SquidLondon

New Blog Address!!

2011-07-13T12:14:00.003+01:00

Lovely followers!! We have moved our blog to a new address!!

http://www.squidlondonshop.com/blog/

As we now have an online shop and thought it would cool to intergrate a blog too :)

See you there xx

LED Umbrellas - Limited Collection at Art|41|Basel|16-20|6|10

2010-06-18T12:55:00.013+01:00

Sevensisters is the exclusive art shop located in the heart of the Art|41|Basel|16-20|6|10 fair, one of the most presticious and world wide reknown art fairs.

LED Bright Ideas Limited Collection Sevensisters Art|Basel|10

Day

Night

Quoted as a 'wearable piece of art' by New York times and having been commissioned by Tate Museums London and MoMA in New York, SquidLondon has created a limited collection of 100 LED umbrellas exclusive to Sevensisters art shop and Kunstmuseum.

Sprüth Magers Berlin|London is a leading contemporary art gallery representing one of SquidLondon's favourite artist: Jenny Holzer

On of our favourite Galleries is Gallery Von Bartha Garage run by Stefan Von Bartha who has a brilliant eye for contemporary curating and avant-garde selection of international artists. Their Gallery is based in a converted Petrol Station located on your way to the Basler airport.

Squidarellas needed for Japan's rainy June: 水に濡れると色が変わる、雨の日が楽しくなる傘！

2010-06-10T12:21:00.005+01:00

So far we have expanded from London to New York, Paris and Moscow. But as you can imagine Tokyo is the place where the Squidarellas run out of stock like hot cakes!

— 雨の日はどうしても気分が沈みがちになりますよね。でも、この折畳み傘があれば大丈夫。一見、黒地に白い模様の地味～な傘ですが、雨に濡れるとあら不思議！カラフルな傘に早変わりします。

Here a short movie of our Squidarella in the inspiring city of Tokyo, look at all those black umbrellas of people trying to rush to work.

れば大丈夫。一見、黒地に白い

Generate Design is our stockist and distributer in Japan, they have a surrealistic collection of products who all fulfill the purpose of functionality but with a clever twist. They exhibited the Squidarellas at one of the biggest buying fairs in Tokyo - perfect for the rainy season in June!

The Squidders love the Sky Planter - plant pots hanging upside down

The Squidders love the Match lights - human sized

Buy a Squidarella in Tokyo

Rain, rain don't go away - little ducky wants to play!

2010-06-01T14:32:00.013+01:00

Now this is something for our little squid fans... here the colour changing Kiddies Duck Squidarella in Action! Rain, rain don't go away - little ducky wants to play!

«Kasia is now looking out of the window waiting for the post man! Hopefully we will have a short shower, soon after it arrives.»
Dad of Kasia, bought first Mini Duck Squidarella
Exclusive to www.squidlondonshop.com

a little update....

2010-05-13T17:57:00.010+01:00

Lloyds Awars for the Creative Enterprise

NVPC People's Choice Award

The Tate Paint Drip Squidarella is hot property!

Hello wonderful squid fans,

We hope you are all well! Enjoying the gorgeous, yet freezing sun shining mornings and horrid grey dark wet afternoons!! So strange - but lovely to wake up to.

It has been an interesting week for us! Last week we had our big grand pitch at the British Library - bloody scary - adrenaline pumping, eyes on the prize, judges flying questions left right and center! We won £1000 from Lloyds TSB (THANK YOU) for winner of our section 'Creative Enterprise' and we won the 'Peoples Choice Award' of the National Varsity Pitch! So we were quite chuffed :)

We want to say the BIGGEST THANK YOU to the amazing support, emails, tweets and fb messages we received - it has been overwhelming!

To top our week off, Tate just ordered another 1200 umbrellas - they are just flying off their shelves!! Second order in 2 months!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Squidders xxx

Childreach - "the Squidarella in Africa"

2010-04-22T13:18:00.008+01:00

During the Autumn and Winter 2009, SquidLondon donated a portion of the 'Bird Squit' Collection proceeds to help raise funds for ChildReach International, a charity for children in developing countries. The particular project we funded was to help build a well for water and assist with renovations at primary school in Tanzania, Africa.
"When we arrived at the school, you could not believe how dreadful the building conditions were. No window panes to stop the dust storms outside from entering. Stark, concrete walls and flooring that were falling apart. And yet, everywhere we looked, smiling, happy children were thrilled to see us and welcome us." Jennifer Petrillo, PhD Student who volunteered and first enlisted the support of SquidLondon.

Jennifer helped to install a water pump into the new water well, build a concrete walkway outside the classrooms, add window panes to the building to name a few.
"We had constant community support to help in updating their school. I couldn't be more proud of the work we accomplished." Jennifer Petrillo
SquidLondon say "go ChildReach for making a difference hands-on!"

Squidders Update!!

2010-04-15T10:33:00.011+01:00

Hello!!! Sincere apologies from the Squidders!! You would not believe the manic existence we have had since our last blog during London Fashion week! Not too sure where to start - The photographs will do it the best justice!

We had the biggest delivery to date - 4200 umbrellas! What a struggle it was trying to get the boxes into a van! Yes a big white builders van - the Squidders exhibited at the Gadget Show at the NEC Birmingham from the 8th - 11th April http://www.gadgetshowlive.net/! Crazy stuff - checkout the new iPad http://www.apple.com/uk/ipad/ - very cool.

You will see from the pics @ http://www.fullframeimages.co.uk/Galleries/suidders/the children loved the umbrella's!! We debuted the latest design to be added to the Squidarella collection.......The Children's Duck Squidarella! So cute....!

In the mix of all this we won the semi finals of the National Varsity Pitch http://www.wix.com/vlennox/nvpc and will be competing in the finals on 5th May for 10K at the British Library in front of 250 people and three highly impressive judges: Doug Richard, Julie Meyer & Richard Tyler - wish us luck!!

Enjoy the pics!

The 'Truck' with 4200 Squidarella's - Oh my!

Packing them in to our ''White Van'' :)

Oh no...they don't all fit...!

Set up time at the Gadget Show!!

Team Squid in action... filling up a swimming pool...?!

Plastic bags, buckets...anything we could get our hands on to transport water...!

Customer's spraying away...

CHILDREN'S DUCK SQUIDARELLA!...Dry...

Wet... Little ducks swimming in the water..

Cute little walking stick size with fun handle!

If you wish to see more pics click here http://www.fullframeimages.co.uk/Galleries/suidders/ David Benson is an events photographer - did an amazing job - thank you!

Thank you also to everyone behind the scenes - you know who you are!! Much appreciated xx

Squidders xx

P.s.... Squid will be launching their new online shop in the next couple of weeks....watch this space!!

Promo Job, Birmingham 8.-11. April

2010-03-15T15:28:00.007Z

SquidLondon need 4 temps promoting our colour changing umbrella outside the Gadget Show in Birmingham. What we are looking for: 2 energetic friends/students who are outgoing, communicative and fun loving - getting visitors to understand our colour change concept, telling them about our stand, walking around with umbrellas (even in sunshine) and handing out flyers with our stand number on it. You must be based in or around Birmingham.

Pay per hour: £6
Hours per day: 3-4
Dates: 8th-11th April 2010

If you are interested, please send a short e-mail to viviane.jaeger@squidlondon.com before the 31st of March 2010 and we shall give you a call back to have a quick chat..

Come squidding along!

Website: www.squidlondon.com
Blog: http://squidlondon.blogspot.com/2010/01/gadget-show-live-8-11th-aprill-2010.html

This Space - London Fashion Week

2010-02-24T08:47:00.008Z

SquidLondon had an exciting 4 days exhibiting at a 'London Fashion Week Exhibition' at an open space gallery on Beak Street, Soho.

We met some very interesting people and business ideas. Check out the slide show on the right - photographs from 'This Space' including work from: Bitching and Junkfood , Emma Ware, Lake and Liberty , Long, Miss Jacqueline White, Squid London, Theatre de la Mode, Tomihiro Kono, Vanessa da Silva

The release of one of our latest collaborations; 'Watch Me' film with two amazing architects in Basel went down a storm! To view check out slide 19 of our 'Gallery' section http://www.squidlondon.com

Thanks to those of you who popped down for the 'party'and exhibition, was great to see you all!

Squidders x

SquidLondon launching WATCH ME art project at thisspace showroom throughout LFW

2010-02-10T17:47:00.025Z

SquidLondon exhibits at the http://www.thisspace.org/ showroom in the heart of London throughout Fashion Week from the 20th – 23rd February, where exciting and current designers contribute to a rich program of daytime exhibits and evening events and shows.

SquidLondon will be launching their WATCH ME art project , their latest collaboration with two inspiring Architects from the ETH Zürich, Nicholas Burckhardt and Patrick Jaeger, continues to impress with pioneering in interactive objects within its surroundings.

Drop by late in the day and have a drink. Opening party for the venue, and launch of the WeKnowWhatYouDidLastNight.com clothing range and online store is on Sat 20th 18.00 – 21.00.

WeKnowWhatYouDidLastNight.com presents…

www.thisspace.org
20 Beak Street (South end of Carnaby Street by American Apparel and Eastpak)
(please find press release on http://www.squidlondon.com/ /press/ presszone)

SquidLondon Shortlisted for Smarta 100

2010-02-03T15:39:00.007Z

SquidLondon have been shortlisted for the Smarta 100 Awards!

This link will take you to the interview we had.

Be warned Emma-Jayne was in an extra chatty mood.....!!!
http://www.smarta.com/advice/general/viviane-jaeger-and-emma-jayne-parkes-squidlondon

What is the Smarta 100?
The Smarta 100 will search, find and recognise the 100 'smartest' small businesses in the UK.

How will the Smarta 100 be found?
From the West Highlands to Westfield we'll be searching for the high-street heroes, market traders on a mission, eBay entrepreneurs, budding Bransons and the emerging big businesses of tomorrow.

Click here to watch and find out more!!
http://www.smarta.com/smarta100

Wish us luck!
Squidders x

Limited LED Bright Ideas Collection

2010-01-25T22:25:00.008Z

SquidLondon are proud to present their latest Limited Collection of LED umbrellas.

The latest design to hit the shelves of SquidLondon is the ideal umbrella, which brightens up the miserable dark rainy days.
It’s is a walking stick umbrella with the iconic ‘bright Ideas’ light bulb design of SquidLondon visibly placed on the transparent canopy. Running up the umbrella stick are light emitting diodes. Purple, pink, green, blue and yellow colourfully flash as you stroll down the dark wintery streets, thus ensuring no one misses you. To top it off, there is a secret torch on the base of the handle for situations like scrummaging around your bag looking for your keys!

Available in Do-Shop, London http://www.do-shop.com/new.php and SquidLondon’s Online Shop http://umbrellas.myshopify.com/

From the Umbrella Designers,

The Squidders x

The Gadget Show Live : 8-11th Aprill 2010

2010-01-20T13:12:00.006Z

SquidLondon are proud to announce that they have been selected to exhibit at this years Gadget Show Live at the NEC in Birmingham!

Out of 60,000 tickets, 40,000 have already been sold!

This link will tell you all about the exhibition and all the other clever business and products that will be involved. http://www.gadgetshowlive.net/page.cfm/Action=Exhib/ExhibID=119

The Squidders x

Seasonal greetings...

2009-12-25T15:31:00.008Z

...from the Squiddersx

P.S. Photo made on Oxfords Street - we like :-)

P.P.S. We will launch a new collection soon, psst

Squidarellas in MoMA shop NYC

2009-12-19T11:39:00.011Z

MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art is one of the worldwide most recognized museums renown for one of their biggest art collection.

Standing face to face with one of Jackson Pollock’s art pieces was a highlight for the Squidders in 2009 , Pollocks ritual paint dripped on a white canvas planted the seed for their colour changing inspiration.

It is a great fun to work with MoMA’s buying team. The lovely shop team beamed at the idea of selling the Bird Squit umbrella which changes colour when wet evenmore as the colours go well with the bright colour scheme of MoMA products.

When you have an aunt who buys all here Christmas presents from museum shops, that place is the cream of the crop, there are no gimmicks to be found but thoughtful interesting concepts, collector pieces of artists and product designers.

Online link: Bird Squit Collection in MoMA shop NYC: http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Color-Changing%20Umbrella_10451_10001_63169_-1_11628_11628_null__

Tip: If you have a MoMA membership you not only get in for free but you also have special membership discount for the MoMA shop

SquidLondon favourite other product in MoMA shop NYC:http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Block%20Lamp_10451_10001_44033_-1_11461_11463_null_shop_

SquidLondon Live on BBC2 Television 'Working Lunch' Show - 11November

2009-11-11T19:03:00.008Z

What a day for SquidLondon!

We were rushing out to a meeting and we received a phone call from Hew Leith from Consolidated PR http://www.consolidatedpr.com/ asking if Squid would like to be on BBC2 TV on the 'Working Lunch' show to help promote NCGE http://www.ncge.com/home.php who have helped us immensely through a programme of theirs called Flying Start! http://www.flyingstartonline.com/

We rushed to our meeting and rushed back to find a lovely big tinted chauffeur driven car to take us to the TV Studios - what a treat - being driven in a car around London! Or as Viviane likes to put it - Luxury - no tubes, no buses!

You can watch it on BBC iPlayer: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00nz20l/Working_Lunch_11_11_2009/

Our main points were the fabulous help of Government Funded enterprises that enable entrepreneur's to link up and learn about the wonderful world of business!

Anything is possible......

Squidders x

P.S on the right tab is a slide show with many more pictures!

Child Reach Charity

2009-10-06T00:26:00.002+01:00

Jennifer Petrillo

SquidLondon has pledged to donate £1 from every umbrella of their new limited collection to support a local student's efforts to raise funds for ChildReach International, a UK charity aimed at fighting child poverty in developing countries.

The LSHTM PhD student, Jennifer Petrillo, aims to raise £2000 by 2010 for a FutureBuild project in Tanzania, where volunteers help build schools for elementary school children. Sales of the umbrellas will help fund the project to provide supplies necessary to build the infrastructure, plaster walls, paint and decorate, sand desks for use, assemble a playground for recess, and possibly install a water harvesting tank.

The program aims to provide the people of Tanzania with the tools necessary to educate and nurture at a grassroots level, ultimately providing the children with the start in life they deserve.

For more information on the student's venture or to donate to the cause, visit: www.justgiving.com/JenniferPetrillo/. For information on how you can purchase an umbrella, visit http://umbrellas.myshopify.com/.

Spitalfields Bird Squit Launch

2009-10-05T16:51:00.004+01:00

Our Wonderful Interactive Stall

The Squidders and Charity Lady Jen in our Wonderful T-shirts...

SquidLondon had such a great time at their 'Bird Squit' Collection Launch at Spitalfields last Sunday! Thank-you so much to everyone who popped down to say 'hello'.

As always it was a great success and thank-you to everyone who contributed to the Child Reach charity that the Bird Squit Collection is supporting! Hence our wonderful yellow 'Child Reach' t-shirts.

We are very excited to announce that the Bird Squit is being stocked all over the world - New York, Russia, England, Switzerland and a few more to add very shortly....

Squidders x

Do Shop Stocks the Bird Squit...

2009-09-30T13:57:00.005+01:00

Pop in and have a play with the water spray installation made by Do
Shop and see the Colour Changing Bird Squit umbrella in action!
SquidLondon's latest stockiest is the Do shop, an absolute gem. Located in the heart of London, Soho.

Do Shop is where the Squidders often just pop in to see how their
dream home will someday look. The selection is about individual
and personal pieces from smaller design labels. You must check it out!

You will find the umbrella at the very entrance, with a beautiful
backdrop of a cloakroom design, as to be seen on the photograph.

Shop link:
http://www.do-shop.com/

Online link - http://www.do-shop.com/product.php?id=656&cat=8&subcat=10

Thanks Do Shop!

Squidders x

The Bird Squit Collection Launch

2009-09-24T11:45:00.004+01:00

London is known for many things. One that certainly always comes to mind is rain and another is the wonderful abundance of pigeons.....

This Sunday 27th September SquidLondon is proud to launch at Spitalfields Market, the ultimate accessory for this Winter; an umbrella that not only changes colour in the rain but could also bring you good luck.

We look forward to seeing you there - 11am-5pm - pop down at any stage.

Squidders x

TeamSquid - Relay Triathlon

2009-09-21T14:21:00.008+01:00

Yesterday, Sunday 19th September: the SquidFans made a trip to Eton, Dorney Lake. Supporting their legendary Rough Track Triathlon team consisting of Christian Sommer and David Jackson. A video shall be out shortly. Here is a first glimpse...

Christian swam 800m in a freezing cold lake in just 13.36minutes! He was the 7th out of the water - no wetsuit in sight - he was definitely the exception!

David cycled 20km in just 48min - he had to do 4 laps on a rough track and overtook 2 more bikers. Fortunately for him his bike did not puncture!

9km running was the final bit for our SquidMen. Christian in just 42 minutes led the SquidTeam successfully on to 5th place out of 50 teams!

Congratulations Team! Looking forward to the next one.....

Squidders x

Umbrella live on TV

2009-09-17T09:46:00.010+01:00

Umbrella live on Dutch TV, Live 4 you - dutch
...SquidLondon's colour changing umbrella makes a brilliant TV piece.

Suck UK's telescopic umbrella goes live.

TV presenter demonstrating the colour changing effect with a water squit....

Moderator absolutely drenched - but the sun has come out!

SquidLondon has gone in partnership with Suck UK.

2009-09-07T22:10:00.011+01:00

Suck UK are a great team of dynamic and cool people - the Squidders and Suck UK share similar mind-sets, which has allowed our colour changing umbrella concept to ease in perfectly with their cutting edge designed product range. Not only does the 'cloud design' predict good weather in the rain but the other good news, they are launching the first colour changing Children's umbrella too :)

Autumn fair, Birmingham, 070909, Suck UK, Hall/Stand 3V04/w03

If you are a retailer and would like to buy into the Telescopic umbrella collection, please contact Suck UK on http://www.suck.uk.com/contact.php or +44(0) 20 7923 0011

Guerrilla POP-UP Store in New York City

2009-08-29T20:18:00.008+01:00

Added a couple of more pics...

The Squidders London Skyline umbrella has made it all the way back to NYC – this time in Beyond the Valley’s suitcase. Jo Jackson, the co- founder of Beyond the Valley is the creator of ‘Wish You Were Here’. 30 independent boutiques trade places between Lower East Side, NYC & Newburgh Quarter, London. The iconic London Skyline is displayed in a Guerrilla pop up store, adding to the transatlantic experience and celebrating a slice of London on the Lower East Side, New York. Tip: The closing party are renowned – check it out! (13. Sept 09)LES186 Orchard St. btw E. Houston and Stanton Street,Lower East SideNew York2208-130909 http://www.wishyouwerehereswap.com/ Squidders x

Bird Squit Collection....

2009-08-25T09:27:00.008+01:00

Dry Umbrella

Wet Umbrella

My gosh! Can you all believe it is nearly September?!! The time is flying!
Fortunately for Squid we are keeping up! We are very excited to announce that Squid's trial and first collection were so much fun that we have our second collection of 2000 arriving on the 12th of September!

The Bird Squit Collection was ironically inspired by the London pigeon...as you all know it is good luck when a bird poops on you... So enjoy our Bird Squit umbrella bringing you colour and fun , and who knows maybe some luck....!

The Squidders x

P.S An update of stockists is on it's way.....

Squid 4 TATE Now Online!

2009-08-21T11:19:00.003+01:00

Dry Umbrella

Wet Umbrella

Summer is flying by, and despite the wonderful rain, we have had some hot days !!
We are very excited to announce that Tate are now selling the Paint Drip online:
http://www.tate.org.uk/shop/do/Designer-Products/Colour-Change-Umbrella/product/43769;jsessionid=330A93F57AD6AA72751EC4EBF25A0D07.B

AND to top it off have re-ordered another collection as they have all but sold out!!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend of colour and fun.

Squidders x

Shell Live Wire Award

2009-08-10T10:16:00.009+01:00

SquidLondon are very pleased to announce that they were one of 5 young entrepreneurs to win a £1000 award.
Just on the upper right column you can click on the 1 minute film which encapsulates our pitch!

We want to say a BIG BIG THANK-YOU to all of you who kindly voted for us! We really appreciate it.

http://www.shell-livewire.org/news/awardwinners-june/

- click here to see the other contestants.

We are now having fun developing our Squidarella Demonstration Machine!!

Squidders x

SquidLondon in the TATE

2009-07-23T16:54:00.004+01:00

The TATE Paint Drip on the Millennium Bridge

The TATE Paint Drip In front of the TATE Modern in London

The TATE Paint Drip in New York City

The SquidLondon for TATE Collection has been launched!!
The inspiration for the Paint Drip can be seen on the right in a slide show.

Commissioned by TATE, SquiLondon designed and produced 600 colour changing umbrellas to coincide with the Colour Chart Exhibition 'Reinventing Colour'.

They are great fun and can only be purchased at TATE.

The press release can be read on our website http://www.squidlondon.com

Squidders x

Success - Soho Festival

2009-07-20T15:16:00.001+01:00

The colour changing umbrella stall!

Mission to spray the whole umbrella....

Result!

We had an interesting day at the Soho Festival! Different to what we have done before, which is always good!

Thank-you for all your support! Enjoy your Squidarella's!

Squidders x

What You Up To This Sunday???

2009-07-17T22:26:00.002+01:00

http://www.thesohosociety.org.uk/soho_festival/index.html

You might even spot two crazy Squidders in their lab coats spraying umbrellas on one of the stalls...

Squidders x

mumurART Selfridges Launch

2009-07-07T17:53:00.006+01:00

Speech time for Will Conibear - Director & Co-Founder of mumurART -

Sarah Murihead - An amazing Artist selected by the Celebrity panel to exhibit

Squdarella turning on the genius machine created by the ongoing Squid helpers..!

Following up from last weeks posting 'SquidLondon in Selfridges'.

Squid attended the opening launch for all artists involved in the mumurART launch at Selfridges last Tuesday 30th June.

As you can see from the top photographs - the champagne was flowing and everyone was busy discussing the wondrous art work that surrounded them - all different forms from collage, to oil on canvas, to mini sculptures and of course the Squidarella!

The mumurART exhibition is on untill the 15th July in 'The Wonder Room' at Selfridges - do pop in and check it out!

Squidders x

SquidLondon in The Big Apple....

2009-07-03T07:54:00.003+01:00

This trip brought SquidLondon back to its roots - MoMa was the
Squidders first destination. Wandering between Picasso, Dali,
Tinguely, Giacometti, Miro and Calder. Then there it was - taking over a
gigantic white wall - the Jackson Pollock inspiration. An artist from
the 1950's who dripped, in a dancing trance, colour splashes over
white canvases. "How 'awesome' would it be, if your clothes and
accessories would change colour (color) in the rain" - this is how the origin of
the Squidders idea started.

In a shopping enthusiasm the museums shops were attacked - one
after the other (resulting in several umbrella buys). If anyone thinks
London is a rainy place, a NYC thunder storm has to be experienced.
Check out the photo shoot in the rain - looks quite neat, the London
Skyline with the yellow cab in the back ground.

One last thing, while dancing to the beats of Michael Jackson's
thriller until dawn it has to be said that the Squidarella almost got
kicked out of the legendary night club "the Box". It was such a
poser...it took up a whole chair!

Squidders x

SquidLondon in Selfridges

2009-06-26T12:38:00.003+01:00

murmurART at http://www.murmurart.com/ was set up in April 2008 by Will Conibear and Donald Eastwood, with the sole purpose of providing a platform for supporting and showcasing the best in new art talent.

Their latest launch this summer is a pop-up exhibition in Selfridges' Concept Store, the alt-creative hub of the store's luxury department, The Wonder Room. http://thewonderroom.selfridges.com/home.html

murmurART are launching 10 exceptional emerging artists chosen by 10 celebrity panelists to take over the Selfridges' Wonder Room between 1st and 15th July...... SquidLondon’s colour changing Skyline umbrella will be on display and available to buy as a souvenir.

Conrad Shawcross and Tracey Emin joined Kirsty Wark, Tim Marlow and collectors Kay Saatchi, Anita Zabludowicz and Kevin Spacey, to form the celebrity panel, each of whom selected their favourite upcoming artist for the exhibition.

http://www.selfridges.com/index.cfm?page=1316&articleID=15775&artname=murmurART%20at%20Selfridges

The mumurART team are fantastic and we are excited about this wonderful opportunity!

Pop in and check out the amazing exhibition in Selfridges.

Squidders x

SQUIDLONDON IS 1 TODAY!!

2009-06-12T14:24:00.005+01:00

This time last year we were sat in the London College of Fashion Canteen (the campus behind Bond St Tube) and decided 'YES' we will ring right here and now and registered our business at Companies House!

It's hard to believe that was a year ago. Part of us feels like it was only yesterday and another part of us feels like it was a life time ago...!

In the past 12 months among many things we have designed and developed a website, co-designed the costumes for the Beijing to London Olympic closing ceremony, launched our trial collection and subsequently our second collection. We have a wonderful stockist in Carnaby Street 'Beyond the Valley'. We were commissioned to design and produce a collection of 600 umbrellas for TATE. We are proudly exhibiting our collection at Art Basel and have our third collection on the way!

However the most important thing is that none of this could have happened if it was not for some extremely amazing people. To name them all would probably take us at least two days! There are so many people who in one way or another have helped us with; bashing out ideas, putting together proposal contracts, making our ideas reality and advising us! We wish to say a BIG THANK-YOU!!

So the next 12 months...keep watching as things can only get better.....!

Squidders x

Art|40|BASEL|10-14|06|09

2009-06-12T00:20:00.003+01:00

One Squidder - as some of you may know - has her roots in Basel, Switzerland. Basel is a cultural epicentre with around 40 museums containing the finest collections of art. Beyeler Fondation, Kunstmuseum and Vitra design museum to name but a few.

«Basel remains the marketplace for art»

Quoted Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. It is therefore no surprise that Basel hosts one of the most prestigious fairs in the art world; Art40BASEL. This year SquidLondon is greatly honored to be part of it.

Sevensisters (http://www.sevensisters.ch/), is an art shop with a modern and innovative approach - hosting a platform for new and upcoming Swiss and International product designers in the form of an Art Shop. This is where the Squidarella™ can be found!

Just remember : Squidarellas™ should not only look stylish but also be used - therefore we are hoping to share the typical English downfall with the Swiss for once!

Squidders x

Think Tank...

2009-06-08T15:36:00.005+01:00

There is something really important in life - and that is the sharing of ideas so that they can be developed and turned into reality.

Alessandro Mattarelli (Print + Screen designer) and Patrick Jaeger (Architect) are two amazing people, who we at Squid are lucky to have as part of our extended team. Any idea no matter how far fetched it may seem they make it happen. Both extremely talented in their speciality fields - we sometimes wonder how they have time to do their own work let alone wonderful things for Squid!!

The image above is the static version. The simply amazing thing about this light bulb is that it changes colour. If you go onto our website http://www.squidlondon.com/ you can check it out. While you are there - also have a quick browse through our newly updated 'Gallery'.

The mind boggles at the technical and creative skill of Patrick and Alessandro - many many thanks guys - you are fantastic!

Squidders x

Spitalfields Launch - Success!

2009-06-05T13:58:00.002+01:00

Hello! We are so sorry it has taken a week to update you on the Spitalfields Launch. Thank-you to everyone who popped by - we really appreciated every ones support.

It was an early start - queuing nervously from 8am, silently praying that we would get a stall..... Finally around 9:30am we were shown a stall. We set up the Squidarellas so that everyone could walk by and spray away revealing a wonderful array of colours.

It was one of the hottest days England has had this year! However we can proudly announce that we sold 21 Squidarellas!

We had a fantastic day - met and spoke to so many different people - tourists, Londoners, students, children and fans!

Once again - Thank-You for your support.

The Squidders x

A little reminder.....

2009-05-29T15:02:00.001+01:00

Squidders x

Invitation : Squidarella Launch @ Spitalfields Market Sunday 31st May

2009-05-28T17:24:00.006+01:00

We are very excited to announce that we are launching our second collection of Squidarellas at Spitalfields Market this Sunday 31st May.

As many of you know we had so much fun launching our first collection that we just have to do it again!

Address details:
Brushfield Street
Spitalfields
London E1

By Bus:
8, 242, 149 and 67

By Underground:
Central, Hammersmith and City, District, Circle and Metropolitan lines

By Train:
Liverpool Street BR

Map : http://www.spitalfields.co.uk/location.php

Looking forward to seeing you all!

From the Squidders x

STOCKED IN BEYOND THE VALLEY

2009-05-27T11:24:00.005+01:00

Wonderful London Lane.

Squidarella hung in the gallery for all to spray with water and demonstrate its magical effects.

Squid proudly delivered their Squidarella Collection to Beyond the Valley. From the picture you can see it is the most delightful store on a wonderful cobbled London street.

"Beyond the Valley® is a creative community in the centre of London that supports and promotes emerging new talent across the fashion, art& design industries. The space is used as a stepping-stone for +100 new designers, providing a platform to showcase and to test out new ideas before developing them for larger scale production and international distribution.Products in-store range from fashion, books, jewellery, illustration, furniture,wallpaper to design products & accessories. All items are produced in limited quantities, and most of them are exclusive to Beyond the Valley"

Many thanks to the team at Beyond the Valley for all your fantastic support and enthusiasm!

Squidders x

P.S Check out the online store http://www.beyondthevalleystore.com/home.aspx -So many must haves!

THE COLLECTION HAS ARRIVED!

2009-05-22T17:02:00.003+01:00

The lorry with our Squidarella's!

Taking photographs, the driver thought we were mad! " This is certainly the first time this has happened" - only the Squidders.

The Squidarella case with our new signature and the brollie!

The new Squidarella!

Gosh it has been the busiest two weeks for Squid. Time is literally flying and so much is happening! The Squidarella will be available to buy at Beyond the Valley from Monday 25th May onwards. We will also be putting on a fun interactive display at Spitalfields Market next Sunday 31st May.

Have a great weekend!

From the Squidders

Lights, Camera, Action!

2009-05-20T13:33:00.002+01:00

We have unleashed our first interactive film!

Click on the umbrella thumbnail on your right and a little screen will pop open and play you our wonderful colour changing film.
Effort from more than just the immediate Squid Team went into this - so enjoy!

Be sure to turn your volume up!

From the Squidders

Squid Man

2009-05-18T11:26:00.009+01:00

Let us present 'The Squid Man'
One of the most supportive SquidLondon fans; Edvard Sjogren

Impressed??? You should be! Not only did Edvard swim 400 meters in freezing cold lake water he also cycled 20km and and ran 5km all in 1 hour and 18 minutes! Very impressive, and to top it all off he had SquidLondon branded on his arm and leg!

The Squidders and co attended The Eton Super Sprint Triathlon to support Edvard and his friend Christian on Saturday 16th May. It was a crispy day with sharp cold winds, but there were crowds of people to support all ages of competitors.

We are very proud of you both and look forward to the next one...may be we can brand your bike and swimming cap next time...!

From the Squidders.

P.S Thanks again Edvard.

Catch-Up!

2009-05-15T16:03:00.003+01:00

Time is flying! We apologize for slacking in updates..it has been so hectic! This is just a brief overview and as the events occur we will give you more detail!

First, and most importantly, we have a new 'Squid' team member, Elena Sleboda. Lena, as she is called, is fantastic, she is in charge of the marketing and PR of SquidLondon. The amazing press release (and many other exciting features) will be ready next week for you all to view! Make sure you have your diaries at the ready, as the press release will contain many dates!!

The three of us have also put together a little film - which is just in the final stages of editing.....

Our second collection had a little delay - but fingers crossed we are all sorted now. It is set to arrive in London tomorrow (16-05-09) and depending on customs clearance etc we should have it the week of the 25th May! Launch date (at the moment) is 27th May at Beyond the Valley in Carnaby Street.

The collection commissioned by the TATE will be launched 29th May in Tate Liverpool to coincide with the 'Colour Chart' Exhibition 29th May - 13th September. The design is very apt to the exhibition title and full of colour....don't you worry, once it is launched we will show you all!

This weekend the Squidders are off to Eton - watch this space you will be impressed by the ways in which we have coerced one of our most supportive fans to help market SquidLondon........

It's the FreakEnd - enjoy!

Squidders (x3)

Liberty - British Design Open Call!

2009-04-30T18:17:00.010+01:00

Saturday 25th April was an early morning for SquidLondon...anyone who know us, knows that mornings are not our thing..! Libertys had its creative call and held an open day for new British Design Talent. We just couldn't miss this chance to show off our London Silhouette umbrella!

We were not as determined as others, as by the time we arrived, we had to queue up behind another 200 to 300 designers – and on top of that; it was a sunny day (damn it!)
A talented friend of ours, CleoB http://www.cleob.com/ did well, as by the time we were number 255, she was done and dusted – her paradise shoes collection impressed the judges. CleoB introduced us to the press lady – so before we knew it, we were pitching our colour change umbrella whilst queueing on the street!

The next thing we were in the elevator (have skipped the queue) being lead up to the Liberty's dragon’s den (their showroom), which included top judges such as the buying director of Liberty, Ed Burstell (ex-Bergdorf Goodman Senior VP) along side David Nicholls (Design editor of Daily Telegraph) and Sarah Mower (international Fashion authority).
It was a nervous and anxious wait but friendly staff made us feel comfortable and welcome – asking us lots of questions out of curiosity…its magic we say!

We were led towards the judges... Ed Burstell shook our hand. We were ready to pitch, prepared speech running through our heads, adrenaline pumping......alas, holding the umbrella whilst Ed Burstell sprayed was all that was needed!
…the rest of the story will be told soon, don’t you worry!

3D

2009-04-23T13:34:00.001+01:00

Lately more and more CG animated films are being released not only in standard 2D but also in 3D. Yes you still have to wear the clunky glasses! We can’t wait to see Disney with Pixar’s release of Toy Story 3, their first film to be specifically made for 3D. This is all being done to lure the public back to the cinemas in the face of declining ticket sales. A positive by product of all this is that finally decent quality 3D for the home is in the works. SquidLondon attended the Ideal Home Show to which they discovered that in fact a few televisions (mainly certain Samsung panels) are already compatible with 3D formats. With the likes of Ray Ban designing their own lines, in the future buying a pair of your own 3D shades may not seem as bizarre as it sounds. SquidLondon will definitely be embracing this!

The Making of Squid...Behind the Scene's

2009-04-21T10:21:00.001+01:00

These are just a few images to show how we initially developed our ideas through experimentation starting in 2006 to April 2008.
We were sponsored by an ink company which allowed us to experiment and implement ideas into reality.

Water blasting the screens clean whilst trying to keep your feet firmly on the ground is not that easy!

All the different colours we printed with.

Being advised by an expert in the field.

2009-04-21T10:18:00.001+01:00

This was a very long day, we were slowly but surely being asked to leave and still had copious amounts to do..!

The wonderful printing factory. We wondered why everyone was so happy all the time....we soon found out.... The fume level was intense!

The all important 'matching up'. Very stressful. You have to ensure the screen and fabric are exactly matched prior to applying the ink. Otherwise you have printed in the wrong place and it is all over!

Meetings, meetings and more meetings...!

BOXED, SEALED AND ON IT'S WAY!!!

2009-04-17T17:21:00.001+01:00

SquidLondon's Skyline 2009 Collection is on its way. It is planned to arrive safely in London docks on the 15th May.

It will be sold instore and online at http://www.beyondthevalley.com and through SquidLondon.

One of many SquidLondon Umbrella boxes :)

Design Museum

2009-04-16T14:54:00.000+01:00

This Easter week end the Squidders made their way down to the Design Museum featuring Hussein Chalayan, a designer who impresses by approaching fashion from a more constructive, architectural point of view – combining functionality, aesthetic and new technology.

2009-04-16T14:53:00.001+01:00

Designs of the year 2009 by Brit Insurance

Check out this umbrella, due to its aerodynamic design, the SENZ XL always finds the best position in the wind. The construction makes the umbrella windproof up to 70 miles per hour and will not invert. Watch this umbrella on the golf market!www.senzumbrellas.com
As part of a large art installation programme for the new Terminal 5 building at Heathrow, the design trio Troika was commissioned by the curators at Artwise to create a 22 metre long electroluminescent wall extending the conventional idea of a world clock delivering good design by function and fantasy. It is a lights display using high tech and low-tech applications, many of which had never been attempted on this scale before.
www.troika.uk.com

If you are a geek like us this technology will definitely appeal to you. Barcodes in black and white squares called the QR codes have secret messages hidden, which can be read by camera phones or when downloaded. Brilliant marketing tool SquidLondon believes!
Download the software on your phone
http://reader.kaywa.com/getit
www.therumpusroom..tv/pet-shop.html

Inspiration - Jackson Pollock

2009-04-14T22:40:00.001+01:00

“When I am in my painting, I'm not aware of what I'm doing. It's only after a sort of "get acquainted" period that I see what I have been about. I have no fears about making changes, destroying the image, etc., because the painting has a life of its own”.
- quoted in Possibilities I, Winter 1947-48

This is exactly what inspired us about Jackson Pollock’s paintings. They were created upon a huge blank canvas, and in a trance like state Pollock would almost dance whilst scattering and dripping colour everywhere. Not quite knowing nor planning what he was creating, yet through his energy of movement and passion, he would result in the most spectacular array of textures and imagery.

This was our founding inspiration for our umbrellas. The idea of a blank canvas waltzing the streets and interacting with the rain creating an array of colours in it’s very own individual splashes as the rain slowly but surely turns the blank canvas into colour.

Striding Out - Boot Camp!

2009-04-08T12:46:00.014+01:00

SquidLondon was 1 of 10 businesses in the semi-finals of 'Striding out's Big Leap Competition'
All ten companies attended Boot Camp at the British Library on Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th April.

http://www.stridingout.co.uk/competition.html

FOLLOW US!

2009-04-07T12:44:00.002+01:00

SquidLondon is now Twittering!
Click on the link to follow:
http://twitter.com/SquidLondon

WARNING...

2009-03-25T12:00:00.002Z

SQUID's Second collection is in production!
Launch date to be confirmed...!

Squid Visits Manufacturer : Follow us through our pictures...

2009-03-17T17:36:00.013Z

2009-02-26T11:43:00.005Z

'Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain.'
Anonymous

NEXT COLLECTION...

2009-02-16T18:09:00.002Z

Delighted to announce our first stockist will be 'Beyond The Valley'.
We will announce when the collection arrives - End of March 09

SUNDAY TIMES ARTICLE

2009-02-16T16:14:00.003Z

SUNDAY TIMES ARTICLE:
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/career_and_jobs/recruiter_forum/article5732513.ece

SUNDAY TIMES PHOTOSHOOT

2009-02-13T17:42:00.005Z

2009-02-11T16:14:00.004Z

SQUIDLONDON - Interview with Sunday Times will be published this Sunday 15th February.
Photo-shoot tomorrow morning - bright and early - lights, camera, action!

2009-02-02T14:40:00.004Z

SQUIDLONDON HAS SOLD OUT OF THEIR FIRST LIMITED COLLECTION.

THE NEXT COLLECTION IS IN THE DESIGN PROCESS.

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT.

Successful Launch Day!

2009-01-19T18:00:00.002Z

SquidLondon Launch

2009-01-15T16:48:00.015Z

Imagine an ordinary Sunday, wet, cold and miserable. You finally manage to step out of your front door to glimpse some daylight before it disappears at 4pm.
You find yourself in a typical London downpour. Never fear, SquidLondon is here to liven up your day. What would you say, if your umbrella would change into a walking piece of art revealing the London silhouette in an imaginative way. Come down to Spitalfields Market and brighten up your January blues and join us in changing the face of the High street. Crammed between vintage stalls and exotic food aromas, you will find two designers in white lab coats launching their 100 limited collection of umbrellas.

As announced on BBC Radio4 : SquidLondon 100 limited umbrella collection launch

Date: Sunday 18th January 2009
Time: 10:30am-4:30pm
Venue: Old Spitalfields Market; 65 Brushfield St, E1 6AA

See You There!

2009-01-15T16:45:00.001Z

SquidLondon Launch!! Spitalfields Market Sunday 18th January.

Limited Collection London Sillohuette

2008-11-07T16:02:00.003Z

What do you think......?

These T-Shirts change from grey to white when HEAT is applied...

Brilliant, amazing want one..?? Or think they should be left in the closet...??

Let us know your thoughts, opinions or even suggestions...!

Welcome to SquidLondon

2008-11-07T15:39:00.002Z