The Beat That My Heart Skipped – A blog dedicated to daily design inspirations. By Rohini Wahi.

Can you believe Autumn/Winter is being previewed already??? How depressing! As promised, here are a few sneak previews of what is to hit the stores later this year from M&S’s homewares range. They showed a lot of Indian inspired soft furnishings in hues of purples, dark blues and reds, I just couldn’t bring myself to upload such riots of colour onto my blog so there are no images of those…sorry. Besides these muted natural colours spoke more of ‘cosy days’ to me. Some nice lines and shapes here to create calm snuggly environments. I love the mossy cushion below made up of tiny lily pad shaped fabrics. They served mini king prawn salads with pomegranate dressing and cauliflower fritters with chilli dip. No where NEAR as exciting as their Summer Fete, but then I guess nothing is after you’ve been exposed to waitresses in old-fashioned swimming outfits and balloon animals on demand!

I tried to write this last night but my internet connection was determined to ruin my evening. I was trying to tell you that I had baked squash and linconshire sausages from our local butchers for dinner (seems a bit pointless now…sounded a lot more exciting last night.)

Also we are now the proud owners of this Electrolux cylinder cleaner, which is the Russian doll baby of this GOD of vacuum cleaners. The Electrolux Ultrasilencer is one of the world’s quietest vacuum cleaners, and is inspired by Electrolux’s Scandi roots.

I have a major crush on well-designed appliances. If I was Elizabeth Bennet the Ultasilencer would be my Mr.Darcy……..ok that sounds a bit wrong!

Anyway, after that random post, I am off to the M&S A/W Homewares preview. Will post pictures when back. Can’t wait!

Linus Ricard shot the previous fashion images for Pia Stanchina. I loved what he did with her work, rendering it completely emotional.

When I linked through Pia’s website to his, what I saw scared the crap out of me. It made me want to avert my eyes quickly and I felt a panicked feeling rise up inside – I couldn’t help but look again. I have a degree in photography but can honestly say I have never seen a photograph that made me feel the way Linus’ did. Especially not a fashion photograph. I love how his pieces have a thick smoky quality to them, it’s almost more about what you can’t see than about what you can. Reminds me of the Swedish horror film ‘Let the Right one In’. Totally emotional imagery. (I can’t bring myself to post the darkest ones – check it out for yourself!)

I would love to see how his work could translate into interiors…

Went to pay a long overdue visit to my friend Pia Stanchina and her gorgeous baby Mira today, who literally is the coolest, most chilled baby ever. And I can tell she’s going to be a funny one! Mind-blowing how at just 5 months, a baby can totally radiate individuality. Pia and I were talking about how long humans take to grow and learn, compared to animals who just get up and go the second they are born…but I guess that’s why humans are such complex characters, and you can tell by Mira’s gaze that she’s got it all going on. Wierd, i really liked her as a person, is that strange because she’s a baby? I wana be her friend!

Anyway I digress…Pia graduated last year from Central St Martins with a degree in fashion and has just started her own label. Her work is just breathtaking and ethereal. I couldn’t even imagine being able to take what she has created from concept to completion…it’s so otherworldly. Check out this beautiful shoot showcasing her work, all styled by the clever Pia. More info to come on the photographer…

Digitally printed 100% natural silk organza top.

Handsewn 100% natural silk gazar coat, with digitally printed 100% natural silk organza petals hand-embroidered.

100% natural fibers draped jersey t-shirt and Digitally printed 100% natural silk organza and gazar skirt.

Digitally printed 100% natural silk organza and gazar tunic.

Porcelain Bird Bowl by Coe and Walto, Shop Horne