A New Look

Wonderland Soup is now one month old and, as a sort of celebration, we've abandoned our default blogger template in favour of a slightly more tailored design. It is based around a fabric or wallpaper designed by CFA Voysey in about 1920-1930.

Born in 1857, architect and designer Charles Voysey was influenced by William Morris who we have mentioned previously. His Alice design is directly based on Tenniel's illustrations and was apparently very popular for quite some time after its initial creation.

We very much hope that you think we have changed for the better and would love to have some feedback from you so, if you have an opinion on our new look, please do leave a comment.

Alice in Wonderland 1903

The first ever film version of Alice in Wonderland was made in 1903 and directed by Cecil Hepworth. Only one copy survives which the BFI (British Film Institute) has recently restored. There are parts missing and the whole thing has rather a battered, beaten up look, but we like to think that this adds to its charm.



And, for contrast, we've included this preview of Alice on the iPad. In the last hundred years there have been huge changes and developments in technology, yet Alice endures.

Ceramic Wonders

If you happen to have the good fortune to find yourself in Berlin, you should make an effort to visit Kuen Keramik, who make a marvellous selection of gorgeous, wonky, distinctive ceramics; including a range named 'Alice'.

'Franz' is equally fantastic.

'Karlos' includes a choice of teapots and appetizer dishes.

They have a beautiful (or is it gruesome?) set of ceramic handles.

And they also make the most astonishing ceramic playing cards.

You can also monogram your walls or spell out the names of your favourite fictional characters from the range of golden letters.

Kuen Keramik

Fasanenstr. 58

10719 Berlin

opening hours: Tu to Fri 9 am to 5 pm

There Goes Bill!

Poor old Bill the Lizard has a tough time in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Not only is he propelled out of the White Rabbit's chimney, but he also has his pencil stolen, gets ink thrown at him and is stuffed, upside down into a jury box. All of which makes him one of the most endearing, sympathetic minor characters in the book. So, to show our support for the hapless Bill, we've put together an outfit in his honour.

Bill the Lizard as depicted by Tenniel and Disney

Our Bill would certainly wear a hat so we're starting our lizardly ensemble with a classic herringbone flat cap from Charles Tyrwhitt, a cheeky wool blend cap from Esprit and a ribbed trim flat cap from Ted Baker.

We love the outrageous style of the ultra-reptilian Snake Skin Blazer from River Island, but also appreciate the more subtle qualities of Esprit's Blazer with Snake Skin Lining.

New Look has a Snake Skin Tunic Dress and, for what might be the most rock n' roll twin set ever, there's even a matching cardigan.

Emulate Disney's Bill with a green (mock?) turtleneck from GAP or Uniqlo.

Get Snake Skin Leggings from La Redoute or ASOS.

These fantastic Snake Effect Wedges come from River Island and the Leather Snakeskin Shoe Boots are from Topshop.

For some fabulous accessories, have a look at the Here Be Monsters Scaly Pinback Buttons, or this amazing Bronze Chameleon Skull Pendant/Ring which looks as though it's eating your finger. The Articulated Lizard Skull Pendant is also marvellous and the Green Lizard Cthulu Eye Ring is just incredible.

And of course, there must also be art, so Wonderland Soup recommends Cavalier by Beaumont Studio.

*No lizards were harmed during the making of this post*