Objects of Desire

The Wick Culture - Yves Klein Ant 125 Wallpaper by Pierre Frey

Object Yves Klein Ant 125 Wallpaper by Pierre Frey

Wallpaper isn’t something to be afraid of. In fact, patterned papers should be wholeheartedly embraced for their transformative power. They can instantly uplift a room, adding texture and depth to an otherwise simple scheme. And no one understands this better than Pierre Frey, the French interior design company founded in 1935. If you want to make a statement with your wallpaper makeover, look no further than Pierre Frey’s Yves Klein Ant 125 printed paper, featuring a reproduction of one of Klein’s celebrated Anthropometry artworks. For his Anthropometries, Klein used the human body as a brush, creating compositions that re-imagined the classical nude in daring new ways. Bridging the worlds of art and interiors, this striking paper design is the perfect backdrop for, well, anywhere really — except the kitchen perhaps.


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The Wick Culture - Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock

Object Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock

Manolo Blahnik and Birkenstock may seem an unlikely match, but in truth they are the perfect pair. ‘Aesthetically we may look different but fundamentally we have the same values,’ Blahnik has said. ‘Exquisite fit, craftsmanship and comfort are the most important parts of both of our shoe-making design and production.’ Not surprisingly, the Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock capsule collection, available to shop from 24 March, has already sparked a fashion frenzy. For the one-of-a-kind collection, Blahnik has reimagined two of Birkenstock’s signature styles, adding velvet and crystals to the Arizona sandal and the Boston clog. We expect this collection to fly, so get in line now.


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The Wick Culture - Orpha ‘Grenadine’ Cushion by Ceraudo

Object Orpha ‘Grenadine’ Cushion by Ceraudo

There is something distinctly cheering about Ceraudo’s new Orpha collection of fabrics and furniture. Inspired by the abstract forms and chromatic scales of the Orphism and Fauvism movements in early 20th-century France, it fuses non-figurative shapes and bold, vibrant hues to dazzling effect. Designed in collaboration with the artist Caro Gates, it comprises a selection of chairs, a footstool, a rug (available in two sizes) and cushions, all of which can be upholstered in your choice of Orpha fabric. With its palette of blushing shades, we love ‘Grenadine’ best. You?


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The Wick Culture - Cream Love Wool-Cashmere Sweater by Chinti & Parker

Object Cream Love Wool-Cashmere Sweater by Chinti & Parker

Spring is on the way, but chilly evenings are here to stay. Warm, luxurious and effortlessly chic, this Chinti & Parker Love sweater in cream is our new knitwear obsession. Emblazoned with the word ‘Love’ in a bold ‘70s-inspired typeface, it will elevate an outfit in seconds, while keeping you cosy if the temperature drops. The neutral palette and simple design make this an investment piece you can wear again and again. Pair with statement earrings for added pizazz. Chinti & Parker will donate 100% of profits from sales of this sweater to Save the Children’s DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Spread love, not war.


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The Wick Culture - Face Plate 12 by Venetia Berry & Partnership Editions

Object Face Plate 12 by Venetia Berry & Partnership Editions

Since graduating from the Royal Drawing School in 2016, Venetia Berry has gained significant attention. She’s collaborated with luxury brands such as Matches Fashion and been included in group and solo exhibitions across London, including In The Flesh by Partnership Editions. Now, the online platform founded by Georgia Spray presents a collection of 44 hand-painted faceplates, each featuring Berry’s distinctive approach to line and colour. We love them all, but the blush ground of Face Plate 12 has really caught our eye. What’s more, 20% of all sales will go to the Ukraine Crisis Fundraiser ‘Choose Love’.


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The Wick Culture - Samantha Michell, Gentle Chimes, 2021

Object Samantha Michell, Gentle Chimes, 2021

Rolling into town this weekend is the Battersea Spring edition of the Affordable Art Fair. With thousands of contemporary artworks up for grabs, from sculpture and prints to landscapes and portraits, there is something here for every taste. The even better news? All the exhibited works are priced between £50 and £7,500. Standout works at the fair include this vibrant mixed media painting by Samantha Michell. Exhibited by ARTCODE, a gallery dedicated to showcasing artists from the Mexican state of Yucatán, Gentle Chimes (2021) blurs the boundaries between figurative and abstract art to dazzling effect. With its geometric composition and bold colour palette, it’s sure to brighten any home interior this spring. At just £1200, it could also prove a savvy investment. Hop to it.


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The Wick Culture - Choose Love Ukraine Crisis Fundraiser t-shirt by Cressida Jamieson

Object Choose Love Ukraine Crisis Fundraiser t-shirt by Cressida Jamieson

In support of the ongoing humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, London-based designer Cressida Jamieson has created a unisex t-shirt embroidered with a Ukrainian flag love heart and Choose Love ribbon. All profits from the t-shirts will be donated to the charity’s Ukraine Crisis Fundraiser, which is supporting projects providing vital aid and services, including food, shelter and emergency medical care, to those still in and fleeing the country. Buy one for your mother, brother, sister, friend, or colleague now. #westandwithukraine


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The Wick Culture - A Brief History of Protest Art By Aindrea Emelife

Object A Brief History of Protest Art by Aindrea Emelife

This short but powerful debut from art historian and curator Aindrea Emelife surveys eight decades of defiant artworks by over 50 established and unknown artists working across a variety of media, from posters to murals. Opening with Picasso’s Guernica (1937), it includes critical and satirical responses to the most urgent socio-political issues of the past 80 years, including the AIDS epidemic, the Black Lives Matter movement and the climate crisis. In doing so, Emelife highlights the role of art in challenging injustices, inequalities and, most importantly, the status quo. ‘I believe art and visual culture can change the world,’ she has said. ‘It can help us understand our own subjectivity and transport us to other worlds, histories, and viewpoints to better understand the world we live in now.’ Add to basket immediately.


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The Wick Culture - Ugg TS Fatale Heel

Object Ugg x TS Fatale Heel

Last autumn Tschabalala Self presented her first performance piece, Sounding Board, at the Performa 2021 Biennial in New York. The play’s two protagonists discussed everything from the literal to the non-sensical against a backdrop of colourful, patterned, painted boards and oil paint projections created by the artist. They wore costumes and footwear designed by Self and made in collaboration with Ugg. Now, her first capsule collection with the American brand, which includes some looks from the Sounding Board wardrobe, is available to buy online and in store. Think bold colour-blocking, harlequin checks and prominent seams on some of Ugg’s most iconic styles. ‘It was a kind of natural fit,’ she has said. ‘Ugg is a brand that deals a lot with materiality and texture and I deal with that stuff in my painting as well.’


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