Author Archives: alvaadmin

a few fridays ago i was in a rut. it was warm & sunny. staring at my piano was the most boring thing in the world, so i called it “saturday” and went to selfridges.  the first day of fashion week is the best time to go shopping. i had the store largely to myself, and i was in love! it is a must-see for any visitor.

the store is mostly comprised of mini-curated shops representing all the levels of fashion from high street brands to luxury designer. you can find shops from H&M to COS to Isabel Marant Etoile. they also have a shop curated on a theme (the quiet shop feat. minimal, unbranded designs) and several restaurants, tea rooms, a salon spread out through the store. i didn’t know much about the store, just that i should go. i really enjoyed myself and came away totally inspired.

my trips to selfridges, to a museum or to a cheesy matinee are what Will calls “directed leisure.” not the most active pursuit of inspiration, but a feeding of your brain and your interests that keep you alert and fresh. seeing how other artists translate ideas and emotions in a palpable form is really valuable to my creative process. songs and fashion can (sometimes) function in the same way. i want to write songs that people can take with them into their own lives; they can insert their own story and give it their own meaning. that gorgeous leopard coat is impeccably constructed but it becomes beautiful when a woman wears it on her first trip to paris. one of the many ways i fill my well of inspiration.

do you ever do any directed leisure? what helps you look at your work with a fresh eye?

p.s. how hilarious is that hairy stool in the acne shop?