.

But not far from the madding crowd is the real Cambodia of paddy fields, farmers and fishing.

Best experiences so far- boat trip from Siem Reap to Battambang where we saw village life up close. The Phare Ponleu Selpak circus in Battambang which was probably the most feel good entertainment anywhere and waking up to this view.

Miss Haberdash at home....

So good to be back, I'm appreciating Melbourne anew after my vacation. Here are a few trip highlights which didn't make it to the holiday blog.

The Northern Quarter is home to all that's arty and alternative in Manchester. For crafty types the Manchester Craft and Design Centre is a must see. Artists in residence include  Linzi Ramsden, Lee Page Hanson and Kathryn Edwards always worth a look.

Kathryn Edwards illustrations

Lee Page Hanson (left) Linzi Ramsden (right) ceramic tiles

Fancy a trip to the seaside? well you can have a dose of fine art with your fish and chips on Crosby Beach, Merseyside.
The installation Another Place by Antony Gormley features 100 figures made of cast iron. They're spread over 2 miles of beach and extend into the sea. On my visit one was sensibly wearing a lifejacket!

Antony Gormley, Another Place

Miss Haberdash at Valerie's Cafe....

Bury, Market Street, Postcard

In the 1960s my godmother Valerie opened a cafe on Bury market, it's still there.

A life size reproduction now stands in the Hayward Gallery, London, the work of Turner prize winning artist Jeremy Deller. Just as I remember, from the chipped formica tables to the menu of teacakes and crumpets. It's a trip! His retrospective exhibition Joy in People examines society and British culture from the Miners' strike to the Manic Street Preachers. You also get a mug of freshly brewed tea, Valerie is chuffed.

Valerie's at the Hayward Gallery 2012

Miss Haberdash, London calling....

What a thrill, temperatures hit double digits over the weekend for my London trip, blue skies, yellow daffodils and bright red London buses just like the postcards!

Tough decisions had to be made but Dennis Severs' House was always top of my to do list. This is a rare delight, walking through the house in Spitalfields you're taken back to the 18th Century. The smells, sights and sounds all compete for attention. The artist (Dennis Severs) describes his creation best as 'a still life drama' which perfectly captures the experience.

All images Dennis Severs' House

View the house in this clip.