Dansk
Melbourne retailer Dansk has recently collaborated with the creative minds at Evie (check out their website for more about the Evie gang – Melbournians may remember them from the infamous glad wrapped cars incident) and have officially and violently reacted to the many bland and generic exhibition/gallery spaces in and around Melbourne. Dansk is a gallery and retail space located at the Windsor end of Chapel Street in Melbourne, nestled in between artistic hangouts and quirky second-hand stores. Dansk is pairing up with the Evie family to create one night a month of raucous antics. The idea goes that once a month the space is transformed into a new and exciting exhibition to act as a vehicle to expose like minded artists, musicians, groups or bands in the most unconventional and electrifying way possible. “The retail store operates as does any of the other fashion boutiques on Chapel Street, 5 days a week 10 - 6, but once a month the floor is cleared for Evie to curate their many endeavours”, said Jannick the owner of Dansk. The latest such endeavour was a set of Sunday afternoon antics appropriately titled “a psychedelic tropical beach riot in the nude”. The party, which was a collaboration between Sabre sunnies and Evie, housed glory boxes and other wild props to encourage a cheeky night of fun. The large space at the bohemian end of Chapel Street is set to drip feed Melbourne's creative culture and thirst by building a new age art culture and form of social interaction. Dansk, 121 Chapel Street, Windsor Melbourne. Open: 10am-6pm Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm weekends. (03) 9533 6222. livesofevie.tumblr.com or info@livesofevie.com
Expect Big Things
We are tipping that 2010 will be a big year for dynamic newcomer desmond. With a penchant for design and a long love of leather, the desmond label was launched in 2009 by Melbourne designer Leah Hills. The AW10 range features designs made from the highest quality leathers and suede, reworked with a feminine and soft edge. The label is named after Leah's grandfather Desmond, a tough yet dignified man who preached taking pride in one’s appearance and following your dreams – and herein lays the heart-felt epitome of this label. The aim of the range is for the wearer to be able to express their style confidently without feeling restricted to what's on-trend. The AW10 collection is full of pieces that exude a tough elegance and features studs, zips, buckles and tassels, power shoulders and detailing. The label also carries a men's line available that includes washed milling, leather jackets and lace-up boots that are just as beautifully and sentimentally made as the women's range. desmond is currently showing at Design a Space in Chapel Street, Prahran and Manchester Lane, both in Melbourne. www.desmondonline.com.au or +61 403 163 226
Not Just Another Tee
Quirky and original with fresh and inspiring designs, Das Monk tees are fast becoming a wardrobe staple among the ultra-cool indie crowd.
The label was launched in 2007 by Sydneysiders Marc Hendrick and Anna Lunoe, drawing upon various inspirations from the worlds of art, music, film and pop culture - everything from MC Escher to David Lynch to PAM and The Pixies.
To stay ahead of the pack, a new Das Monk collection is released every three months, featuring original art by the Das Monk pair as well as collaborations with emerging independent artists from all around the world. This ever-growing roster of talented artists includes Zach Johnsen (US), Tim Laing (UK), Evan Meister (US), Daniel Brereton (UK), Keenan Marshall Keller (US), Lydia Ortiz (US) and Shannon Keller (US).
Fans of the label include TV on the Radio, Diplo, Busy P, MGMT, A-Trak, and The Cool Kids.
Das Monk is now stocked in over 30 leading fashion stores throughout Australia, Japan, USA, Canada and New Zealand, with new stores popping up every month
www.thegrandsocial.com.au/das-monk/
Say Hello Down Yonder
Passionate about supporting Australian and New Zealand talent, South Yarra fashion hub Down Yonder is going from strength to strength. Since opening its doors last year, this boutique offers high-end and street fashion with an eclectic twist, providing wearable pieces for those seeking individuality.
Currently stocking the likes of Friend of Mine, Shakuhachi, Life with Bird, Something Else, Strummer, as well as luxury lingerie brand Lonely Hearts, Down Yonder can dress you from head to toe without batting an eyelid.
Accessorise yourself in their assortment of accessories labels including: Luxe Accessories, Melissa Shoes, Karen Walker Eyewear, One Luv, and Limedrop. Down Yonder can also celebrate being the sole Victorian stockist of renowned shoe designers Tristan Blair and Kathryn Wilson, whose quirky designs have become a favourite of fashion’s elite. There’s even homewares, ornaments and gifts to excite the senses, and provide the perfect one-off present.
Later this year will also see Down Yonder spread the love to wider shores, with the launch of an online store (www.downyonder.com), while their blog (www.downyonderstore.blogspot.com) continues to keep you in touch with the latest arrivals.
Visit Down Yonder at 485 Malvern road, South Yarra and contact them on (03) 9826 5400.
Sole Relief for Charity
Launching on 1st October 2009, FlexiFlats are a lightweight, compact shoe sensation set to revolutionise your approach to ‘party’ footwear. Kick off your high heels and slip into something more comfortable this season!
Extremely compact, these clever little shoes come folded up in a small pouch which ingeniously converts into a shoulder bag for safely transporting home your precious high heels. These nifty flats are available in silver, pink and black to perfectly compliment any outfit.
Debuting just in time for the Spring Racing Carnival, FlexiFlats will be sold for just $15 at major race days including The Age Caulfield Guineas, BMW Caulfield Cup, Tatts Cox Plate, Monee Valley Girls’ Night Out and the Geelong Cup. Plus, $1 from every pink pair sold until the end of March 2010 will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
FlexiFlats come in three sizes – small (5-6), medium (7-8) and large (9-10) and are flexible and stretchy enough to fit just about any foot. They will also be sold online for only $12 – a perfect gift for any ‘party-goer’ or an ideal permanent addition to your handbag (they are light enough to carry around with you all the time). FlexiFlats are also perfect for that trek from the bus or train to work – don’t get caught out in daggy sneakers on the daily commute!
www.flexiflats.com.au
Forever Irresistible
Bourke Street Mall came to life on Thursday afternoon when Forever New showcased its spring collections in celebration of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW).
City dwellers and fashionistas came from far and wide to have a sneak peak at the collection which include dresses and accessories for the upcoming racing season, casual weekend wear and fun summer frocks.
The event certainly didn’t disappoint with a live set from renowned DJ’s Citylife, celebrity MC Blair McDonough and special guests Brodie Harper, Zoe Badwi and Tiffiny Hall, who were personally styled by the Forever New styling team earlier that day.
Shoppers stayed for hours, with many taking advantage of the 15% discount for the chance to pick up that perfect spring outfit.
The event well and truly cemented Forever New as a leader in Australian fashion and the irresistible fashion destination for girls who love glamour, style and celebrity culture.
www.forevernew.com.au
Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Action
Day five of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week was kicked off with the annual Sofitel Girls Day Out at Flemington. This celebration not only launched the start of the Spring Racing Carnival with the Makybe Diva Stakes, but also showcased the exciting fashions that will feature trackside this season.
On the runways, tailoring was sharp and icy cool with the likes of Alpha 60, Antipodium, Arnsdorf and Fat displaying their S/S 09 collections. Shining rays of colour onto the catwalk was Garry Bigeni in pretty purples, Obus in juicy orange, while TV dared us to be bold on the beach in tiger-inspired one pieces.
Rounding out the day was RMIT’s Collections parade, showcasing the fashion forward works of the 4th year Architecture and Design students who look to be the designers of the future.
Never Nuffteez
Seizing on the skills and talents of Australia's finest 'underground' fashion labels, Nufteez.com has created an online store to cater for the cool cats looking for something other than bog standard brands.
It's focus is underground and boutique 'street' fashion.Nufteez.com (due to launch mid-September) caters for an entire wardrobe; head-to-toe threads from tees,sunnies, accessories, denim and footwear. Brands include Soulier, Jeepers Peepers, Di Luca, Small Time Crook, Aprils Chance, Chapter 11, Third Wheel, Omar Seluj and Stand.
Check it out mid-Sep cos there's never Nufteez for one person.
www.nufteez.com
This is Genevieve
If you are yet to hear of Sydney-based label This is Genevieve then you better listen up, because you’re missing out. Launched in 2007 by Genevieve Er, the label is coveted by all in the fashion world and includes a clothing range as well as jewellery, swimwear, shoes, bags and accessories.
Ultramodern silhouettes and handcrafted detailing are synonymous with the label, which has become an ever growing force in the fashion world, with the range now stocked in boutiques in every major Australian capital city.
Her latest collection ‘And She Was’, is inspired by the Talking Heads song of the same name, and is a fusion of pastel colours and ethereal silhouettes, studded with tough leather detailing. Pieces such as the shoestring maxi, green mini shorts and black studded heels will become wardrobe essentials this summer!
Whimsical, contemporary, unique, ethereal, effortless, and completely wearable – This is Genevieve.
www.thisisgenevieve.com