Fashion news
If you’re planning a trip to Wellington soon (which you should- it has good bars and nice, friendly people), make sure your itinerary includes a visit to Swonderful; the cutest thing to grace the windy city since hobbits. Described by co-owner Virginia McMullen as “cute & crafty with a DIY attitude” Swonderful is “anti all things mass produced, over-priced and over-hyped”. McMullen- an artist who’s work has been featured in publications such as Frankie and Vice- recently opened the store with her Mum, after they both found themselves frustrated with working boring jobs that didn’t allow enough time to devote to creative pursuits (don’t you love stories like that?).Not only is Swonderful home to Virginia’s own label Papercup but it also supports other clever folk by stocking toys, bags, Jewellery, clothing and other “gifty things” from local and emerging talent. The owners are also lovely people, so if you're in the area be sure to pop in and say hi!
On September 28th at the Forum in Sydney, M.I.A and back up dance Cherrie exploded onto the stage wearing Sydney based designers Romance Was Born. M.I.A bamboo banged out under the shade of a monster hologram hoodie, cap and leggings from Romance Was Born's ' Nocturnal' range and hologram swim suit from the ' Weird Science' range. Romance Was Born was well suited to M.I.A's jumpin Afro-didge, hectic patterned, vibrant style and she worked it like she owned it. M.I.A led the crowd into a thirsty frenzy with her kinetic dancing and punching lyrics. When she pulled up a dozen girls to join her on stage, it was Bondi meets Colombo in an Anglo version of one of her film clips, with blonde girls clambering to slap and gyrate on MIA's ass, which she poked out to the delight of many. One crazed fan even named M.I.A as a new lesbian icon. The encore had me wetting my pants in excitement. M.I.A was to repeat the heat and energy of her Forum show at Parklife where she lifted the lid on an otherwise jaw chomping freak show of a festival.
It may be over for another year but there's one emergent name from New Zealand fashion week that remains on the industry's lips. Alex Kim only graduated from Auckland's University of technology last year but his debut show under the name Jaeha left fashion editors spluttering with “next big thing” praise- influential kiwi Stylist Stacey Gregg even marked him out as a designer "with the potential to be one of the most important New Zealand has ever produced". With a leaning toward knitted garments (a strong point for many well known NZ designers) and the clever use of deconstruction and volume, Kim’s garments have drawn comparison to those of English enfant terrible Giles Deacon. Jaeha certainly looks set to be a name we'll be hearing more of.
You know how annoying it is when you hit up a friend like, "Hey, where'd you get that sweet (insert item of clothing here) from?". And then they just casually say, "Oh, you know, in Japan/ France/ NYC", then you feel bummed because not only are their clothes evidently cooler than yours but you also start to realise that you've barely left your own neighbourhood in like, a really long time? Yeah, well that's how I feel every time I see someone rocking a certain little red heart logo with big cut and paste eyes. The logo belongs to 'Play'. the diffusion label from iconic French fashion house,
Comme Des Garcons. Until now, Sydneysiders have had to travel far and wide to get there hands on some. Imagine how excited I was then to learn that those classy folks at Our spot will soon be exclusively stocking both the Comme Des Garcons Play and wallet lines. Launched in 2003, Play focuses on "fun, wearable garments" and this season will feature designs of soft-jersey T-shirts, lightweight knits and colourful leather wallets. If I know anything about Comme fans I can almost guarantee that this stuff won't hang around, so get into
Our Spot, when 'Play' becomes available on the 25 October.
Since the first store was opened in Sydney’s Centrepoint way back in 1981, clothing chain Dotti has remained a favourite destination for fashionable young things across Australia and NZ; who better then to represent a new, fashion forward direction for the brand then than DJ, journalist and girl about London-town, Peaches Geldof.
As well-known for her mix ‘n’ match style as her famous parentage and outspoken nature (not many people have the nerve to label Madonna “mutton dressed as lamb”) the platinum blonde wild-child is the new face of Dotti and recently graced our shores for a high tea party held in her honour at the chain’s Paddington store; as general manager Sarah Rovis explains "She has her own style, which is an eclectic mix of chain store and high end and It's exactly how our Dotti customers dress”
General Pants is excited to announce the arrival of Gracie the new diffusion line by Alice McCall. Launching exclusively at General Pants for October 2007, Gracie is sure to be a hot ticket in the wardrobes of fashionably aware cherubs this summer.
“The pieces I find most exciting are the little dresses, almost a bit of electro-tribal meets Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby,” the movie-mad Alice McCall says. “I’ve been influenced by movies like the Virgin Suicides and Larry Clark’s Kids, with a bit of Little House On The Prairie, perhaps a bit of Fame: The Movie, too, for a touch of ’70s New York hip meets girls in peasant dresses…”
GP is running a series of exclusive launch nights in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – so if you’re interested in getting your mitts on Gracie before anyone else don’t miss them.
Sydney: Thursday 4 October 6.30 to 9.00pm at the new store in Skygarden Shopping Centre (off Pitt St Mall)
Melbourne: Friday 5 October 6.30 to 9.00pm at Melbourne Central
Brisbane: Friday 5 October 6.30 to 9.00 in Queen Street, Brisbane
For more information check out the General Pants website.
Had enough of venturing into that super cool store you thought was your tried n’ tested treasure chest for original pieces, only to see the same printed number on three other people? Take pleasure in being one of the first to discover Lion in Love, a store that actually delivers its promise of unique and limited edition fashion. Run by possibly the most stylish little lady in Melbourne, this little gem stocks numerous young designers from Korea and Japan, and guarantees to quench your thirst for something unique, quirky and original.
Can YEN online readers get 10% off if they come into the store and mention this write up before 30 Oct?
They most certainly positively can!!
Lion in Love. 848 Glenferrie Rd. Hawthorn VIC. T_03 9818 8137
