A cold wintry March has seen a new fragrance from Paul Smith launched, cleverly called: ‘Sunshine.’

The fragrances, which are available for both men and women, will hopefully lighten our senses numbed by the cold air blowing in from Pluto.

Fair play to Mr Smith, he is trying his best to fend off the British weather with his creative streak. The women’s fragrance has been described as ‘opening on a sparkling citrus accord-lime, bergamot, and pink grapefruit. Jasmine and tiare give to the fragrance a radiant floral smell, enhanced by the exotic and peppery side of ginger flower. White peony and Bulgarian rose add an elegant and feminine rosy touch.’ -Nice.!

The men fragrance’s is slightly different but also sounds like a Jamie Oliver dish: ‘flashy coriander leaves, sunny grapefruit and fusing black pepper. Coriander seeds and nutmeg reveal the masculine character of the fragrance. The coloured star fruit adds an original twist full of rhythm and optimism.’

And look at that, I think the rain has stopped.

AW

Pioneering photographer Naoki Honjo is currently exhibiting his “Small Planet” display at the Paul Smith “Space” gallery in Japan.

The gallery was initially setup to showcase a diverse line up of European artists, photographers, illustrators and product designers for the Japanese people. The newest recruit to the space was born in 1978 and since graduating in media art, has been stamping his authority in the digital world with his unique method. Naoki Honjo takes aerial photos of real life situations and then distorts them to look like artificial miniature models. Believe me, it’s hard to describe. At first glance you think you’re looking at a photograph of a model. But then it hits home that what you’re actually looking at is reality.

The Japanese have hailed the digital artist as a pioneer awarding him the New Photographer Encouraging Prize by Fuji Photo Salon and Epson Colour. After seeing some of the artists work, Paul Smith brought Honjo to London to discuss an exhibition.

Honjo’s perspective of London and Tokyo sees familiar landmarks altered to demand a double take from human eye.

Seriously, this stuff is cool, but very, very odd.

To find out more go to: www.paulsmith.co.uk/personal/space-gallery

AW

The team at New Balance are dipping the clutch this summer bringing the 420 trainers back to the frontline. After watching bands like The Twang and The Pigeon Detectives strolling around in the 410 range, the company are expecting celebs from across the board to be fashioning the soon to be launched 420’s.

The re-issued, early 80’s running shoes will be introduced in the vintage suede/mesh combo and 4 classic track and field colourways, including the original blue/grey. New Balance were one of the first to capitalise on the road-running obsession in the 80’s feeding the jogging public with the 420 trainers.

2008 will see the brand unveiling their ‘classic range.’ Another player in this 80’s retro revival is the 1300. The designers have added colour and flair to the original in order to bring the shoe into the 21st Century.

AW