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Each year the Design museum London holds the Design awards; ‘The Oscars of the design world’ showcasing the most innovative and progressive designs throughout the world. There are examples of Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics, Product and Transport.

The exhibition is a must-see in the design calendar, and Adam headed down there at the weekend. Every year we see some of the best design work, but this year it really excelled, “probably the most impressive I’ve been to. All the categories were brilliant, but the Architecture was mind-blowing”. In a year which we possibly face another economic meltdown; design is still progressing, breaking barriers and being more exciting than ever.

Here are a few of Adam’s picks:
The Guangzhou Opera House, China
The Moses Bridge in Fort De Roovere, Holland
London 2012 Velodrome (Drive past it every week, nearly forgot how beautiful it is)
Becks – Green Box Project
One Thousand Cranes for Japan
The Carbon Black Wheelchair by Andrew Slorance

The Category award winners and the overall winner will be announced at an event in April. But the show runs until July 15^th, so get down there.

Here at Sister we love nothing more than settling down with a good book. Imagine us sitting in a leather armchair with a roaring fire… that’s not quite us, but it’s a great image. Here are a few reviews from the team:

‘Salmon Fishing in the Yemen’ by Paul Torday
‘When he asked to become involved in a project to create a salmon river in the highlands of the Yemen, fisheries scientist Dr Alfred Jones rejects the idea as absurd. But the proposal catches the eye of several senior British politicians. And so Fred finds himself forced to set aside his research and instead figure out how to fly 10,000 salmon to a desert country.’

It’s taken me a while to get round to reading this book, but seeing as the film is released this Summer, I thought it was about time. So I started....... Ok, I know there’s a bit of a clue in the title but I didn’t actually think it would be about salmon fishing that much, or be so scientific. (A short history of tractors in the Ukraine is not a historical text about tractors). I now feel I’m an expert on whether salmon can be farmed in any particular climate across the world and can back it up with scientific reports.  Aside from this, and the extra knowledge about Salmon fishing that is now taking up some of my brain, this book has some great comical moments and of course a tragic tone to it in the story of lost love. Looking forward to seeing the film featuring Brit/Hollywood heavyweights Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt out this Summer – let’s hope they capture the comedy and tragedy.

By Sarah Mole

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
I’ve read Murakami’s book before but this one is just beautiful. The way he writes, how he describes situations, landscapes, feelings. I read the book in two days and I am already missing Naoko and Toru, the main characters. I bought the movie the other day ‘cause I liked the book so much, and although I know it won’t be anywhere near as good as the book I am quite curious to see it.

By Lucia

Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell
I recently finished reading George Orwell's 'down and out in Paris and London'; a true account of his days living on the streets in the early 20th century. It's a really interesting read and a window into another world. It's the second time I've read this book; I love the way George Orwell writes. Next on my list is 'the fountainhead' by Ayn Rand. I don't know yet what it's about, I bought it because it features in dirty dancing (the scene where baby tips a jug of water down Robbie's front in the breakfast room).

By Nicole

City of Thieves by David Benioff
I read this book thanks to my mother, she’s a period drama kind of person so I was skeptical at first.

It’s a story about two young men trapped in Leningrad during the second world war, they both commit petty crimes and are sent on a dangerous mission as punishment; collecting eggs. But in a city cut off from all supplies and suffering unbelievable deprivation this is not an easy job.

In all honesty this is one of the best books I have read. David Benioff is by trade a screenwriter, so the book is very cinematic and flows brilliantly. It’s easy to visualize the characters and surroundings and it’s exciting from start to end.  Next up is the Historian.

By Adam

‘When God was a Rabbit’ by Sarah Winman
This book is told from the perspective of Ellie, from a young girl to becoming an older woman. It is written much like an autobiographical account. The account tells the story of her life; her close relationship with her brother, and her friendship with a girl named Penny.

The novel ranges from being laugh-out-loud funny, to being extremely sad. I found the book a bit strange, but enjoyed the unpredictability of the novel. The way Winman tells the story paints very clear images of locations and descriptions.

By Katie

Traffic People hosted a press preview of the stunning AW12 and high summer collections last week in the Kingly Court shop.  Over 65 media attended on the day including fashion editors and stylists from Elle, Cosmopolitan, Company, Glamour online, Marie Claire and In Style. The Powder Puff Girls were on hand to pamper and preen guests with mini-manicures and up-dos, and champagne was served in vintage teacups, prohibition style.  We can’t wait to wear the fabulous Grey Gardens inspired AW12 collection in September (only 8 months to wait!)

Here at the Sister towers we receive many things in the post, and this is by far our favourite. A knights helmet, that’s right, a knights helmet. The question is who is your knight in shining armor, any of us?