Mylène is a French art director, currently based in London. She’s currently art director for the books and gifts lists at Laurence King Publishing, part of Orion/Hachette UK.
I've been photographing the chefs of London's Chinatown for the past three years – both in the kitchen and in their breaks, smoking a quick cigarette. Most people come here for the many Chinese restaurants, but it's really the hub for the vibrant Chinese community in London.
An Amazonian blend of plants and vines spill from it's interiors, complimenting the concrete architecture that surrounds it. A nod towards films such as Logan's Run, the conservatory forms an almost utopian sci-fi environment.
I love this building and always visit if I’m in the area to look at their great window displays, travel up in the beautiful wood paneled lift and wander down the creaky oak staircase. The exterior and interior woodwork is from two old Men-of-War ships, the flooring made from their deck timbers. I normally head straight to the fabric department to see what new seasonal prints they have in, though only buy a metre’s worth so not quite sure what I’ll ever make from them. My most treasured prints are those designed by Grayson Perry of polluted factories, teddy bears, knuckle-dusters and hand grenades. They also sell oversized gift coins produced by the Royal Mint and packaged beautifully in a velvet pouch, which appeal to my love of all things out-sized.