Emma Taylor’s photography is all about form, shape and finding beauty in everyday objects. The image (above left) of a sofa, is from a series about memories and looking back at people and places from times gone by. As soon as I saw it I was instantly reminded of the Mayfair Cinema from years ago. It wasn’t like one of the shiny, impersonal multiplex cinemas that seem to have cropped up in every town. It was very intimate with only two screens (called Major and Minor). There was an interval during every film and the usherette brought in ice creams and lollies on a sort of tray that fastened around her neck. At the time it was the only cinema in the area and when a big film came out people used to queue all the way round the corner to get in. The seats were comfy and looked very similar to the sofa in the picture.

The other image (above right), in contrast, is of the inside of the Imax cinema in London. This picture is part of Emma’s ‘Creative London’ project, which focuses on the interior and exterior aspects of several design buildings within London.

People often ponder the question - what is art? I’m not going to get into this too deeply here. However, one of the criteria for me is whether the piece in question provokes some sort of reaction. As soon as I saw the sofa picture I was immediately transported back to the excitement of going to the ‘pictures’ as a child.

Emma Taylor has recently graduated and is now based in Preston. Her work has appeared at the Design Innovation Centre in Leeds, the Chinese Arts Centre in Manchester and the Bargehouse Gallery in London. Take a look at her photography at www.emmataylorphotography.co.uk.

To celebrate their first unique range of t-shirt apparel and accessories, Wild Garden are offering a generous 10% off all goods and free delivery worldwide. The offer ends soon so don’t miss out.

Wild Garden is the creative collaboration of sisters Jessica and Nancy Lim. Each of their simple, chic designs is made in small batches and screen printed by hand. Living in Sidney, they both draw inspiration from their urban and natural surroundings. This can be seen in the above designs. The ‘Winter Blossom’ ladies’ cap-sleeved tee (above right) has an asymmetrical grey/violet blossom branch placed over the left shoulder. And in contrast, the ‘Cityscape’ men’s tee (above left) shows a layered city skyline print in grey and white.

Don’t miss out on that offer! Go to www.wildgardendesign.com and take advantage of the 10% off and free shipping.

You’re probably aware by now that I have a bit of a thing for cats. When I discovered these pretty ‘Lucky Cats’ earrings (above left) by The Star City Sound, I couldn’t resist sharing. They hang from antique brass-finish ear wires and are complimented with lime green glass beads.

I had a good look around The Star City Sound website and found some real gems - cute storybook pendants, vintage beads and charms and bright glass stones. The designs are innovative and unusual and there’s almost a fairytale quality to them. Take a look at the ‘Valentina Pin’ (above right). A vintage owls nests in a wire wrapped tree which is sprouting glass leaves. It brings to mind ‘The Folk of the Faraway Tree’ by Enid Blyton. Does anyone remember that?

To view the full range of The Star City Sound goodies, go to www.thestarcitysound.com.

Nikki Henderson’s extensive training as a hair stylist and colourist has proved invaluable when it comes to her unique handbag designs. She has become well known for her innovative use of shade and tone. Each bag is handmade with intensely coloured cottons, linens, silks, brocades and blended fabrics.

Her ‘Double-Booked’ bags have become a runaway best seller. They are made with denim, twill or corduroy for strength and are built to last. My favourite is the denim bag (above left) with printed cotton flap with a cute house pattern.

I also picked out this beautiful ivory bag (above right) from the ‘Mischief’ range. Each bag in this range has twin easy grab handles and a zipper closure. Nikki describes them as follows, ‘An innocent but eye-catching mix of eclectic cottons, these bags will charm the pants off of anyone who gets in your way.’

The full range, which includes bags for going out (Lady of the Evening) and bags to take you from day to night (Burning the Candle) can be found at www.doppelgangerhandiwork.com.

Aiveen Daly is one of my favourite furniture designers. She makes no secret of the fact that her furniture is often inspired by couture clothing and her brand new collection is no exception. Her aptly named ‘Stiletto’ chairs all have super-skinny glossy black legs and come in a range of stylish designs. Each handcrafted piece has been christened with a quirky, evocative name.

My favourite is the red silk Can Can chair with corset detailing at the back. In contrast, I also picked out the slinky black Flapper chair, made in the style of a 1920s Flapper dress.

To view the collection go to www.aiveendaly.com.