All Art is Quite Useless

All Art is Quite Useless is an original a novel take outlook on the past, present and future executed with a modern twist.

Unintelligent Overview

Now there are a lot of Tumblr’s out there, all of an exceptional standard but undeterred from this Made from Plastic has decided to through its hat into the ring, with Unintelligent Overview. It’s not exceptional but hopefully it will inspire, amuse and intrigue you all at the same time.

Mark Bage (Coggles): Interview

Made from Plastic was recently fortunate enough to chat with Mark Bage from Coggles, one of the most forward thinking independents in the UK. Here’s what he had to say:

How would you describe your role within Coggles?
As Managing/Creative Director I'm involved in pretty much everything from buying and researching new collections, directing online operations, financial control, overseeing marketing communications, talking to the industry, press and so on. Exhausting! 

What's a typical day for you?
For 6 months of the year I'm on the road buying so this takes up a lot
of my time. I'm trying to see as many new/young designers as possible at
the moment as well as the more established brands too. I like to be
involved with the nuts and bolts of the business so even when I'm not in
the office I'm talking to the graphics guys, the marketing team, our PR
agency - always discussing new ideas for the website and for the brand.

What's your favourite clothing store other than Coggles?
Impossible to choose just one store but I very much admire Anatomica
in Paris for the pure passion for ergonomic footwear and hand crafted
clothing, Freemans Sporting Club in New York for pure man stuff
including a good old fashioned barbers and of course there is always
Liberty's, i'm still a big fan. 

What's your favourite brand?
Tricky question, I love brands that create or own their particular markets for example Nigel Cabourn, Folk & Heritage Research are next to perfect as British heritage brands while say people like Unconditional and A Child Of The Jago really understand their own niche. The brands I come back to every time though are Albam and Ralph but the stuff without the horse obviously. 

Favourite piece of clothing you own and piece you want to own if money was no object?
My favourite items are my ten year old Diesel Stylelab 10 eyed work boots. Boots for life who knew they would come from Stylelab. If money was no object I would choose a hand tailored suit by Turnbull & Asser. 

What's next for Coggles?
Continued promotion of commercial young designers 
Vintage Furniture?
Own label?
London Store?

What are your favourite pieces for next season?
Men's
Yuketen Hunting boots 
The Apple Millerain jacket by Heritage Research, 'The Jacket'

Comme Des Garcon PLAY tshirts
Any of the 'A Child Of The Jago' jackets 

Women's
The Vampire Coat by Designers Remix, pure Vamp style.
The 'Anna' Cape by Charlotte Taylor, a great new designer, one to
watch. 
The APC duffle coat, cute. 
Any of the Elizabeth Lau dresses 

Who are you personal style icons?
David Hemmings only in the 1966 film 'Blow Up' by Michelangelo
Antonioni
Micheal Caine in the 1966 film 'Funeral in Berlin'
So basically 1966 was a good year for British style. 

What do you think you would be doing if you didn't work for Coggles?
Something in the film or graphics world

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own clothing store and get into buying? 
Use your friends, start with something you really feel passionate
about, keep it simple and never borrow any money. 

Sam Currie, Winter Whites

One half of our favourite scumbags Sam Currie of Dirt Box has been showcasing some of his hidden talents recently with his latest photography exhibition, entitled Winter Whites. The exhibition shows black and white images, as well as Sam’s naturally ability with a camera to create an enjoyable and exciting body of work. After speaking to Sam the other day Made from Plastic found out that he is planning to print some new T-shirts from some recent photos, which is even more exciting.

Art Against Knives

Whilst there are many charities out there all working towards a great cause, Made from Plastic was introduced to one which really hit home in Art Against Knives. The charity has followed on from the success of their celebrity fund raising art exhibition, which featured the likes of Tracey Emin, Giles Deacon, Antony Gormley, Christopher Kane and many others.

Art Against Knives itself was born out of the tragic and unprovoked stabbing Oliver Hemsley (Central St Martin’s student), which left Oliver in a wheelchair. This tragic event has spurred Oliver and his friends to create something positive in Art Against Knives, where the key focus is to bring a deep-rooted change to the community. 2010 will see Art Against Knives working Couture Lab, who will host a series of bespoke art and garment auctions online on behalf of the charity, whilst continuing to make a difference.

About Your Dress

Many of you may have already noticed that Made from Plastic only occupies itself with men’s fashion but fear not female followers as I have stumbled across a superb women’s fashion blog in About Your Dress. Made from Plastic loves this blog because isn’t pretentious, over opinionated, millions of photos of some who loves themselves a little too much and is actually an utter joy to read.

Help Remedies

While there are many perks to flying the nest, there are however some drawbacks such as doing your own washing and not having your mum at hand to diagnose every cough and tickly throat. Made from Plastic has found the solution though in Help Remedies, which was created to make solving simple health issues simpler and somewhat stylish at the same time with their quirky packaging. Made from Plastic hopes you find Help Remedies as helpful as we have.