The Fashion Birdcage

BOY LONDON '1984' Release

2011-11-29T13:20:00.001+11:00

The new BOY LONDON range can now be whipped up from their online store.

The collection includes the classic BOY prints, baseball caps, repeat pattern sweats, vests + leggings as well as a new '1984' tee never before released.

BOY LONDON

Maayan Keret: Transcending Fleeting Trends

2011-11-24T16:35:00.001+11:00

You may have seen or heard of Israeli model Maayan Keret before, but her name is being buzzed about now more than ever. While the model began her career at just 15 years old, two decades later, she is still making a huge impact on the fashion world, and signing with Verbmodels will only add momentum to her quickly-expanding career.

The flame-tressed redhead walked the runway for designers like Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Yohji Yamamoto, Kenzo, YSL, and more during her teen years, and earned her name with editorials in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire. The fashion world was captured by her gaze and her abilities change personas with every click of the camera.

Matan Uziel, Senior Executive at Verbmodels, has watched Keret's career blossom again over the past year. In an industry where "retirement" is a word spoken for models in their mid-twenties, Keret eschews the standard and uses her timeless beauty and poise to remain in demand. From her teenage years into her adulthood, Maayan Keret has transcended the fleeting trends of the modeling world and sees no end in sight to a successful career.

A dedicated mother and a successful author, Keret's impressive recent work includes editorials in magazines such as KURV, QVEST Edition and FAULT, a cover for BLINK magazine, and a very special upcoming project with a Film Noir theme by FAULT magazine, to debut in just weeks.

Maayan Keret has seen a rare burst in career after modeling for 20 years, a true testament to her beauty and timeless presence on the page. She couldn't be happier with her decision to sign with Verbmodels.

"Verbmodels headed by Matan Uziel is a place where the impossible turns to possible. Working with Matan, I always feel I'm not just another pretty face, but am treated with respect and care and all my concerns are addressed with the utmost of professionalism. Coming back to the modeling world after so many years, it's fun to see my agent share the excitement with me, it drives me forward", said Keret.

"Maayan is deifinitely an amazing person but also knows quite a lot about fashion. I couldn't be more proud of my agency when she is a part of it. I feel the vibe and know we can make some great projects and build Maayan an even better career amongst each other. I’m really glad that I’m being paired with someone like her and will do my best to make sure she has the best possible care", said Uziel.

Matan Uziel, whose dedication to replacing unhealthy weight standards with healthy body image at Verbmodels, proves that healthy can be the most beautiful with this latest contract. Verbmodels has been adding more international models to its roster since 2009, and the agency continues to expands its reach through new contracts and blossoming partnerships with worldwide publications and fashion brands. The agency is about to establish its new website soon. Look for more work from Maayan Keret in the upcoming months and the continued expansion of Verbmodels.

<3

LuLu*s Indie Rock Album Giveaway Launch

2011-11-24T14:42:00.001+11:00

Lulus.com, an internationally renowned fashion ecommerce site, announced today the launch of its newest customer giveaway, marrying fashion and music with an exciting indie rock music album.

LuLu*s partnered with a host of up-and-coming bands to put out a downloadable compilation to give its customers, a small token of their gratitude for continued support of their fashion-forward, price-driven ecommerce site.

Music and fashion have always gone hand-in-hand – from the days at CBGBs to Florence and the Machine. Clothing is like an extension of the artist and LuLu*s thinks this reigns true for every young fashionista trying to make her mark in the world.

LuLu*s co-founders Debra Cannon and Colleen Winter want to inspire their customers by sharing some of their team’s favorite music on this eclectic downloadable album. The compilation, which will be given as a thank you to each customer who places an order on Lulus.com, will be available for a month beginning Nov. 2. After placing their order, customers will receive a special code with their merchandise that allows them to download the album for free. LuLu*s will also feature exclusive band interviews on their blog in conjunction with the album’s release.

“Because we appreciate our customers so much here at LuLu*s, we really want to give something back to our fans to say 'thank you' in a way that is both innovative and fun,” Winter said. “Fashion is often influenced by art, music and other creative outlets and we think a great way to continue that trend is to let our customers be inspired by some amazing up-and-coming artists that will compliment their fall fashions.”

Featured on the album are Saskatchewan, Warm Weather, Said the Whale, Light Vibes, Thao & Mirah, Ski Lodge, The Make, and Empress Hotel. Each band holds a special place in the LuLu*s team members’ hearts.

“I wanted the music to feel like that transition from fall to winter, because that's when I knew we would be putting out the album,” said Cara Fox-Galassi, LuLu*s brand specialist. “I love the dreamy, melodic feel that the beginning bands on the album have and then transitioning to Thao and Mirah and The Make who bring in more of an upbeat rock vibe.”

LuLu*s designer-inspired fashions are on the cutting edge, without cutting a hole in anyone’s budgets. LuLu*s especially appreciates the young woman who wants to be unique and trendy. And now with this new album, all she has to do is add headphones to her ensemble!

LuLu*s was conceived with the concept that fashion should be unique to the consumer and should provide exceptional value, quality and fuss-free customer service. LuLu*s fashionistas can mix and match the classics with key trendy pieces to really create a look that is unique and individualistic. Many of the items are purchased in limited quantities and often are delivered directly from the designers’ studios. LuLu*s offers an array of clothing, shoes and accessories, ranging from designer names like BB Dakota, Jeffrey Campbell, Mink Pink, Aryn K, Motel, Obey and more.

lulus.com

Youthful Innocence ...

2011-11-21T15:50:00.001+11:00

Inspiredby youthful innocence, KATIE MAY's Spring 2012 collection is a mustfor your wardrobe this season.

With asoft palette and delicate fabrics, the aesthetic is driven by astrong signature which focuses on all things feminine. Structuredpieces in luxurious tweed are juxtaposed with nymphet-like dresses inthe most fragile of laces … this collection is definitely one tocovet.

katiemay.net

I'll Take Mine Modern. With a Hint of Nostalgia ...

2011-11-21T14:42:00.001+11:00

Los Angeles designer, ANI LEE, hasproduced her Spring 2012 collection full of inspiration taken fromthe temperamental Spanish culture. Bullfights represent thedangerous and powerful woman, while also portraying a devastatingvulnerability …

This romantic collection features anethereal colour palette with an aesthetic to flatter the feminineform, with hints of nostalgic 1940s in the form of distinct designelements such as Peter Pan collars, halter straps and heavy shirring.

ani-lee.com

my-wardrobe.com presents the final D&G collection for SS12

2011-11-15T15:04:00.001+11:00

my-wardrobe.com, the leading online retailer of ‘everyday luxury’ is delighted to present the final D&G collection for Spring Summer 2012.

A grand finale reminiscent of the legendary D&G archive, the much anticipated last collection by the dynamic duo will no doubt leave a mark in fashion history.

Famed for their flamboyant, sexy and immensely successful main line, Domenic Dolce and Stefano Gabbana set out to launch a younger, fresher diffusion line in 1994 to critical accalaim, setting a benchmark for contemporary and sensual designs.

Heavily influenced by the D&G heritage, the final Pre Spring/Summer 2012 is a whirl of colourful feminine flair, capturing the signature alluring spirit of the D&G brand. Traditional silk scarves are expertly morphed into gowns, boxy tops, jackets, pants and wedges, easily paired back with chambray denim and 50’s swimsuits in the D&G ocelot print fit for a siren.

From key pieces of their infamous contoured dresses with ocelot lining, to chic pencil skirts, delicate blouses with chain detailing, bold floral suiting and decadent cocktail dresses. The final collection is accentuated by fabulous accessories too – court shoes, vampy stilettos, scarf print wedges and vibrant leather bags.

It’s the end of a fashion era as we bid farewell to D&G. It’s been a phenomenally successful brand, loved for its chic, feminine collections. This range will be a last chance for the my-wardrobe shoppers to buy a piece of the much-loved line of the Italian powerhouse that is D&G.
- Luisa De Paula, the my-wardrobe.com Buying and Merchandising Director.

The final D&G ready-to-wear, bags, shoes and accessories collection for Spring Summer 2012 is available to buy at my-wardrobe.com from January 2012.

my-wardrobe.com

KYMERAH Floats into S/S 2012

2011-11-15T13:36:00.001+11:00

Brooklyn based label, KYMERAH, has produced a SS 2012 collection featuring quality and luscious fabrics, with a strong focus on the feminine aesthetic. Designer Daniel Feld is the man behind the brand, and since completing his studies at FIT, worked with some of the world's most influential designers such as Donna Karan and Zac Posen.

Here is a small selection from his collection which I know the ladies here will absolutely love!

The Signet Bureau Introduces Nevada Duffy To The Mix

2011-10-26T12:49:00.003+11:00

The Signet Bureau, 165 Gertrude Street Fitzroy

The Signet Bureau is much more than a fashion boutique situated in Fitzroy's creative district. Since its inception in 2004 it has provided people of style a one-stop shopping destination for immaculate clothing and footwear.

Nevada Duffy: SS11/12 Collection

Fitzroy-based designer, Nevada Duffy, is the latest addition to The Signet Bureau family of talented designers. Duffy is recognised for her experimental yet practical designs. Since launching her eponymous label in the late 1990s the aesthetic has been consistently sleek and structured with a strong focus on a bold and modern identity, while respecting their past lives.

Nevada Duffy draws inspiration from music and personal memories.

Nevada Duffy: SS11/12 Collection

With Nevada Duffy joining the retail mix, Melbournians are invited to share the passion, craftsmanship and spirit that comes from experiencing fashion with design integrity (and is beautiful to wear).

DESIGNERS @ THE SIGNET BUREAU

Preston Zly Design,

Robyn Black,

MM Sohn

and now

Nevada Duffy.

THE SIGNET BUREAU

Schwarzer Reiter Fashionshow "Seductive Timeout" Video Is here, baby!

2011-10-21T18:38:00.002+11:00

World of Schwarzer Reiter

The vision and ambition of Schwarzer Reiter is to haul up amorous adventures from the dodgy underground milieu and to revive them with dignified style, indulgence and finesse.

Please enjoy SEDUCTION TIMEOUT by Berlin luxury erotic lifestyle brand, Schwarzer Reiter ...

E x

SCHWARZER REITER

"Crossing the Line" for VOGUE Portugal Anniversary Issue November 2011

2011-10-13T23:33:00.000+11:00

The Team

Model: Anne Sophie Monrad @ Modelwerk, Hamburg

Photographer: Benjamin Kanarek

Creative Directors: Benjamin Kanarek & Frédérique Renaut

Video Director: Frédérique Renaut

Fashion Editor: Nick Cox

Make Up by Topolino @ Calliste, Paris

Hair by Rita Dell’ Orco @ www.ritadellorco.com

Manicure by Kamel @ B-Agency Prop Stylist:

Ana Carage @ www.dessinemoiunevitrine.com

Digital Retouching Freddy Baby, Paris

Photo Assistants: Florent Vindimian, Clara Long Stylist

Assistants: Amy Li, Mathilde Drach

Make Up Assistant: Vichika Yorn

BENJAMIN KANAREK

Artist Rafal Karcz Fuses Art with Photography

2011-10-13T22:06:00.000+11:00

The current exhibition focuses both the artist's and viewers' attention on various iterations of human faces, one of the traditional genres of art history. Frequently de-populated and executed with the artist's characteristic somber palette of rather monochromatic colors, Karcz's faces create an evocative atmosphere that is simultaneously disquieting, banal, and even, on occasions, gloomy or sinister. His fleeting glimpses of these motives are often ambiguous - both artist and viewer participate in the viewing of the scene and yet are somehow also clearly excluded from belonging in them...
- Albert Wang, art curator, IAO PROJECTS, Salt Lake City, USA

Polish artist Rafal Karcz's artwork is nothing short of eclectic. His aesthetic displays a mix of pop art and expressionist influences depicted both in his technique and subject matter. His approach is a refreshing take on the use of watercolors, acrylic, dark ink and soft lines of graphite, resulting in an abstract avant garde style.

visions painted on the old films, drowned in a fabulous spectacle of color. The association with photography emerges almost immediately. (Karzc)

The artist's postmodern vision encapsulates the concept of the condition of the contemporary person - the characters fuse into the cultural background. "They are also very diverse, often lost, and constantly seeking inspiration" (Karcz).

The work portrays the artist's worldview, one which embraces his Polish heritage and questions the "mentality of the contemporary human being and the condition of his emotions."

You can see more or his artwork here:

STREFA A
GALERIE SANDHOFER
BORN+BUSSE

Andrea Yasmin: Summer Sleek and Sophistication

2011-09-30T15:37:00.000+10:00

The sleek and sophisticated style of Andrea Yasmin can be enjoyedby the women of Australia with the launch of its new website.

Spring/Summer highlights include kimono style tops in prints or emeraldthat layer over short tube skirts, skinny or wide leg trousers. Kaftaninspired designs are cut from silk to layer over separates or swimwear and ofcourse there is the great shift dress to sculpt the body.

ANDREA YASMIN

IDLE YOUTH - MILLIE COCKTON SS12

2011-09-29T20:02:00.000+10:00

British Designer Millie Cockton has released an amazing film for her Spring Summer 2012 Collection called IDLE YOUTH.

Check it out!

MILLIE COCKTON

Ziad Ghanem SS2012 London Fashion Week Highlights

2011-09-29T15:25:00.000+10:00

Image Courtesy Kris Atomic

In true theatrical style, ZIAD GHANEM presented his exciting Spring/Summer 2012 collection at London Fashion Week. The cult couturier did not disappoint! Splashes of paint, men in skirts, amazing retro touches, and absolutely inspiring. The following as some of my favourite images from his catwalk show

Enjoy! x

Image Courtesy Kris Mitchell

The amazing Mr Pustra ...

Image Courtesy Kris Atomic

This girl was absolutely gorgeous!

Image Courtesy Kris Atomic

Image Courtesy Kris Mitchell

ZIAD GHANEM

Bluecaravan: Handmade, Fairtrade, Eco-sustainable Design

2011-09-29T14:22:00.000+10:00

Heyboom Shoulder Bag

Since its launch just over a year ago, vendor of contemporary ethical fashion and product design Bluecaravan, has become the largest online marketplace of its kind. The concept was developed by Byron Bay local Jen Djula with the belief that beautifully designed products are the best catalyst to shift the modern consumer towards sustainability. Visitors to Bluecaravan are inspired by aesthetics as much as principles, and buyers are flocking to the online store to satisfy a rapidly growing desire for high quality products with a difference.

Urban Messenger - German army blanket and leather

While retail sales are down globally, Bluecaravan witnesses increased trade. The principle of the site is to facilitate a direct consumer/designer relationship that is as sustainable as the seller’s production practice itself. ‘Our customers come away with the knowledge that they have purchased something that has an intrinsic value through its own unique story,’ says Djula of the Bluecaravan experience, ‘it’s a very different take on retail that has not been developed to this scale before.’

The Bluecaravan community grows, and services offered by the store continue to expand. The intimate nature of the site has led most Bluecaravan sellers to now offer gift wrapping and hand-written notes to send on behalf of the buyer. In fact gift-gifting has become a significant aspect of the site. It seems that having a connection with the creators of the beautiful objects they’re purchasing is as tantalising for many customers as the objects themselves.

Vinyl Living Frog Tote

Bluecaravan is at the forefront of a new retail movement that transcends fast paced trends and focuses on contemporary ideas and concepts. Vogue, Marie Claire and Frankie are just some of the publications that have engaged with the Bluecaravan concept; the vast demographic that they represent reflects the far reaching power of the site’s approach.

Ekohaus felted slippers

All this in the first year of business, it goes to show that following your heart – and your aesthetics – pays off! With around four hundred stores and many thousands of beautiful [ethical] products to choose from Bluecaravan has quickly become an incomparable product resource.

BLUECARAVAN

Wrangler FW11: Mark Your Territory

2011-09-28T10:18:00.000+10:00

MARK YOUR TERRITORY is the F/W 2011 Collection by Wrangler. They encourage everyone to customise their own jeans, giving them their own identity.

MARK YOUR TERRITORY extends Wrangler's brand signature - We Are Animals - and like animals, we are compelled to mark our space and our belongings ... leaving our very own stamp. Tagging, tattooing, branding - these are primal, animal impulses.

In FW11, we challenge consumers to "Mark Their Territory".

WRANGLER

KEVIN KRAMP presenting at WHITE for MILAN FASHION WEEK

2011-09-27T22:55:00.001+10:00

Avant garde knitwear designer, Kevin Kramp, has just exhibited his new knitwear collection as special guest at WHITE during Milan Fashion Week. This extremely talented designer has a fluid aesthetic with a strong focus on the silhouette. I came across his work a few seasons ago and was struck by its beauty. He has an amazing vision for knitwear which instantly attracted me to his work. Bold and exaggerated, his work is truly inspiring. A true artist, his work has been exhibited in museums, and this year exhibited some of his work during the UNRAVEL exhibition at MoMu, in Antwerp. Kramp is also the winner of the Modateca Award which was established by Italian knitwear company, Deanna, and has received several awards and grants for this creative work.

For the September 2011 edition of WHITE, Kramp returns with a fourth multi-seasonal collection of innovative + truly inspiration specialty knitwear for men, and his highly anticipated debut of key women's knitwear looks. Kramp’s Tribe of Beauty continues to live it’s own experience and follow it’s own joy.

KEVIN KRAMP has recently been feature in Vogue Italia's 3rd Annual 'New Talents' September edition, and has been featured in international style + fashion publications in countries like the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Africa, Japan, China, the US, and Australia.

Here's an interview I came across on Youtube which I'm sure you'll love.

Enjoy!

KEVIN KRAMP

Help Kickstart Le Vero + Share Some Love!

2011-09-27T19:37:00.001+10:00

Hi guys!

Kandice Levero's entrepreneurial talents have led her to launch a Kickstarter for her gorgeous accessories brand, LE VERO, which she started a year ago in Tokyo, Japan.

I have been working as a designer in Tokyo for two years. One year ago I began designing the 2 collections for the first season of Le Vero. I have a strong background in fabrication so all models were first made by hand in a clever variety of materials.
I worked with Japanese manufactures to produce all of the samples. The people I am working with are extremely attentive to detail and capable of producing to a level of craft of my standards...which are high!

Production in Japan is expensive. In the beginning a brand's quantities are low because you don't have many customers yet. This makes the products more expensive. For this reason I have chosen 4 pieces from the collection to begin.
This is where you come in. I would be so pleased if you like my concept and would help me to get them produced. In return I will send you the designs from Tokyo. Shipping from Japan is included in the cost. I have big dreams for this brand as I have been planning it basically for ten years. So any additional funds raised will go in to making an outstanding booth at the Rooms Show, a show to meet buyers and fans during Japanese fashion week. My dream for my booth and for future pop up shops is to incorporate parts from abandoned amusement parks. There are many of them all over Japan; they are called Haikyo. Ask, and I will be thrilled to share photos and links about Haikyo.

Le Vero is colorful, fun, often funny. It draws inspiration from Brooklyn, NY, Baltimore, MD, and lots from Tokyo. For now I have designed a collection of small well functioning pieces for people who are constantly adding to their apparel collection. And the Japanese omiyage is for me to share my favorite things from Tokyo with you. Please keep in mind I have included shipping from Tokyo in these pledge amounts!!

- Kandice Levero

Please take the time to check out her video and consider supporting her to fund her first production line. If not, please repost this on your Facebook page and share the love. Who knows? With enough support, we could help this amazing talent get off the ground.

To support Le Vero and find out some more information, visit: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1384977170/le-vero-tokyo

The Fashion Birdcage wishes you all the best, Kandice ... you're a star!!! xxx

GELADA Are Talkin' About My Generation

2011-09-26T21:33:00.000+10:00

Indy t-shirt + design brand, GELADA, have released their new collection - TALKIN' ABOUT MY GENERATION. Based in Tel Aviv, the brains behind this cool label, Yaron Mendelovici and Osnat Feitelson, create their own tees, choosing viscose and vintage cotton material abiding by the Fair labour and Fair Trade ethos.

To find out more, check out the TFB Online Mag relaunching in the first week of November.

Stay tuned ...

Photography: Ella Uzan,
Styling & Magic: Amit Algrisi,
Art Director: Yakie Ayalon,
Graphic Design: Osnat Feitelson,
Tshirt Design: Gelada & Katanel (Shiry Vered),
Directed & Produced: Yaron Mendelovici

Check GElada on Facebook

Katharine Hamnett Clean Up Or Die AW11

2011-09-15T12:15:00.001+10:00

CLEAN UP OR DIE ...

The clothing, shoe and textile industry is one of the largest in the world. It is responsible for enormous pollution and environmental destruction. Labour and pay conditions for thousands of garment, shoe and textile workers area appalling.

Conventional cotton farming kills 20,000 thousand people per year due to accidental pesticide poisoning and a further millions of people a year suffer long-term acute pesticide poisoning in cotton agriculture (Pesticide Action Network). Appalled by this Hamnett has been campaigning to clean up the clothing industry since 1989, when Katharine took the decision to highlight these issues and tackle these problems. Farming cotton organically can make a change. Farmers can increase their income by 50% enabling them to feed and clothe their families, school their children and afford healthcare.

Click the following link for behind the scenes footage of the Clean up or Die photoshoot.

Ayah Marar & Katharine Hamnett SAVE LIFE ON EARTH this AW 2011

2011-09-05T23:49:00.003+10:00

Katharine Hamnett’s AW11 collection ‘Clean up or die’ sees archive slogans including the 80’s hit
‘SAVE LIFE ON EARTH’.

This slogan is fronted by the new hot on the block artist Ayah Marar. The relationship between Ayah Marar and Katharine Hamnett is inspirational, Ayah supports Katharine’s campaigns and is a great role model.

KATHERINE HAMNETT

Spoil Yourself with New Goodies from Miijo.com

2011-09-05T23:33:00.001+10:00

Vanessa Hudgens - Diva Cantina

BLU MOON
Blu Moon is a collection of bohemian-chic, sexy pieces with a distinguished West Coast flair.

Diva Cantina - Vintage Rose - Vanessa Hudgens

Whitney Port - Summer Lov'n dress

Produced in California, Blu Moon's signature style is flirty and fun. Boho styled maxi skirts and girly dresses in delicate floral and ethnic printed fabrics are the ultimate key pieces in an effervescent Malibu wardrobe. With designs that flow easily from day to night, it is little wonder that celebrities are loving Blu Moon's latest collection.

Zig Zag Dress - Ashley Tisdale

Honing in on a sense of simplicity in a somewhat over stylised world, Lucca Couture fuses comfort with fashion, creating chic pieces that bridge the gap between high-end fashion and everyday street style.

With a cult following amongst young Hollywood including Lauren Conrad, the Kadashian Sisters and Taylor Swift, Lucca Couture has created a collection that allows today's modern girl to discover her own unique individuality and edge with a collection that exudes comfort and sensibility.

Fronted by the new Kadashian Protégé, Kendall Jenner, the standout piece of the new collection is the Zig Zag Strapless Dress. A simple shape with on-point details make this blue and white dress a stunner on the body. The pattern whittles the waist and the boning keeps the structure. Zipper closure on back; boning in bust. Ashley Tisdale is a devoted fan.

NATALIE B

Natalie B Bracelet Stack

The Cloisonné Stretch Bracelets by Natalie B feature handcrafted Cloisonné beads on a stretch band.

Cloisonne is an ancient technique used to decorate jewellery with metal and enamel. The beads are elaborately handpainted with floral patterns in rich, bright jewel toned colours. Stack them to create that coveted ‘world wonderer’ look or wear them individually for a more dainty style.

THURSDAY FRIDAY: TOGETHER BAG
DIAMOND SERIES

Thursday, Friday: Diamond Series, Red

Dubbed the ‘Anti Status’ status bag by New York Times, the duo who brought you the humorous ‘Together’ Birkin bag is back with another killer series.

Thursday, Friday: Diamond Series, Black

The Thursday Friday, Together Bag: Diamond Series is a tribute to the iconic quilted ‘It’ bag printed on the front, back, bottom, and sides, thus creating a fabulous trompe l'oeil from all angles.

Inspired by consumerism, class, and iconography, The Together Bags: Diamond Series is the perfect shopper, library or beach bag, adding a touch of chic to everyday chores. ‘We realized we were using the shopping bags as proxy accessories and wanted to take them a step further, to have the bag itself declare what's going on. So we ended up with a canvas shopper that references luxury but ultimately works as an anti-status status symbol.’

Thursday, Friday: Diamond Series, Pink

It’s fully lined, and the inner patch pocket keeps your keys and phone within reach. The chic handles are long enough to throw over your shoulder comfortably and soft once there.

Thursday, Friday: Diamond Series, Blue

PURA VIDA

Pura Vida string bracelet: neon

The phrase “Pura Vida” (pu·ra vi·da) means 'Pure Life' in Spanish. Enjoying life slowly, celebrating good fortune and not taking anything for granted embodies the Pura Vida Lifestyle.

Pura Via string bracelet: sky earth

Each original bracelet is handmade in Costa Rica with a unique combination of colours. Locals spend days, even weeks creating specific bracelets to express their lifestyle. Vibrant colours to earthy tones, Pura Vida has just the combination for you.

Pura Via string bracelet: pastel

The creators of these bracelets are inspired to help clean up the beaches around the world, so they decided to donate a percentage of their profits to the Surfrider Foundation’s 1% for the Planet campaign. Wearing one of these bracelets not only adds a splash of colour and whimsy to any look, but also benefits the preservation and protection of oceans worldwide.

Miijo.com

maRia aRistidou: A/W 11-12 collection : Hauntingly beautiful

2011-09-03T16:29:00.001+10:00

I am pleased to present to you all a beautifully crafted Autumn/Winter 2011-2012 Collection from eponymous womenswear label, maRia aRistidou.

These haunting images faithfully convey a delicately feminine aesthetic true to aRistidou's work.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I do ...

CREDITS:
Photos: "The devil loves fashion"
Stylist: Alicia Hadjialexandrou
Model: Valerie Martian
Clothes: maRia aRistidou

www.mariaristidou.com

Simon Ekrelius: BAR-RED S/S 2012 Collection - Modernist, Provocative + Sensual ...

2011-09-03T13:09:00.002+10:00

Images: Sasha Rainbow

BAR-RED is the latest Ready-To-Wear Spring/Summer 2012 Collection for London-based designer, Simon Ekrelius. BAR-RED, heavily inspired from the Bauhaus period (1919 - 1933), the collection is influenced by Ekrelius's fascination with modernist elements of a bygone era. BAR-RED presents an aesthetic featuring geometric shapes and philosophy with a hint of provocative messages.

Images: Sasha Rainbow

Arrows, bars, lines, and shapes ironically mimic society's instructional signage, with a palette of Ferrari red, poppy red, brown, grey tones, white, black with accents of burnt yellow and orange. Silhouettes celebrate the femminine form, and are based on geometrical shapes such as circles, triangles, and squares in silk/cotton jersey, cotton yarn, triple layered cotton and man-made blends, with hints of leather and plastic.

Images: Sasha Rainbow

“... founded with the idea of creating a 'total' work of art in which all arts, including architecture, would eventually be brought together”. - Simon Ekrelius

Images: Sasha Rainbow

“These clothes definitely make a statement but there are accessible pieces too, like a sheer blouse or structured gray skirt, that we could definitely see ourselves rockin” Kristen Pisaturo – Refinery 29

Images: Sasha Rainbow

“His Autumn/Winter 2010-11 collection, entitled 'Stardust', proves a design can truly shine like a precious stone even when it’s not covered in sparkling crystals” Anna Battista - DAZED

Images: Sasha Rainbow

Ekrelius has won plaudits for his own unique style - a signature fusing sharp, forward-thinking tailoring with futuristic and boldly graphic custom-designed silk/cotton prints, and material accents including knitwear, leather and plastic.

Images: Sasha Rainbow

The label is synonymous with a unique way of creating fashion with no desire whatsoever to conform to the mainstream. Instead the designer works with new well thought-out ideas each season, always in line with his vision. Each collection evolves from the last, and new pieces complement earlier ones. Continuity is an essential part of the design philosophy.

Images: Sasha Rainbow

Ekrelius’s work display aspects of society in a new way, including textile prints, knitted patterns and statement pieces that clearly reflect his inspirations, also involving key pieces that refine the ideas into more subtle forms. Wearing Simon Ekrelius is expressing a definite awareness of individuality and the new.
As well as modern and post-modern architecture, the designer is influenced by femmes-fatales such as Bianca Jagger, Grace Jones and Rossy di Palma, art by Russian constructivists Rodchenko, Malevich and Kandinsky, alternative / electronic music, and films by Pedro Almodovar.

The collections are a favorite of stylists for Alison Goldfrapp, The Plasticines, Jessie J, Spark, Stella, Lady Gaga, London's 'Stylist of the Year 2009’ Grace Woodward, and London Stylist and Art-Director Sasha Rainbow. They are available for sale at Dada Meeting Point in Italy and China.

Images: Sasha Rainbow

Ekrelius has been featured in some of the world's most directional and popular fashion publications such as:

The Daily Telegraph, Metro, Clash, Ballad Of…, Schön, Refinery 29, Karen, Forbes, Flux, Labb loves, Evening Standard, NBC New York, Style.com, Style-bubble, Amelia’s, Elle girl Japan, Swedish Elle, Shanghai Times, Love you, Virgine, Jalouse, Faces, Room55, Material Girl, Blanche, Disorder, Dazed, IdolThe Daily Telegraph, Metro, Clash, Ballad Of…, Schön, Refinery 29, Karen, Forbes, Flux, Labb loves, Evening Standard, NBC New York, Style.com, Style-bubble, Amelia’s, Elle girl Japan, Swedish Elle, Shanghai Times, Love you, Virgine, Jalouse, Faces, Room55, Material Girl, Blanche, Disorder, Dazed, Idol.

Simon Ekrelius will be showing as special guest designer at OTTAWA FASHION WEEK on 29th September in Canada. I'm sure he will wow! them with his sensual aesthetic ...

Featuring the beautiful Hannah Cooper - Next Models.

Hair & Make-Up by the wonderful Holly Silius

Simon Ekrelius new fan page on FB
Simon Ekrelius in the Black Book

http://www.ottawafashionweek.ca

WWW.SIMONEKRELIUS.COM

POP UP SHOP ::: Phong Chi Lai Handcraft AW11: 004 Detail Collection

2011-09-02T15:42:00.000+10:00

photography by Freya Esders

::: knitwear :::
WENDY VOON

::: sustainable fashion :::
MUCKE

::: footwear :::
PHONG CHI LAI HANDCRAFT

Brunswick designers share their creative practices whilst showcasing their latest collections.

::: POP UP STORE :::

173 LYGON STREET
EAST BRUNSWICK

WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY
10am - 6pm

SATURDAY
10am - 4pm

wendyvoon.com
mucke.com.au
phongchilaihandcraft.com

Your invitation to Mr Pustra's Kabarett Des Namenlosen @ Die Freche Muse

2011-08-26T11:58:00.001+10:00

Kabarett Des Namenlosen

YOU ARE INVITED TO

the first UK preview of Mr Pustra's new solo endeavour ...

KABARETT DES NAMENLOSEN

(Cabaret of the Nameless)

Inspired by the Kabarett of Weimar Berlin, the Salons of Paris and the Opium Dens of the Far East, Mr Pustra presents a series of selected vignettes of

Desperation

Transvestism

Glamour and Excess

- all in an intimate and private setting.

Hosted

Baron Von Sanderson,

Die Freche Muse is a club night

created in the great tradition of

European Cabaret:

irreverent,

decadent,

sexually ambivalent & dissolute.

Also featuring performance from stunner,

Laurie Hagen.

24 September 2011
10pm till 4am

Strict Dress Code:
Evening Wear
Vintage
Cross Dressers
Art Deco
etc...

Advance tickets £10 from

http://www.diefrechemuse.co.uk/buy-tickets/
or

£12.50 on the door

(RSVP only to die.freche.muse@gmail.com)

Resources:
http://www.cabaret-berlin.com/?tag=kabarett-der-namenlosen

Kipling Back To College @ Selfridges Video

2011-08-16T16:54:00.000+10:00

The team at Kipling have created an exclusive video of the Kipling event at Selfridges London. If you missed this event, fear not, as you have yet another chance to get your Kipling bags customized by stylists Silver Spoon Attire- but this time at John Lewis.

John Lewis Oxford street - 13th August
John Lewis Stratford Store - 17th September

KIPLING

Mr Pustra + Joe Black's VILLAINS Show Set to Rock Rome Again

2011-08-16T16:24:00.004+10:00

'V A U D E V I L L E ' S D A R K E S T M U S E'
"A Creation Of Beauty" AGENT2 MAGAZINE

Yes, you heard right - VILLAINS is set to return to Rome at Villa Celimontana on the 5th of September!

Villa Celimontana Festival 2011 - "CIRCUS"
5 September 2011 @ 10:30pm
Piazza SS Giovanni e Paolo
Rome, Italy

http://www.villacelimontanajazz.com/

Be sure to pencil this date in your diaries, and make your bookings ...

There will also be a documentary to be filmed about Mr Pustra during the visit to Rome, so stay tuned ...

PUSTRA.COM

Stine Ladefoged SS11 - Imaginery

2011-07-30T12:40:00.003+10:00

Make up: Simon Rihana (www.brushitup.com)
Photographer: Paw Ager (www.powerpaw.dk)
Model: Camilla Lemb

STINE LADEFOGED

Tabernacle Twins AW11

2011-07-30T12:35:00.004+10:00

TABERNACLE TWINS

Desigual Partner with Lacroix in 'Dream'

2011-07-30T11:46:00.001+10:00

Emerging from their mutual admiration and respect for their respective creative universes, the design team of DESIGUAL and Mr LACROIX have decided to work together to creat some special garments have been combined for the first time with the DESIGUAL AW11 collection - DREAM - a prelude of things to come in Summer 2012.

"It's about joining our hearts, minds and creativity in a single project. This first encounter will reveal all the good things we can achieve together. We love the whole idea, even before starting it" -- Desigual Creative Team.

Check out their video ... what do you think???

Desigual by Lacroix is now available to buy online at www.desigual.com

United Nude Opens London's Covent Garden Store

2011-07-29T12:18:00.000+10:00

UNITED NUDE, founded by architect Rem D Koolhaas and seventh generation shoemaker Galahad Clark opened their first standalone UK store in London's Covent Garden on 20th July, 2011.

The characteristics of the brand's products and DNA are also evident in the interior design of the Floral Street store designed by Creative Director and Architect Rem D Koolhaas. The store located on 13 Floral Street uses the classic UNITED NUDE "dark-shop" concept where the store is darkened out and product is showcased and highlighted using "The Wall of Light", a computer LED wall displaying UNITED NUDE products as works of art encapsulated by geometric frames.

From injection-molded shoes to high-end carbon fibre heels, UNITED NUDE is a brand founded on conceptual design, elegance and innovation. Along with the brand's current collection, the store offers a chance to view elements of UNITED NUDE's Lo Res project with mock ups of the Lamborghini's produced for the project and the newly released Lo Res chair.

UNITED NUDE

GIVENCHY: Call to the Wild Signature VGV 782 Specs

2011-07-29T11:52:00.001+10:00

Fashion house Givenchy introduces the "Panther" collection, featuring signature VGV 782 specs. These gorgeous cat eye glasses are feminine, yet edgy, and features embellishment on the temple. I love these, check them out!

Mmmm, now which colour to choose ....

HELEN RODEL: Editorial Estudos MMXI (2011)

2011-07-16T14:03:00.000+10:00

Based in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Helen Rodel's work is a fusion of the past and the future with a foundation in craftmanship. Here is a selection from her Editorial Estudos MMXI collection.

"I bring handmades almost as a symbol. The proposition is to provide a new view to ancient and widespread techniques."

"I see the brand as I see myself. My beliefs are imprinted on everything I consider beautiful. My fashion has universal virtues - I’m human and there are no boundaries."

HELEN RODEL

VIA NJAL

LONG X BOY BE@RBRICK

2011-07-16T12:46:00.000+10:00

photos by Matthew Brindle

The collaboration between Long Clothing and Boy London continues with an exclusive design for Medicom Toys.

photos by Matthew Brindle

The LONG X BOY BE@RBRICK sits alongside fashion label BAPE as one of the 'secrets' in the 22nd Series of BE@RBRICK celebrating their 10th anniversary.

The release also coincides with the launch of the first official Boy London website: leavetheboyalone.com

LONG CLOTHING™

An Interview with Photographer Thomas Sing

2011-07-14T16:37:00.000+10:00

Thomas Sing Self Portrait

Thomas Sing's photography has a poetic quality to it and it's certainly not difficult to see how his aesthetic has put him in demand. Please enjoy this interview as we take a look at his thoughts on photography and what drives him ....

Where are you currently based?
In Augsburg, Germany, that's a 30 minutes drive from Munich. I have my studio there in the industry area.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
In a hotel probably! I love to travel for my job and I really enjoy being on the road all the time. I like it when I get up in the morning and have to think a moment about where I am right now. Basically I'm a big city guy. The bigger the better. I'm often in Italy, I speak Italian & love Italian food, so Milan would be an option. I think I'd feel good there. And not to forget, Italians are always dressed well. London and New York would be great too, but my clients are mainly based in central Europe at the moment.

How would you describe your aesthetic?
Some time ago I had a piece of paper attached to the wall in front of my desk with some handwritten thoughts on photography. I remember this one: "Every good picture should contain at least one element that could be substituted by a razor blade."
I'm infuenced a lot by French philosophy, esp. Georges Bataille's and Roland Barthes'. Bataille describes 'communication' not as a transmission of information between two people, but as an 'inner experience' during which the frontiers between two people are collapsing for a moment. Applied to photography, Bataille's view corresponds with Barthes' concept of the 'punctum', which is the one element of an image that touches you, moves you, hits you like an arrow. It's the one thing that you can't really analyze in the picture. You just know (or feel) that the picture affects you somehow, but you don't know why. It's often difficult or even impossible to identify the element that makes you faill into an image, and it can be (or will be) a different element in the same image for every person who's looking at it. That's what's making it difficult and interesting at the same time. You can't fully plan a perfect picture. This means for my daily work that I try not to over-style, over-conceptualize my shoots. The direction must be clear, but there has to be enough space for coincidences. I don't like super-sharp hyper-retouched pictures, they're only awesome if done with an ironic twist and by masters like, eg. Ines & Vinoodh or LaChapelle.

"POETRY TAKES FORM"
a 2011 choreography by Stephen Delattre

Where did your love of photography come from?
I think what always fascinated me most in photography is the fact that you can create messages, reactions and feelings beyond language. You can describe a picture, but only to a certain extent. The picture is just there, you see it and get it all within some milliseconds. It also has to do with those direct aesthetics of the image that I was talking about before: a good picture has this 'reality effect', even when it's evident that it is stages, eg. in fashion photography; it creates a possible world of which the image itself is the centre, but it goes far beyond its borders. I think Walter Benjamin's 'tiger's leap' (for him one of fashion's main characteristics: the signs of bygone ages or distant cultures in current clothes) is also valid for photography.

What do you love most about what you do?
I'm always surrounded by crazy, creative and interesting people and I'm coming around a lot. Every job is a new challenge - What could you wish more?

If you weren't a photographer, you'd be a …
literary scholar ;) – I was teaching part-time at the University of Augsburg until summer 2010 when I decided to quit and back all on fashion photography. I'm a self-taught photographer. After my degree in literature, philosophy & psychology in 2004, I started to earn some first bucks with my pictures, but it wasn't enough to make a living. So I started teaching courses like advertising, fashion theory, and so on. Last year my jobs became too demanding to continue both of them. At this time I had some good fashion jobs and was on the other hand quite frustrated by the academic approach of analyzing everything over and over, I couldn't imagine to go on reading and writing books full-time for the rest of my life, so the choice was quite easy.

What inspires you?
I still get most inspirations from books. I have put together a nice little library over the years, and there are quite a lot of books which I really love. Often it's just a small paragraph or just a sentence or verse that fascinates me and gives me the idea for a photo shoot.

Who are your favourite contemporary fashion photographers, why?
Steven Meisel: I think he's working as close at the heart of fashion as you can get. I especially loved this spread shot in a mental sanatory and his oil-spill editorial. Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin for their trans-medial approach which is exploring and widening the boundaries of both photography and fashion in this unique
ironical way without being 'constructed' or over-conceptual.
Tim Walker for his magical realism.

Which magazines do you shoot for?
I got published in noi.se, Schön!, MC, Dimension, MOCK, and a couple of national ones. Right now I have some pictures online on Vogue Italia's new “PhotoVogue” section.

noi.se magazine #26 (2011)

What's your most favourite shoot to date?
The spread for the current issue #26 of noi.se magazine with dancer Stephen Delattre. He's coming over for a photo shoot at least once a year, and we never have a big concept, just a rough sketch of what we want to do. So when he arrived in my studio last year, I wanted to test some new lighting techniques. Chiara styled him and we let him dance. I had no idea what the pictures would look like, and was totally overwhelmed by the outcome. Most people thought these pics were complex photoshop mashups, but in fact there was never a shoot that was retouched less.

Portfolio Cover

I've read that you're a bit of a workaholic. What drives you?
First, I love my job, so it's not too diffcult to work almost all the time. Photography is a constant search for me, and life is too short to loose time... In my 'past-life' in humanities, my theories were always miles ahead of my actual practical skills, so what drives me still is most probably a constant dissatisfaction and this need to improve with every new shoot.

What are you working on at the moment?
I've just shot a big free project using a lot of butterfies for the styling and make-up. It was inspired by the fashion of the 90s, especially Alexander McQueen, with a strong focus on the beginnings of modernity, but from a 2011-perspective. It took me one year from the very first idea to the actual shoot. Now I hope I'll find a good magazine to publish it.

Do you have a muse?
My partner Chiara Padovan. We're working together from the very beginning, and there's not one job or shoot in all these years that I've done alone. We're doing most of the concepts together, she's something like my creative director and a great stylist. And she's far better in retouching pictures than I am.

If you could photograph anyone at all, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Right now I'd love to photograph Andrej Pejic because I like androgynous guys. Give me some time ;D

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
My recent success in fashion photography came quite suddenly. So I hope in 5 years I'll be regularly shooting for big magazines and brands.

2010 Editorial

What advice would you give someone wanting to get into the field of photography?
1.: Specialize. Try everything a bit until you've found what you like most, but then just go for it. For me it was fashion, I wouldn't be good at e.g. shooting architecture or cars.
2.a: If you have rich parents, read on at point 3.
2.b: Find a job! I mean a job which brings you money while you build your portfolio, because with your photos you won't earn enough at the beginning. Maybe it will be enough to buy you some food, but never enough to buy cameras, lenses and quality lighting equipment.
3.: Socialize! Twitter and Facebook are nice, but your potential clients exist in the real world. Go and fnd them!

For more information, please visit his website ...

THOMAS SING

For The Boys: Yuima Nakazato 2011

2011-07-13T08:50:00.000+10:00

Moving forward into the future with Yuima Nakazato's menswear collection from Tokyo Fashion Week ...

via UNTITLED #1

Nadirah Zakariya: Rise

2011-07-12T23:24:00.000+10:00

New York based photographer, Nadirah Zakariya, is holding a solo exhibition of her 'Daughters Ago' collection of eclectic photographs at Lomography Gallery Store in New York.

Here are a few of my favourite ones I spotted from Dazed Digital's interview with the creative.

DAZED DIGITAL

Step Into United Nude's Modern Aesthetic for Spring/Summer 2011

2011-07-12T22:08:00.000+10:00

The United Nude Haiku, meaning a short Japanese 3 phrase poem, is like its name a few elements that meet to express emotion. The simple and straight lines together form a harmonious and beautiful shoe.

UNITED NUDE SS11 introduces a stylish collection of shoes in shades of black, nude and white ... check them out!

The United Nude Abstract is a dramatically high heel with a platform base. Wood blocks that form the heel are connected in a very rustic and abstract way to form a balanced composition. It's a piece of art!

For further information, check out their website ...

UNITED NUDE

SOUP MAGAZINE: HEROINE CHIC

2011-07-12T21:01:00.000+10:00

SOUP (INGREDIENTS)
SOUP is a unique venture in publishing: an independent magazine, with the freedom to express ideas and concepts without following the rules of fashion or chasing the pack. Our artists are free to create without constraint, culminating in a seductive volume of diverse, intense imagery and literature.
SOUP a space where undiscovered talent stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the establishment, an innovative blend of Fashion , photography and art breaking the rules without compromise.
The Soup brand is an innovative multi platform media concept and a bi annual printed fashion / photography / art magazine.

Check out these cool pics from 'HEROINE CHIC' a self portrait series and film by the amazing Kourtney Roy!

The beauty of the images takes on form and content. The constant idea underlying the magazine is fluid images that interact and go beyond the limits imposed by standard publications.
This is not just another publication about the usual easily digestible themes in art, fashion and photography but a direct, accurate gaze that takes the reader of SOUP MAGAZINE
to a steady point, to an elegant assumption of position demonstrating an awareness of how publishing has evolved over the years, analysing it, commenting on it, and making a place for itself,
even with issue 0, as a landmark for new talents and professionals in the field. - Vogue

HEROINE CHIC -SOUP MAGAZINE from SOUP Magazine on Vimeo.

SOUP Magazine issue 2 video trailer from SOUP Magazine on Vimeo.

Check out the SOUP Issue #2 preview video which includes work from some seriously talented artists who have contributed to their latest issue: www.soup-magazine.com.

SOUP issue 2 includes new work from Cornelie Tollens , Jonathan Leder , Alice Rosati , Tim Bret Day , Kourtney Roy and many more !

Schwarzer Reiter Fashion Show Sneak Peak

2011-07-12T20:18:00.000+10:00

Earlier this year I featured Schwarzer Reiter's sensual goodies on Sanity Bohemian Style (go HERE to refresh your memory) and I'm pleased to present to you a trailer for their recent fashion show from June 10.

Enjoy!

Schwarzer Reiter

This week at Someday: Ally Capellino - Wood Wood - Billionaire Boys Club

2011-04-13T21:56:00.000+10:00

If you're in Melbourne, check out the gorgeous people at SOMEDAY STORE, they have the most amazing stuff ... I love them!

Here's a taste ...

New for Someday is Scandinavian label Wood Wood. In a similar vein to our other Nordic friends - Norse, Wood Wood offers classic cut, highly wearable casual menswear in a generally subdued palette, with the occasional use of bright colours and fun graphics lightening things up.

The 1st instore delivery includes W.W’s staple tapered chinos (these fit great!), button up shirts, sweatshirts, waterproof Parkas and some nautical stripe thrown in for good measure.

There's a limited selection available now online but you'll have to go instore to see their complete range.

Ally Capellino .... There's tote bags, back packs, rucksacks, carry bags …

+ here’s what Ally Capellino do - understated bags made with the highest quality materials like waxed British cotton and naturally treated leather. Properly looked after, an Ally Capellino bag will last for a very, very long time ... And never go out of style!

Fresh Drop from the camo private jet! Printed tees and sweats from BBC’s latest now available in store and online.

SOMEDAY STORE

ALEXA CHUNG BECOMES THE FACE OF SUPERGA FOR THEIR CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

2011-04-13T21:24:00.000+10:00

Superga UK are pleased to announce their 100 year anniversary shoot with Alexa Chung for Spring / Summer 2011.

Born in 1911 in Turin, Walter Martiny began producing rubber-soled footwear under the name Superga. By 1925 his designs had evolved with the use of vulcanized rubber soles and the Superga 2750 Heritage style was born. Already a fan of the brand, choosing the iconic 2750s as part of her everyday wardrobe, Alexa Chung came on board as the face of the new campaign for the centennial year anniversary.

Alexa teamed up with Superga for an exclusive shoot featuring the iconic 2750 style and other pieces from the range for the brand’s 100-year celebration. To capture the brand’s essence and character, she added her personal touch to the shoot with her styling and by playing on the brand’s easy to wear and dressed up casual sportswear feel.

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superga_(brand)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_AIadNz8Lw

SUPERGA

Get Your Celebrity Look at DITA Eyewear!

2011-04-13T21:10:00.000+10:00

Savoy

The story of DITA Eyewear is really the story of lifelong friends. Jeff Solorio and John Juniper, co-founders of DITA are the driving forces behind Dita’s celebrated designs. Jeff and John have been friends since school and share a common passion for photography and design. Together they were inspired to capture their passions not just on film but in eyewear as well, thus creating the first collection of DITA frames in 1996.

All Above: Savoy colourways

Dita's design studio and world headquarters are now located in Los Angeles, California. Dita's founders continue to provide the creative direction for the company and oversee all aspects of design and production. All DITA frames are hand made in Japan and use only the highest quality materials: titanium, 18K gold, white gold and the finest Japanese zyl acetates. Dita's quality and attention to detail to each frame is unmatched.

All Above: Marseilles colourways

Their coveted vintage-inspired frames have quickly become the IT accessory for the high-powered fashion elite and celebrity A-List.

All Above: Fever colourways

DITA has built up an impressive celebrity clientele including Brad Pitt, Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, Penelope Cruz, Kate Hudson, Lenny Kravitz, Eva Mendez and Dita Von Teese, to name just a few.

DITA EYEWEAR

Phong Chi Lai Handcraft AW11 Collection: 004 Detail

2011-03-25T15:26:00.000+11:00

Introducing his fourth successful season, Melbourne-based shoemaker Phong Chi Lai has launched his Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection – 004 Detail.

Phong Chi Lai's eponymous footwear label – Phong Chi Lai Handcraft - presents itself with an organic design aesthetic. Aimed at the individual rather than the fast fashion mainstream, his work essentially celebrates the wearer's personal style regardless of age or gender. 004 Detail is inspired by Lai's love of the small things – the simplicity in detail - that can change the shoe.

Phong Chi Lai Handcraft's 004 DETAIL certainly does not disappoint. True to form, Lai's autumn/winter Trans-seasonal Collection features a dark palette of black and charcoal, handstitching and blanket stitching details. Wedges are concealed. Toes feature relief details ...

004 Detail looks at the theme of nuances: those finer details we sometimes miss while taking a quick glance. On closer inspection we find that there's more going on, more than initially meets the eye. The devil, as they say, is in the details.

Phong Chi Lai Handcraft is currently stocked in selected boutiques in Australia (Melbourne: E.S.S, Wilfred & Enric; Sydney: Artwear, Brick Lane) and New Zealand (Auckland: The Mill House).

http://phongchilaihandcraft.com/

Thursday Friday - The Anti-Status, Status Bag

2011-03-25T13:11:00.000+11:00

How cool are these!

Thursday Friday designers Roni Brunn and Olena Sholomytska are obsessed with style as well as the ideas of luxury and iconography.

“We realised we were using shopping bags as proxy accessories. They were additional but essential to supplement our ‘real’ designer bags so we decided to take these bags to another level, to have the bag itself declare what's going on.”

They ended up with a surreal design that references luxury at the highest end but is ultimately an anti-status, status symbol!

However decadent and depraved, chances are you are not going to use a Birkin to carry your groceries, soiled gym clothes, dirty laundry, heavy books or bits and pieces that you accumulate in the course of a day. The Together bag is a canvas tote perfect for all of these things and more.

The Together bag features the iconic ‘It’ bag printed on the front, back, bottom, and sides, thus creating a fabulous trompe l'oeil from any angle! Take it shopping, or bring it to work/school. Pair it with your handbag or use it in place of one. It’s fully lined, and the inner patch pocket keeps your keys and phone within reach. The chic handles are long enough to throw over your shoulder comfortably and soft once there.

The only question is, “which colour?”

MIIJO.COM

Nicole Ritchie's New Specs Available Now @ Miijo.com!

2011-03-25T11:31:00.000+11:00

Nicole Richie's exclusive new sunglasses collection now available to pre-order @ Miijo.com!

Continuing the enormous success of House of Harlow 1960, style icon Nicole Richie has added oversized vintage style sunglasses to her accessories line.

The gorgeous debut collection of House of Harlow 1960 - Sunglasses is personally designed by Richie herself, using premium materials and lenses which meet the strict Australian Sunglasses Standards Code for UV protection. Her signature styling is transparent throughout the collection – dramatic shapes, 60’s round frames, Cat-eye and immaculate gold detailing on Richie’s favourite pair, aptly named ‘Nicole’.

Regularly worn by the doyen of oversized glamour shades, Nicole’s vintage Hollywood allure is the overriding influence for this coveted range.

House of Harlow 1960 - Sunglasses are now available to pre-order exclusively online in Australia at www.miijo.com

Besties: Art With A Conscience At Somewhere Gallery

2011-03-22T16:26:00.000+11:00

Detroit Dog City by Harriet Hudson

I'm honored to let you all know about an exciting group art show on at the moment at Somewhere Gallery!

Besties, A Fundraiser For Our Friends At The Lost Dogs Home is a group exhibition featuring the works of 22 artists, depicting the special relationships they have with their kitties and poochies! All artwork is available for purchase and you'll feel pretty chuffed knowing that 100% OF ALL PROCEEDS go to The Lost Dogs Home in North Melbourne, helping them care for the thousands of lost, abandoned and injured dogs and cats in their care.

What A Mess by Craig Dermody & Gillian Tucker

We hope that through this event we can raise awareness for the wonderful work The Lost Dogs Home does caring for animals in need and in doing so encourage more people to consider adopting a shelter pet. --- Somewhere

The exhibition will run until April 6th, so be sure to pop into Somewhere Gallery in Melbourne to check it out.

SOMEWHERE STORE

Shop 29

The Royal Arcade

314 Little Collins Street

Melbourne

somewherestore.com

dogshome.com

Update: Here's some more info from launch nite:
http://dogshome.com/besties-opening-night

Links à la Mode: February 24

2011-02-25T10:08:00.000+11:00

The View from Here

Edited by Holier than Now

So the time has come for me to pass the baton to the next Links a La Mode curator, but in reflecting on the last few months I'm amazed at the diversity of aesthetics, lifestyles and opinions I've discovered gathering these links each month. It's a great view from here in the blogosphere: whether it's up close at Fashion Week from the comfort of your chair) a new take on what you see in the mirror, or a peephole into the world of stylish women from Scotland to Spain (and everywhere in between).
But Links a la Mode is also about putting yourself on view! If you're reading this and you publish a blog, why not bookmark the link to submit your Links a La Mode posts here and make a repeating event on your calendar to drop by each Tuesday of the week with your latest and greatest post? I'll see you there...

Links à la Mode: February 24th

365 Fashion Rehab: Makeup Makeover: Condensing Your Beauty Must-Haves
A Scottish Lassie Loves: Bright Pick Me Ups for a Rainy Day
Boheme Noir: The Best Vogue Covers of the 80's and 90's
By Anika: Why Nude Swimming is Next for this Curvy Fashionista
Chi Chi Bella: The 60's: Fashion at its Classiest
Fashables: Is it possible to get turned on by a pair of shoes?
Fashion Limbo: Real Vintage vs. Fake Vintage
Fashionista Next Door: A Free Alternative to Photoshop
From London With Style: From London Fashion Week - Why Brits are Best
Grit & Glamour: Tips for Surviving the IFB Conference
Holier than Now: 8 (Actually Stylish) Backpacks Under $50
Independent Fashion Bloggers: Proenza Schouler Video: Fashion Bloggers Create an "Extraordinary Impact"
It Hunter: Gary Winogrand: Women Are Beautiful
Notes From A Stylist: On Surviving the Marc Jacobs Press Pit
Songs and Fairy Tales: 60 Day No Shopping Challenge!
Statements in Fashion: My Weight Loss Success Story
The Fashion Pawn: Optimizing Your Blog Layout
The New Wave: The top five most creative presentations from NY Fashion Week
The Citizen Rosebud: Must-Watch Fashion Bloggers over 40
The Button Owl: The Hottest Hair from NYFW
Vanja Stance: An Awesome 80's Nails Tutorial

Links à la Mode brought to you by:
Shopbop Sale: Handbags sale, Hudson Jeans, D&G, 7's sale, J Brand, Phillip Lim, Belle Noel, DVF, McQ, Frye, Splendid, & Daftbird

Love Me & Leave Me: New Arrivals from Fallon, Elizabeth Cole, Mawi, Miu Miu, Alexis Hudson and More!

2011-02-22T13:57:00.000+11:00

Angel Jackson BANG Satchel

Rent. Buy. Hire. You can do it all at LOVE ME & LEAVE ME!

Here are some great new products available from labels such as:

Fallon, Elizabeth Cole, Mawi, Miu Miu, Alexis Hudson + More!

Left: Deepa Gurnani Fuschia Patent Snap Clutch Right: Deepa Gurnani Cobalt-Navy Patent Clutch

Elizabeth Cole Harlow Crystal Earrings

Left: BON301 Orange Ebba Bag Right: BON301 Elen Flap Bag - Fuschia

Top Left: Elizabeth Cole Crystal Dietrich Earrings Top Right: Elizabeth Cole Dove Earrings Bottom Left: Elizabeth Cole Gordian Knot Bangle Bottom Right: Elizabeth Cole Chain Cuff - Silver

Left: Miu Miu Matelasse Bag - Argilla Right: Alexis Hudson Ada Bag in Gunmetal

Left: Fallon Swag Crystal Earrings Middle: MAWI Carved Onyx Tusk Earrings Right: Fallon Collage Cuff

Angel Jackson Feather Lianto Bag - Jade

Check out their website or visit their Armadale Boutique to see what they have on offer in person.
(1005 High Street, Armadale, Victoria)

LOVE ME & LEAVE ME

Interview with Director of Catwalk Creative Vintage, Louise Sleigh

2011-02-11T18:26:00.000+11:00

Louise Sleigh of Catwalk Creative Vintage

I am very proud to present to you a long overdue interview with my darling friend from the other side of the globe ... Louise Sleigh!

Louise is the owner of CATWALK CREATIVE VINTAGE, an online store and valuable vintage resource, and writes her very own successful blog, CATWALK THREADS, which features her finds, thoughts and expertise on all things vintage. Based in the UK, she has been in the vintage business for many years and is herself a walking encyclopedia in this genre! I have known Louise now since 2008 when I started The Fashion Birdcage, and I was (and still am) proud that she was my very first interview!

I trust you will enjoy reading this interview as much as I enjoy sharing it. Louise doesn't do things by halves, so I'd like to thank her publicly for all the time and effort she's put in from her busy schedule to put together a comprehensive interview aimed at providing valuable information for anyone interested in vintage.

Thank you Louise, you are a real darling for sharing your wealth of information. xxx

Vintage has boomed over the years, but it doesn't look like it's peaked just yet - would you agree?
Yes, vintage has definitely seen a boom over the last few years and I hope it continues. The internet has played a huge part in this by allowing us to shop online in the comfort of our homes. There's a good choice of online shops and selling venues and that certainly wasn't the case ten years ago.

There's now a huge online community with social network sites and blogs, each one touting the benefits of wearing vintage.

Frank Usher Soft Pink Satin/Silk Dress Size Medium c.1970's

Does vintage see fads come and go, just like mainstream fashion?
If your business involves selling vintage clothes then you do see fads come and go to a certain extent. One season, it's flowing maxi dresses and puff sleeve blouses and the next, it's punk and power-dressing 80's style. Catwalks are awash with design influences from the past so it's fun to search out an authentic piece and know you won't find exactly the same on the high street. Summer sees a lean towards fashions of the 1970's although many vintage fashion professionals don't consider this era to be vintage. Not yet anyway!

Vintage offers us more than a passing fashion trend. It's possible to fill your wardrobe with original design classics that are still very wearable today. You can find everything from chic day dresses to couture evening gowns and everything else in between. Vintage enthusiasts will tell you that wearing vintage is all about the style and cut of the clothes along with the choice of fabrics rather than a passing trend.

In your opinion, how has the vintage genre changed over the years?
The vintage genre has changed dramatically because there are now so many online venues selling modern reproductions. Also, clothes are barely one season old before they are deemed 'vintage'. This can be very confusing although it’s great if you prefer your clothes brand-new but want to achieve a vintage look.

That said, there is something eternally cool about authentic vintage clothing that no amount of replicating can achieve. The differences are clear from the fabrics used to small details like buttons. It all boils down to preference really. Vintage (meaning 20 plus years old), isn't for everyone.

Your knowledge of vintage never ceases to amaze me! Where did your passion for it come from?
I'm not sure where my passion comes from. I just love old things and want to save them for others to enjoy. You either 'get' vintage or you don't. Whatever I do in life I try and give it 100%. I appreciate the historical importance of clothing and textiles. It provides a wonderful insight into our social history and I like to spread the word a little. It's satisfying to find a new home for a previously cherished garment.

1970's Lilac Floral Bow Blouse Size Small

Your blog, Catwalk Threads Vintage, has a very healthy following . . . you consistently provide useful information, tips and interviews with other vintage lovers.
Thank you! Yes, I love my blog. Ideally I would like to write more frequently but sales are on the up which means I can’t spend as much time on it as I’d like. I use blogging to promote myself and those in the business of selling vintage or who use vintage materials in their work. I'm constantly finding inspiration from others so again, it’s great to spread the word. I think anything positive you can do to help the small business community is a good thing. It would be selfish to keep all the talent to myself!

Has blogging helped you connect easily with your audience? Has it helped promote your primary business, Catwalk Creative Vintage?
I would say so. Blogging has helped me connect more easily with my audience because I see it as another 'public face', I use it to talk about anything 'vintage' related. I've just checked my Google analytics report and can see that quite a high percentage of my website visitors come from my blog. I'm therefore achieving what I originally set out to do. My blog is free to use so it makes sense to keep the content as fresh and interesting as possible and hopefully attract new followers along the way.

Marie France Lilac Jersey Dress c.1970's

Tell us a little about your business? What services do you provide and what's your point of difference?
My online vintage business, Catwalk Creative Vintage, was estabished in 2006 although I was selling on eBay long before that. My background is in business though. I worked in the insurance industry for many years and built up lots of experience dealing in customer service. I guess my point of difference is that I give each and every customer my personal and undivided attention. That's great news if you're a control freak like me! Keeping the business small means that I can do everything from hand-picking my merchandise to tissue wrapping and packaging. I like the personal touch and my aim is always to exceed expectations. I've had some wonderful feedback from my customers which makes it all very worthwhile.

I also offer a range of styles, each with a different price point. I don’t stick to one era or price band. I like to include everything from vintage designer gowns at £450.00 to cute vintage day dresses at £45.00. You might find a Hermes scarf alongside a chiffon scarf at £10.00. I like to mix it up and give my customers great choice.

Pierre Balmain Blue and Gold Evening Dress Size Small to Medium c.1970's

How do you go about sourcing fabulous vintage fashion and home wares?
I have yet to meet a vintage fashion professional that has divulged exactly where they source their vintage from. When I used to do vintage fairs, customers would always come up and ask where I got my merchandise from. Like I'm going to tell them - not! Seriously though, vintage can be sourced from various places and it's different for everyone. It takes a long time to build up business contacts and you learn as you go along. I used to buy everything and anything until I realised it was a complete waste of money. I'm definitely more discerning with my purchases now.

Because I'm a well-established, I find that people now contact me directly via the website if they've got something to sell. I might also source pieces from local antique markets or similar. There are not many rich pickings to be had in UK charity shops these days, since they tend to sift out all the good pieces and sell them online. That's not to say that vintage garments have disappeared completely but you have to be on the lookout all the time.

1950's Tureen by Crown Clarence England

Over the years, has it become harder to find quality stock?
I've found it slightly easier to find stock since people now contact me directly to buy their 'old clothes' and I have a clearer idea of what I'm looking for.

What's your favourite era, and why?
My favourite fashion era is the mid-1960's to mid-1970's. My favourite designers are Ossie Clark, John Bates, Biba, Jean Muir and Bill Gibb I love the glamour and the diversity of styles from this era from pea coats and mini dresses to tailored suits and flowing, maxi gowns with wild prints. Designs were flamboyant and revolutionary during this time but still have a resonance today.


Victorian Half-Canteen of Cutlery with Original Oak Box c.1900

Why do you think people gravitate towards vintage fashion?
I think people gravitate towards vintage fashion for many reasons. Wearing vintage is a great way to develop your style and there are so many designs to choose from. On the whole, vintage clothing is well constructed using quality fabrics, a reason they are still around today. It's a great alternative to the mass-produced fashion found on the high street and it's nice to own something that was 'Made in England' or wherever you happen to come from. There is something quite lovely about wearing an antique piece of costume jewellery or owning an original Art Deco beaded bag. You can successfully wear vintage with the new to achieve a unique look that’s all your own.

Vintage Royal Albert Petit Point Teacup & Saucer

When making a vintage purchase, what should we look out for?
When making a vintage purchase (online or off-line) it's a good idea to have the following in mind:

* Measurements: know your measurements and write them down. PLEASE!!! This is key to finding clothes with the right fit. Consider the style of the vintage garment or overall look you want to achieve. Body shapes differ from one person to the next, and not everyone has the same proportions. In case of an A-line shift dress, it may not matter that the waist and hip measurement are a few inches bigger than your measurements, as long as the bust fits you comfortably. However, in the case of an hour glass shaped garment, it will definitely matter if the bust and hips of the garment are too big, unless you are able to adjust the garment, or you are able to get someone else to adjust it for you.

Refer to our Clothing Size Guide http://www.catwalkcreativevintage.co.uk/information_46926.html for more information. Most vintage websites include their own size guide but if shopping online, be sure you know all the important measurements before you buy. A well informed choice will avoid the disappointment and expense of returning garments that do not fit.

* Condition: Always go for the best quality you can afford. If you're able to view the clothing in person, check seams and weak areas such as under the arms and zips. If you are shopping online, make sure you can see lots of photographs and read the condition notes in full. These should include details of any flaws or alterations made to the garment. Even merchandise that is listed as NOS (New Old Stock) might have condition issues caused by poor storage over the years.

* After Care: You should know the fabric type and whether there are special care instructions.

* Is it labelled? If the garment is labelled, there should be a photograph of it.

* How old? Do you know what era you are buying? The listing should note at the very least, the decade it originated from.

* Has the clothing been altered from the original design? There has been a rise in the 'hacking off' of hemlines in order to cater to modern tastes. This issue is becoming increasingly prevalent which is a shame since there are plenty of original mini and maxi dresses out there to keep everyone happy. These alterations ruin the lines and pattern of the dress and most often are not finished properly. The seller also might fail to mention the alteration which results in the buyer having no clue what decade their garment originated. This might not be an important factor for some buyers - "who cares whether my dress started life in the '50s, '60s or '70s?" However, sellers should be honest, stating the original date of manufacture along with any alterations that have been made. It is only then that you can make an informed decision as to whether you want to proceed with the purchase. You wouldn't expect to buy something new in a shop, only to find a glaring alteration that the sales assistant had failed to mention. You'd have every right to take it back and demand a refund. Why should selling vintage clothing be any different?

A true vintage clothing connoisseur would always prefer to buy the garment in its original state if possible, although some alterations cannot be avoided. For example, there may be a fault with the garment that means an alteration is necessary in order to make the piece wearable again. Many vintage sellers are experienced seamstresses and can make an alteration without compromising the original design. Any alteration should be mentioned.

1970's Pink Evening Dress by Trina Lewis & Marjon Couture

"Everyone is in tiny cocktail dresses. I'd be much more interested in seeing a girl in a t-shirt and a couture skirt." RAF SIMONS, Fashion Designer.

1960's Day Dress by Marjon Couture Size Medium

What are the pitfalls of purchasing vintage wares online?
The pitfalls of buying online are that you can't try the clothing on before making your purchase. However, if you measure yourself and use an online shop that provides all the necessary information, you should be fine.

Always read terms and conditions and any shop policies before making your purchase. I operate in line with UK Selling Regulations and offer a 7 day return policy. However, these terms will differ from business to business so read the small print first.

It also helps to know what country you are buying from. If you buy online from another country, remember there may be additional customs and duty fees to pay. It is the buyer's responsibility to pay those so find out beforehand and check carefully what you can and can't import. Certain countries may have shipping restrictions in place too. Google 'Customs & Excise' or 'Imported Goods' to find out more.

You are relying on the knowledge of the seller so take a good look around their website or shop and get a good feel for the place before making your purchase. There are lots of auction and selling sites now that allow items to be listed as being ‘vintage’ when clearly they are not. Question the seller if you are in any doubt.

What do you suggest to anyone who has just bought something which arrives in poor condition? Can we do anything about it, or just cut our losses?
As mentioned earlier, my business operates in line with UK Distance Selling Regulations so I offer a 7 day return policy no matter what the reason for the return. I would advise anyone reading this to check what applies in their own country. It will be different elsewhere but read, read, read the seller’s terms and conditions page before making your purchase.

If the item arrives in a condition other than as stated in the listing, you are quite right to contact the seller to voice your concerns. Any reputable seller should mention even the slightest issue.

Vintage fashion professionals provide a superb level of customer service and the ones I know personally are extremely proud of the merchandise they offer for sale. Not only do they source the item but they clean, press, repair and generally get the item ready for sale so you can enjoy it. Full condition notes should always be provided. Stating an item is in ‘good wearable condition’ doesn’t mean anything. If that’s the only information provided, ask the seller to be more specific. The onus is on the buyer to read all the information provided before clicking the ‘pay now’ button.

What makes a garment 'vintage' and what makes a garment 'retro'? What's the difference?
The term 'vintage' and 'retro' means different things to different people. I refer to anything made 1930's to 1980's as 'vintage' and newer or more casual clothing from the 60’s and 70’s as 'retro'. Anything pre-1930 is antique. As mentioned, there are many vintage fashion professionals that can't agree on this point and do not consider clothing post 1960 as vintage either. There's no definite answer to this one.

Blue Glass Clip Earrings c.1940's

You're a proud member of the Vintage Fashion Guild - what are the benefits of membership, and are there many places for vintage lovers to come together and be social?
I've been a member of the Vintage Fashion Guild for a few years. It's a great place to research the history of fashion and meet like-minded people. There is a public and private forum so you don't have to be in the business of vintage to participate.

The Vintage Fashion Guild’s mission is to promote and protect the interests of vintage fashion enthusiasts while serving the needs of the members of the Vintage Fashion Guild. To that end its objectives are to:

1. Protect the interests of vintage fashion vendors and encourage professional practices.
2. Promote, establish, and encourage among our members ethical behavior and professional standards of expertise about vintage fashion, in order to reinforce the buyers’ and
collectors’ confidence that the age, style, details and condition of the items are accurately represented.
3. Raise awareness of vintage fashion and provide a forum to bring together buyers and sellers.
4. Establish a central educational resource available to both buyers and sellers.
5. Create a positive environment for and enhance the image of vintage clothing.
6. Encourage the conservation and wearing of vintage fashion to preserve the history, availability and survival of vintage clothing in future years. The VFG discourages the habitual practice of modifying or altering existing vintage to suit the current trend.
7. Position vintage clothing as a viable, attractive and environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional fashion.

William de Lillo Fringed Tassel Brooch c.1960's

You can read more about applying for membership here http://vintagefashionguild.org/apply-for-membership
Also visit 'Best In Vintage', an informative blog showcasing some of the best online vintage sellers http://thebestinvintage.wordpress.com/

Halston 1970's Black Sequin Beanie Hat Size Small

There are various social networks such as Vintage Network Worldwide and
CJCI (Costume Jewelry Collectors International).
http://vintagenetwork.ning.com/
http://costumejewelrycollectors.ning.com/

Amber Coloured Glass Bead Necklace c.1970's

Catwalk Creative Vintage was established in 2006 . . . How has your business changed over the years?
I've seen quite a few changes in the business. I now offer a range costume jewellery and homeware pieces and have introduced some high-end vintage designer pieces too. In a few months I'll be getting more work space so I can expand the business further. It's all very exciting.

What advice would you give anyone wanting to open a vintage fashion business? What lessons have you learnt along the way, and how should they go about their research?
Think very carefully before you go into the business of selling vintage. It’s not as easy as people think. It’s a lot of hard work and it can take over your life! However, if you are dead-set on starting your own vintage business then try and get as much work experience as possible.

Work in your local vintage boutique and find out as much as you can about the merchandise, how it’s priced and how to deal with customers. Go to your library and read all you can about the history of fashion. There’s loads of research information available on the internet including the Vintage Fashion Guild. Get reading!

Visit online shops, costume galleries, museums and vintage/textile fairs. Talk to the vendors and find out all you can about how they started in the business.

Perhaps start by ‘testing the waters’ at your local vintage fair at the weekends. See how it goes and build up a client base that way. Even the experts had to start somewhere. You can also try selling on one of the many online sites now available.

Most sellers of vintage will tell you they're not in this business for the money since you have to put everything back into the business in order to keep your stock fresh. However, be discerning with your purchases. You don't have to buy everything and not everything old is worth something.

Choose a business name carefully and think about branding your image and what you want to sell. Cost out all your stationery, packaging and stock requirements. You’ll need to hand out business cards and brochures.
It’s not easy working in this business but if you have a genuine love for what you’re doing and have the self-discipline to run your own business, it can be very worthwhile and rewarding.

CATWALK CREATIVE VINTAGE

CATWALK CREATIVE VINTAGE on FACEBOOK
CATWALK CREATIVE VINTAGE on TWITTER
CATWALK THREADS Blog
CATWALK CREATIVE VINTAGE on FLICKR

VINTAGE FASHION GUILD
THE BEST IN VINTAGE Blog

Designer Handbags, the Joanna Maxham Way

2011-02-09T21:40:00.000+11:00

Bootcamp Mini in Dark Grey

Leaving a successful corporate Marketing career behind her, JOANNA MAXHAM did what we all dream of doing ... be bold enough to follow our dream.

Maxham yearned a creative change, so in 2007 she took the plunge and embraced her fascination for the wonderful world of F-A-S-H-I-O-N!

Her initial foray into this area was experimenting with fashion accessories such as jewellery and scarves before finding her true calling after designing her first handbag.

Bootcamp in Deep Blue

Arm Candy in Dark Grey


Arm Candy in Simple Black

Joanna's goal was to create handbags of perfect proportions, made from the finest leather, and with great attention to detail. Maxham chose to collaborate with a small, European atelier with over 35 years of experience; this intimate setting of traditional craftsmanship played an integral role in bringing to life and nurturing her vision. The result? A luxurious combination of style and utility now now known as JOANNA MAXHAM handbag.

Castaway in Dark Grey

Castaway in Simple Black

Inspired by 70's vintage + organic shapes, JOANNA MAXHAM HANDBAGS feature coveted styles while effortlessly infusing luxury into everyday functionality.

Made from soft vegetable tanned Italian leather, Maxham's Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection comes in an understated palette + displays a beautiful + contemporary aesthetic.

Dew Drop in Sun Kiss

Art Deco in Chocolate

Nite Cap in Star Dust

Foxtrot in Silver Moon

TIA WALKER - Celebrity Blogger + Publisher of THE QUEST FOR "IT" - is currently attending MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK (9 February - 17 February 2011), unveiling her new "8 DAYS OF LUXURY" project featuring Joanna's Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2011 handbag Collection. Each day of Walker's fashion week schedule sees her conducting interviews with celebrities, socialites, industry insiders, as well as fashion show attendees. While she does this, Tia Walker does it in style: wearing one of Joanna Maxham's gorgeous latest pieces!

As brand ambassador for JOANNA MAXHAM HANDBAGS, Tia is storming the proverbial tents armed with this season's 'it' bags exclusively for Maxham's debut Fashion Week Collection.

Tia Walker, Celebrity Blogger + Publisher of THE QUEST FOR "IT" blog appeared in the prestigious New York Social Diary 16 times in 2010, + 13 times in 2009. Tia was the 8th Most Searched Person Of 2008 on famegame.com, the New York based fame tracking portal, + her blog was ranked in the Avenue Magazine Editor-In-Chief + Paper Magazine Editor-at-Large, Peter Davis.

JOANNA MAXHAM HANDBAGS
JOANNA MAXHAM BLOG

JOANNA MAXHAM on FACEBOOK
JOANNA MAXHAM on TWITTER

LowLuv by Erin Wasson @ Miijo!

2011-02-09T14:49:00.000+11:00

The latest from LowLuv sees Wasson draw on symbolism from various cultures, from Native American to Middle Eastern. The Evil Eye features on stacked rings and bangles, which, according to Erin:

mean many different things according to how and which culture you look at ... I usually design what I find interesting and powerful ... I want pieces that look intense and have meaning.

low luv by erin wasson
large triple crystal cocktail ring
AUD $229

low luv by erin wasson
crystal diamond shaped ring
AUD $229

low luv by erin wasson
crystal cross necklace - clear
AUD $265

Music played a part in her process, too, especially the late Egyptian-born singer Oum Kalthoum, the so-called Star of the East.
Wasson's hammered rings, chandelier earrings, and crosses studded with rough crystals and black agates are flashy enough for the ruler of the empire - or, paired with Wasson's usual outfit of cut offs & vintage tees, for the model off duty look.

low luv by erin wasson
hammered triangle hand comb - gold
AUD $179

low luv by erin wasson
evil eye dome ring - gold
AUD $99 // www.miijo.com

LOW LUV by ERIN WASSON is available exclusively online in Australia @ Miijo.com

MIMCO Goes All Mod and Beatnik with their SS11 Collection: Whispers And Anarchy

2011-02-08T07:47:00.000+11:00

We were inspired by the Mods and the Beatniks of the late 50's & early 60's, channeling a clean and tidy aesthetic through neat satchels, sweet pumps and classic jewellery. - Mimco Creative and Commercial Director - Cathryn Wills

MIMCO's inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2011 Collection - WHISPERS & ANARCHY - is a fusion of the street style of the late 50's & early 60's.

Shot in Paris, France, Mimco's short film features homegrown Australian model Nicole Trunfio. The campaign of this iconic Australian accessories brand is set against the backdrop of the stunning streets of Paris, providing the perfect way to showcase their beautiful and sophisticated accessories.

Below are a series of stills from the video ...

Why not watch the video?

Mimco

Just In @ The New Guard: Chloe Sevigny X Opening Ceremony Motorcycle Boots

2011-01-18T15:58:00.000+11:00

THE NEW GUARD

Creatures Of Sects Are The Beez Kneez @ Venice Boutique

2011-01-18T15:44:00.000+11:00

Glow Bee Armlet $POA

VENICE Jewellery's latest collection - CREATURES OF SECTS - takes inspiration from the wonderful world of analysing our planet's flighty inhabitants.

From biotic pollination to honey producer, the honeybee's movements are carefully observed within each piece of jewellery. Natural amber entombs ants, trapped in the sticky exudations of the tree, is used as a direct reference of designer Venice Rish's interest in nature's chance occurrences and her desire to share this with the jewellery wearer.

The amber stone, like the creations of Venice, hold a similar philosophy that impurities and irregularities are a sign of increased value and desire.

Amber Eyed Owl Cuff $580.00

CREATURES OF SECTS see's Venice continuing to use precious metals such as 22kt gold, velvety in colour and malleable, combined with sterling silver, and oxidised silver. Put in the mix is an array or gorgeous natural stones such as amber, free-formed amber, turquoise, labradorite and lapis lazuli which create a dynamic collection of contrasting metals and stones layered for their harmonic and differential features coming together to help make up the designer's desired compositions.

Little Sunflower Ring $440.00

Venice's mainline collection sits alongside a unique glass series, where the designer has made her sculpted pieces more personal by developing upon the hand-carved dichroic glass pieces from her previous collection. The processes Venice utilises is sculpting, casting, mould making, fine carving and polishing, all this to produce sculptures in irridescent, aqua-blue, green dichroic and glow-in-the-dark yellow glass.

The process to produce a finished and detailed piece of glass replicating my original polymer clay model requires a higher level of knowledge, techniques and patience than metal casting ... Glass has many more variables and inconsistencies than metal, which makes it both challenging and intriguing to work with.

The exciting possibilities of working with glass as a medium is endless, and because of this Venice plans to continue incorporating glass into her future collections.

Beeze Ring $280.00

Venice draws inspiration for her jewellery from thoughts and processes present in her photography, her major at the College of Fine Arts, Paddington. The designer works across both fields at any one time, spending days in the Australian Centre for Photography darkroom, situated just around the corner from her William Street Boutique.

Their intimate relationship is only natural ... Processing and printing film holds infinite and unexpected possibilites, you are the instigator of the process which you can manipulate and be manipulated by, at any time ... Chance occurrences, little technical intricacies, serve to alter and shape the end result, witnessing the same phenomena in jewellery making or perhaps any creative form where you take on board each step of the process.

Snake Goddess Necklace $POA available @ Venice Jewellery

CREATURES OF SECTS is on show @ Venice Boutique alongside an exhibition of her photography and the silk scarf creations of fellow designer Emilie Cacace's label, Andéol.

Venice Boutique
57 William Street
Paddington
New South Wales
Australia

Venice Jewellery

Estate of Mind: On The Lookout for Emerging Talent

2011-01-14T14:01:00.000+11:00

Do you create amazing clothes, shoes, bags, or jewellery and are looking for somewhere cool to stock your wares?

ESTATE OF MIND just might be up your alley.

New Year's is a time for new beginnings and 2011 brings with it the unique opportunity to be a part of a new revolution – a new concept store featuring fashion from Australia’s brightest new talent. As a quirky and eccentric fashion wonderland, Estate of Mind will be a stepping-stone for new and upcoming fashion designers who want to get their threads bought and worn by fashion savvy Sydneysiders.

Born from my own love of fashion, the concept store is a natural progression from studying at FBI, working closely in a design capacity for fashion designer Michael Lo Sordo and as Assistant Stylist for SBS Broadcasting. Having been in this industry, gave me an insight into the struggle that new designers face to get their product out there and worn by the fashionista’s of Sydney.

- Sylvie Cornu, Artistic Director @ Estate of Mind.

Cornu is currently in negotiations for a suitable retail space either in Surry Hills or Paddington, considered prime locations attracting men + women aged 20 - 30 years of age who appreciate unique and fashion forward pieces by emerging local designers. The store will be launched within the next couple of months and Sylvie is currently seeking expressions of interest from designers who are eager to be a part of this exciting project.

If you are interested in being a part of this exciting opportunity please contact Sylvie Cornu for further information on estateofmind@hotmail.com

It's Time To Live Your Dream @ The Fashion Institute

2011-01-13T13:52:00.000+11:00

Sarah Stavrow: founder of The Fashion Institute

With so many people wanting to get into the wonderful world of fashion, the choice of where to study can be daunting. But not everyone wants to be a fashion designer. Some want a career in (fashion but in) Public Relations and Marketing, or as a Stylist ...

The all important question: Where's the best place for me???

If you're lucky enough to live in Sydney, there's a simple choice: THE FASHION INSTITUTE! On offer is an exciting array of well-rounded subject lists to whet a thirsty fashion appetite. I'm excited to present an interview with The Fashion Institute's founder, Sarah Stavrow, as she talks about her brand new venture and the start of something very, very promising ...

The Fashion Institute has opened its doors and is about to start classes for 2011. You must be thrilled at your recent accomplishment.
I’m very thrilled!! Everything has fallen into place so nicely and I’m very fortunate to have an amazing team working with me making sure everything is on track.

What, in your professional opinion, sets The Fashion Institute apart from other fashion institutions?
Having worked in the industry for many years and also teaching at another fashion college I wanted to give our students a completely unique experience. What sets us apart is the awesome line up of teachers who are all industry leaders – I challenge you to find such high profile teachers at any other fashion college anywhere in Australia. Our diverse curriculum gives students the opportunity to have a ‘taste test’ of the industry and see what works for them; along with the support and mentoring that not only myself but my very experience staff will provide to them.

The Fashion Institute

What do you hope to achieve with The Fashion Institute?
Our main aim is to build a reputation for producing talented, highly skilled and motivated students who have an edge over others and will go on to work and be very successful in the fashion industry. I want the industry to look to TFI (The Fashion Institute) first when hiring new staff or choosing candidates for Internship programs.

I’ve read you dreamed of working in fashion, but couldn’t find anything specializing on the business side of it - it must have been frustrating for you. How did you get around this?
I settled on a business college specialising in PR and Marketing, where I met some amazing contacts, through which I actually got my first job at a PR agency Ultimately I would have loved if there was something out there like TFI but I look at it like: I worked out how to make it easier for the next generation of fashionistas.

With a client list boasting high profile brands such as Bonds, Seafolly, General Pants, Country Road, Berlei, Miss Louise, Sunsilk and Ella Bache, your work as a Fashion Publicist is impressive - did you always want a career as a Publicist?
I actually always dreamt of working for a magazine, but fell into a PR job when I was 18 and never regretted it. I’ve been very fortunate to work for many great brands and talented people. Owning my own fashion college was the last thing I thought I would be doing but now, after having the opportunity to teach at another college and combining my experience in the fashion industry and my passion for nurturing young fashionistas, I
can’t imagine doing anything else.

In your opinion, how has the role of Public Relations and Marketing changed over the past five years, and where do you see it heading for the next season?
Obviously the online world has boomed. Social mediums like Facebook and Twitter along with bloggers and websites are a big part of any strategic communications plan these days, which was not the case 5 years ago. It will be interesting to see where the next five years will take us. There has also been a change in the way people view consumerism. Eco-Marketing is now a trend including in the fashion world. Organic cotton, locally made products are now very popular – 5 years ago no one cared!

The Fashion Institute

What can The Fashion Institute offer someone wanting to pursue a career in fashion?
They can expect a first class education from industry leaders; guidance and mentoring from teachers and staff and industry experience at leading Australian fashion companies (arranged by TFI) and once in a lifetime opportunities such as working at Fashion Week and parades. Standout students will also be offered the chance to go behind the scenes on TV shows such as Australia’s Next Top Model and Project Runway.

You offer your course part time over a one year period - why is it part time?
The course is designed to make be very flexible to suit all individuals. It allows you to work, study and undertake work place training all at your own pace without being stressed and feel under pressure. It means it’s accessible to those who need to work to support themselves throughout the year.

This course provides a well-rounded fashion education. What’s the feedback you’ve received from prospective students?
Students love the fact it covers Business, Design and Industry modules as it allows them to be exposed to all aspects of the fashion industry. I also think it’s important that future fashionistas have a well-rounded view of the industry - this is what will set them apart from others.

How has The Fashion Institute been received by the industry? Did you find people were positive about your new venture?
I’ve had amazing feedback from people in the industry; so many great people have stepped up and approached me directly to teach. It’s very overwhelming.

I’ve read that confirmed teachers include Fashion Editors from some of our nation’s top magazines. How did that come about, and what was the rationale behind this decision?
I wanted to ensure that our students had the very best people teaching them, I’ve always had a personal mantra to “aim high” and this is exactly what we did. We have teachers from magazines including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Yen, Shop Til You Drop, Grazia and Famous just to name a few.

Also on board, you have Donny Galella (Celebrity Stylist); Natasha Silva-Jelly (Fashion Editor at SMH); Elle Halliwell (Journalist at The Sunday Telegraph; Tahli Koch (Senior Publicist at David Jones); Hamish Tame (Designer at LeSpecs); William Lazootin (Project Runway); Stephanie Somers (Buyer at General Pants); Nadine Andrews (Head Female Booker at Chic). PR teachers include Publicists from ARC Factory, Maxted Thomas PR, Tailormaid PR as well as Detail Marketing Communications - these are big names!
Very big names! As I mentioned before I don’t think you’ll find such high profile teachers like we have at any other fashion college in Australia. These teachers are exclusive to us and all of them will be offering student work experience and mentoring.

I notice that the Business Module includes a comprehensive subject list including, but not limited to Magazines, Blogging/Online Magazines, PR, Marketing Management, Styling, Visual Merchandising, and Buying … would you consider offering this module as a standalone course?
Further down the track I will look at offering the Business modules as a standalone course (with the option of a Statement of Attainment in Design) and also a comprehensive Design course….stay tuned!

What career opportunities can graduates expect on completion of the Fashion Course?
Most students will go into Junior / Co-ordinator roles within fashion companies, PR agencies and magazines but the world is their oyster!

Sarah, what you’re doing is really exciting. I wish it was available way back when I was looking at fashion courses as it would have been absolutely perfect for me! I noticed that you offer Blogging and Online Magazines as a subject in your Business Module. With the fashion industry starting to embrace bloggers more over the past few years as a valid form of exposure and distribution, what’s your personal view on the role of the blogger today, and why did you decide to offer this as a subject?
Blogging and Online Media is a massive part of the fashion industry, we’re seeing blogs generating more traffic than traditional magazines, it’s definitely the future of our industry and I wanted to make sure the course was relevant to our Generation Y and I students We have some great Online media teachers including Nicole from Gary Pepper Vintage, Valeria from X&Y Magazine, Eleanor from Pretty Gritty – and if you’re interested I would be happy to have you on board too!

What are your plans for the future of The Fashion Institute, and will you be adding courses to the mix?
Next year we will be offering Business as a standalone course, you can choose to add a Statement of Attainment to it, also a more in-depth Design course. Our Styling and Design Workshops start in March and will be a monthly event; these workshops give prospective students an insight into the industry. We’re also looking to open campuses around Australia in the coming years.

The Fashion Institute

I’m just wondering, for people reading this article with an interest in your course, when do classes begin for the year, and how do they go about enrolling?
Classes officially start January 31st but prospective students are free to start any day of the year. If you would like to enroll contact us on 1300 FASHION (1300 327 4466) or email info@thefashioninstitute.com.au

What important piece of advice would you give anyone wanting to pursue a career in fashion?
Work hard, always be nice to people and do any job - even if it’s taking out the bins with a smile - and you’ll go far!

I hope you enjoyed reading about The Fashion Institute as much as I enjoyed writing about it! You still have time to enroll in this amazing course, and it will be absolutely fantastic to have the college expand and be situtated in other states. Please come to Melbourne .... !!!

thefashioninstitute.com.au

Style Never Goes Out Of Fashion: Interview with Lenka Padysakova

2011-01-11T15:16:00.000+11:00

Photography by Ondrej Bires

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing a very talented young designer, Lenka Padysakova. With a deep interest in theatre and the glamour of 1940's Hollywood, let's take a look at what makes this gorgeous Slovakian fashion + costume designer tick ...

You graduated from London College of Fashion with a degree in Fashion Design in 2008. What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
It is something that I always wanted to do without even realizing it. Since I was a child, I was making outfits for my dolls and later on in my teenage years I signed up for an evening sewing course and started to make clothes for myself. But what exactly inspired me, I honestly don't remember. What I know is that I had many ideas in my head and I needed to let them go out.

When did you launch your label + what makes it unique?
I launched my label at the same year of my graduation - 2008. During my studies at London College of Fashion I was standing out from my schoolmates because of my female, lady-like style. Because of my rich colours. All the others were doing androgynous collections, cold, minimalistic, using only black and white colours. My sense of elegance, Hollywood glamour and unusual colour combinations made my label unique.

Where are you currently based?
In London.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
In Hollywood in the 1940's.

Who would you say are your favourite designers + why?
Erte, Edith Head, Colleen Atwood, Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, John Galliano. I like them mainly because of their approach to their work. Edith Head was creating gowns according to the needs and enquiries of each actress. And that's how I work, too. Dior brought us unforgettable elegant and flattering "New Look", Coco comfortable materials and Galliano is breaking borders between fashion and theatre.

I think it might be fair to state that style is an important part of life - do you agree?
I definitely agree. Your own style is something you can be recognized for. Remembered, described, standing out from the long crowd of only followers.

What are the 5 fashion essentials every woman should have in her wardrobe?
Fitted trousers, long sleeved blouse with standing colour, brooch for the collar, blazer and I would also add as essentials for every woman, quality perfume and lipstick.

Do you have a style icon?
Marlene Dietrich.

How would you describe your personal style?
Elegant, feminine but mixed with items from men's wardrobe.

What's the one thing you simply can't live without?
Red nail polish.


Photography by Miss Aniela.

Your work has a distinctly theatrical aesehetic. Is this deliberate on your behalf, or is it subconscious?
It was subconscious from the beginning, but after I realized it my work changed and I would say that I am more Costume Designer than Fashion Designer. Theatre and film is what I am concentrating on.

What is your favourite fabric to work with + why?
Fabrics for interiors - curtain fabrics. I love their texture, their strength and recently I've found beautiful and interesting colours and patterns. I made dresses, skirts or corsets out of them and the result is fantastic!

What is the most interesting + rewarding aspect of your work?
That my work is to make people happy and feel good about what they wear.

You've chosen a challenging industry to work in. How are you finding it + what's the biggest lesson you've learnt so far?
It's hard and stressful with lots of competitors. I've learnt that it's important to know what you want, believe in it, and stand for it. To be sure about your steps. You have to make others believe in you by showing them your knowledge. But the biggest lesson I've learnt is that the only person you can really trust and rely on is ONLY YOU! There are lots and lots of very selfish and fake people around us!

Do you remember the first design you created - if so, what was it?
Yes, I remember. It was a red pencil skirt I made out of an old cotton fabric I found at home as I didn't have enough money to buy new one. It was an incredible feeling once I finished it. I was so proud of my work. I was 12 years old!

I read somewhere that you also style for many private shoots - are you able to tell us a little about this?
I work as a Stylist for different modelling studios and also for private clients. It means that anyone who needs help with their own style whether it's a private person, singer or band or in need stylist for a photo shoot, video filming etc can hire me.

Photography by Jon Gee

Do you personally style your fashion shoots + catwalk shows?
Yes, I always do. While creating an outfit, I am thinking of everything. What accessories are going with it, what shoes, hair, make up ... it's part of it. An outfit is not complete for me without all of those details.

How did you get into styling for Toni & Guy?
I stopped once with a friend in one little cute bar in East London for a last drink before going home. It was already quite late. There were only a few people in the bar, pretty drunk but very communicative and friendly. One French boy started to talk to me asking me what I do for a living, etc. When he found out that I am a designer, he gave me his business card asking me to contact him. He was one of the best Toni & Guy hair stylists in London. Two weeks after that we were doing our first photo shoot together.

Which films have you designed costumes for? How different is it compared to designing for fashion?
Designing for film is very different compared to designing just fashion. In film the character is the priority. Even though film is a mixture of fashion, costumes, history ... I worked on a few short movies, videos and TV series like for example 'Armstrong And Miller', 'Jon Culshaw' and I also designed a dress for a film 'Burlesque Fairytales'.

You worked with Vivienne Westwood - is this true? Please do tell!
It is true. During my study at college and a bit after my graduation I worked at Vivienne Westwood studio. I was working closely with the main pattern cutter. I created patterns and some of them were used for her Gold Label Collection. It was an amazing experience. I learnt a lot! I was also a fitting model and that helped me to see Vivienne in action - I could see how Vivienne is thinking, how she is changing toiles and creating new shapes.

I've just been watching BLACK BEAST on YouTube. Can you please tell us about the idea behind it?
I've been approached by the director of this video, Bet Orten, to design the costume for this video but also to be the main character. It was about a crazy girl who wanted to bury herself alive. Bet wanted to create the contrast between my elegant look and madness. She wanted me to look as glamorous as possible but behave as made as possible. The final dress I made was from over 10 metres of black fabric with a huge crinoline underneath and a tight corset. Having this dress on gives you completely different attitude. You feel so powerful. We were shooting in a forest during the most coldest day of the year. I was so freezing that you can still see my red nose in this video ;) But it was real fun!


Velvet Cabaret - Pascal Pino

I noticed that you sponsored Velvet Cabaret. How did that come about?
After I designed staff uniformas for MICCA CLUB in Rome, I wanted to continue collaborating with this club. I absolutely love MICCA, it's my favourite club ever! During my stay in Rome, MICCA started a new night called VELVET CABARET which was the idea of the artistic director of MICCA, Alessandro Casella. I offered him to create costumes for some of the main performers of this cabaret, and for himself. My promotion helped me to bring customers from different parts of Italy.

You've recently been collaborating with MR PUSTRA for his VILLAINS shows. His costumes are absolutely stunning! You've done an amazing job - are you pleased with the end result? How did you find the experience?
Thank you for your lovely words, Enkha. Yes, I am very pleased with the result and there is still more to come! I have been designing and making costumes for MR PUSTRA for over a year now. I like his style and very much enjoy his performance. Because I was working with MICCA CLUB I helped him to perform at VELVET CABARET as his acts were perfect for this cabaret.

MR PUSTRA. Photography by Oliv

After seeing VILLAINS in London I recommended this show to Alessandro Casella from MICCA CLUB. And here we are, in a few weeks VILLAINS will be at the TEATRO PALLADIUM in Rome. It's going to be a fantastic show, with lots of costume changes.

Where can people purchase your gorgeous collections from?
All the details are on my website lenkapadysakova.com but I am working mainly for made-to-order clients.

Darling, if you were a cocktail, which would it be?
I don't have one favourite cocktail but I have few favourite bartenders in Rome in the MICCA CLUB and in Sabaudia. They always make a cocktail especially for me. It tastes and looks fabulous!

lenkapadysakova.com