ROSIE WOLFENDEN MBE of TATTY DEVINE – HIDDEN LONDON
IRK talks to Rosie Wolfenden MBE of Tatty Devine about her Hidden London
Rosie Wolfenden MBE is one half of Tatty Devine, the jewellery brand. Describing themselves as ‘the world’s go-to brand for original and fun statement jewellery!’ Starting out in the late 90s in East London, the founders Harriet and Rosie were straight from art college. Their jewellery soon gained a cult following. The rest, they say, is history. IRK asked Rosie about her Hidden London, those go-to places that not everyone knows about.
Best Restaurant & Why?
Honey & Co – 54 Lamb’s Conduit Street WC1N 3LW
Rosie: I am a big fan of Middle Eastern cuisine. I love how Honey & Co bring the flavors with a sense of comfort you might find in the home. Before they opened this restaurant, Honey & Spice on Warren Street was a go-to destination for the most delicious cake. However, you can still get your fix at Lamb’s Conduit Street. They really do have the best pastry chefs.
Rosie in your opinion which is the best Bar/Pub & Why?
French House, Soho – 49 Dean Street, London, United Kingdom W1D 5BG
Rosie: This has always been our go-to pub in Soho. There is always a friendly face or a familiar face, as it is usually full of artists, actors, and writers. The perfect pitstop for all francophiles, it goes big on July 14th for Bastille. The walls are lined with drawings and photographs. They have a fine selection of ciders, lots of Ricard and they only sell very civilized half pints. Furthermore, they don’t allow mobile phones which is a lovely antidote to everyday life.
Favourite place for a romantic night out?
Almeida Theatre, Almeida St, London N1 1TA & Ottolenghi, 287 Upper Street, London N1 2TZ
Rosie: We love going to the theatre. A romantic night would be cycling over to Islington in the summer months. We pass by and smell all the jasmine growing in people’s gardens, to see a play at the Almeida. Then we have a sneaky dessert over the road at Ottolenghi.
Name an Area of London you Love?
Stoke Newington – Hackney
Rosie: I moved there nearly twenty years ago and lived there until I moved out of London recently. It’s far from any tube, so a lot of people cycle (myself included). Since it’s always been off the beaten track, it has always been full of alternative characters living alternative lives. From artists to punks, the area has a rich history. The mother of feminism Mary Wollstonecraft lived there, the punk band Crass, and now Sonic Youth legend Thurston Moore. Artist Rana Begum can also be seen walking the streets. Church Street has always kept a strong sense of independence, ensuring no chains could open. However, somehow Wholefoods and Nando’s snuck through. This means there has always been a brilliant array of independent stores from vintage to homeware to restaurants. Revere the Residence, Nook and Spence are all worth checking out.
Name one Gallery you always go to London?
Design Museum – 224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG
Rosie: This year I have been to The Design Museum more than anywhere else. They have had such a strong year of programming. From The World of Tim Burton, to Splash curated by Amber Butchart. I can’t wait to see Wes Anderson: The Archives later in the year. It is currently on show in Paris at La Cinémathèque française.
What’s your Favourite Boutique/Shop?
Tatty Devine – 36 Neal St, London WC2H 9PS
Rosie: It would have to be our Tatty Devine shop in Covent Garden, Neal Street. Going there is always such an uplifting experience, full of color and fun. I love the team that works there, always delivering service with a smile. A compliment and a local recommendation are always given.
Where can you be found on a Saturday night in London?
Rosie: At the Moth Club, EartH or Cafe Oto at a gig.
It’s Sunday in London what do you do?
Rosie: Head to Victoria Park. There is a food market and the Pavilion does an amazing seasonal breakfast with a Sri Lankan influence. The bread, coffee, hot chocolate and pastries are the best. You can sit outside by the pond, both nature and people watching!
Describe where do you go for some peace and quiet in London?
A walk around Abney Park In Stoke Newington is one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ garden cemeteries of London. It is full of unusual trees, wildlife, and big enough to get lost. They shot Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black in there, which makes a great soundtrack for its spooky quietness.
Rosie name one thing you must to do when you come to London?
Get a Lime bike and explore Hackney, Islington and Clerkenwell. Or walk over Waterloo bridge at sunset. Sorry- that’s 2 things : )
Rosie Wolfenden MBE – Tatty Devine
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Our editor at large Daniel Syrett, or SYRETT, which the artist is better known as, brings his extensive knowledge of the fashion and art industries to his role here at IRK Magazine. While SYRETT is recognized for his glossy Haute-Couture pieces, Daniel is also the founder and curator of Runway Gallery, the fashion-focused gallery that represents some familiar names from IRK, including our founders, French Cowboy. Daniel may be making his mark on the vibrant London art scene at present; however, his unique style is based on different influences from Daniel Syrett’s past.
After studying fashion at Jacob Kramer College of Art in his home city of Leeds, Daniel moved to Liverpool, where his style was influenced by the alternative creative’s of Merseyside. After successfully launching one of the most exclusive nightclubs in the country, Dan travelled to London to work as a freelance stylist, in a move which saw his career in fashion skyrocket. To date, Daniel Syrett has worked alongside some of the most prestigious names in the industry, including Elle, All Saints, EMI, the BBC, and London Fashion Week. Among his latest collaborations, SYRETT is most recognised for his partnership with True Brit Nail Varnish which is portrayed through his glossy art pieces. SYRETT uses the varnish as a medium to create highly polished, and highly fashionable works of art which expose the intertwining relationship between the fashion and art worlds. This connection is epitomised by his most recent collection in which SYRETT named each piece after some of the most iconic designers, including Alexander, Jean-Paul, Yves and Vivienne, with the latter designer being a frequent visitor to Daniel’s former boutique, Controversy.
As a result of working with these stylish clients, Daniel Syrett has solidified a global reputation as both a fashion stylist and an artist. His work has graced everywhere from New York and Florence, to the pastel-glazed buildings on Miami’s South Beach, where an exhibition of SYRETT’S work is also planned for the near future. It is, however, unsurprising that Daniel Syrett has reached such heights, after seeing his work published in over 200 National and International publications, alongside several other books, including the Booth-Clibborn Edition of the counter-culture book, High Flyers.
Alongside his role at IRK, Daniel continues to make his name in London and beyond, most specifically through Beautalism: the emerging art movement which is shaping the art scene across the capital. As the founder of the Beautalists, Daniel Syrett aims to bridge the gap between the public and the artist and make art accessible to all. This is all in a days work for Dan, who balances his Runway Gallery empire with his work as an artist. With other exciting partnerships launching with the W Hotel, Soho’s Century Club and ROOME, the future for the head of Beautalism looks beautiful indeed.
Biography by Megan Slack, Contributing Editor at Magazine by Runway Gallery.
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