On the 60th anniversary of India’s constitution, artist Jitish Kallat discusses some of his country’s most political art shocased in an entralling exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London.

Contemporary art lovers take note – Opera Gallery will be hosting Inner Space, the first London exhibition of artists Sas and Colin Christian.

The American-based partners have gained significant recognition worldwide, and their latest exhibition is set to take art lovers on an unforgettable journey into one’s subconscious.

Sas is a self-taught painter who couples tongue-in-cheek humour and Harajaku influences with strong imagery of “flirty, punk, Catholic and damaged, but not broken girls” to create vibrant oil portraits. Her husband, Colin, crafts extraordinary fiberglass sculptures inspired by old sci-fi films, pin-up girls and anime. Since 2004, Colin has used silicone to take cartoon realism to the next level, translating line drawing into stunning 3D reality.

From 3 Feb, 2010. Opera Gallery London, 134 New Bond Street, London W1S 2TF;  Tel : (+44) 0207 491 2999; Email: london@operagallery.com

Contemporary jeweller Mark Woods’s showstopping creations are coveted by style lovers across the world.

His latest works, set to be unveiled tomorrow, are the result of an exclusive collaboration with Jules Wright, creative director and founder of London’s Wapping Project. To Have and to Hold reveals Woods’ personal collection of provocative fetish items handcrafted from gold, silver and platinum, and adorned with diamonds, rubies and amber. Each piece speaks of Woods’ fascination with the female form and reflects his extraordinary creativity.

Visitors view the objects via peepholes designed to evoke a sense of voyeurism. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the haunting chords of a melody by Scottish composer, choreographer and filmmaker Billy Cowie and writer Deborah Levy.

In the words of Wright, this immersive experience is designed to “disturb, delight and generate desire”.

‘To Have and to Hold’, 15 December 2009-31 January 2010. The Wapping Project, Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SG.

Award-winning photographer, Jillian Edelstein, is renowned for her showstopping snapshots and portraits of personalities that include the likes of Kate Moss, Nelson Mandela, and Woody Allen.

Her latest work has seen her team up with Sony Ericsson and Vodafone to celebrate the launch of the Sony Ericsson Satio handset, which was recently unveiled. Edelstein was commissioned to capture the beauty of 121 eyes in merely 12.1 hours, and the resulting images form part of the current digital exhibition, Eyes Wide Open.

Jillian personally selected the 61 members of the public from all walks of life, and invited them to an invitation-only Satio studio photoshoot which took place earlier this month at Vodafone’s London Westfield store.

Eyes Wide Open shifts our gaze away from the world of famous faces and unveils the beauty which hides beneath the eyes of the everyday.

Claudia Schiffer and Nadja Swarovski. Image courtesy of Swarovski.

From London to New York, celebrities have recently been lighting snowflakes to help spread UNICEF’s message of hope, peace and compassion for children during the festive season.

Lucy Liu lit the handcrafted UNICEF USA Snowflake, during a special ceremony held in front of the Louis Vuitton Fifth Avenue store in New York, which was broadcast live the Spectacolor CNN billboard in Times Square.

‘As a native New Yorker I always look forward to seeing the UNICEF Snowflake light up Fifth Avenue,’ Liu remarked. ‘It reminds me that every day, there are 24,000 children worldwide dying from preventable causes. I am especially proud to support UNICEF and their commitment to change that number to zero.’

Over in London, UNICEF UK Ambassador Claudia Schiffer joined Nadja Swarovski at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge in occasion of the lighting of the Swarovski Crystal Snowflake designed by Ingo Maurer. For the second year running, Swarovski has collaborated with UNICEF, and as Nadja Swarovski remarked, ‘We are…thrilled that we can help such a worthy cause.’

The London light-up was followed by a cocktail reception that included a live auction conducted by Sotheby’s that helped raise funds for UNICEF.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. © Kevin Mazur/2009 Kevin Mazur.

Asprey recently unveiled the Protector Collection of fine jewellery and silver objets created in collaboration with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

This limited collection comprises of black diamond and emerald pavé rings, jewelled pendants, earrings and bracelets, as well as silver pieces that include a children’s tooth box and an egg cup.

Each creation is inspired by serpentine forms which hold special meaning for Jolie. During her first pregnancy, Jolie was given a snake ring to guard her and her unborn child.

Each handcrafted piece is made in Asprey’s flagship boutique at New Bond Street, London. The net proceeds from the sale of this collection will be donated to the Education Partnership For Children of Conflict, an initiative which brings together over 30 non-profit organizations which support children affected by conflicts and natural disasters across the world.

Discussing the purpose of the charity with WWD, Angelina said: ” These are the children who most need a safe place to learn, a place to heal, a place to learn reconciliation, a place to build a better future and a place — to just be children. Yet the education for these children is often forgotten. Tens of millions of children and adolescents in conflict are not in school.”

The Protector Collection is currently available at Asprey’s boutiques in London, New York, Beverly Hills, Tokyo and Dubai.

Asprey, 167 New Bond St, London, W1S 4AY. T: (+44) 870 905 0767.

British avant-garde design house Fredrikson Stallard is set to inaugurate its latest display Gasoline Gardens at London’s David Gill Galleries.

The exhibit features fifteen porcelain vases created in collaboration with traditional Chinese porcelain makers and a UK airbrushing artist, effortlessly fusing two contrasting cultures to create astonishing contemporary design.

According to the designers, “We are creating a cultural collision. But in both cases the work is about status. In China, the vase was a symbol of power and wealth and in 20th century America, the car fulfilled the same role. But while the Chinese decorated their vases with dragons and flames, the American hot rod painters went for sexy girls and smoke.”

Each unique vase is layered with differing imagery as sinuous girls emerge from flames, smoke, and streaks of silver.

Gasoline Gardens, 20 November-22 December 2009. David Gill Galleries, 3 Loughborough Street, London SE11 5RB. T: (+44) 0207 793 1100.

Iranian artists are making waves in the international art scene by drawing upon the rich history and traditions of their native country. Exploring conflicts between modernism and tradition, the artists are painting the paradoxes of contemporary life, providing rare insight into their social and cultural evolution.

Acknowledging the growing interest in Iranian art, London’s Opera Gallery is hosting an unmissable exhibit of prominent Iranian artists including Alireza Fani, Reza Derakshani, Yasmina Alaoui and Marco Guerra.

Until 10 December, 2009. Opera Gallery, 134 New Bond Street, London W1S 2TF, UK.

Image courtesy of Markus Klinko & Indrani

Look out Paris and Nicole, here’s a socialite who not only has a massive fan base, but is throwing the party of year – across the globe. She’s one fine feline with a celebrity following including Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani and electro-pop diva Lady Gaga, who recently did a photo shoot paying tribute to the idol. Muse to designers Anna Sui, Christian Dior and Betsey Johnson, this trendsetter is Japan’s most high-profile ambassador. Having just celebrated her 35th anniversary on November 1, Hello Kitty is the purrfect icon of our generation.

“Hello Kitty is an icon of Japanese pop culture with a growing international following,” said Dr. Valerie Steele, Director and Chief Curator of The Museum of Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. The iconic cartoon character with a signature red bow has captivated people since she was conceived by Japanese designer firm Sanrio and made her 1974 debut on a coin purse.

This year, Hello Kitty celebrates her 35th anniversary with a European tour. Kicking off in London, the festivities begin with high tea followed by a fashion show at Sketch. Harrods will also be hosting a signing with Yuko Yamaguchi, Hello Kitty’s official designer. Across the globe, festivities are planned at Paris’ Galeries Lafayette, Milan’s Camomilla, Barcelona’s Noguera, and Stockholm’s H&M. It’s no wonder Hello Kitty has such a fashionable following!

Shoppers who can’t get enough of Hello Kitty can stock up on birthday memorabilia such as collectable dolls, retro pouches, and a five-piece Swarovski set. Culture connoisseurs can explore Hello Kitty’s history with Sanrio’s bi-coastal gallery exhibition, featuring iconic products, art and limited edition pieces. Here’s to one cool cat that isn’t afraid to make a loud statement.

Visit Kitty35.com for more information about Hello Kitty’s 35th Anniversary

Breaking away from the sometimes predictable and mundane world of museums and galleries, modern art is imprinting its mark on our everyday spaces. An artistic global phenomenon that is becoming evermore popular, it is one which heightens the level of interactivity between the individual and art and brings art closer to the masses.

Saatchi Online artist Stephanie Imbeau’s latest artistic creation, Shelter, recently made an appearance outside the headquarters of Channel 4 in Westminster, London. Constructed from over 1,000 multicoloured discarded umbrellas and shaped to form the Channel 4 logo, it is a perfect example of how the street meets art to create street art.

“In my mind, the main distinguishing factor of public art is context.  It exists alongside our everyday lives,” Imbeau commented, “My aim is for my art to have a positive and enjoyable impact on people, even if that impact is as small as a quick smile.”

The installation was the winning submission of Channel 4’s BIG4 public art competition held earlier this year, which was launched to find a fourth art work to complete a series of new commissions in which artists, worked with the company’s logo.

X-Factor: Budget chic

The buzz: The latest addition to the Soho House Group, the 39-room Dean Street Townhouse offers luxury accommodation on a shoestring. Guests are treated to a healthy dose of culture with the hotel’s eclectic blend of hand-picked soundtracks and personal art collections.

Must-do: Tuck in at the hotel’s intimate Dining Room that offers simple yet tasteful seasonal British cuisine.

Icing on the cake: The natural Cowshed products in the bathrooms and the hand-painted Georgian wallpapers are what make this hotel all about the details.

Out and About: Head to Yauatcha for some delectable dim sum and stop by Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club to hear some of the finest jazz performances in the city.

Visit www.deanstreettownhouse.com for more information.

Lacoste + Campanas 2009 Holiday Collection. Courtesy of Lacoste

Lacoste is the latest maison to have embraced the growing eco-trend, unveiling its latest 2009 Holiday collection of polos created in collaboration with São-Paolo based design house, Campanas Brothers.

There are two limited editions in the Campanas + Lacoste series, each inspired by the flora and fauna of the Amazon and featuring the iconic Lacoste crocodile logo in various sizes.  In addition, a super limited edition collection will be made to order with only 12 men’s and 12 women’s editions available.

All polos have been created in cooperation with Coopa-Roca, a socially conscious organization dedicated to the upliftment of impoverished craftswomen and seamstresses in the Rocinha favela of Rio de Janeiro. As Fernando and Humberto Campana explain, “We always wanted to give attention to the richness of Brazilian popular culture and the creativity of our country’s handcrafts. By working with the community organization Coopa-Rooca, we support serious projects and give the people chance to increase their self-esteem.”

In London, the collections will be retailing at Selfridges as part of the store’s ‘Evolution’ theme for the season, which celebrates the bi-centenary of the birth of Charles Darwin and 150 years since The Origins of the Species was published.