Those who regard comfort as primary importance look away now – we were in awe of Christian Louboutin’s jaw dropping archive of works at his new exhibition at the Design Museum. On show are the most perilous of designs, from ‘day to day’ stilettos (!) to the more abstract art pieces he has made over the years, and close up you can see every inch of craftsmanship that has gone into them. It was difficult to resist picking them up and calling for the nearest assistant to ask for our size! One of the most impressive things about the exhibition was it’s design by Household (a London based retail design consultancy), oozing glamour and taking inspiration from a Parisian nightclub with red velvet booth seating, a stage complete with footlights, and a revolving carousel (holding yet more shoes)! At the centre of the show was a 3D hologram performance of Dita von Tease’s burlesque act specially created for Louboutin’s exhibition, showing us all how walking in heels is really done. Lucky, the design museum shop wasn’t selling the shoes themselves – or we’d have been seriously tempted.

Kate, Editorial Assistant

For when you want to hide away with a book or just….well…..hide.

See more at Contemporist

Nic, Picture Editor

Fancy picking up some lettuce and a few tomatoes for your lunch while waiting for the bus? Well, thanks to guerrilla gardeners Chelsea Fringe and local residents in Stockwell empty spaces are being transformed into thriving Edible bus stops. The scheme is hoping to roll out  around the capital so keep an eye out at your local bus stop for anything green and leafy emerging – it’s probably not your average weeds. Off to pick a strawberry…

Mel, Art editor

Not only is it one of the most beautiful buildings in Britain, the V&A has just opened a newly refurbished fashion gallery. It’s breathtaking redesign, by 6a Architects, melds a modern mezzanine with the spectacular Edwardian domed gallery with its large alcoves, architectural columns and ornate mosaic flooring. So, so sumptuous – with amazing ambience and lighting – including images of ballgowns projected onto the magnificent curved alcoves.

The new Ballgowns exhibition celebrates its opening with glamorous frocks from 1950 to current day, including designers from Victor Edelstein and Hardy Amies to Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. Not to be missed.

This exquisite taste of paradise is the W Retreat and Residences Koh Samui, the first W Retreat in Southeast Asia. Located on the north shore of the island, the Retreat comprises of 70 Villas, 17 private residences, and W’s signature Living Room and Lounge and Signature Spa – not to mention crystal clear water, sandy beaches, palm trees and stunning ocean views.

Sigh……

Nic, Picture Editor

Just because it’s ANOTHER grey Monday, here are some brilliant balloon fruits to cheer us all up! Balloons, coloured paper, some tape and a bit o’ string is all you need to make these fantastic fruits, so when the sun does come out this weekend (and here at Livingetc we are keeping the faith) you can tszuj up you outdoor space in a totally tropical way all ready for that long awaited barbecue. Get the full instructions over here at Oh Happy Day.

Vidal Sassoon The Movie - check out this lovely homage to the cult snipper who changed the face of hairdressing as we know it – sadly  no longer with us.

Buy this incredible, wonderful set of desktop accessories from Plant & Moss.

We are not easily spooked here at Livingetc, but the Phantomenal III Lamp created by French design studio Guesner sent a collective chill up our spines.

Giving the illusion it is floating through the air, the light is in fact fixed by a metal stand fashioned to look like a flex.

Eerie……

Nic, Picture Editor