“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
: Maya Angelou.
…
“Embrace what makes you unique. Even if it makes others uncomfortable.”
: Janelle Monáe.
…
Janelle Monáe’s ‘Make Me Feel’ was one of my favourite songs of 2018.
From the first set of beats… it makes you feel.
It makes your fingers click… and your body move.
The rhythm was going round in my head for weeks after I first heard it.
Monáe had the honour of working with Prince; a huge influence on her work.
Using references in respect of her admiration for him;
the Diamonds and Pearls-like headpiece,
to the ‘Kiss’ visual sequences,
and the Purple Rain feeling inside the club…
It’s like taking residence back in the eighties…
with maybe even a nod to Robert Palmer’s ‘Addicted To Love’ ?
I love that Janelle’s been inspired by so many great moments in music,
and created her own indelible sound.
Respect.
…
The feeling you have with an experience,
is what you remember.
The feeling of connection.
With someone else,
or with a moment,
or with yourself.
Each element, each moment, of that experience
can be as beautiful as the essential ingredient.
And that extra effort to provide that experience is a choice.
…
Furoshiki
In Japanese tradition,
a Furoshiki was used to transport gifts, or other goods.
It derives from the Edo period practice
of bundling clothes together,
to avoid confusion while bathing at the public baths.
‘Furoshiki‘ (meaning ‘bath spread’) eventually became
a means of protecting,
or decorating, a gift.
…
And so,
each pair of Anthony Stoker shoes
are wrapped within a silk wrap.
…
Slide open the box,
lift open the leaves.
A product with emotion
and details to intrigue.
Slide open the box,
and open the leaves…
Each pair of shoes,
wrapped elegantly.
Made In England,
skilfully hand-rolled;
this silk wrap,
with a story to be told.
Ninety centimetres square,
blending cultures and crafts.
A perfect size to wear,
and so the experience lasts.
…
Thank you for reading.
Have a beautiful night.
Anthony Stoker