Nicky's Rag Tales

1. No surprise that the Kate Moss for Top Shop collaboration is ending and that the last collection will be launched in October. Often photographed with BF Sir Philip Green there is no talk of any huge bust up just a natural end following 14 collections. Originally it was 6 collections a year and last year it was down to 2. The last one I looked at was decidedly dull and boring a complete damp squib so my feeling is that the poor sales made it non viable and so the end is now in sight. Perhaps take a good look at the last one to see if there is anything worth bagging for future ebay investment selling?

2. Pucci, the pioneering Italian fashion brand

Two versions of a fabulous new book fantastically written and with beautiful images on the History of this Iconic Italian print house. One a limited edition of 10,000 copies @ £ 135 and the second a Vintage Art Edition limited to just 500 signed and numbered copies. Each book is bound in an original vintage Pucci fabric and is accompanied by four art prints of original drawings from the designer Emilio Pucci. Each book will be signed by his daughter Laudomia Pucci who continued to design under the Pucci name after Emilio’s death in 1992 and who is Image Director and Deputy Chairman of the company since 2000.

Available to buy online from September from Taschen

Anna and Grace Rag Dolls

3. How appropriate that two women who work in the Rag trade have had rag dolls made in their image. The Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington dolls were commissioned by Barneys NY. Brooklyn based artist Andrew Yang was given the task of making the dolls. Apparently the hair gave him some minor problems and he decided quite rightly to make outfits ‘that reflects their individual style’ rather than copy any specific outfits. The dolls will be auctioned on Charitybuzz.com starting on August 31st all proceeds going to the New York City Aids Fund.