Fashion news

I remember times, as a misunderstood and angsty 16 year old, when I would listen to Bad Brains "Banned In DC" on repeat for, like, at least an hour. Oh Wait, I still do that. Formed in Washington D.C in 1977, Bad Brains are still considered the forefathers of hardcore punk. As a punk band their music was fast and intense - the most fast and intense it is often claimed - but not in a "We can't play our instruments so we're just going to thrash this out" sort of way; it may have been loud and fast but it was also highly technical and often inflected with reggae sensibilities (Bad Brains are noted followers of the Rastafari movement). Anyway, they may have chopped and changed a few members but Bad Brains are still together and still wielding an influence over punk and skate culture. It's because of the latter that NY skate label Supreme have invited Bad brains to collaborate on an honorary capsule collection. Cool! Not only are Supreme releasing the Vans Sk-8 HI in three colorways but there's a jacket and two t-shirts also (one bearing a BB logo, the other a live shot with the band-member's name on the back).  Supreme is available at Perks and Mini in Melbourne and Supply in Sydney.

Do you love fashion and beauty? But do you love fashion and beauty that's eco friendly and affordable more? Well so does 1+1= change; a website bringing you the best of afformentioned from around the globe. For instance, the amazingly-necklined dress you see to your left is by Seattle-based eco-fashion label, Prairie Underground, and was made with organic cotton (they also make beautifully constructed jacekts and jersey tunics). 1+1 is not just about fashion; but stocks make-up and beauty products, food, art, house-hold goods and much more - opening your eyes to a cheap and environmentally cheerful world you never knew existed

Don't you just love Melissa shoes? The way they that they smell like lollies and make grown women feel okay, even proud, about revisiting jelly shoes? And don't you just love Vivienne Westwood? How without her any of today's notions of "rock chic" wouldn't exist and how she at age 67 she still rocks bright orange hair and - despite the fact her son started Agent Provocateur - insists on going knicker-less at most events (even when she was made a Dame by Prince Charles, saucy!)? Well now you can enjoy both! Together! Yes, renowned for their joint collaborations with international designers and artists, Melissa have teamed up with Dame Westwood for their latest range. The Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + melissa collection includes both a rubberised version of Westwood's iconic Mary-Jane and a Westwoodised version of Melissa's iconic Ultragirl flats. Both styles come in a range of primary colours and both are sure to become cult collectors items so Australian fans should set their sights on FAT who are recieving the range early and will be the first to stock the Anglomania + Melissa shoes in June.

How adorable is this dress? Bloody adorable I would say - It's like a blown-up doll's outfit or something Miss Zooey Deschanel would wear. The dress is called the Kafka and is one of many new pieces from 'Hum Drum Hey Day'; the new collection from Wellington based label, Papercup. Created by artist Ginny McMullen, Papercup is the house label of her quirky little store Swonderful and under the name she creates all sorts of good things like clothing, jewellery, stationary, toys and more. As well as the dress (which also comes in a butter-coloured seersucker) the range includes sheer, bib-front blouses; chambray skating skirts and a range of hand-printed tees - many of which can now be purchased online. Not hum-drum at all!

Like most girls, I have the tendency to slip into my boyfriend's t-shirts, wrap myself up in his scarves and snuggle into his jumpers on cold, rainy days. The comfort factor is very attractive. And while the thought of my boyfriend making a conscious decision to borrow my cardigans and leggings would surprise me, it appears the young men of Melbourne are doing just that!

Retailers report that boys buying women's jeans, t-shirts and knitwear have the high street in an inventory spin. With its origins in the androgynous nature of the music scene, the trend of skinny jeans worn low, slim fit tees and long line cardigans are making the man. For fashion, this has meant a rise in the launch of unisex collections amongst up-and-coming labels such as Chronicles of Never,  Cheap Monday, and TV.

For us girls, it means purchasing those new trainers as we race to the racks.

Have you heard of the Dover Street Market? For the unfamiliar, I'm referring to the multi-level conceptualized store in London by Rei Kawakubo of Japanese fashion brand Comme des Garçons. To coincide with London Fashion Week '08 CDG launched a selection of 'playful' limited addition accessories that promise not to burn a hole in the pocket! Not a Londoner you say. Do not despair, take a virtual walk through the DSM e-shop and pick yourself up something special. Check it out.

Leave a note on the fridge for your boyfriend/Dad/Brother etc; Sydney’s slickest oufitters, Incu, are this week opening a new store dedicated solely to the boys. Situated directly across from Incu’s flagship store in the Galleries Victoria, the new post has been fitted out by Interior architect Kalvin (who also created the interior for the strand Cornershop) and features a window display from artist and jewellery maker, Elke Kramer. Oh, it will also stock some very sexy menswear from labels such as Band of Outsiders, Ksubi, Vanishing Elephant, Freidrich Gray, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Fillipa K.