Fairs

The Monocle Country Fayre 2013

Monocle-Country-Fayre

Last weekend, I was invited to the Monocle Country Fayre at Midori house, the London headquarters of Monocle magazine.

Monocle is a popular International magazine launched in 2007 with a large online following. It provides global reporting on current affairs, culture, business and design with a portfolio of shops worldwide catered to the taste of its discerning readers.

At the Fayre, much in keeping with the magazine’s image, were a curated collection of local stalls. The vibe was cool with rounds of live music from award winning Jazz singer Ian Shaw. There was even an animal petting zoo for visiting young families.

Monocle-Swedish-Embassy

The stall by the Swedish embassy was reminiscent of a Kinfolk magazine shoot, with its wild floral displays amidst a table of freshly baked goods. The Cinnamon buns were delicious.

Monocle-Swedish-wreath

Floral wreaths adorned the heads of children attending the Fayre. The wreath above in Swedish national colours was understatedly beautiful.

Monocle-Summer-Fayre-1

It was hard to tear my camera away from this stall. Those Daisies at the top of the straws oozed Summer happiness.

Monocle-Summer-Fayre-2013-stand

The Monocle stall stocked quality accessories in hues of grey, khaki, olive and black. Perfect gifts for a then impending Father’s day.

Flouzen-cashmere-ties

The cashmere ties by Flouzen exuded a debonair charm, sharp to the look but so irresistibly soft to the touch.

Oak-Village-wooden-blocks

These building blocks from Oak Village comprise a variety of wood. The man at the stall told me that once an architect bought each of his dozen employees a box. Such a great idea to promote happy creativity at the office, without compromising on style.

Can you start to see that image and profile of a Monocle magazine reader emerge?

Lucie-Kaas-bowls

The Lagom Design stall was aesthetically pleasing. It had that contemporary Scandinavian feel that I so adore.

I could have quite easily bought all of those Cathrineholm bowls by Arne Clausen. I settled for one in mint green, but currently eyeing the navy and peach.

Monocle-Summer-fayre-card

Lagom Design’s in-house cards from Postco are so beautiful.

Lagom-Design-card

Loving the pops of fuchsia and gold.

Studio-Matryoshka-animal-stacking-dolls

Here is what I bought. The animal series nesting dolls by Ingela Arrhenius, made by Studio Matryoshka, to add to my already burgeoning collection. Perfect when perched on String shelving.

Maison-Kitsune-sweatshirt-1

Kitsune was a brand that I hadn’t heard of. A French clothing and record label conceived by entrepreneurs Gildas Loaec and Masaya Kuroki. The branding has been so cleverly conceived that its products exuded that aspired lifestyle of hip and cool.

Kitsune-loves-new-york

Loving the neon fonts and cat image on this sweatshirt – perfect for my teen daughter.

Marimekko-at-the-Monocle-Summer-Fayre-2013

I was pleased to see the Marimekko stall at the Fayre. Love those monochrome cushions.

Marimekko-box-bag

The above Marimekko storage box would be ideal as a splash of colour in a child’s room.

Milibe-Copenhagen

I found Milibe, a stylish kids’ label in one of the stalls. I know where I would be visiting to stock up my son’s wardrobe when I next visit Copenhagen.

Trunk- LABS

The Fayre coincided with the opening of a new concept store for men called Trunk LABS, down the road on Chiltern Street. They had set up a stall at the Fayre but I decided to go and explore the shop. They stock brands such as Aesop, Comme des Garcons and many more. A perfect place to shop for my husband.

I hope you have enjoyed my picks of this cool fair. Wishing you all a wonderful week. x

22 Comments

  1. Wow, looks amazing. Wish I had known in time. I was actually in the neighborhood this weekend, visiting the Marylebone Summer Fayre, but heard about this one when I got back home :-(. Will definitely try to make it next time.

    • littlebigbell

      Many of the stalls at the fayre were local to Midori house, on chiltern street. Maybe see you there next year. Have a good week lovely. x

  2. Such a lovely day you must’ve had. Everything looks like something I would love to get, so phewww! For once I’m grateful I wasn’t there. Those bowls by Arne C. are on my wish list.

    • littlebigbell

      It was a great day out. I’m pleased with my mint green Arne C bowl. Have a lovely week Giova 😉 x

  3. Sounds like a fabulous day out! Love the wooden building blocks, think my hubby would like those and the neon sweatshirts.

    The drinks in the little bottles with straws are a great idea, so pretty and perfect for a summer party, think I might steal that idea! x

  4. Great! I am so jealous (And your pics are totally gorgeous!)

  5. Never heard of the Monocle Magazine – looks like a lovely fair – just up your street with a Swedish stall and lots of designer stuff.
    Have a great weekend!
    Ingrid xx

  6. Lovely to read about this fair Geraldine – I’ve never heard of it! You made great choices buying those nesting dolls and one of those beautiful bowls – it’d be lovely to see them in situ in your home 🙂 x Gabs

    • littlebigbell

      Thanks Gabs. I was pleased with my purchase. Will show you in the home on Instagram soon. xx

  7. I would have loved to go!! I am a loyal Monocle reader for years now. It is one of the very best magazines out there! And when in London last week, visiting the Monocle shop was on my list but I couldn’t make it this time. So, thank you for sharing the pictures, Geraldine. Must have been very understated! 🙂 xx

    • littlebigbell

      You are most welcome. Hope you had a productive trip to London, hope to see you the next time you are back x

  8. Looks like a lovely day out! I have recently noticed the trend of serving drinks in small bottles love this idea and would love to use it for a summer party. Happy Sunday xx

  9. This looks like such an inspiring fair. Your posts always encourage me to go out and spend money – because you have such a great eye for design. Thanks for sharing Geraldine. xD

    • littlebigbell

      Hi Doris, oops! I know what you mean about the spending, it’s equally as hazardous for me 😉 xx

  10. I have never heard of Monocle either, but it looks really interesting! (a bit behind the times!) and what a fabulous fayre! Thanks for sharing Geraldine! xx

  11. This looks like a nice fair. When I see this, I want to move to London. You have so many nice markets and small events.

    • littlebigbell

      It was a great day. I’m sure there are some lovely markets where you are too, at least you are only a short flight away xx

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