Sweetness and Light

A pretty corner. Love the colours — and the contrasting textures of silk and rough wood.


(lovely photo by richard powers)

Buffet

This week's links. Enjoy.

Jean Paul Gaultier's World of Inspiration
Wonderful New Yorker profile of the legendary designer Jean Paul Gaultier — and the surprising things that inspire him.

Ten Historic Female Scientists You Should Know
Like Marie Curie, these women dedicated their lives to science and made significant advances — often against great personal odds. Inspiring and one to share with your daughters.

A Brief History of Cookbooks
Thought provoking essay on how cookbooks have evolved from being written for experienced cooks, both at home and in a professional setting (in the old days, everyone was expected to know the basics) to the wordy cookbooks today that must assume each reader is a complete novice. Interesting commentary on how we're forgetting how to feed ourselves.

The Talks: Sir Michael Caine
Great interview with the legendary actor.

Vogue Covers by Salvador Dali
Have a look at these fantastical cover illustrations by Salvador Dali, dating from the late '30s and '40s (plus one from 1971). Love these and also feel saddened that fashion mag covers are so dull today — just a sea of interchangeable celebs covered with text.

The Most Famous Haircuts in Movie History
Fun infographic by Popchart Lab of iconic hair in the movies — everything from silent film star Clara Bow's bob in Lulu, to Rita Hayworth's immortal Gilda waves to fun ones like the Ron Burgundy and Edward Scissorhands. Via Co. Design.

Annie Lennox Exhibition at the V&A
Wish I could see this one! London’s Victoria and Albert Museum is honoring music artist and humanitarian Annie Lennox with an exhibit called The House of Annie Lennox, featuring never-before-seen photographs of Lennox’s life plus a selection of her costumes, personal artifacts and awards. Follow the link to see examples of the costumes she's worn in her extraordinary career. The exhibit runs until February 2012.

A Man's Guide to a Woman's Wardrobe
Luke Leitch ponders the mysteries of women's love of fashion. He observes: "What has become clear is that fashion is to many women what sport is to many men: a pastime, a passion, a shared language, a form of self-definition, and a temporary escape from the opposite sex, all rolled into one deeply satisfying whole."

Butternut Squash Gratin
This is a perfect early autumn dish — colourful, warm and comforting. Via Kimberley Hasselbrink of The Year in Food, for Etsy.


(lovely photo by lisa cohen)