Back at work; the weather is miserable; we eat, drank and spent too much; the pressure of keeping up those New Year's Resolutions – most of us are experiencing the January blues. To help make the day a little more manageable, we've put together a
Back at work; the weather is miserable; we ate, drank and spent too much; the pressure of keeping up those New Year's Resolutions – most of us are experiencing the January blues. To help make the week a little more manageable, we've put together a collection of the things that made us smile in 2011. From Audrey Hepburn's adorable pet fawn Pippin, John Waters' answers to AnOther's Proust Questionnaire and Alejandro Jodrowsky's thoughts on Lady Gaga's infamous meat dress, this retrospective collection will hopefully put you in a positive mood and have you excited for the year ahead...
1) The Beauty of Green Space
There were countless references to beautiful outdoor environments in 2011, from the ultimate tree house surrounded by cherry blossom, a visit to esteemed stylist Simon Foxton's allotment and photographer Wolfgang Tillmans discussing his appreciation of the inner city garden.
2) Audrey Hepburn and her Fawn
We can't tell you how excited we were to discover the story of Audrey Hepburn and Pippin, and witness their special bond through the late Bob Willoughby's intimate collection of photographs.
3) Alejandro Jodorowsky on Lady Gaga's Meat Dress
We all know the image of the American blonde-haired songstress in the meat dress. Lesser known is the Chilean-born anarchic artist Alejandro Jodorowsky's steak suit. To set the record straight, he shares his thoughts on why Surrealist references are no longer necessary.
4) Christopher Kane's Pool Sandals Speak!
It was only right that S/S12's strangest footwear got a personality of their own. This is what happens when shoes can talk…
"What do you most like about the age we live in? Free porn online. The greatest invention? Eyebrow pencil"
5) John Waters' Proust Questionnaire
What do you most like about the age we live in? Free porn online. The greatest invention? Eyebrow pencil. Such answers could only come courtesy of John Waters, the distinctive, Baltimore-born filmmaker who answered AnOther's Proust in March.
6) George S. Zimbel's Photographs of Children
As well as animals, there's nothing more heartwarming than pictures of childhood. George S. Zimbel's works are beautiful in their simplicity – kids lying on a beach, playfighting, twirling in a new skirt.
7) Willie Christie's Fashion Photography
In September, we had the opportunity to speak with legendary photographer Willie Christie, responsible for some of the most memorable glamour images of the late-70s and early-80s.
8) Chloë Sevigny in Doug Aitken's Black Mirror
In October, we were enthralled by Aitken's film, an unexplained, frenetic journey across countries and continents, via plane, car and on foot starring Sevigny. Alongside a clip from the film, Aitken discussed the motives, inspirations and realisation of a truly unusual work.
9) Inside the Couture Fitting Rooms
It's only three weeks until the couture shows, and in anticipation, we revisit Jacqueline Hassink's revelatory photographs, uncovering the rarely seen worlds of designers including Chanel, Dior and Givenchy.
10) Don't Worry Everything Is Going To Be Amazing!
Chosen as our Most Loved product a few weeks ago, the artwork's uplifting motto is still on our mind. Let it be in yours too.
Text by Laura Bradley
