Culture news

All bikes are dope  - think of the environment y'all - but how swish is this particular two-wheeled speciman? It's made by an American guy called Gary Fisher who, according the story, "went for a ride. He pedalled a Dutch shopping bike, complete with basket, rack, chain guard, and kickstand, through the streets of Amsterdam. He loved the bike so much he brought it home — and in typical Gary fashion, he made it better"
Man, does Amsterdam ever not deliver the goods? Anyway, today the Fisher Bicycles Simple City range encorporates four models for both men and women, each one staying true to their european roots (spokes?) through classic design and I-do-what-I-do-well function. The model you see above is the woman's Simple city 8 Speed...and it's mine so hands the hell off. Really though, Fisher Bicycles have just begun to be destributed in Oz and will be available from November at Clarence St Cyclery in Sydney and Trek stores nationwide.

Of course, fashion week isn't just about fashion - it's about meeting cool people and, you know, partying a bit also. Apart from the official opening shindig (where the Moet flowed and the, surprisingly funny, NZ Prime Minister was in full meet and greet mode - it's election year after all) one of the earliest parties was on Tuesday night in celebration of Adrian Hailwood's show. Held in the basement bar of a swanky restaurant called Clooney's, the celebrations almost didn't happen when the maitre'd, rather rudely, refused entrance to the long line of vips and models snaking through the restaurant area. After a small riot almost broke out amongst the cheeky young male models (you boys know who you are) they finally let us in and we marched down to the den to be entertained by Auckland's La Beat Debauchery. LBD are fire! The DJ duo consists of Kylie McKenzie and Lucy Hunt and together these two hot little ladies had us abandoning our 5" heels and getting down to their 7" sounds - which included everything from 60's pop to MIA. By the end of the night they had me dancing on tables with them! Some other great people I met on the night include Jason Berton, who works for sweet LA based website called Cyana Boutique and Delaney and Matt of NO Magazine; these two are amazingly talented and, although NO isn't available in Australia yet, you should try your hardest to check it out!

Eddie Murphy in 'Delerious' and 'Raw' are probly the funniest comedy acts ever made.
Offensive or not, he's just too good.

White people – we’re crazy. We like stuff like fancy bottled water (you mean this metal contraption attached to my sink actually hydrates me for free?), working unpaid (it’s called an internship – duh), girls with Jane Birkin bangs (aka fringes), having two last names, drinking scalding hot and mildly flavoured water, hating our parents and being fashionably early. Stuff White People Like has practically documented my whole life, and this anonymous blogger has even turned the every growing list of fads into a book. It’s funny because it’s all so true.

After gracing the bustling CBD's of both Sydney and London, cult winemaker McGuigan is installing its enormous, interactive vineyard in Melbourne. The congested City Square will be transformed into a rustic and unspoiled country setting, complete with tastings and wine appreciation sessions from October 8 - 11. If, like myself, you've always wanted to raise your pinky whilst knowingly swivelling your glass, or are sick of wildly throwing around the words 'flavour' and 'intensity' accompanied by fervent gesticulation to impress, then this evocative installation is not to be missed. Check out their website for details.

I know people - not naming names here - who only read when they absolutely have too, like, never in their entire lives have they picked up a book simply for their own enjoyment. I Know! I'm not one to judge people's lifestyle choices but just think of what they're missing out on - a cheap and easy portal into adventure, fantasy, beauty, romance, knowledge, travel... all attributes that are celebrated in the annual Melbourne Writers Festival. Held from August 22 - 27, the festival includes over 250 events spread all over the city; from casual talks over lunch with well-known food writers to philosophical discourse, political debate and forums on how to become a published writer. Events are selling out faster than that book with the wizard so head to the website for the full programme and ticketing info.