MisteR SS '12/'13

Yesterday I checked out the Spring/Summer wares of Blomfield PR's fashion clients including my New Zealand fashion crush MisteR. Based in Christchurch, designers Mickey Lin and Ra Thomson made waves at New Zealand Fashion Week in September last year with their Winter 2012 collection Not So Grim.

MisteR have already established their ability to mix prints, textures and colors in a way that is both uncomfortable and wildly exciting. The SS 2012 range draws references from the eighties movie Footloose and combines this energy with their commitment to creating garments that free the wearer to express themselves.

"The collection embraces the eighties love of colour with pop brights of Rubix Cube Yellow, Cassette Tape Green, Lose Your Blues and Lamborghini Pink/Red all of which have been splashed over a classic traditional colour base.Fabric prints are acid wash like, but rather than being limited to jeans, they now form full suits. Silhouettes are classic mister with an eighties twist"

This collection makes me smile! A feeling of joy bubbled up inside me when I saw these looks hit the catwalk yesterday. In particular I have my eye on the Lindy Hop Dress (above centre) and the range of super fun neck accessories that span this shoot. The painful part about getting a sneak peak like this is that we have to wait till next season till we can purchase!

Be sure to follow MisteR on Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram (username: Mister_Clothing)
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Another two reasons why Nadeesha Godamunne is amazing:

The absolutely incredible Nadeesha Godamunne put these two images together of Colin Mathura-Jeffree's 40th Masquerade Ball. Official photographs are yet to be released but these two illustrations give you a sneaky peak at the mad fun we had!

Nadeesha's talent blows me away. She leaves me speechless!

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P.S. Nadeesha has a Tumblr - CHECK IT OUT HERE

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That time Brooke Fairgray #POSTERED me...

If you follow me on instagram you will have seen me post these super cute purple glitter Miu Miu frames I tried on at Beat this week. Beat represent Sunglass Hut (where the yummy Miu Miu frames are stocked) and Saben so when I got my photo snapped I wanted it against their cute bag wall. 

Brooke Fairgray looks after sales and marketing (read: coffee drinker, chaos maker, stalker and sales wrangler) at Saben and cheekily snapped her violet hair, KW frames and Saben bag wall right  back at me. #POSTERED!

I'm kind of a *little bit* obsessed with these glitter frames... I wonder if I could use them as regular optical glasses? I need to find a way to make them part of my life. Any little fairies out there able to grant this blogger a wish? As I plastered all over the internet this week, we ALL need more violet glitter in our lives!


Also, Brooke: You are a babe and you totally made my day *:-)


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WHAT THE FUCK?

Today marks the launch of the WTF campaign here in New Zealand and I am THIS MUCH EXCITED!

WTF calls Kiwis to get OUTRAGED at the abuse, discrimination and ostracizing that queer and trans* people face every day HERE in New Zealand. The campaign also asks people to put their money where their mouth is and make a monthly $5 contribution to support the work of Rainbow Youth and Outline who are two amazing charities that provide support services to the rainbow community. 

"Rainbow Youth and Outline NZ are two of New Zealand’s most prominent nationally-focused queer, trans, and rainbow organizations. Our services reach people from as far south as Invercargill, to the very north parts of the country. Between our two organizations we reach across all ages; from our youth networks, to our elderly. Our programmes aim to empower our communities, enhance our well-being, and keep us connected. We provide telephone and face-to-face counselling, and work across organizations on issues such as domestic violence, alcohol and drugs, and bullying. 

Our services have never been more heavily used. And yet… We’re unable to secure sustainable funding, we’re having to down-size staff, and we’re at the risk of not being able to carry on doing the work that we love to do, and need to do."

30 celebs have put their faces to the cause, will you? 

Will you make a commitment to say WTF when you see discrimination, abuse and hate taking place in your community? Be bold. GET ANGRY. Make some noise. And make a donation?

I am lucky enough to have been able to access the support services of both Rainbow Youth and Outline and it pains me to see how much these services are so desperately needed across our queer and gender diverse communities. The work they do is absolute gold. And they need YOUR help!

Share this video on Facebook and Twitter. 

Send it to a friend. 

Post it on your page. 

Blog about it. 

Make a donation.

Ask your friends: WHAT THE FUCK?

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Introducing: Karen Murrell

I'm excited to chatter to you about my latest lipstick find!

Karen Murrell has just released four more shades to her existing palette of Ecocert organic certified beauty range. One of the wicked things about an Ecocert sticker is that it requires continual renewing/testing to stay valid. The four new shades (pictured above) are called Carnation Mist, Coral Dawn, Fuchsia Shock, and Sand Storm.

I've been wearing these new shades over the last few weeks and have become quite a fan. They feel like a lip balm but have all of the dense pigment of a lipstick. Total win! And they are TOTALLY smoochable ;-D

I have one of these new shades to give away! Just drop me a message via Facebook, Twitter or email by 3pm on Thursday and let me know which colour you like best. EASY! 

Each Karen Murrell Lipstick canister is housed in a 100% recyclable and renewable box made from NZ trees, and includes soya ink based print.  These canisters are 4g (biodegradable PLA) and are made from corn resin.  Once buried, the canisters compost and return to mother earth within 100 days 

Hailed as ‘vegetarian lipsticks’- the range has no animal based materials or testing.  

Karen Murrell Lipsticks contain:  

Avocado Oil to provide moisture, nourishment and hydration   

Cinnamon for fuller, plumper lips

Evening Primrose Oil; rich in Omega 6 to soothe and moisturise 

Carnauba Wax; renowned for its high melting point, ensuring it’s hard-wearing in even the roughest handbag

Karen Murrell products are available from selected pharmacies and health food stores nationwide. You can check them out online to find your nearest stockiest.

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That time Nadeesha Godamunne drew my picture...

I was flattered to get a message from dear friend and famed fashion illustrator Nadeesha Godamunne yesterday to say that she had a portrait to send me. I'm wearing my outfit from Colin Mathura-Jeffree's Masquerade Ball on Saturday night. The event was strictly no photography with official photos to be released soon. I guess the fine print didn't say no illustrations! 

Colin's party was a magical affair and I can't wait to show off my outfit in photo form but for now you get a sneaky peek with this vibrant illustration!

Thanks Nadeesha!

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INFLUENTIAL, STYLISH AND BROKE!

This has to be the BEST description of Kiwi bloggers! Pebbles, Katherine, Emma and I are featured in SPY this week in a cute little description of our lives. Emma's quote is gold:

"The alcohol and finger food at events keep me nourished when cash is running low. There's a great irony in finding yourself unable to afford a taxi home from a paid for lunch at a nice restaurant"

Check out the outtakes from our little photo shoot:

THANKS SPY!

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All photos by Nikau Hindin-Miller

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Pink Shirt Day 2012

Today is Pink Shirt Day!

I hope wherever you are in the world today and whatever you have on your calendar that you will wear something pink in support of those who face bullying and discrimination in their day to day lives. What we do makes a difference. The environments that we create in our classrooms, workplaces and families can be nurturing or destructive. I hope you will join me in working towards communities that celebrate diversity.

Flash a smile at someone wearing pink today *:-)

Where’s the power? 

This year, Pink Shirt Day is May 18, 2012, and we’re talking about the power we all have to prevent bullying. Everyone has the power to ask for help, the power to change behavior and the power to intervene. What you do makes a difference, so take action: wear a pink shirt on May 18th and start a conversation. 

Pink Shirt Day is a national campaign aimed to raise awareness about the power to prevent bullying. Pink Shirt Day aims to reduce bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting the development of positive social relationships. An annual event celebrated throughout New Zealand and the world, Pink Shirt Day aims to create a New Zealand where all people feel safe, valued and respected. 

The event began in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2007, when a group of students stood up to defend a kid who was bullied because he was wearing a pink shirt. The students took a stand by all wearing pink shirts to show solidarity, and handing out pink shirts to their classmates.

 For more info on the campaign check out Pink Shirt Day and follow the chatter on Facebook!

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WIDT: What I Did Today

Image: Deadly Ponies Spring/Summer '12/'13

I had a beautiful moment of calm and peace today amidst a busy to-do list. I felt spectacular excitement as I pottered through a busy day. Creativity is my drug. I never imagined the fashion industry would consume my entire being. Every day I meet extraordinary people making amazing things and then in my research side of life I get to engage with analysis on how we consume the things in our lives. I feel so blessed to have found this life. 

Image: Tea Time!

After a morning of discussions with supervisors on my postgrad project I checked out Wah Lees on Hobson Street in Auckland City. An Asian market meets Emporium is the only way to describe the eclectic mix of products displayed. I picked up some loose leaf chai and this super pretty cup. I'm hopping the characters on it say something empowering? Would love a translation if you can offer one? 



Mid-afternoon I attended Showroom 22's Spring/Summer 12/13 Media Open Day. Everyone giggled at the rain pelting against the windows while we checked out threads for warmer days. Looking forward to writing about my favorite ranges but for now check out this little sneak of Deadly Ponies grapefruit hues (top image) and these super cute Le Specs frames (above) that I got to take home.

AND I got to offer a little soundbite for a story that will air on Friday so keep you posted on that one!

Proper blogging resuming NOW!

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Bonne fête des mères!

Happy happy day to families of all shapes and sizes and a special happy day to my momma!

This pic is still my fave pic of the two of us *:-) Look at my squishy face and full crop of black hair... Mum is channeling late 80s chic.

Can you see the elephant wall paper? I remember as a little one chattering away to the elephants as I lay awake early in the morning. Vivid imagination from a young age!

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Introducing: James Molloy and M.A.C Fashion Sets

On Friday I had the delightful experience of meeting James Molloy (Director of Makeup Artistry at M.A.C Cosmetics for Asia/Pacific) and testing out the new M.A.C Fashion Sets range that will be released this coming Monday. 

James is a delicious creature! Heralding from rural Northeast England and always having been creatively inclined, I asked him how the translation of his love and affection with colour, texture and glamour into working as a makeup artist was received by those in his hometown? He chuckled and recounted how growing up he had learned that boys played football and not with makeup. We giggled at how silly that is!

With 11 years experience in the beauty industry and having worked on projects ranging from fashion weeks to music videos and MTV awards to print editorial, I asked for a career highlight. With much passion James described his love for collections by Alexander McQueen. We shared a beautiful moment of despair recounting our reactions to McQueen's death. Nowhere more intensely was McQueen's death felt than in James' homeland. We were both quite intensely affected by the passing of the poster child of young British fashion. Big fashion moment. 

Working in a job that has seen James travel extensively and work on a broad range of projects I wondered what trend has stood out as a favorite across his career so far? Bleached eyebrows! We chattered away about the sultry alien energy that a bleached brow creates. I recounted with much amusement the tragic case of having my eyebrows destroyed (read: ripped off) by a mall beauty salon one week prior to my graduation from fashion school. Isn't it incredible how soul crushing I found that experience but I could imagine choosing to have my brows bleached/made invisible would be incredibly empowering?

Obviously I'm a die hard M.A.C lover but I asked what has enchanted him most about this makeup mega brand. James explained to me that he is captivated by the dynamic energy of M.A.C artists around the world who inspire him no matter where in the world he travels. I cheekily asked where in the world his favorite M.A.C store is? His eyes sparkled as he exclaimed: "Tokyo!" 

I asked James what his advice he has young creatives starting out in their chosen industries. Focus and determination to make it are two of the factors that he believes will take someone a long way. His suggestion is to keep your end goal in mind while setting smaller goals in between to stay focused. So many great things can be achieved at a young age... Look at Mr Molloy!

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M.A.C Fashion Sets are 3-piece collections of lipstick, lip glass and nail lacquer in 7 palettes. The seven colourways are inspired by the top selling hues across the world and each region has a different palette on offer.  My favorite is the Saint Germain set inspired by Seoul! 

Available May 14th for 6 weeks at all M.A.C locations.

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Water to Ice by RUBY FRÖST

Music babe RUBY FRÖST hosted a party last week at Australis House to play a few tunes from her debut album and to premiere her flipping sweet new video. Such a good vibe with pretty candles everywhere! Check out her new video Water to Ice (directed by Special Problems) above and have a nosey at the sweet screen shots below. 

Follow RUBY FRÖST on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube!

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Happy National Alpaca Day

Here in New Zealand it is National Alpaca Day. The Alpaca Association of New Zealand created the event to  "...celebrate alpacas and share the joy of owning them with the public." 

Did you visit an Alpaca farm today? I wish I did! 

I am a bit of a geek when it comes to fibre qualities so when a friend mentioned Alpacas on Facebook recently this started my obsession with reading about their fleece and general Alpaca related research. 

So, what is an Alpaca? 

"Alpaca are thought to have evolved from the wild vicuna and are generally smaller than the llama standing at just under a metre at the shoulder. They produce a wonderful, heavy fleece of fine strong fibre that comes in 22 basic colours including whites, fawns, browns, blacks and greys. A fully fleeced alpaca with good coverage around the face and legs is an extremely beautiful and captivating animal and a good reason why so many farmers and lifestyle block holders have entered the industry. Alpaca are easy to handle and make delightful companions. Alpaca fibre is world renowned for its soft handle and lustre and is often compared to fine merino and cashmere." - AANZ

And what is so amazing about Alpaca fleece?

"Alpaca is softer than wool and believed to have superior warmth and strength characteristics—it would have to, to keep them warm in their native habitat high in the Andes of South America. There is minimal lanolin in the fibre and thus believed to be hypoallergenic with people reporting less skin irritation from alpaca fibre garments.  

Huacaya fibre is similar in style to merino, however it’s smoother fibre shaft gives an improved handle or feel over sheep wool making if feel softer against the skin. It is suited to both knitted and woven products. Suri fibre is straighter and smoother in structure giving it extreme natural lustre and a very slippery feel. It is ideally suited toward high-end woven fabrics." - AANZ

I'm a textiles geek... I need to make something with Alpaca fleece! Winter is coming... 

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All images: The Guardian

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#MBFWA - Day 5 - The Tommy Ton edition

Sometimes the most exciting things that happen in fashion land are off the runway. Tommy Ton has been running around #MBFWA this week capturing all of the yummy people. Check out his full album over on Style.com

All images: Tommy Ton

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#MBFWA - Day #4

Images: The Jenny Kee presentation at #MBFWA // Courtesy of #MBFWA

I could not believe my eyes when scrolling through the images of Jenny Kee's presentation on Day #4 of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia! This was definitely the highlight of the day! Such colour and excitement! Kee is an acclaimed artist who seeks to explore in her work a "strong, spontaneous, bold and optimistic Australia". The presentation was styled by the deliciously amazing Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales of Romance Was Born. I'm in LOVE! 

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#MBFWA - Day #3

Can I just say how much I am in love with the art of making, creating, curating and consuming clothing? There is such magic in the dynamic industry of fashion. 

Now, onto #MBFWA Day #3. There three collections today that contained elements I was intrigued by: Alice McCall, Watson x Watson and Oroton. 

Image: Alice McCall Spring/Summer '12/'13  

Everyone knows I am a big fan of colour but it takes much talent to balance hue and texture in clothing. I like these prints in Alice McCall's Spring/Summer collection, they are both gentle and quirky.

Image: Watson x Watson Spring/Summer '12/'13

I love the sharpness in these three silhouettes form Watson x Watson's Spring/Summer collection. The cool white and metallic silver make lust after a place filled with fashion cyborgs wearing garments exploring ostentatious minimalism (yes I just said ostentatious minimalism... showy and fabulous while searching for the essence of the garment)

Image: Oroton Spring/Summer '12/'13  

The Oroton Spring/Summer range was in my opinion the strongest range of the day. The range referenced itself, Spring/Summer '12/'13 trends and had an air of sophistication that I think needed to be addressed on the MBFWA runway. Clean and chic. As Patrick would say "chi iii iiiic"

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#MBFWA - Day #2

I struggled to connect with the #MBFWA collections that were presented on Day #2. I didn't see a level of sophistication that would make an international audience excited. 

I have written notes on each show but I am just so torn as to weather or not it is productive to share them on the inter webs when they definitely express my not-excited-face. UH! But hey.. the business of fashion is all about markets. And if these designers are continuing to make enough money to sustain and grow their businesses then good on them. I just want to be inspired! 

Of note though is Flowers for a Vagabond and Talulah:

Image: Flowers for a Vagabond Spring Spring/Summer '12/'13

I like the use of leather panels in the Spring/Summer '12/'13 collection from Flowers for a Vagabond. I think it adds a harshness to a Spring/Summer range that is super sexy. 

Image: Talulah Spring/Summer '12/'13

Epic #BloggerBabe Nicole Warne opened the Tululah show. Isn't she a FOX? I'm really into this print and think I might just need it in my life in 6months time... 


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All photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia and Fashonising

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