Any writer on the Gould trail needs a touch of their subject's savvy and scepticism Peter Ostwald is aware of the complexities But the symbolic frisson is not his field. To twiddle our dials, he said, is to assert the value of "aesthetic narcissism"."Gould created a living legend of himself", the author of this new biography writes. A hypochondriac, his frantic phone calls described how he had contracted the symptoms of "sub-clinical polio".Glenn Gould's eccentricities were as famous as his playing. A pianist with an extreme style, he gave up public performance to present himself through recordings He encouraged listeners to interfere with his recorded work. As was his chair: 14 inches high, upholstery burst, weight born by his genitals resting on the crossbar. The Trish McEvoy Counter at Harvey Nichols (0171- 235 2691) The planners sell like hot cakes, so give Father Christmas plenty of notice.. Glenn Gould: the ecstasy and tragedy of genius by Peter Ostwald WW Norton, pounds 20 He grimaced, he sang, he hummed.
He conducted himself with whichever hand wasn't occupied at the keyboard His position, arms level with the keys, was eccentric. Trish McEvoy Beauty Planner, a bag with custom-fitted goodies, comes in two sizes and promises to end make-up nightmares as well as save you money. Her experts will sort out all the slap you need and tuck it safely into a smart black patent make-up "Filofax" Planners from pounds 24 to pounds 31 without make-up. This and other Samantha Heskia bags available at Browns, Mimi and a la mode in London.) Finally, the most talked-about make-up bag from America is finally in the UK.
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In bridle leather, brown, stone, camel and green at pounds 800 Fabric vanity bag in black at pounds 460. Popular in black crushed velvet, it can be found in House of Fraser nationally and in plain velvet from Liberty.For the ultimate indulgence, Tanner Krolle, Britain's best kept secret in luxury leather goods has, after 140 years, finally opened a shop. (Screenface locations: 20 & 24 Powis Terrace, London W11 0171- 221-8289 and 48 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden, London WC2. 0171-836 3955).For affordable elegance, Dollargrand's velvet zip make-up bag is both gorgeous and functional. Other favourites are black mesh bags designed to hold and dry damp shampoo bottles, soaps, sponges, etc.
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