LICHTENSTEIN: A RETROSPECTIVE - TATE MODERN, LONDON

Pop Art has to be one of my favourite Art styles of the 20th century. After studying Roy Lichtenstein's work at school I have always been fascinated with the character of his art, so this exhibition was right up my street. The Tate Modern shows a whole range of his work, with the main focus being on his iconic 1960's comic-book scenes. There are also lesser known works, drawings, sculptures and smaller looser paintings which add another dimension to his career. His work also explores art history, treating Matisse and Picasso just as he treated comic books - as elements in a common visual vocabulary. There are 125 pieces being shown, which is the largest exhibition of his work in 20 years. The exhibition is on from the 21st February to the 27th May. I would really recommend seeing Lichtenstein's work for yourself or watching the documentary about the exhibition from BBC4 here. 

THE BIG EGG HUNT, LINDT - ACTION FOR CHILDREN

Last week, The Lindt Big Egg Hunt came to Birmingham. The hunt contains 101 decorated eggs doted around the city. The eggs have been designed by lots of different Artists to create a public art event with a big difference. Supported by the charities Action for Children and Elephant Family, the hunt will visit other cities including, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and London. You can own an egg for yourself by bidding on the online auction to raise money for the cause. I think it's a great, unique way of creating awareness, and it looked like a lot of families were making the most of the hunt during half term, getting ready for Easter. To find out more click here.

STELLA MCCARTNEY COMIC RELIEF CAMPAIGN T-SHIRTS

Images: uk.lifestyle.yahoo/beautyandthedirt/imaginepeace

Stella McCartney has designed the official t-shirts for red nose day 2013. For the collaboration the designer has given Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe, late comedian Tommy Copper, her dad's band The Beatles and her close friend Kate Moss a red-nose makeover. The collection is available in TK Maxx stores and online, and all profits from the sale of each T-shirt are spent by Comic Relief to help people living incredibly tough lives across Africa and here in the UK. The unique collection is modelled by a host of famous faces including Kate Moss, Fearne Cotton and model David Gandy. Prices start from £9.99, also available for children. Stella McCartney has also customised exclusive Red Nose T-shirts to raise even more money for charity, which will be sold exclusively in her London flagship store. An adult t-shirt costs £50, while kids' tops are £25. Red nose day takes place on Friday 15th March. What do you think of the campaign?

THE NEW 'IT' BAG - MULBERRY WILLOW TOTE S/S13

Images: glam/graziadaily/replicaborse

The new 'IT' bag to hit Mulberry's line this season is the from the Willow collection. The style is a more ladylike tote which reflects a change in customer demand. This clever bag is actually two bags in one, as you can unzip the sides to turn the tote into a detachable clutch. This bag is more versatile as it is more practical than some of the other bags in the line and can be used again and again. (Very handy for people on the go!) The bag was first unveiled in Mulberry's Spring/Summer 2013 show in september and has since been worn by a host of stars, including Kate Moss, Elisabeth Moss and Lily Collins. The bag was named after the brand's second factory, The Willows, which will open later this year in Somerset. The tote is available in three sizes. The Willow collection will hit selected Mulberry stores from mid-February. Prices range between £795 for a clutch to £2,350 for a navy tote in calf and ostrich. They have already arrived at Selfridges London with a global exclusive and will be arriving online this week. What do you think of Mulberry's S/S13 collection?

 

GUCCI MUSEUM - FLORENCE, ITALY

On my recent trip to Florence, I visited the Gucci Museum, which is situated in the heart of the city. The museum is dedicated to many Gucci products from the beginning of the brands launch, starting with suitcases and travel bags from the beginning of the 1920's. The collection is displayed in glass cases and is complemented by videos and mood music. Throughout the three floors that house unforgettable snapshots of Gucci’s rich history, visitors can admire Gucci’s famed “bamboo” handbags owned by Jackie Onassis and Sofia Loren along with a vast collection of RTW, accessories and photographs. More recent pieces include evening gowns created by current Gucci designer Frida Giannini for Hollywood stars Hilary Swank and Naomi Watts. As you go around the museum you can pick up information cards (pictured in the last photo) which help to piece together the brands history and philosophy. The museum also homes a bookstore, a gift shop, a café, a restaurant and an icon store. Would you recommend any current exhibitions in the UK or abroad?