A n z u

Romantic jewellery

2012-01-26T14:15:00.004Z

As you know we all love jewellery in the studio and some of us are not averse to being romantic either! So here's Anzu's top picks for romantic jewellery. Above our diamond heart necklace card is perfect for an anniversary.

We love this bangle featuring a pair of peacocks by Rajiv Arora, Kabiri.

With its two halves together, this stunningly simple pearl ring from Melanie Georgacopoulos would make a modern alternative for an engagement ring.

These diamond twig eternity rings from Bittersweet are charming and modern.

Anzu pick of the week, by Ellen

2012-01-24T11:06:00.005Z

One of our new cards, and perfect for today. It's like walking through a sprinkler!

Year of the Dragon

2012-01-22T13:35:00.004Z

The year of the dragon starts tomorrow! 1st Dibs have compiled a beautiful selection of things be it these pieces of dragon jewellery, jade earrings, chrysanthemum cheongsams, and a stunning Chinese bridal sedan chair. Click here to see more. And for tips on how to prepare, click here

Thank you!

2012-01-18T11:42:00.004Z

Thank you so much to everyone that came to Top Drawer this week, and for making it such a great show! Birmingham Spring Fair next, where we'll also have some extra new goodies. Hope to see you there!

Inspiration boards

2012-01-17T10:13:00.000Z

I always love inspiration boards, and I love these inspiration boards of fashion designers photographed by Hywel Davies. Can you guess who is who?

Anzu at Top Drawer!

2012-01-12T08:28:00.000Z

Hope to see you there!!

More studio inspiration..

2012-01-10T11:39:00.005Z

The new Anzu studio is getting nearer and nearer completion. The builders are out hopefully by the end of this week, which means that we are now at the fun bit of finishing touches! Hooray! These are some of the pictures that I've been looking at for inspiration - some for the general mood, others more for specific details. We won't have anything with such a vibrant colour as this, but I like the metallic table in this office above,

I like the general feeling of this office and just the space of it,

this desk is amazing and I also love the marble,

love the combination of french grey, gold and mirror

like the way the furniture and paintings have been arranged in this hallway area,

and the way the chairs are grouped here and the mirror (but who would expect less from Tom Ford?)

and the geometric brass fittings with the hydrangea

Images: Unknown, via So Haute, unknown, Mary McDonald, Mary McDonald, Tom Ford ,Tory Burch

Stunning jewellery boxes

2012-01-06T10:21:00.000Z

We're all a bit jewellery mad in the Anzu office, as you can tell from our card collections and what better boxes to keep your jewellery than these? Created by David Linley, the one above is a fine recreation of the Casino Marino.

We also love this humidor based on the famous Partagas cigar factory.

Decadent

2012-01-04T10:23:00.000Z

In a decadent mood today in the office - in our designing that is, unfortunately not our lifestyle!

Images: unknown, a photograph of a Celia Birtwell dress via paristocrats

We want this book..

2012-01-03T09:09:00.001Z

We love the look of this book. With great watercolours of set designs ranging from Dr. Zhivago to North by Northwest (my favourite) it looks like a fascinating read. Can you tell which picture is from which film?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-01T09:56:00.005Z

Anzu would like to wish everyone a

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Thank you so much for all your enthusiastic support this year and bring on 2012!

The fireworks over the Thames last night were AMAZING. A truly inspirational way to start the year. Above are a couple of historical examples, but if you want to see last night's incredible fireworks just click here

Images: Duke of Richmond's Fireworks 1749 via onlyausten.com, James II coronoation fireworks engraving via Warwick university.

Merry Christmas everyone!

2011-12-23T16:19:00.003Z

Hope you all have a wonderful time over Christmas, with love from everyone at Anzu xx

Image: Anzu patchwork reindeer card

The windows at Fortnums

2011-12-20T15:48:00.004Z

I love the windows at Fortnums this year with a 50s showgirl theme! Fun and indulgent - everything Christmas should be!

Anzu pick of the week, by Ellen

2011-12-16T16:35:00.002Z

Ellen : "I pick the Anzu 'Silk slipper' card. 18th century in style, and decorated with painted peonies and holly berries, and hand-embellished with Swarovski crystals it is festive without being obvious".

German Christmas markets

2011-12-14T13:45:00.002Z

It's been lovely to see the Christmas markets in Germany this year. The carved wooden decorations, giant nutcracker men, chocolate and marzipan, and snowy scenes. Love the stars on top of the tents in Berlin, and below the elaborate displays in Stuttgart.

Anzu Pick of the Week: By Jasmine

2011-12-09T14:34:00.007Z

I love anything to do with angels and this card is very Christmassy but not in the conventional way. I would also love to have this as a piece of jewellery, especially with the Swarovski crystals that are on the card!

More studio inspiration...

2011-12-07T17:25:00.007Z

As the studio gets closer to completion, I'm looking at different interior images for inspiration.

I love the gold leaf wall sculpture and just the whole interior of this office.

I like the wall panels, and just the general layout of this room. As you can tell, we're going on a general white, gold and grey colour theme here..

Inspiration boards look great and are just a must.

Grey, antique gold and chandeliers.

Images via: Rue magazine, and sorry unknown for the rest

Anzu pick of the week, by saffiah

2011-12-02T18:03:00.004Z

The weather has unfortunately plummeted, and it seems Winter is truly here. This means more tea, hot water bottles, and blankets for the Anzu team. The Patchwork Teapot card sums our mood up perfectly: vibrant quilt fabrics and a pot of tea to cheer us up!

Petersham Nurseries

2011-11-30T17:55:00.000Z

The other day I went to Petersham nurseries, which as you know if you read this blog is one of my favourite places. It is more a place you associate with a bright, sunny day but seeing it when it's dark before Christmas was also really lovely. Candlelight, chandeliers and lots of Christmas trees gave it quite a magical feel.

They are also holding a candlelit Christmas fair, Christmas floral displays by florist Ronny de Kooning and lots of Christmas gift goodies for sale. Sounds fun to me!

It was quite dark to take photos but I just loved this combination of fern, rose and nice glassware.

Marilyn

2011-11-28T09:29:00.000Z

Love these Marilyn photos that were found recently. Gorgeous. Looking forward to the Week with Marilyn film too!

And below the Anzu So Marilyn card.

Anzu pick of the week, by Ellen

2011-11-25T11:01:00.003Z

'I pick Anzu's Party shoes card as I am going to a party this weekend, and will be taking this and a big armful of multi-coloured roses! This card is perfect for the festive season and I also plan on wearing an equally glamorous pair of shoes'.

Anzu in December's German Vogue

2011-11-23T14:55:00.004Z

We are delighted that our Christmas cards decorated with Swarovski crystals have been featured in German Vogue's December issue, and in such a deliciously sumptuous issue too.

We also LOVE all the rich, indulgent and glamorous photo-shoots and products they have put in this issue. Just gorgeous.

Modern Kimono

2011-11-19T16:30:00.001Z

I love this shot (so fun) and that the latest craze in Tokyo is to wear kimonos and yukata again but in a modern, more relaxed way. I think it is always sad when national traditions, costume or food get lost - they should just be reinvented for modern life, so this is great to see.

via the Satorialist

Anzu pick Of The Week: Ben

2011-11-18T16:12:00.008Z

This week I gave the Mr. Moneybags card from our humorous Men's Cameo Range to congratulate a friend who has recently got a new job in oil exploration. Wishing him luck and success on his quest!

Sumptuous

2011-11-17T16:37:00.000Z

In the office, we're loving these indulgent and rich images from Wendy Bevan. They seem perfect for these dark evenings somehow.

Letter writing

2011-11-14T19:04:00.003Z

Although I'm a fan of email, twitter etc somehow there is nothing that quite beats handwritten correspondance, whether it is on a letter or in a beautiful card. The handwriting, the choice of stamps, the beautiful paper. Each step conveys personality and thoughtfulness.

I think these illustrated letters by Vincent Van Gogh are beautiful. It's also interesting to see the stationery that people pick.

This is so Marilyn - the nude/flesh colour, the softly embossed name and the tactile texture of the paper. Everything about it is sensual.

Strong, understated, stylish. Pure Paul Newman.

Hand-painted Junior crests

2011-11-10T12:15:00.005Z

We are happy to say we have just launched Anzu junior crests over on www.notonthehighstreet.com . Each crest is hand-painted bespoke individually for each baby or child. Simply choose the template shape, tell us the child/baby's name and the things they love and we will hand-paint a crest for you.

The crest above was created for 2 year old Chloe. Chloe loves monkeys, kites and the colours blue and green.

10 year old Sophie absolutely loves her horse Star and spends all her time after school riding Star in the beautiful fields that surround her home. When she's not busy horse-riding, Sophie also loves ballet.

7 year old Jack is not into football, but loves taking things apart to find out how they work, and his favourite toys are trains and lego.

After you have purchased your crest, the original piece of art will be delivered to you mounted and cello-wrapped. There is then the opportunity to buy cards and letter paper with your crest on them. Baby Mila Lavinia had a funny birth story involving carrots, and as daisies represent innocence her Mum felt they were the perfect choice for her newborn. This crest was then applied to birth announcement cards and letter paper.

If you would like to buy or know more simply visit www.notonthehighstreet.com and look for Anzu crests or click here

'The Patient Gardener'

2011-11-07T14:33:00.003Z

How amazing is this? Swedish architects Visiondivision have designed and are working on this two storey leisure area.

Ten Japanese cherry trees will be bent and pruned over the next 100 years - yes 100! If only they could speed it up! As my Dad says, when you think of things in tree years you suddenly realise and appreciate how short time is.

www.visiondivision.com discovered via Another Magazine

Crystal Christmas

2011-11-03T14:19:00.005Z

As part of the Swarovski Crystal Christmas that Harrods are doing this year, this Ralph and Busso dress worth £230,00 has been created and will be displayed in the store.

Like Anzu cards, the dress is decorated completely with Swarovski elements. The dress features more than 150,00 stones and took hundreds of hours to make.

Anzu will also be participating in the Swarovski crystal Christmas with some designs that are only available in Harrods (more to be revealed later).

Dangerous

2011-11-02T14:23:00.001Z

Wear these two together at your own peril!

Shoes by Charlotte Olympia, Bag by Valentino

Lori Nix

2011-11-01T12:57:00.004Z

Fantasy landscapes from photographer Lori Nix. Always love stories or photos of nature taking over so these really appeal to me.

You can see more of Lori's work here

Hawaii

2011-10-29T09:18:00.000+01:00

My friend's parents are going to Hawaii, so I asked the lovely Claudia over at Passage Paradis for some insider recommendations and she has just done two wonderful posts over at her blog. So thoughtful and sweet of her, and it really made my day. I wish I was going now, especially after all the food tips!

Top of my list would definitely be the Doris Duke Shangri-La estate, with it's amazing collection of Islamic Art.

Claudia has great style, sense of fun and is a big foodie so be sure not to miss out on her posts. You can read them here and here

But if you can't go and want to get into the holiday spirit, you could always just buy some of the Anzu Hawaiian shirt cards instead!

Images: Fine art America, unknown, Anzu

Anzu Pick of the week: Saffiah

2011-10-28T15:24:00.004+01:00

'I am picking the Anzu cosy candle to give to my sister. It is 1 year since she got married and moved into her new house, and I think this is a perfect gift for housewarming. The rich colours of the patchwork packaging remind me a bit of this great photograph below of the Pointer sisters.'

Diwali

2011-10-26T16:12:00.013+01:00

Anzu would like to wish a Happy Diwali and new year to all celebrating it. Here are some images and a video we love, to celebrate the festival of light.

Strings of rainbow Diwali decorations

A bright, embroidered and jewelled section of a sari

An Indian miniature portrait of the Hindu Goddess Shiva surrounded by a glowing fire.

Our sparkly Rainbow Necklaces card embellished with Swarovski Crystals.

An amazing satellite image of India during Diwali. It's literally glowing.

A scattering canopy of fairy lights

These gorgeous French chandeliers!

We also love this video from the Bollywood Devdas, the song is based on a candle that never burns out, symbolic of her love for a man. Click here to view it.

Anzu Pick of the Week: By Ruth

2011-10-21T17:40:00.005+01:00

My choice this week is our simple yet elegant 'Wedding Rings' card from our Diamonds are Forever range. I am going to a close friend's wedding next month in Australia and I feel the words 'from this day forward' sum up the occasion perfectly!

Edward Burra

2011-10-21T10:17:00.006+01:00

My friend Jasmin (not to be confused with Anzu's Jasmine!) has been working on a documentary on the artist Edward Burra which is going to be shown on the Culture show tomorrow and BBC4 at 10pm Monday night.

Burra liked to paint Harlem, people sitting at cafes or listening to jazz and urban life scenes although he did also paint more typical English landscapes.

One of the things that is inspiring about Edward Burra was that like Frida Kahlo he was in pain for much of his life, but battled through that to create a legacy of work. Despite crippling arthritis, Burra would only sleep five or six hours a night and would paint until he had worn himself out. It is thought that he began to paint watercolour because it was physically easier for him to paint than oil as you could be in a sitting position.

Whilst looking for images, I came across this one below, where Southville Primary school had re-created the painting, which I thought was quite funny. Bet they had fun doing it.

Cute

2011-10-20T12:37:00.003+01:00

Laughing at this in the office - very cute and funny. Firstly the performance, click here and then the shopping trip, click here.

Inspiration

2011-10-19T11:13:00.001+01:00

Often on this blog, we've posted on design inspirations but never about inspirations from a business or motivation point of view, so here's the first one!

Russian avant-garde architect Konstantin Melnikov's flow of commissions from the years 1926-7 provided him with enough money to build this house in Moscow. It is now regarded as the architect's most renowned work. Just shows what you can achieve in a year.

You can read more here

Images: Avantgard-ru.org, Another magazine

Factory visit

2011-10-18T09:16:00.000+01:00

Visiting a factory today. Rather hoping it will look like this, with giant chocolate heads being created by Grace Jones. Somehow I suspect it won't!

Anzu Pick of the Week: By Ben

2011-10-14T17:17:00.005+01:00

Ben: 'This week I've picked the Guitar card from our men's range because it reminds me a lot of my guitar and I'm doing a gig as a guitarist in my band Everyone to the Anderson in Brighton tomorrow.'

Glamorous moments..

2011-10-13T10:01:00.002+01:00

Just some favourite striking moments from the Spring Summer 2012 Fashion weeks. Above the all white underwater world at Chanel (love sea horses),

just good old la dolce vita glamour at Erkan Coruh, Milan,

a sort of 1930s Picasso muse look at Temperley,

another all white magical world - this time a horse carousel at Louis Vuitton,

a sweeping chiffon statement dress at Nina Ricci.

Pictures 3 and 5, Vogue.com, others unknown

Decorate your walls with jewels

2011-10-12T11:12:00.002+01:00

The Harrods Anzu limited edition print exhibition has been extended yet another week!! We are delighted. So please head down there and snap up some sumptuous jewellery prints, which are perfect as a special gift or to add a truly glamorous touch to your home.

Sistine Chapel

2011-10-10T14:29:00.002+01:00

I really like this 360 view of the Sistine chapel on the Vatican website. Just move around and click to zoom in, the link is here

Anzu pick of the week: by Ellen

2011-10-07T19:14:00.003+01:00

'I pick our emerald necklace card, because even though they wouldn't particularly suit me, I just love emeralds!!

This amazing ring below is currently on sale on 1st Dibs.

No reason

2011-10-06T08:29:00.002+01:00

Just really like this picture; the stripes, the building, the sense of adventure..

Miss Scarlett

2011-10-04T10:36:00.005+01:00

The Cluedo character Miss Scarlett was always a favourite of mine, and I love the colour scarlet and lots of tones of bright red.

This Ellie Saab dress is such a showstopper,

a more cherry tomato red, but this Anna Sui varnish is the absolute best varnish ever - I have pots that have lasted for about 12 years!

This John Rawling photograph from Vogue - the dress is just perfect. I love the brooches on the belt and it is also totally now.

Anzu pick of the week: by Saffiah

2011-09-30T10:22:00.000+01:00

Saffiah: 'This is one of my favourite Anzu limited edition prints, because I just love the rich jewel colours in it and they are very on trend this season too! It reminds me of a hidden treasure trove, full of gold, pink sapphires and rubies'.

This limited edition print is hand-decorated with Swarovski crystals and is currently on sale in Harrods. The exhibition has been going so well it has just been extended for an extra week, so you have until the 7th October to visit us!

Hot day

2011-09-29T16:55:00.004+01:00

Unexpectedly hot day, perfect for this...

The Icebergs in Sydney,

The Joules hotel in Dallas,

don't know where this is, but love that it goes from inside to outside. And if the weather turns bad tomorrow, don't despair you could build something like this instead

the amazing and most beautiful swimming pool at the Randolph Hearst mansion.

Office inspiration

2011-09-27T13:48:00.004+01:00

We are still in the process of decorating the new office, and I've been collecting lots of images for inspiration. I definitely want an inspiration board,

grey and white with touches of gilt and brass,

plenty of glamorous touches as in the Astley Clarke showroom,

a little topiary,

a long desk for the graphic designers,

and grey tone wooden floors.

Anzu's Pick Of The Week: by Patricia

2011-09-23T12:47:00.004+01:00

Anzu's Pick of the week: 'I wanted to pick our Anzu daisy limited edition print, which is a bestseller at Harrods. I love the understated simplicity of the design, and it reminds me of meadows, English summers and also of making honey when I used to keep bees'.

Nihan Buruk

2011-09-20T15:20:00.001+01:00

I recently discovered this mysterious and quite magical shop in Istanbul. It looked like an interior shop from the outside, but it is actually an atelier. The door was opened by a lovely lady with a King Charles cavalier spaniel, and I walked through to see elegant room after elegant room. In one a strikingly glamorous lady was sitting surrounded by elegant silverware and sipping tea from a china cup. I felt like I'd walked into Poirot! It turned out that this was the shop of Nihan Buruk, a supermodel from the 90s who went on to become a fashion designer. Above she models some of her clothing.

Each room was elegantly decorated with sumptuous fin-de-siecle antiques. There is a video showing a tour of the atelier here (definitely worth a visit).

And as above, some more of the clothes, modelled by Nihan Buruk herself.

James' Anzu pick of the week

2011-09-16T13:08:00.003+01:00

James: 'Last weekend the Anzu graphic design team (Ben and I) had a lot of fun surfing on the Wales coast so I had to pick the Anzu surfing card!'

Embroidered jewels, peacock blue, and chandelier earrings.

2011-09-15T11:36:00.003+01:00

By a very strange coincidence both Saffiah and I ended up at Indian and Pakistani weddings in exactly the same banqueting hall in Manchester at the weekend. Very funny as we both live in London - we could hardly believe it!

I had never been to a Muslim wedding before, and I loved all the glittering outfits and crystals, colour and music! A perfect antidote to the miserable weather we've been having. Saffiah took much better pictures - below is her sister's outfit. Love the bright pink and piles of bangles.

Matching black and gold feathery sweeps make these girls a dramatic looking duo!

The detailing on Saffiah's sister's outfit.

Peach, silver and clear crystals combined for the bride's sumptuous wedding dress.

This lady wore a gorgeous Churidar in peacock blue with gold embroidery and clear crystals.

The gorgeous detailing on the back of the tunic.

At the wedding I went to the peacock blue continued and the beautiful bride combined it with topaz and coral and gold.

Loved this fun photo below of all the bejewelled girls.

The lucky groom!

And to continue our theme, our own Anzu Indian Peacock limited edition print, hand-decorated with Swarovski crystals, which is currently available at Harrods.

Happy 10th Anniversary InStyle!

2011-09-13T16:04:00.003+01:00

The lovely people over at Sisley recently asked me to produce a fun congratulations painting to celebrate Instyle 10th Anniversary. Happy Birthday Instyle!

Roof gardens

2011-09-12T16:45:00.003+01:00

I always love the idea of roof gardens, but imagine having one at work, as with this Hermes one on the top of the shop in Paris.

This quirky rooftop garden was designed by Midori no Tobira using moss.

Anzu Pick Of The Week: by Ruth

2011-09-09T10:10:00.001+01:00

This week I'm choosing our Summery 'A day at the beach' card because I'm hoping the sunny weather will return!

The card was inspired by long lazy days at the beach, colourful bikinis, Hawaiian print towels and flip flops!

To buy, click here.

Blue pattern...

2011-09-08T17:19:00.005+01:00

Just some random images - pattern on pattern, in lovely shades of blue...

Images: Fendi, unknown, Rodarte Ming dress, unknown

Gorgeous bags

2011-09-06T12:50:00.001+01:00

Winter is on it's way and there has to be something to cheer us up! Here in the office, we are lusting after these gorgeous bags from Lanvin.

Also love these totes from Sophie Hulme.

We're also loving the new Phillip Lim 3.1 'Pashli' bags but there is just not enough space here - or in our wardrobes for that matter!

Anzu exhibition Harrods

2011-09-01T17:26:00.004+01:00

We are very excited about our new Harrods limited edition print exhibition, which opened today in the Writing Room, Harrods. We hope you have a chance to visit it! Here is a little shot of part of it.

Harrods magazine

2011-08-31T18:22:00.003+01:00

So happy to see Anzu is in the Harrods magazine this month (see the diamond necklace illustration below), and very excited about our exhibition tomorrow! Do come and visit it!

Artistic mess

2011-08-30T16:47:00.000+01:00

Very busy at the moment so things are getting a little messy! How come some people manage to make mess look so good? When I'm untidy, it just looks messy not good!

Anzu Pick Of The Week: by Jasmine

2011-08-26T10:26:00.006+01:00

My pick of the week is the Anzu heart locket notebook. I guess I'm a romantic at heart and this is such a magical image. Jasmine x

Disruption

2011-08-25T09:14:00.002+01:00

There is somebody naughty but rather cute in the office. She seems to think computer keyboards are a great place to sit, pens are to be knocked on the floor and all paper must be chewed. But we struggle on nonetheless!

Hatfield House

2011-08-23T10:37:00.000+01:00

Continuing with the long current search for antiques and bits and pieces for the new Anzu office, I happened to stop by Hatfield House. The house is a fine example of Jacobean craftmanship, and was the home of Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury and the man who suppressed the gunpowder plot. The whole place is stunning with the most amazing Elizabethan portraits. Above is the famous Rainbow painting of Queen Elizabeth I.

They also have the famous Hilliard Ermine portrait of Queen Elizabeth I. Ermine is a traditional symbol of purity and chastity.

The library was beautiful and looked like a wonderfully cosy place to snuggle up and read before cocktail time!

I also liked the idea for this cover, where guests sign their names to be embroidered later. I would love to do this for a tablecloth. Aside from the Elizabethan portraits, the other highlight of the house was the Armory.

The almost modern style stone windows with the flower pattern, the chequered floor, the impressive armoured knights with their red lanterns which was then

combined with portraits of glamorous women and handsome men swathed in red and blue-grey echoing the colours throughout. It perfectly combined masculine and feminine, simplicity with decoration and was just stunning.

To find out more or to visit click here.

Anzu Pick Of The Week: by Saffiah

2011-08-19T17:00:00.004+01:00

We thought it might be fun to pick one of our favourite Anzu goodies each week. This week I’m choosing our fabulous ‘jewelled bangles’ card decorated with colourful Swarovski crystals, because I’m attending an Indian wedding and am on the search for lots of sparkly bangles!

Image: Anzu

The romance of Valentino couture..

2011-08-16T16:03:00.004+01:00

I think these photographs taken backstage at Valentino's Fall 2011 couture collection have such an old-fashioned romantic and ethereal quality about them. They are almost like paintings.

The one below is slightly different, but I just love the coat.

Images: Valentino

Royal crowns

2011-08-15T16:59:00.004+01:00

Visiting the Tower of London and seeing the crown jewels as a child was definitely something that had a big impact on me as a child, so it's probably no surprise that I painted this for one of the Anzu cards! Like all our bejewelled collection we hand-decorated the card with Swarovski crystals to create an extra sumptuous look.

When I visited Moscow some time ago, I was also amazed at the incredible things in the Kremlin Armoury, particularly Catherine the Great's robes and these medieval crowns.

Catherine the Great's Imperial Crown made for her in 1762, which has a staggering 4,936 diamonds.

The Holy Roman Emperor's Crown, which is ornamented with 144 different kinds of precious stones including sapphire and emeralds. Isn't it stunning?

The German Kaiser's crown

I like the different style of this Kiani crown, from the Iranian crown jewels. It has 1800 small pearls, 300 emeralds, and 1800 rubies.

Alternatively, you could get this aluminium crown from Lassco !

Images Anzu, via lonely planet, via smart moscow, via ferrebeekeeper.wordpress.com, via asia-europe.uni, , unknown, www.lassco.co.uk

Antique finds

2011-08-11T14:55:00.002+01:00

The decorating and antique finding commences in earnest now as we try to get the office done as quickly as possible. So of course, there had to be a visit to Kempton Antiques market. A lace tray, a silver plate holder to put all my paintbrushes in, a shantung silk travelling frame, a gold leaf and crystal sconce,and two chandelier sconces from an Edwardian hotel were our finds. I also made a sneaky purchase of a rhinestone bracelet for me. Now we just need some furniture, a bathroom and a kitchen!

London riots

2011-08-09T15:24:00.002+01:00

This image just seemed appropriate today somehow. Unbelievable what has been happening across London - just so sad.

Guest blogger: Saffiah on Vintage style weddings

2011-08-04T11:02:00.017+01:00

Hi, my name is Saffiah and I work for Anzu and will be doing some blog posts this month. We were delighted to see the lovely Harrods buyer, Cecilia, in this month’s edition of Brides Magazine.

We particularly liked the Victoria sponge wedding cake, she and her husband chose for their traditional wedding,which was English but with a Scandinavian touch.

The bright petals and catkins decorating the cake look lovely, as do the vintage colour flowers, the hand ties and the table decorations.

Cream and dusky pink roses, lavender, and dried hydrangeas were used along with script writing on the place cards adding a romantic touch.

This got us to thinking about vintage themed weddings. Here are some other images that we love…

Old keys used for place cards.

Another Victoria sponge served on lovely china.

Brooches and lace used to make romantic hand ties.

Images: Brides magazine, weddinggawker.com, country life, love-of-fair-events.blogspot.com,

Perfect day for this

2011-08-01T08:15:00.002+01:00

Image: unknown

Concours d'Elegance

2011-07-30T18:59:00.005+01:00

During the week, Anzu was invited to view a luxury trade show. Well really it was more of a vintage automobile rally with some aviation, boat and other luxury stands selling jewellery and holidays. It all took place in the quintessentially English Hurlingham club.

With the absolute best of vintage cars, tennis courts and croquet lawns,

secluded spots to sip champagne in courtyards full of overbrimming flower beds,

yet more stunning vintage vehicles (this was my favourite),

beautiful areas to sit and have a spot of lunch, views of the river

and a bridge over a lake with swans and newly hatched ducklings who could fail to smile?

Tablescapes

2011-07-27T10:18:00.004+01:00

Just some lovely little corner details...

Vanity Decorista, Unknown, Michelle McCormick, Unknown, Unknown

Some stunning couture

2011-07-25T13:45:00.000+01:00

Givenchy. Really like the photo shoot as much as the dresses.

Alaiia's first couture show - say no more!

Mary McDonald

2011-07-21T11:00:00.003+01:00

I am absolutely loving the new series of Million Dollar decorators! Really funny and just entertaining. It has also introduced me to Mary McDonald's interiors.

The mirrored dressing table above was originally from Buster Keaton's estate, which makes it even better.

I like her vibrant use of colour and pattern.

I have admired this office for some time, but didn't know who it was designed by. Most people would never cover such beautiful wallpaper with photographs but Mary McDonald does it nonchalantly and it works.

I also like the way she has decorative bowls filled with jewels.

Her book is gorgeous. Click here to get it on Amazon, or click here to visit her website.

Images: Mary McDonald

Anzu twins!

2011-07-20T15:32:00.004+01:00

Anzu is happy to announce we've had twins. Their names are Ben and James. They both do graphic design, eat together and on occasions wear identical outfits.

Anzu new office!

2011-07-18T12:47:00.003+01:00

We have finally completed on a new office in Hoxton! So happy! Above Ben and I outside what was formerly the Hoxton boutique.

We have a lot to do though! Knocking down walls, taking up floors, new bathroom, kitchen etc. We're going to be busy, but all very exciting!

Charmed

2011-07-13T18:04:00.001+01:00

Sometime ago, a lovely reader of the blog left a comment asking about the inspiration behind the Anzu charm bracelet cards. I couldn't comment back directly as I lost the comment, but here is the reply!

What I really love about charm bracelets is the symbolism, and that each charm has a meaning behind it. I also like that it is a tradition that dates back to ancient times. In ancient Rome, Christians would wear hidden fish charms to identify themselves to each other and ancient Egyptians wore them for protection but also in death as a way to guide them through the afterlife.

I think they are great gifts too, especially for bridal showers and god-daughters. Gifts that can be added to over the years, and just get richer and richer in emotional meaning whether they are vintage or modern.

But most of all I love the Chanel charm bracelets - whether they are Etruscan inspired, laden with pearls or whether they just have the symbols of Chanel. They are chic but fun!

Images: Anzu, unknown, hattonsantiques.co.uk, Chanel

Spotted in Shoreditch!

2011-07-11T11:34:00.000+01:00

I think this is one of my favourite bits of graffiti ever! Aside from the fact that it has one of my favourite animals - the giraffe, I also just love the shadow but most of all the small scale of it. You could easily walk past it and totally miss it. Great.

Day of the Triffids

2011-07-08T08:47:00.001+01:00

Recently a garden I visited had the most enormous rhubarb growing in it, and I always love these sort of giant plants that seem like something out of a fairytale or a science fiction movie.

Lily pads big and strong enough for Victorian gentlemen to stand on them,

rhubarb forests in Helford, England,

big plastic lily type sculptures at the Cavalli fashion show,

and even bigger lily pads on the Amazon, Peru.

Images: via currybet.net, unknown, flickr stream of frollein2007, Cavalli, Flickr stream of tlp4682

Anzu on Vogue.com today

2011-07-06T07:07:00.003+01:00

We are happy to say that Anzu will be having an exhibition of limited edition prints of our jewellery paintings at Harrods in September, and that today Vogue.com has featured it. You can read more here and more about this to come later!!

Biba-esque

2011-07-04T16:07:00.000+01:00

I'm a huge fan of Biba and Barbara Hulanicki and all she and her husband achieved. Above, the real thing and

and then two Biba inspired photoshoots, complete with flamingos.

Images: Biba, Catherine Baba via July Stars blog, unknown

Ahh... Hermes

2011-07-02T10:38:00.001+01:00

The windows by Hermes are just amazing. Created by Leila Menchari, each one transports you into a fantasy world. A whitewashed desert,

a jewel coloured boudoir,

a nomad's tent,

an icy green cave,

an industrial landscape,

or a secret cave garden filled with hidden treasure.

All images: Hermes

Love this picture..

2011-06-28T18:03:00.000+01:00

YSL, say no more.

Rugs outside

2011-06-23T10:08:00.001+01:00

I have always liked Yves Saint Laurent's style in interiors, and I just love the idea of this lounge area with rugs, boungainvillea, big cushions, plates of treats and palms. Even if you don't live in Morocco what better idea for an English lawn on a sunny day?

Add some lanterns and a projector and you've got an outside movie theatre,

or just a great place to read,

or a path to a boat on the sea.

Or if you can't quite escape sitting in an armchair you could get these chairs from Tonio de Roover.

Images: Ysl villa Marrakech 1980, via unknown, via unknown, via rug rabbit, Tonio de Roover

Neon

2011-06-21T10:32:00.000+01:00

When it's grey outside (in June!), what better to brighten your life than a touch of Neon. Neon lipsticks,

neon cards from our Anzu Patent card range,

neon satchels from the Cambridge satchel company,

and neon dresses (Michael Kors, Christopher Kane and Lanvin) as featured on Vogue.com

Images: via so much to tell you, Anzu, Cambridge satchel, Vogue

Igtham Mote

2011-06-20T09:46:00.001+01:00

Over the weekend, I went to Igtham Mote. The moat house dates from the 14th century and was gradually added to over the centuries.

I only had my friend's iphone to use so sorry for the grainy pictures. The gardens surrounding the moat looked beautiful even in the rain.

What I liked about the house was the combination of 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th centuries with 1930-50s touches. You could just imagine Jeeves and Wooster or Miss Marple being filmed there! I also liked it because it was a house that where you could have a relaxed lifestyle - playing billiards in the billiard room,

playing cards, lounging in the sitting room sipping a martini,

or reading in the library.

There were some lovely details too - the stunning Chinese wallpaper that had been carefully restored,

the ship silhouetted against the leaded windows,

or the cacophony of blue in the gardens.

Images: Telegraph, all others Anzu

Some ideas for Father's Day

2011-06-17T16:23:00.008+01:00

What Dad doesn't want their kid to think they are superman? Send the Anzu Super hero card from our Men's range.

The perfect accompaniment to this would of course be a vintage comic. To buy your copy of 1960s classic Eagle and more click here

Most Dads love a beer, and this kit means you can make your own. It must be my Dad coming out in me, that I actually want one of these too!

And rather appropriately for guys, you can throw a rosy cheeked blonde into the mix! Available from www.brooklynbrewshop.com If you're outside of the States, there are similar kits available on Amazon but you might still want to buy the mixes which range from Tea and toast to Grapefruit Honey Ale to Chocolate Maple Porter.

Alternatively if your Dad loves beer but is more of a couch potato, you could create a beer taster set and put a mix of gourmet beers in a crate for him to sample.

A simple box filled with helium balloons - such a happy simple idea that I discovered on the Happydayblog and that would be a perfect idea for anyone really.

This man-eating piranha is a bit more of a weird idea, but very James Bond and is available from www.theevolutionstore.com

If you have little ones who want to create something special for their Dad, what better idea than to do just a fun breakfast in bed.

Or alternatively cook some of Daddy's favourite biscuits and put them in one of these Martha Stewart boxes. I remember cooking my Grandad's favourite Brandy snaps for him as a child and it being great fun and him really enjoying them (or at least pretending to!).

The recipe for these rather fancy ones filled with hazlenut cream (yum) comes from here

Images: Anzu card, comic-magazines.co.uk, brooklynbrewshop.com, brooklynbrewshop.com, via the indigobuntingblogspot.com, via ohhappyday.com, theevolutionstore.com, Safeway, Martha Stewart, BBC

A little silliness!

2011-06-15T18:12:00.004+01:00

We have been listening to Stephen Fry reading Harry Potter whilst we work in the office, and then Saffiah sent these personality quizzes round, so if you want to see what character you would be click here and what house you'd be in click here!

We were a mix of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, Ron and Hermiones but only one Harry - Ben our graphic designer!!

Anzu Times Article

2011-06-10T08:55:00.010+01:00

click for full size

Some clothes I wish I was wearing to work..

2011-06-08T15:23:00.000+01:00

The pile of pearl bracelets, the shoes, the red bag...

just a great silhouette topped by silver pumps, amazingly from 1944

Mary Jane shoes, tie, and gingham shirt as worn by Vanessa Redgrave in one of my favourite films, Antonioni's Blowup 1966.

Images: unknown, Vogue March 1944, Blowup

Anzu in the Times!

2011-06-04T14:27:00.003+01:00

It was very exciting popping to the newsagents this morning to get copies of the Times today, knowing that my flat and lots about Anzu would be in it!

The whole experience was a pleasure from beginning to end. Before the shoot, I was a little nervous not knowing if I'd 'prepared' the flat correctly, but all was surprisingly easy and fun. The Times team were really lovely people - very good at what they do, whilst also being really down to earth and easy to get along with.

So pop to the shops and get your copy today! I'll write more about it next week!

Anzu at Pulse, 2011

2011-06-02T18:01:00.003+01:00

Anzu is packing it's bags and will be exhibiting at

Pulse, Stand H46

Earls Court

London

Sunday 5th June - Tuesday 7th June

So hop in a cab, on a train, or in a submarine and come and pay us a visit. Sadly it's trade only.

Unexpected..

2011-06-01T16:30:00.003+01:00

I love the contrast in exhibitions where modern art or objects are placed in grand, traditional and stunning venues. It keeps institutions alive whilst giving the modern art gravitas. I'm posting rather late on this I know, but I loved the look of the Murakami exhibition at Versailles.

And I really really want to see the exhibition of 1930s fashion designer Gres at the Musee Bourdelle in Paris. My Aunt who is not normally into such things says its beautiful and judging from the picture below it looks very elegant. I've got until July 24th though so..

And these Venini lamps add a touch of humour at the Museo Bagatti Valsecchi Milan.

Images: via Flavourwire.com, Designmilk.com, Missonimedia.com, Musee Bourdelle Spanish Elle

Cherry blossom

2011-05-26T10:05:00.001+01:00

I recently did some painting work for the new Jo Malone Sakura perfume, which has just been released. To research I trawled through lots of images - I love this 1940s/50s Japanese print above.

The perfume itself! The illustration I did was for their own private correspondence.

Loved the black and pink on this image - just makes the cherry blossom look more contemporary, I think.

And aside from spraying yourself with Jo Malone perfume, you could get this Guerlain cherry blossom blusher,

and this Paul & Joe dress!

Anzu at Progressive Greetings Live

2011-05-24T13:28:00.003+01:00

Anzu at Progressive Greetings Live

Islington Design Centre, London

Stand number 142

24th-25th May

Look forward to seeing you there!

Jewel colours and rich gold

2011-05-19T09:03:00.001+01:00

Very much into this at the moment. Although I love to see modern white flowing interiors, sometimes it's just good to see rich jewel colours, lavish gold and just a sumptuous over the top interior.

Images: Dawnridge drawing room, Berge, Camilla Krishnaswamy

Anzu in NY!

2011-05-14T14:51:00.004+01:00

Visit us at the N&Q booth, 2602-2709

So excited for our cards to be there again, and that our candles got chosen as one of the best products in show!!

www.nationalstationeryshow.com

Present from Japan..

2011-05-12T09:18:00.002+01:00

One of the best and lovely things about doing cards is the response you get from people - it really makes it worthwhile. Recently I have been writing to a lovely lady who buys our cards in Japan, Sumi, and I was delighted to receive this package from her, packed full of beautiful Japanese stationery and paper (there is such great paper things to be bought out there), pretty bookmarks that she had personally made and this tin of Apricot tea. Anzu means apricot in Japanese, and the tea is AMAZING!

And then to top it all Sumi sent this photo of Anzu cards that she had had beautifully framed. I am so flattered! Thank you so much Sumi!

Some beautiful photos...

2011-05-10T08:05:00.003+01:00

I recently discovered the melisaki blog, which has the most beautiful photographs. Above Canasta de luz (basket of light), Sumpango, Guatemala by Flor Garduno, 1989

Ministers meeting in Rome 1940, by Carl Mydans

and Elephant in Amboseli by Nick Brandt 2008