Category Archives: clothing and fashion

HOT: Crop at Lightly Showroom, 3 Glasshouse Rd, Collingwood

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Melbourne loves pop up design shops and this weekend there are three worth your attention – The Design Files Open House,  The Cool House and Crop at Lightly Showroom. Not to mention the popular twice-yearly Melbourne Design Market at Federation Square. Make that four!

Design studio Lightly have opened up their two-level warehouse and showroom to 25 other Australian designers showcasing jewellery, homewares, stationery, accessories and toys. They even have free wine tasting by Jamsheed Wines to get you in to the shopping mood.

Here are some of things that caught my eye…

This decorative sculpture, a Christmas nest, by Wona Bae. I’m not sure that it’s for sale but it would certainly make an eye-catching Christmas wreath for someone’s massive door. She has also made some miniature hand-tied Christmas trees in the same organic sculptural style which are for sale.

I loved these Jumble macrame rope plant holders by Jessie Tucker but as I was on my bike I couldn’t figure out how to get the poinsettia home.

This teepee from Gather. I want one for my back yard!

These sustainable cork and rubber placemats by Lightly come in a range of designs, sizes and colours and are named after the founder’s grandmother’s bridge playing friends (cute!). I bought a red one and green one for my festive table. Also note that during Crop you get to save 20% off all Lightly products.

To match my new table setting, some reindeer glass place by Fi Fy Fo Fum.

And finally, my gifts beautifully gift-wrapped. Thanks!

Crop at Lightly Showroom,

10:00am-7:00pm Friday 30 November
10:00am-6:00pm Saturday 1 December
10:00am-5:00pm Sunday 2 December


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HOT: Ballet & Fashion, National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne

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As soon as I found out about NGV’s latest fashion exhibition ‘Ballet & Fashion‘ I knew I had to visit. I love ballet, I love ballet costumes and I love fashion, and I was curious to see what kind of items they had on display.

Given the number of fashion designers who have collaborated with ballet companies around the world over time, including The Australian Ballet, I was surprised by the small scale of this exhibition. There are only about 20 costumes in total – albeit designed by famous local and international designers such as Collette Dinnigan and Christian Lacroix. I’ve visited the costume department of The Australian Ballet and believe me there are a lot more fabulous tutus in the archives!

Nevertheless, if you’re going to NGV International anyway then the two rooms are worth visiting – the exhibition is free. I particularly loved the wild headdresses made by local milliner Richard Nylon and the delicate brocade, silk tulle and organza embroidered costumes designed for Romeo and Juliet by Akira Isogawa.

From the cheap seats you don’t get to appreciate the intricate detail and craftsmanship that goes into making a ballet costume and the accompanying video is interesting for its insight into Akira’s work with the cast and then watching the dancers bring the clothes alive.

Finally, for those with little ones you may be interested to know that Collette Dinnigan has collaborated with The Australian Ballet and Target to design a range of ballet-inspired party wear for girls aged 3-8 years. The collection will start selling on November 21 online and in store. Judging by the Collette Dinnigan tutu on display at this exhibition, I’m sure it will all be beautiful and adorable!

Ballet & Fashion, NGV International 180 St Kilda Rd

3 November 2012 – 19 May 2013

HOT: The Finders Keepers, Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson St, Carlton

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The fabulous twice-yearly market The Finders Keepers is back in Melbourne today!

Inside the vaulted halls of the beautiful Royal Exhibition Building you will find a delightful array of independent and local artists and artisans – cute, handmade, whimsical, colourful is the name of the game.  There’s so much to see that it’s actually a bit daunting so here are my picks.

My favourite clothing stall was by North Fitzroy local Mariska Thynne under the label The Professor’s Daughter. She makes brightly hued tailored garments with a retro, glamorous feel. A very Mad Men / vintage airline hostess look which can still be styled in a modern way.

I loved her clothes so much that I bought a winter wool coat from her – I don’t care that summer’s coming, I didn’t want to miss out!

Marina from Marcue handmakes every shoe in her collection according to your size and in any colour combination you desire. Actually, I loved the shoes that Marina was wearing most of all!

Everyone on my Christmas list is getting a personalised Christmas ornament from Kylie Johnson of Paper Boat Press from me this year – imagine them as reuseable gift tags for boxes of home made baked goodies. This is Brisbane-based Kylie’s first Melbourne market, so show her a grand Southern state by visiting her stall.

This custom-made kid’s deckchair from Brunswick’s fable baby & nursery wins the cutest item award.

I really liked these berry baskets and paint-your-own Matryoshka dolls from Blank Goods. In fact, I liked a lot of their other crafty items too such as twine, miniature wooden pegs and washi tape.

The sculptural accessories by Renee Saliba of Maple and Gray were a departure from the general cuteness and whimsy on show.

My favourite stall set up was by Angus and Celeste. Their elegant hangings along the Swiss chalet border perfectly showcased their delicate handpainted work.

The Finders Keepers Melbourne Spring/Summer 2012 market, The Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Friday 19 October 6pm – 10pm
Saturday 20 October 10am – 5pm

HOT: SO:ME Space, South Melbourne Market, 322-326 Coventry St, South Melbourne

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South Melbourne Market has moved out the dollar stores and moved in some hip wares.

Under the big shed they’ve created a space for small shops and pop up sites called SO:ME Space. It’s filled with clothing, accessories, artwork and bikes – a fun place to browse before or after your market grocery shopping.

Some of the designers include previous blog favourites Wet & Wendy and Skinny Nelson at Jane, plus cool bikes and accessories from Bakerlite and a very eye-catching shop display at Stone Glint and Bone.

SO:ME Space, South Melbourne Market, 322-326 Coventry St, South Melbourne

Wed 9am-4pm
Thurs 5pm-9pm
Fri 9am-5pm
Sat 9am-4pm
Sun 9am-4pm

 

HOT: Zakkaya, 52 Johnston St, Fitzroy

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Nestled in Johnston Street, in between the curry houses, Latin American restaurants and sweaty gyms is Zakkaya, a quietly beatific shop selling contemporary Japanese goods.

Their wares range from clocks, clothing, jewellery, toys, storage and everything is delicate, charming and oh-so-cute. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift for that special person with an eye for design and craftsmanship. Lots of the things are made from natural materials like wood or stone or cotton.

Love these items…

A wooden hanging vase.

Kid-sized coat rack with animal heads on it.

Cute farmyard wooden balance game.

Colourful toy storage boxes.

I bought a Make Me Iconic Melbourne Toy Tram for a friend’s son and a beautiful Japanese papercut Christmas decoration as a Kris Kringle present – someone is going to be very lucky!

Look how beautifully they are packaged – typically elegant Japanese attention to detail. If you’re in a hurry with your Christmas chores, the gorgeous gift-wrapping is free too!

For other places to buy unique gifts in Fitzroy, try Little Salon or the Rose Street Artists Market.

Zakkaya, 52 Johnston St, Fitzroy +

HOT: Melbournalia Home, Level 1 Rear 126 Franklin St, Melbourne

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Stuck for a unique, Melbourne-themed Christmas gift or holiday souvenir?

Then make sure you get to Melbournalia, a series of pop up stores open now in the lead-up to Christmas. Over the next few weeks four Melbourne CBD venues and one repurposed newspaper stand will host displays of Melbourne design goodness, with HQ being at Melbournalia Home in an out-of-the-way laneway (naturally) off Franklin St.

Melbournalia Home is a stylish converted warehouse filled with stationery, jewellery, homewares, fashion, coffee, art and design from some of Melbourne’s best-loved boutique design brands.

My covet list includes:

Gorgeous Neighbourhood throw and picnic rugs from Otto & Spike and make-your-own mobile from Ink & Spindle.

Tram roll cushions from Poulier & Poulier.

 Mattt cases for notebooks and laptops.

In 2011 our kitchen calendar is by The Design Files. In 2012 our calendar will be the designed by the giggle-worthy Able and Game.

Tonight Melbournalia Captains opens at Captains of Industry (Level 1, 2 Somerset Place, CBD) with a launch event 6-8pm and everyone’s welcome! Enjoy some wine and browse the Captain’s selection of Melbournalia gifts for the modern gent.

HOT Chat: Anna Martino of Wet & Wendy

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Anna Martino is the brains behind the stylish weatherwear label Wet & Wendy. Wet & Wendy hails (pun intended) from Melbourne and the products are perfect for Melbourne’s four seasons in one day weather.

I chat with Anna in her Collingwood studio as she gets ready to launch her Spring/Summer 2011 range, some of which is available in my business CycleStyle.

Anna, tell me a bit more about your background and how you came to start your weatherwear fashion line Wet & Wendy?

I’ve been working as a designer for over ten years, back and forth between London and Melbourne. It’s wonderful to have worked for so many brands and it really gave me a clear direction for my business.

Living in London meant that the weather became a big part of my life and after moving back to Melbourne and feeling a change was happening with even more unpredictable weather than ever before, starting my own weatherwear label just felt like the right thing to do.

I also wanted to do something which brought a smile to peoples faces and that’s how Wet & Wendy came about!

Where do you turn for design inspiration?

My inspiration comes from days gone by. Traditional weather products and the feeling of nostalgia. I love the way remembering a time in the past gives you that warm feeling.

Wet & Wendy is inspired by old films and advertising, photographs, stories and the fact that in the days of old you (or my grandmother!) purchased things out of necessity.

Mixing a traditional raincoat silhouette with a modern fabric in a fresh colour captures the perfect mix of old and new and a stylish take on necessity dressing.

What has been the most challenging thing you’ve faced in starting up your own business? What advice would you give to a small business owner?

Going out on my own is the most challenging thing I have ever done by far.

It is important to be ambitious and realistic at the same time. The right thing for me was to start small and to grow the brand slowly and in the right direction.

There are a lot of challenges but one of the biggest has probably been getting the product right, and getting it here. For people not familiar, the processes that happen behind the scenes to get products to store is overwhelming and being organised and working with the right people is key. Planning is the most important element, even in a creative environment, a clear plan and knowing what/ when/ who/why/ how is the only way.

What are your next plans for Wet & Wendy?

So many exciting things going on! We have designed a bike cart, like an old fashioned ice cream bike with Peter from PS Bikes. Its going to be riding around the Harvest Festival selling Wet & Wendy. We also have a new Pop-Up shoppe opening next month, especially for our Summer ‘Love The Sun’ collection and the Mens collection ‘Westerly by W&W’ is about to launch with Summer too. I am so excited to be working on next Winter, designing weatherwear is the most fun design work I’ve ever done! It’s hard work but someone’s got to do it!

Finally, what are your tips for what’s HOT in Melbourne?

My favourite things

Cafe- Proud Mary (cnr Stanley and Oxford Sts, Collingwood) for the coffee
Restaurant- (1/11 Collins St, Melbourne) for the corn
Shop- Chapel Street Bazaar (217 Chapel St, Prahran) for the fact I always find something I love that’s been loved before.

Things to do

The view of the city down St Kilda road from the Shrine of Remembrance, it’s beautiful.
The Fitzroy Gardens, a blanket, sunbrella, a good magazine and a coffee is my idea of heaven.

HOT: Icons of Style, Mad Men Costume Exhibition, Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone

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Mad Men is probably my favourite television series. Besides the tight script and convincing acting I really enjoy seeing the beautiful 60s costumes and set design (I have a penchant for vintage lamps and mid-century furniture).

So I was quite excited to discover that from Thursday September 8 to Sunday October 2 Chadstone Shopping Centre is hosting Icons of Style, a free exhibition of some of the costumes from Mad Men. In all my years living in Melbourne I have never been to Chadstone (unbelievable, I know) but Betty Draper’s Grace Kelly inspired wardrobe to Joan’s Va-va-voom tailored dresses was enough to draw me there. (Note that this is a picture-heavy post!)

I went with the ever-lovely Marianne from Esme and the Laneway – elegantly dressed in vintage, perfectly coiffed and with immaculate make up.

Mad Men’s Costume Designer, Janie Bryant, has curated a selection of looks worn by the main characters in the show. They have been set up on a round stage in the luxury precinct along with some furniture and objects of the era – such as the covetable desk, vintage typewriter and drinks trolley – and Mattel’s Barbie Collector Mad Men Dolls.

The podium is bounded by perspex which is understandable as you don’t want people touching the garments, but on the other hand there’s no way to avoid the ring when taking photos, so please bear with the faint line and slight reflections that you see in the images.

While the womens clothes were pretty (I didn’t bother with the mens’ garments – a suit is a suit is a suit) they had been put on standard sized modern mannequins, which meant that some of the clothes didn’t quite fit properly (especially Joan’s dresses) and the vintage inspiration behind the costumes was kind of lost.

If you’re in Chadstone I suggest popping by to have a look. But I don’t think there’s any need to cross town to see this exhibition – just check out my photos or Marianne’s blog post :–)

Icons of Style, Mad Men Costume Exhibition, Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone

Thursday September 8 to Sunday October 2

HOT: Dressed for Murder: Fashions from the World of Hitchcock, Melbourne Writers Festival, BMW Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne

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Melbourne Writers Festival is over for another year and we’re in the middle of the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week – so this post straddles the two events nicely.

One of the events I attended this year at the Melbourne Writers Festival (along with the Jonathan Franzen Q&A which was really enjoyable – he’s the guy you want at all your dinner parties) was Dressed for Murder: Fashions from the World of Hitchcock.

What does vintage fashion have to do with books? Well, the presenter was Charlotte Smith, the author of two autobiographical books, Dreaming of Chanel and Dreaming of Dior, and the event was about her custodianship of the Darnell Collection. This is a private collection bequeathed to her by her godmother Doris Darnell which contains over 5,500 vintage pieces, from dresses to hats to handbags to shoes. Charlotte now manages the collection fulltime and shows off certain pieces around Australia and overseas at select events when she’s not storing, cataloguing and restoring items and recreating the stories behind them.

Charlotte was a very engaging speaker, articulate and passionate about her work and she really took you on a journey by building the story behind the collection. The most drool-worthy part was the fashion parade of some of the collection’s pieces, inspired by the fashions featured in Hitchcock’s films by beauties such as Grace Kelly and Kim Novak. They’ve inspired me to dress up more!

Vintage fashion is a passion for my friend and fellow blogger Marianne from Esme and the Laneway, so who better to accompany me to this event. Marianne has a gift with the camera so today’s photos are thanks t0 her work. For more images, check out her full blog post here.

HOT: The Cutting Table, The Social Studio, 128 Smith St, Collingwood

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Since I wrote about The Social Studio almost 18 months ago the social enterprise has grown and developed.

In terms of their cafe, it has moved from the back of the studio (where it was cute but small and hidden) to a bigger, brighter and more prominent site right next door. I’m so glad that they’ve taken over the forlorn Eatz and Treatz and jazzed it up to turn it into The Cutting Table. The cafe is part of The Social Studio enterprise and it provides hospitality training, work experience, employment and pathways to employment for refugee youth.

The menu has expanded too to encompass burgers galore. Eight African inspired burgers to be precise – from beef to chicken to lentils to tofu. The burgers are a variation on a theme – some sort of protein filling, some sort of sauce (shiro, spicy lovers sauce or tahini yoghurt), salad and all sandwiched between a Turkish roll. The menu states that all meats are halal and they use free range chicken and free range eggs.

I decided to go for the tofu burger marinated with spicy lovers sauce ($10). The burgers are not for elegant eating – mine was a hefty two-hander containing several slabs of spicy tofu. As with all the burgers it came with a small side of home-style African potatoes which were cold and frankly an unexciting mix of boiled potato, chopped carrot and a very mild sauce. I washed it down a smoothie ($5), a very vibrant purple coloured mix of berries, bananas, oats and cardamom, the spice taking it above the norm.

At lunch time the cafe was fairly busy so there was a bit of a wait on the food, but I would have expected dishes to come out much faster since most menu items were very similar. In fact, if you’re in a hurry at lunch time this is not the place for a quick feed – the service was a little haphazard but I understand that comes with the territory of it being a training business.

Besides the burgers they also have daily specials which commonly feature some sort of African stew. Seeing the other (African) patrons gnawing on drumsticks and cleaning their plates with injera bread makes me think that next time I’m going for the stew.  I also like the idea of returning on a Wednesday night for ‘African night’ which features an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, music and food.

In more Social Studio news, this Thursday 8 September they are launching their Magic Tent Collection at BMW Edge as part of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week. The gala event will feature fashion, food and music and tickets are $55 ($45 for Craft Victoria Members. For more information, click here.

The Cutting Table, The Social Studio, 128 Smith St, Collingwood +

Café hours     7am-4.00pm, Mon-Sat, 6pm-9pm – Wed African Night