Aych Blog

The Week That Was

2012-02-11T15:26:00.001+13:00

1. This week has been an unexpectedly eventful one with some strong reactions from politicians, friends, twitter followers and acquaintances to the open letter I wrote to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and in regards to my involvement with #FebFast. These interactions have confirmed my resolve to do all that I can with my life to fight for human rights to become a human reality.

2. One of the positive messages I received this week in regards to this small level of activism was from one of my internet heroes Ryan James Yezak. Ryan is a filmmaker based in the US and is preparing to make a film called Second Class Citizens chronicling the oppression of the rainbow community in America. He is the genius behind internet parodies California Gays and Only Gay In The World. Check out this teaser for his documentary:

3. This week I was reminded how lovely it is to have fresh flowers around! Nothing like waking up to lilac roses to remember there IS beauty in this world.

4. Lady Gaga announced her confirmed tour dates for The Born This Way Ball that will see her performing in New Zealand on June 7th at Vector Arena. Excited doesn't even begin to explain how this make me feel!

If you are a Pinterest user check out my Gagaspiration board that I will be filling up over the coming months as friends and I plan costumes (and let me know if you need a Pinterest invitation!)

5. This quote is gold:

"Fashion, with its affinity for transformation, can act out instability and loss but it can also, and equally, stake out the terrain of "becoming" - new social and sexual identities, masquerade and performativity."

- Caroline Evans, 2003

6. My friend Nathan cheered me up this week with a plethora of "go you" kind of songs. Here is his number one:

7. I'm halfway through transforming a pair of sand shoes into a glitter spectacle. Here is a sneaky peak:

More green // More zen

2012-02-07T12:43:00.001+13:00

Image: Stephmodo

I am a massive fan of creating beautiful spaces to work in and love the idea of bringing plants and flowers indoors. My friend Megan has hanging baskets in her house and they create a super cool energy around the dining table. So super zen!

Check out Elisha McLanghlan's easy steps to create hanging terrariums with mint.

This weekend while running errands in Ponsonby I stopped and bought myself a bunch of lilac roses and made a vase for them by painting an old jam jar white. I figured no one else is buying me flowers so I might as well treat my self (and hey, less calories than chocolate right?)

There is something so incredibly empowering about looking after YOU. Gala says it all the time but radical self love is both one of the hardest lessons to learn but possibly the healthiest and most life changing.

I also bought some tea light candles this weekend and made little candle holders for them by painting small glass jars white.

So now my workspace looks like a fairy haven filled with flowers and candles!

Go make your space pretty today :)

Dear Prime Minister John Key

2012-02-06T12:07:00.000+13:00

Today in New Zealand it is Waitiangi Day. This is our national holiday when we remember the signing of The Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti O Waitangi) between Queen Victoria and the Maori people in 1840.

We get the day off work (or get paid a little more if we do have to work) enjoy the sun and engage in political dialogue as to the future of our island nation. So I thought today would be the perfect day to publish an open letter to Prime Minister John Key that I wrote a few weeks ago.

I hope you will feel encouraged to take similar action in your town/city/country in the fight for the rights of all peoples in your community.

XX

RT Hon John Key,

Prime Minister,

Parliament Office,

Private Bag 18888,

Parliament Buildings,

Wellington 6160

6th February 2012

Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing to you to ask you for the New Zealand government's reaction to Hillary Clinton's address to the United Nations on the 6th of December 2011 marking the 63rd birthday of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

Ms Clinton asked the gathered leaders to reflect on the innate value of all human beings that the Declaration of Human Rights proclaims. She humbly asked her audience to consider the atrocities that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered peoples currently face around the world on a day to day basis. The violence, discrimination and killings of LGBT people at the hands of civil authorities world wide is absolutely unacceptable and especially so in light of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights which Ms Clinton explains includes protection of queer individuals and communities.

Ms Clinton challenged global leadership to boldly set precedents for the inclusion of LGBT people in all levels of society by the way laws are constructed. She states:

"Laws have a teaching effect. Laws that discriminate validate other kinds of discrimination. Laws that require equal protections reinforce the moral imperative of equality. And practically speaking, it is often the case that laws must change before fears about change dissipate."

I believe the mantra of the National Party on Gay Marriage and Adoption Reform before the 2011 election was that these issues would not be a priority of your government this term.

Equal access to the economic, legal and social privileges that marriage affords New Zealanders for both queer and straight couples is imperative to a New Zealand that recognizes the Declaration of Human Rights and the contribution of all peoples in our society.

The ability for a same sex couple to adopt with the same responsibilities and protections as a heterosexual couple or individual will acknowledge the choice that same sex couples make when starting a family. We can't ignore that New Zealand has staggering rates of neglect and abuse when it comes to our young people. Denying a same sex couple the ability to adopt or foster children is ridiculous in light of how many non planned births in this country result in a life of poverty and neglect.

I ask you Prime Minister, what steps will your government take to start the conversation with Parliament and our nation on the need to afford both homosexual and heterosexual couples the same rights and legal protections that marriage affords? Will you bring cross party dialogue on adoption reform to the floor of parliament in the form of legislative change that will recognize the capacity of both heterosexual and homosexual couples to love and nurture?

I anticipate your response,

Hannah McArdle

Editor of aychblog.com

Introducing Alicia Hannah Naomi

2012-02-03T23:59:00.000+13:00

This week I interviewed Melbourne based jewelry designer Alicia Hannah Naomi. I first met Alicia 2010 in Sydney at (the then titled) Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. Alicia is such a babe and an epic ambassador for her brand. Along with her successful jewelry line she also hosts a slick style chronicle called Sea of Ghosts.

Earlier this week Alicia tweeted about a new creation (the Eon Ring) and I instantly decided what I want for my birthday in 6 weeks time. Do you like how I dropped a subtle reminder to family and friends there? Let's chat to Alicia Hannah Naomi:

The Eon Ring by Alicia Hannah Naomi

Happy Year of the Dragon!

Thank you - to you and your readers also!

Where did your adventures with fashion and jewelry begin?

My first job out of high school was at a small independent jewellery store in 2003. I was just a Christmas casual then, I worked my way up to store manager by the time the owners moved to Perth in 2007 and closed the store. It became a love for life. We didn't have a uniform at the store and were encouraged to dress creatively. I still don't think I really understood my own personal style at that time, working in retail I was easily seduced by the fast fashion trends that surrounded me.

The Luminaire Ring by Alicia Hannah Naomi

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

These days I've definitely come to embrace a darker aesthetic, attune to the aged, organic imperfection championed by the Japanese aesthetics of wabi and sabi.

Who would you cut off your left hand to see wearing your work?

If I didn't have a left hand I wouldn't be able to work so I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with that arrangement! I would probably give my left ear to see someone as decadently influential as Michele Lamy wear one of my rings.

The Stella Noir Ring by Alicia Hannah Naomi

Top 3 creations of all time?

Surprisingly my favourite designs all have stones - the Luminaire Ring, the Eon Ring and the Stella Noir Ring.

And tell us a little about Sea of Ghosts?

These days the blog is a chronicle of "all things dark and whimsical" that help shape and influence my sartorial and life style. It's where I vent my style woes, lust after things I can't afford, share my purchases, document my daily outfits and showcase my jewellery designs. I used to post a lot of inspirational imagery but I tend to keep most of that on my tumblr account now because it's less personal. I think having the blog has been one of the core elements that helped me diagnose my style identity. I can't say I'd be who I am today (and so content about it) if I hadn't blogged that journey.

You can follow Alicia on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and over at Sea of Ghosts.

"Sleeping is no mean art: for its sake one must stay awake all day" - Nietzsche

2012-02-03T14:30:00.000+13:00

Happy Friday!

I'm a little sleepy this afternoon so I made my tumblr into a shrine of pretty looking beds/bedrooms.

Can you tell I am looking forward to a sleep in tomorrow?

CLICK CLICK CLICK!

I'm giving up the drink for February

2012-02-01T13:11:00.000+13:00

I'll have my Mexican sans Daiquiri this month

I love delicious drinks with fabulous people but after much consideration I have decided to join Rainbow Youth in supporting Feb Fast. This means I drink zero alcohol for the month of February and you can help me raise money for programs that support young people with alcohol and other drug problems. My charity of choice is Rainbow Youth who do amazing work in our community alongside young queer and trans people navigating life.

Rainbow Youth is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation established in 1989, and run by youth for youth. Rainbow Youth’s vision is universal acceptance of the diversity of sexuality and gender in Aotearoa New Zealand. Its mission is to provide unbiased information and education regarding sexuality, gender, and identity to everyone in the community, in order to foster understanding and acceptance of diversity, while providing support, information, and advocacy services to queer, transgender and questioning youth, their friends and Whanau.

Instead of buying me a drink this month why don't you donate some much needed moolah to this wicked charity? Click Click Click HERE to go to the Rainbow Youth page and select my name when donating :) You can do this anonymously or leave a message of support.

I'm a bit of a fan of Cotton Candy Vodka...

Did you know:

Queer and Trans youth are:
much more likely to consume alcohol, and to drink more often and heavily and more likely to have family or friends who have told them to reduce their drinking.
more likely to drink alone and less likely to drink with family.
28 % reported having unsafe sex as a result of drinking

Rainbow Youth wants to change the way alcohol and drug use is viewed in the community. The aim is to develop tools and actions to improve the dialogue, recognise behaviours and patterns we have when we engage with alcohol and drugs, help our community make safer choices and have healthier outcomes when we socialise and connect.

I WANT TO RAISE LOTS OF COIN FOR THIS AMAZING ORGANIZATION!

Any spare change or large donations you can part with would be gratefully accepted.

The link again to our fundraising page is HERE!

Thank you in advance!

XX

Trilogy's helping hand

2012-01-31T20:23:00.000+13:00

Last week a lovely little delivery arrived in the mail from Trilogy with a sample of their limited edition hand wash celebrating 10 years in business with the exciting news that they are giving a helping hand to a charity dear to them called the Child's i Foundation.

Launched in 2008 by UK television presenter Lucky Buck, the Child's i Foundation aims to find safe and happy adoptive homes for abandoned and orphaned children in Uganda. Lucy was touched by the fact that the overwhelming number of children in orphanages in Uganda often leave little ones without the love and attention they need to stay healthy and grow into happy young adults. Lucy states:

“Our belief is that every child deserves to grow up in a family rather than in an institution. Every purchase of this product helps make this dream possible.”

I love the tag line of Child's i Foundation: "We make families not orphans". Check out the video below to see how Child's i Foundation works. All profits from the sale of Trilogy's "Helping Hand Wash" go to support Child's i Foundation.

I'm a fan of Trilogy's high quality approach to natural skin care. This hand wash smells amazing! The frankincense, rose, germanium and lavender oils leave your hands feeling really clean and fresh but not in a hospital/detol kind of way.

I encourage you to support this life changing partnership

Trilogy products are stocked in selected Farmers stores, pharmacies, department stores and health stores nationwide in New Zealand. Trilogy is available in Boots (UK) and online through the Trilogy website.

You can find out more about Child's i Foundation and watch video stories on their website.

XX

Sunshine and photographs

2012-01-30T22:45:00.000+13:00

Once upon a time I wrote a blog post with a "Wanted: Photog Boyf" doodle (and can't for the life of me find the post!) and I was reminded of it this week when my friend Josh and I spent the afternoon at One Tree Hill drinking tea, taking ironic photos and stealing flowers from the Auckland Domain for his fiancé.

You know those beautiful blogs filled with beautiful people and beautiful clothes? They all have an amazing photographer behind them! Either it is the blogger themselves taking photos of pretty people OR they happen to have access to instant talent. How hard is it to get the perfect shot when you are having to rely on timers? #singlelife.

Summer has finally arrived here in Auckland now that school kids are back in the class room and the weeks are limited for University Students. I'm a bit under the weather at the moment so the sun is bringing a little smile to my face :)

All photos: Joshua

XX

NEW GIRL is simply adorkable

2012-01-29T16:53:00.000+13:00

Have you heard that FOUR is bringing New Girl to our television screens in Kiwiland? Premiering on FOUR at 8pm on Tuesday the 7th of February this comedy featuring Zooey Deschanel is, as the advertising material says, SIMLY ADORKABLE!

A little cake popsicle and Simply Adorkable badge

that came in the mail this weekend from the babes at FOUR :)

I feel like the first episode of New Girl kind of sums up my life right now! I'm starting a new chapter in my life and also on the house hunt so the last week has seen me meet all sorts of people and having those conversations where we try to figure out if we could fit into each others lives. There are all sorts of scenarios on New Girl that will leave you in stitches.

The first episode is available as an advanced screening on FOUR's website (you can view it here) and will be live till Thursday.

Lock it in!

XX

Garance and Scott for Tiffany & Co

2012-01-26T21:49:00.000+13:00

"Behind the scenes of Garance Doré and The Sartorialist's Scott Schuman shooting True Love in Pictures for Tiffany & Co.'s What Makes Love True campaign."

I know this video is highly staged but I still think it is pretty cute.

I want to be part of an international fashion power couple!

Directed by Garance Door

Director of photography Przemek Klimek

Color grading Mateo Romaszkan

Editing and postproduction Imagine NYC LLC

Music Chase You by Mike Stocksdale

Miss Polly Rae and The Hurly Burly Girls

2012-01-26T14:31:00.003+13:00

On Saturday I had the pleasure of going to see Miss Polly Rae and The Hurly Burly Girls at Sky City thanks to Miss Phloss. When Phloss had another engagement to be at I was quite excited to go to this show for her with the gorgeous Dolly Destroy, Miss Ivy and our new friend Luke.

Burlesque costumes are absolutely incredible, so much detail for garments that often get thrown across stage. My favorite costume was this one that is pictured above and below from Miss Polly Rae's Marie Antoinette number. I wanted almost every outfit from this show!

Dolly Destory has written a review for Miss Phloss that you should check out HERE and have a gander at Max Lemeshenko's photos for Snapstar.

XX

Beautiful people at Couture + Menswear by Tommy Ton

2012-01-25T17:03:00.000+13:00

Have you seen Tommy Ton's latest pictures from Couture and Menswear in Paris?

To. Die. For.

I want to be one of the beautiful people he takes pictures of!

So many exciting people...

SO MUCH COLOUR!

Our Kiwi streets could take a few lessons from these images!

All Images: Tommy Ton

Click HERE to view the full gallery

The best life advice I have ever read:

2012-01-23T22:49:00.000+13:00

I snapped this gem on a friends apartment wall today and I think it is brilliant!

We could all take a moment to just relax.

New Doo - The lavender edition

2012-01-23T16:44:00.000+13:00

I got my hair did! Do you like? I'm going to need to sync my wardrobe again now that I have purple hair. I wore a bright purple t shirt and bright red jeans to Toni & Guy this morning only to walk out with a major clash situation taking place!

I really love purple hair and pink lips! I'm wearing Lady Gaga for M.A.C Viva Glam in the pics above. I think I'm going to need to "dress" my eyebrows a bit... thinking just a little hint of purple? So many decisions.

Once again, thank you Sarah at Toni & Guy! You and your assistants are the best!

XX

Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-22T21:23:00.002+13:00

Happy Chinese New Year!

This year is the year of the Dragon and I am quite excited because I was also born (24 years ago) in the year of the Dragon. Fingers crossed this means good things for the next 12 months!

USBridal says:

"In Eastern philosophy, the Dragon is said to be a deliverer of good fortune and a master of authority. Therefore, those people born in Dragon years are to be honored and respected."

WORD.

I hope you had lots of fun if you were celebrating this holiday today!

XX

Cupcakes and glitter dust

2012-01-18T12:47:00.001+13:00

I've turned my tumblr into a Cupcake tattoo shrine!

CLICK CLICK CLICK!

The Week That Was

2012-01-15T23:51:00.000+13:00

Journal 1 of 3 in my Everything Alice pack from Pencil Boutique

1. Pencil Boutique in Ponsonby is the perfect way to cheer up a gloomy Auckland day! Yesterday I nabbed a cute set of three Everything Alice journals. There is something precious about recording ideas, insecurities and thoughts as life happens rather than just thinking about the past romantically or with despair. Deep. AND Alice? Awesome.

2. I really want a tattoo.

3. My friend Anna sent me this post from Rookie about glitter and it made me giggle:

"I don’t even know what glitter is actually made of, but does it matter? I just assume it’s, like, tiny pieces of stars crushed and bottled for our enjoyment."

4. . I'm due for a hair colour and I am thinking of going blue. Like, ANZ Bank blue? Thoughts?

5. DERBY GIRLS = AWESOME! I went to an event hosted by Auckland Roller Derby League tonight who were showing Brutal Beauty: Tales Of The Rose City Rollers as a fundraiser. Two of the girls from the Rose City Rollers were even there all the way from Portland, Oregon! Derby Girls be FIERCE. Check out the trailer above.

Image: Chicago Roller Skates 400 w/ Adjustable Toe Stop from Skates.com

6. After chilling with Derby Girls for a night I really want to get some pretty skates. I would love a white pair with magenta wheels like the ones above.

7. The Shit Girls Say parodies are kind of taking over my life right now. Video of the day? Sh*t Fashion Girls Say:

I heart Andrej

2012-01-15T22:00:00.000+13:00

Image: Pictorial Culture

Obama hits the catwalk

2012-01-13T12:34:00.001+13:00

I Vote Obama tee by Marc Jacobs

Have you seen President Obama's Runway To Win collection? Developed as a fundraiser for his 2012 campaign the collection boasts designs from top fashion designers. As the Huffington Post wrote this morning the collection is available for pre order today and will ship in early February.

Be The Change You Want To See tote by Rag & Bone

I think I need the Rag & Bone bag (above) although it is a bit of a cheeky reference to Mahatma Gandhi's famous quote (which is probably why I love it all the more).

Beyonce and Tina Knowles for Obama 2012

Fashion + Politics = Awesomeism.

View the full collection on Obama's campaign site here.

All images via The Huffington Post.

Shit Girls Say...

2012-01-12T23:09:00.001+13:00

With the "Shit Girls Say" and their parodies spamming YouTube at the moment I thought I'd share with you my two favorites: Shit Girls Say To Gay Guys and Shit Straight Girls Say To Lesbians.

It's good to have a laugh at ourselves sometimes :-)

I'd love to make a Shit Bloggers Say video!

XX

Monaco Monday

2012-01-10T14:05:00.005+13:00

After an upside down kind of week (that resulted in zero blogging) I was feeling pretty blue yesterday about life so you can imagine how excited I got when Miss Phloss asked me if I wanted to go get my nails done with her! A night of glitter and sparkles with Auckland's most fierce pink haired Burlesque dancer? Yes please!

Miss Phloss checking out the colour wheels

Phloss has written a really cool piece on Monaco Nail Artists (read it here) who we visited last night. The owner Penny Lawler has a contagious passion for luxury nail treatments. This is one seriously cool business. One of the really cool things about Monaco is that they can send a nail technician to YOU! Awesome! They also do some really competitive packages for parties and events.

Phloss' incredible nails! They look good enough to eat!

Acrylic nails with acrylic nail art and diamonds.

ALSO I was really excited to hear that the products that Monaco use aren't full of harsh chemicals and that their practice is far superior in terms of safety and cleanliness compared to your run of the mill salon. We have all heard horror stories of infections being spread through beauty parlors. As Penny asked us, have you ever seen a pregnant lady working in a mall type nail bar? NO! I was happy to hear that one of their artists could quite happily work for Monaco while pregnant and not fear any toxic repercussions from the products used.

My pretty colour gloss nails with magenta Minx overlay

After our fabulous night last night I have become obsessed with looking at tumblr images of insanely decorated nails. There is this trend called Japanese nail art that Phloss steered me to and I am obsessed. Check out my google image search here. I am already planning my birthday nails..... I'm thinking GLITTER AND DIAMONTES!

To book call 0800 4 MONACO or email info@monaco.ac.nz

Make sure you mention both Phloss and I :-)

Follow Monaco on Facebook and Twitter for special deals and nail-spiration!

XX

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T18:10:00.002+13:00

Happy New Year!

I hope you took part in some fun celebrations?

They skies opened over New Zealand flooding all the hipster camping spots so I was glad to be locked away in a friend's mansion for the night. Relaxing in a massive spa, dancing to music over an incredible sound system, watching fireworks on the roof.... sometimes it's nice to have a rich friend!

I have a few resolutions that I can share on the internet:

1. Believe in myself .
2. Become fluent in French.
3. Stop doing so much work for $0. (Isaac said it first..)
4. Invest time in healthy relationships.
5. Eat more RAW food and less processed rubbish.

All of the usual stuff like being a generous person, always having time for others, giving more to charity and being politically minded applies too!

Oh, and learn how to use the comma. Always baffles me

XX

Stand out Rookie - Oliver Church

2011-12-31T19:51:00.000+13:00

Image: Oliver Church's graduate collection

All photos by Max Lemesheko

Whatlead you to study fashion at a tertiary level?

Allot of change inmy life! I was doing academic subjects till 7th form where I realised I didn'twent to do them any more. I then I got to end of school and though "I'mnot interested in any of things" and realised this was a problem!

I looked at what Icould get into, I wanted to do visual arts because it looked easy, like a good time! From there I looked at the cert of arts or a bachelor ofdesign - fashion but thought a degree as more important/more academic )leadingon from my high school experience.)

I thought it wouldbe an easy three years, get on with my stuff and just get on with what I wantedto do. It was a bit of a shock!

Areyou glad you chose fashion in the end?

Yeah! I think whatI've learned personally and in terms of how I relate to people now and theskills that people do have..I used to be so academically motivated, It became interesting when I started to dealwith a bunch of new people who were doing different things and bloody good atit! And I was terrible! And that was the best learning process! Getting C-s andlearning that people could do different things and be really good at it whichwas really cool to see!

Tell us about your graduate collection and where it developed from?

It came fromapproaching the middle market in New Zealand and trying to introduce new andappropriate colours with new shapes into a saturated market. There is a similarleaning within New Zealand, we have the preppy look with Chino pants and all that! I wanted to givesomeone a different option in that respect. I took a look at New Zealanders and at developing a New Zealand aesthetic drawing from pioneers of winein the 60s.

The history in NZ is untapped. I think its reallyimportant to pull from our history, which is quite short but I think that isintersing great room for change because you aren't stuck anywhere.

I reallywanted to work with colour this year and building a colour palette that wasreally interesting and both shapes and colours within a New Zealand environmentso I went with something allot looser, something with a bit more shapefollowing overseas trends at the moment, trying toget people wearing different things within this market as I feel at the momentit is a bit limiting.

Is your collectionfor sale?

Yes! If any one isinterested! There is no point in making clothes that dont get worn!

What would yourdream job look like?

Over ten next tenyears Id love to have a lot of different things going on at once. To stayinterested and to have the tenacity to keep going I don't like beingcomfortable in a situation. its the worst disease to not question what you doany more. I want to develop on working new ideas and developing those ideasbetween different industries because that s when it gets interesting when youare working with a volume when you are working with lots of people . Thesmaller it gets it lacks importance . Its about people I guess!

Any advice for ayoung fashion-ling starting out?

Don't take it forgranted! If you are studying at AUT (it is the best, wide range of teacherswith international careers with a wide range of skills) think about what youwant to do and why you want to do it. The worst thing to do is to do a degreejust to tick the boxes. Take the time to grasp what you are doing and why youare doing it. Because then you'll get more out of it

Its going to behard. Really hard! They really push you at AUT! First year for me was justsleepless nights! You can start out not knowing anything, I started out notbeing able to sew or having torched a pattern before! I think its important togive yourself that challenge and know that its going to be a bloody hard ride!

HAPPY NEW YEAR OLIVER!

You can email Oliver by clicking here.

XX

How YOU doing?

2011-12-31T14:16:00.000+13:00

Stand out Rookie 2011 - Jomnarn Dul

2011-12-31T10:00:00.000+13:00

Image: Jomnarn Dul's graduate collection // Photo by Max Lemesheko

In the second to last interview of my series with my favorite designers from the graduating class from AUT's Bachelor of Design - Fashion program for 2011 I chat to the delicious Jomnarn Dul. Her bright colors and layered aesthetic caught my eye on the runway and I just HAD to ask her about her work! Here goes:

What lead you into fashion? Why did you want to study fashion at AUT?

AUT seemed like it offered more opportunities than other fashion schools. Basically because I love clothes and because of the Rookie show!

What is your third year collection about?

A menswear collection based on colour and proportions. Tonal, colour blocking and a relaxed overall feeling so that any guy could wear it and walk down the street. Carefree and happy.

Where does your colour palette stem from?

I just knew I wanted to use colour so the colour blocking seemed like a good way!

And those proportions?

All very random too! Every outfit have completely different lengths but because of the colours it tie everything together. There is one really short shirt and then one that goes all the way down to the knee.

What is your 10 year dream?

I would love to be a successful menswear designer in New Zealand. I think there is a need for it here!

What's next?

A job! I want a job! I want to make some money! I want to keep meeting new and amazing people and have fun!

What would be your dream job?

If I wasn't designing I would love to be a buyer. To travel would be really cool!

Is your collection for sale?

Yes!

What advice do you have for someone just starting out in their creative studies?

Follow your gut! Go with what feels good and go with it. Be positive and have fun. Remember and take advantage OF every step of the way. Enjoy it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR JOM!

You can email Jom by clicking here.

Trying to believe...

2011-12-31T00:00:00.002+13:00

Reflection is empowering

2011-12-27T21:56:00.006+13:00

Google have released their year in review video entitled Zeitgeist 2011 (above). This year there were some pretty significant events in world politics and natural catastrophes that devastated communities around the world.

I think the big winners on our little island for 2011 are the Student Army from Canterbury University who, after the devastating Christchurch earthquake in February this year, got to work (as they had done in the September 2010 quakes) helping out neighbourhoods with the clean up task. Checking up on people and shoveling liquefaction. Real heroes!

A special memory for me was walking around Auckland city after the Rugby 2011 World Cup final where New Zealand beat France. I have never seen so many people in downtown Auckland who were all so excited to be alive. If we could learn to capture that passion in our every day living I think we would be a far more interesting society.

As 2012 approaches I encourage you to reflect on the year past as you think about the year ahead. The thought of a new chapter is so empowering! What crazy things will you do next year? Who will you meet? How will your character grow? What will you give?

Nostalgic music always helps me reflect so check out DJ Earworm's mashup

"United State of Pop (2011) World go Boom":

'Twas the night before Christmas

2011-12-24T23:49:00.001+13:00

Merry Christmas bloggy friends!

Here is me reciting 'twas the night before Christmas by Clement Moore in my Kiwi accent!

XX

A Green Christmas

2011-12-23T16:43:00.000+13:00

Dr. Russell Norman gave this eloquent speech on Wednesday in New Zealand's 50th parliament outlining the Green's plan for this term and the values of the Christmas story. I'm pretty proud to have given the Green Party my vote!

Dr. Norman eloquently expresses the social justice call from a little manger in Bethleham:

The story of the incarnation of God in a baby born in a stable is remarkable even to me, an atheist, because it's a story about the distant God of the heavens coming down to live amongst us on earth.

It's a story about that God decreeing that tyranny on earth and utopia in the afterlife is not acceptable and that freedom and equality must characterise life here on earth as well as the afterlife in heaven. It's a story of the birth of new hope.

I hope that 2012 will be a year of great environmental and social conviction in our parliament and great gains will be made towards a greener and happier New Zealand. After all, if we look after the environment and each other we will truly be a richer society.

However you spend this holiday season I hope it is one of deep reflection and great kindness. We can all do more to help each other and to love deeper!

XX

To read the full speech click here and to watch the second part click here!

Stand out Rookie 2011: Jack Roy

2011-12-21T15:17:00.001+13:00

In my third to last Rookie 2011 interview I chatted to Jack Roy about his graduate collection and who he would make sure he had with him on a dessert island:

What made you decide to enroll in the Fashion programme at AUT?

I was actually originally enrolled in Spacial design at AUT, it wasn't until day 1 of uni that I decided to change. Fashion design was always an interest of mine and I guess and something in the back of my mind told me change. Possibly the best spontaneous decision of my life. So far.

How did your collection this year come together? (e.g. design influences/colour stories/place in the market)

I looked at the fundamentals of menswear, what influences menswear specifically and how it differs from women's wear - looking into practicality in clothing and utility wear. This lead me down the military stream, which I guess a lot of the colours derive from, but I tried not to follow anything too closely. My market was always going to be street wear, it' s where clothing is most relevant these days.

Tell me about your design aesthetic?

I like the clean and clinical, but above all I love comfy. Track pants with elastic waist pants, I'm all about that.

And your creative process?

I draw a lot. I'm constantly looking back on sketches I've done to help me achieve the next step. A lot of my silhouettes and proportions come from what looks best amongst my illustrations and colour comes into it too. I like the idea of transferring a simple sketch into a physical form.

Is there a designer/brand that has been influential in your creative journey?

There have been a lot over the years, but as I developed my skills I tend to move on, never really settling on any one designer. There are a few that have really influenced me, such as Acne - I love their whole approach to designing whether its fashion or furniture. Others like Rei Kawakubo and Raf Simons too.

What is the big 10 year dream?

I'll always be creating, but that doesn't have to mean I'm strictly within the Fashion industry. I want to travel so I'd like to be working overseas somewhere.

Best piece of advice you can give a first year fashion student or someone thinking about formal study?

Not enough people get out and actually get involved with in the New Zealand fashion industry. Anyone wanting to study needs to take and active stance and go out and meet people.

If you were stuck on a desert island and could only pick three other Rookies from your year who would they be and why?

[Laughs] This is cruel! It strongly depends on why I'm stuck on this island. Am I holidaying or is this a Castaway situation? Either way, I would take Eliav Meltzers clothing, cause its practical highly durable, I don't know how long I'm going to be stuck here after all. I would take Jom Dul's collection too, I could mix and match her colours for any occasion. And of course I would take Keva Rands collection, because after all, I am on a Island and I couldn't go without some Hawaiian print!

The Week That Was

2011-12-19T21:35:00.001+13:00

1. My Papa turned 80! Way awesome. He is the oldest living member of my family anywhere in the world and is the best man I know. Full of integrity, a wicked sense of humour and loves to hassle me about everything I wear. AND HE READS MY BLOG!

2. I visited Beat Communications this week for their AW '12 Showroom day and had good fun with Fiona chatting about what their clients are up to for next season and having a dress up session. In the pic above I'm wearing my new favourite glasses by Oliver Peoples, Freya Bag in Lilac Ostrich by Saben, Baby G watch (soo cute!) and enjoying a VnC afternoon cocktail.

3. Max sent me the yummy leopard print wrap that I'm wearing as a scarf in the first picture. Christmas is a licence to spread glitter!

4. Parties. They can get next level messy.

5. Queers. Next level awesome. Request anything by Gaga and before you know it you have danced your little heart out to two full albums. Fabulous.

6. I have this Boyce Avenue cover of Rihanna on constant repeat:

7. One week till Christmas and the gift I was going to get my brother has sold out. What to do?

That time I learned how to make candy floss!

2011-12-16T14:17:00.000+13:00

Tim et moi making Candy Floss

I had a blast last weekend helping at the Alternative Ball hosted by Rainbow Youth! I learned how to make CANDY FLOSS, dressed up in sparkles and danced the night away in my fabulous Spike Litas by Jeffery Campbell. SUCH FUN! Patty Boy was even there and wrote me a little love note:

If you don't already do some work with a charity in your city maybe now is a time to think about it with New Year's resolutions pending. Giving back feels good!

XX

Copy Cats

2011-12-15T13:56:00.002+13:00

As a good little blogger I spend most of the day trolling the internet reading everything from news stories to tumblr pages. Fashionista's headline "Holiday Gift Guide: For the Fashion Cat Spaz In Your Life" caught my eye this morning and I was blown away to see what I thought was a very close likeness to Karen Walker's Mini Cat Ring. Instead it is a ring called the Baby Kitten Ring by New York jewellery designer Michelle Chang.

Image: Baby Kitten Ring by Michelle Chang (left)

and Mini Cat Ring by Karen Walker (right)

Retailing for a similar price I asked myself "Who came first?" According to the Etsy featured seller profile on Michelle Chang in October this year she has been producing and selling her own designs on Etsy for two years. BUT if you look at the list dates for her pieces that bear a likeness to the Karen Walker Super Fine range they span from late September to early December 2011.

Perhaps she could be forgiven for the odd likeness of ONE piece in a large collection? I was pondering this as I looked through Ms Chang's work. It seems the Kitten/Cat ring isn't the only likeness to Karen Walker's Super Fine Range:

Image: Baby Skull Ring by Michelle Chang (left)

and Mini Skull Ring by Karen Walker (right)

You can't exactly patent stars and bows (both Ms Chang and Ms Walker produce jewellery using these motifs) but specific images like kittens, skulls, daisies, anchors and peace symbols within a single collection constructed in in a similar style is blatant copying.

Image: Tiny Round Peace Sign Bracelet by Michelle Chang (left)

and Peace Studs by Karen Walker (right)

I'm all for supporting the young designer but I'm also a fierce supporter of new and innovative ideas. I'm sorry Michelle but I think Karen beat you to it.

XXX

Let us make human rights a human reality ♥

2011-12-12T10:52:00.001+13:00

Hillary Clinton gave a powerful speech at the UN this week in celebration of the 63rd birthday of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. She boldly challenged the cultural, political and religious beliefs that some communities use to limit the human experience of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered people.

I grew up with this declaration pined to my wall (thanks momma!) so to hear this strong woman boldly claim these rights for the LGBT community was pretty special to listen to.

Please take the time to listen to the full speech above. Ms Clinton urges everyone to support the Declaration of Human Rights as it relates to the LGBT community, that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

Here are a few gems I have extracted from the full speech (you can read the text version here) that I think are particularly relevant to discussions that friends and I have been having recently:

"Laws have a teaching effect. Laws that discriminate validate other kinds of discrimination. Laws that require equal protections reinforce the moral imperative of equality. And practically speaking, it is often the case that laws must change before fears about change dissipate."

"Finally, progress comes from being willing to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. We need to ask ourselves, "How would it feel if it were a crime to love the person I love? How would it feel to be discriminated against for something about myself that I cannot change?" This challenge applies to all of us as we reflect upon deeply held beliefs, as we work to embrace tolerance and respect for the dignity of all persons, and as we engage humbly with those with whom we disagree in the hope of creating greater understanding."

"Acting alone, minorities can never achieve the majorities necessary for political change. So when any part of humanity is sidelined, the rest of us cannot sit on the sidelines. Every time a barrier to progress has fallen, it has taken a cooperative effort from those on both sides of the barrier. In the fight for women's rights, the support of men remains crucial. The fight for racial equality has relied on contributions from people of all races. Combating Islamaphobia or anti-Semitism is a task for people of all faiths. And the same is true with this struggle for equality."

"Leadership, by definition, means being out in front of your people when it is called for. It means standing up for the dignity of all your citizens and persuading your people to do the same. It also means ensuring that all citizens are treated as equals under your laws."

Keep believing ♥

2011-12-08T22:04:00.001+13:00

Sneak peak: Remix Magazine Holiday Issue

2011-12-07T18:22:00.001+13:00

The latest Remix magazine hits stores tomorrow and I get to show you a sneak peak!

Packed full of stellar appearances (think Brigette from NZNTM, Bambi Northwood-Blyth, Olivia O'Driscoll) and talented photographers (Derek Henderson, Kelly Thompson and Hannah Richards) this issue will be one for dreamy holiday reading. I'm looking forward to checking out the photo/illustration combo curated by illustrator Kelly Thompson

I HAVE A COPY OF THE REMIX HOLIDAY ISSUE TO GIVE AWAY!

Just flick me an email and tell me where YOU will be reading this copy of Remix. At a beach location? On break at your summer job? On an aeroplane en route to somewhere exciting?

Holla at me! Entries close MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!

Stand out Rookie 2011 - Georgia Pratt

2011-12-07T14:30:00.000+13:00

I had the honour of meeting Georgia Pratt at the AUT RAW festival this year. What a delightful human being she is! I love her approach to the female form and I have become aware of just how "size-ist" our industry is. We had a chat about her graduate collection and some of the things she has learned along the way.

What did you want to do achieve this year?

I wanted to create an accessible women's wear collection that could be appropriate for every woman. I was not interested in creating clothing based on a theme. I wanted to focus on creating clothing meant for a body...with shape. I wanted it to blur whatever that line is between 'standard size' and 'plus size'....something that couldn't be pigeonholed into either of these things but catered to both. I feel like this is something that is missing from 'designer' clothing, and I wanted to explore it. I set out to create clothing I wanted to wear.

The base of my range is influenced by classic shapes and detail that are true to sensibility and fit, while there are also free size pieces which have the ability to be worn by a range of different shapes/sizes that create a foundation for fresh shape and silhouette.

Was there a particular point of reference for your colour palette?

I wanted my colour palette to reflect colours that I respond to and that have a real organic depth to them. Because I dyed the fabrics I was able to get my colours almost exact...The colour range was made up of little dried petals taken from a bunch of dried Hydrangeas....Which sounds a bit romantic now that I say it!

What textiles make up your range?

I chose fabrics that encouraged natural silhouette. A lot of linen, cottons, a bit of canvas and a lot of silk as well!

What creatively really inspires you when you approach garments and clothing?

I think its about the feeling of something! You know when you get a particular feeling from something (lets say a piece of clothing)...and its just enough to get you... and from then on you search for it in everything, everywhere in hopes that you may find it again...I think that is something that keeps me wanting to design. I just wanted to create that same experience for other people and I wanted them to get excited about what I was doing!...Hopefully I succeeded!

What were some of the challenges you faced this year when working with different shaped bodies?

Because I was working with different shaped bodies and sizes, a great fit was my biggest challenge! I wanted everything to work with the body not against the body. It was quite a a learning curve! But well worth it...

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their study?

Take risks so you can make mistakes!...This is what Uni is for (I only truly realised this in my last year). I learned that being scared about what you are doing only means you care about what it is you are doing...it drives you forward. But also don't forget to have fun!

What is the big 10 year dream?

I'd like to have my own business i think, I definitely want to design. But obviously there is lots to learn between now and then! I just want to learn as much as I can...

We'll see what happens I guess!

I fell in love with your range! It is original and unique! Can I buy pieces from it? OR ALL OF IT?

The range is for sale! You can email me with any questions or enquiries! :)

XX

The Beaten Track

2011-12-06T17:17:00.001+13:00

Do you have plans tonight? Or tomorrow night? Live in Auckland? Fancy getting a bit fancy and checking out some contemporary dance? I asked choreographer Serene Lorimer to tell me about her latest work "The Beaten Track" which open tonight at the Musgrove Studio.

Who: Serene Lorimer and various contemporary dancers/choreographers from around Auckland. These include: Annabel Harrison, Clare Luiten, Elise Chan, Katie Buron, Liana Yew with Georgie Goater, Micke Holland and myself.

What: The Beaten track, a contemporary dance show of short works by a diverse range of NZ's choreographers.

When: 8pm, December 6th and 7th.

Where: Musgrove Studio, Maidment Theatre, Auckland University.

Why: Because I decided to put on a show and I wanted to try something different by getting a wide range of choreographers varying in style and experience to perform together as part of one community; as the NZ dance community is really very small after all.

XX

You may say I lost everything... But I still had my BEDAZZLER!

2011-12-05T21:41:00.001+13:00

As you know I am a devout little monster so you can imagine how excited I was to watch Lady Gaga's video to her song Marry the Night. I am lost for words. Beautiful.

I have compiled some of her narration with screen shots below. For a full set of images check out my tumblr for your reblogging pleasure!

"When I look back on my life, it’s not that I don’t want to see things exactly as they happened, it’s just that I prefer to remember them in an artistic way. And truthfully, the lie of it all is much more honest, because I invented it.

Clinical psychology tells us, arguably, that trauma is the ultimate killer. Memories are not recycled like atoms and particles in quantum physics. They can be lost forever. It’s sort of like my past is an unfinished painting, and as the artist of that painting, I must fill in all the ugly holes and make it beautiful again.

It’s not that I’ve been dishonest, it’s just that I loathe reality. For example, those nurses? They’re wearing next-season Calvin Klein, and so am I. And the shoes? Custom Giuseppe Zanotti.

I tipped their gauze caps to the side like Parisian berets because I think it’s romantic, and I also believe that mint will be very big in fashion next spring.

Check out this nurse on the right. She’s got a great ass. Bam.

The truth is, back at the clinic, they only wore those funny hats to keep the blood out of their hair.

And that girl on the left? She ordered gummi bears and a knife a couple hours ago. They only gave her the gummi bears. I’d wish they’d only given me the gummi bears."

Stand out Rookie 2011 - Emma Gleason

2011-12-03T23:30:00.000+13:00

Emma and I testing out pink Colour Bug at NZFW this year

Emma Gleason and I have been fashion-internet-friends for a while and I knew she worked her little booty off at fashion school so the bar for her graduate collection was set pretty high in my mind. She exceeded my expectations at the 2011 AUT Rookie show! The colours and shapes utilised in Emma's high end contemporary fashion collection are refreshingly clean and calming.

Image: Emma Gleason's graduate collection // Photo by Max Lemesheko

Here are thetranscribed moments from the formal part of our coffee date:

Had fashion alwaysbeen the dream from when you were a little one?

Yes! I have alwaysbeen intrigued with clothes and fashion, both the history and the contemporary aswell. I initially did a visual arts degree but half way through found my selfswitching over to Art and Design which was a tough but really good decision.

What were yourpoints of reference throughout the development of this collection?

My collection wasexploring the comfort and familiarity of clothing through garments that have asignificance to myself. I was reallyfocusing on the fit, the feel and the effect a garment can have on both thewearer and observer through fabric, shape and colour. I really feel like I nailed it. It was really important to me. It wasreally important I did it.

Were there anyparticular significant garments that acted as a reference point for you?
Theyellows are amazing! Where did they come from?

The coat wasprobably the cornerstone of it. It referenced a yellow raincoat I had as a child from the colour tothe shape. From there I really found what I was doing with the collection in relationship to garments that are important to me to thefit and the things they signify. The coat was definitely a starting point andeverything flowed from there!

What's the bigdream?

I'd love to travel!I want to go to Japan and America and all of that! I would love to have my ownstore and still be doing things in the print world whether it's New Zealand oroverseas. I love it here and I think there are things that need to be done hereand said here. I love NZ ! I can see my self staying here for the foreseeablefuture!

Tell me where your fashion blog Rag Pony emerged from?

I was reading bogson the internet and thinking I could do this and better and one day I just bitthe bullet and did it. I got the name as an amalgamation of rag trade andclothes pony. (Two relevant things!) It just started as a project and it just grewand spiralled much to my parents amazement! It's done really well! I try andkeep it personal but not solely about myself. It's important I use it to sharethings I find, things I dig up on the depths ofthe internet and things that interest me. It's definitely me!

I'm kind of a little bit obsessed with your collection.. Is it for sale?

It is! I'm planningon doing some wholesale orders so get in touch with me. I'll be putting intoproduction pants and some coats. Let me know if there is something you wantand I'll see what I can do!

What would youradvice be to someone just starting out in their study?

Take everyopportunity you get! You just have to work 250% as hard as you can. It'sall about who you meet and it's all about your work ethic. Push yourselfcreatively and intellectually and step as high as you can!

What next for MsEmma Gleason and Rag Pony?

Taking a bit of aholiday I need to sort out my room and my life! I'm having some book bagsstocked at Pencil boutique with Pebbles Hooper, there are 6 to start off withand then we might do some more. I guess find real life and become an adult!

MERRY CHRISTMAS MISS RAGAPONES!

XX

[Belated] ALL AMERICAN THANKSGIVING!

2011-12-02T00:05:00.001+13:00

Image: Our ALL AMERICAN GIRL Nicole and her man Joshua.

I had the joy tonight of celebrating a belated American thanksgiving dinner with some dear friends. We had Turkin/Churkey (a turkey and chicken hybrid) and PUMPKIN PIE! Plus every other delectable side/drink/dessert possibly imaginable. FOOD BABY!

It's a pretty cool tradition sharing with loved ones what you are thankful for. So often we don't tell each other how much we mean to each other.

I was reminded tonight how important it is to spend time with the people in your life that inspire you towards kindness. I'm lucky to know some pretty exceptional people!

P.s. I stopped off at le supermarche en route to the festivities to pick up a few things to share and giggled when I realised the proportion of glitter to edible products:

I EAT SPARKLES FOR DINNER!
XX

Gareth Pugh for M.A.C

2011-11-30T14:37:00.001+13:00

What is the best way to wake up on a day when you are feeling a little crook? To a courier holding a parcel from M.A.C! This morning I received a precious black box filled with goodies from the Gareth Pugh for M.A.C range. TO ♥ DIE ♥ FOR.

Gareth Pugh is a designer I name as being influential in my design journey. I remember countless discussions at fashion school gossiping about his great talent and the poverty from which he created greatness.

The exterior cases of the compacts are beautifully angular and house mirrors even for the eyeshadow boxes. I am a big fan of the "OUTRAGE" lip glass (it's the darkest purple pictured above.) AND HAVE YOU SEEN THE FALSE LASHES? Angular heaven!

This limited edition range hits selected M.A.C stores on December 16. You are going to want to get in quick because it will FLY out the door!

XX

Strawberry fields forever

2011-11-29T21:03:00.001+13:00

Summer is here!

I'm kind of obsessed with strawberry imagery. Every time I remember this I mourn the loss of a pair of strawberry earrings I bought from a tiny little jewellery store in The Eaton Centre in Toronto. They only cost about $6 but were the prettiest pink strawberries I have ever seen!

Have you watched Across the Universe? Best movie EVER. And amazing use of Strawberry motifs.

Here is a taster:

Stand out Rookie 2011 - Vihanga Mahesh Sontam

2011-11-28T10:35:00.000+13:00

Image: Vihanga's graduate collection // All photos by Max Lemesheko

It was a total joy to meet Vihanga last week and chat about her graduate Rookie collection. She has created a contemporary collection inspired by elements of high fashion culture and the stories that she was told as a child that have been influential in developing her vivid imagination. I was really impressed by the hand woven textiles that she created! AND HER USE OF COLOUR!

Here are thetranscribed moments from the formal part of our coffee date:

Tell us about your graduate collection? Where did you start?

This collection ismainly inspired by an ancient Indian story from the Mahabharata. And all my inspiration/colour palette comes from these twopainting by Niladri Paul and Raja Ravi Varma.

Isee hand weaving! Did you do that yourself?

Yes it is handwoven! I created my own loom and I hadto get all my fabrics in there and my colours together.

WOW!

Tellme about the way you cut your patterns? You used an alternative technique?

All my garments arevery cut oriented. This type of cut comes from subtraction cutting inspired by Julian Roberts . I developed my own technique out of what he does.

Foryou does the way you pattern inform your aesthetic?

Definitely!

Tellme about the paintings that inspired your collection.

His name is Niladri Paul's and painted Lord Shiva in 2007. He paints very abstract paintings of Indian gods. He painted an image of thestory I'm inspired by. I'm also inspired by an 1800s artist called Raja Ravi Varma whopaints images I'm also inspired by.

Isthat were you drew the colours from?

I drew the coloursfrom these paintings and developed a colour palette.

Whatabout the silhouette that inspired the range? Are there some elements of homageto your Indian heritage? Like the drape of the Sari?

Yes! All mycollections rely on drape. Draping and getting the subtraction cutting togetherhas helped developed my own technique.

Somethingyou want to explore more?

Definitely! I'd loveto explore more of my cuts and [hand made] textiles!

Whatelements of fashion have inspired your journey?

Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake.

Tellme about your upbringing/had you always wanted to go to fashion?

I was brought up inIndia and came here for university. I always kind of knew fashion wassomething I wanted to do!

In 10years time where do you want to be in your career?

I'd be a slave to Yohji Yamamoto!

Whatnext?

I'm thinking ofdoing post grad study. Maybe honours andinternships somewhere after that?

So someone should snap you up and give you an amazingjob?

I'd love that!

Lita addiction

2011-11-27T18:56:00.001+13:00

In celebration of my newest shoe purchase I turned my tumblr into a Lita shrine.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PRETTY SHOES!

I am now the proud owner of the Spike Lita by Jeffery Campbell (pictured below). They had their first outing last night at the Whitecliffe College of Art and Design fashion show.

SUCH FUN!

I definitely feel pretty fierce in these babies~!

Stand out Rookie 2011 - Anna Findlay

2011-11-26T10:45:00.001+13:00

Image: Anna Findlay's graduate collection // Max Lemesheko

In the second interview in my Rookie 2011 series I chatted with Anna Findlay who has an infectious interest in subcultures and Cyber Goths. Her knit wear caught my eye at the Rookie 2011 show and I just had to know more!

Here are thetranscribed moments from the formal part of our coffee date:

Whatwere some of the influences behind what you presented at the Rookie '11 show?

I was mostlyinfluenced by Cyber Goths. I'm really interested in subcultures and translatingthem into a modern context. Cyber Goths are a really interesting group ofpeople, they like to manipulate themselves to look like they are from a postnuclear era. They have all the bright colours like blues, purples and pinkscombined with black. They often wear gas masks and implants.. They manipulatethemselves to look crazy/psycho! I wanted to take aspects of that and createsomething that would be hopefully quite interesting!

Knitwearis quite a challenging major! What lead you there?

I was reallyinterested in taking some of my own textures and putting that into mycollection. My work isn't that colourful and I don't often create dimensionthrough colour but thought texture could be a really interesting way to createsome depth

10years time, where would you love to be professionally?

I would love to bedesigning for someone really interesting! Maybe in Germany/America somethingalong the lines of what Gareth Pugh is doing. Also possibly working in stylingcreating more "edgy looks" out of more normal garments.

Hadstudying and working in fashion always been the dream?

I have always beeninto making things! I'm definitely a hands on kind of person! Liked to make thing when I was a kid. When iwas at intermediate we had a sewing class and I made a skirt by taking a pairof jeans apart and put them back together so I guess it all started from there!

Anyadvice for a 1st year fashion student or someone who is thinking about gettinginto formal study?

Advice that I wish Ihad been given (I possibly was given but ignored): Take some risks! Especiallyif you are at university it's a great place to make mistakes. Don't put up anywalls! Let it all happen - you get the best results that way!

Hadstudying and working in fashion always been the dream?

Happy Turkey Day! UPDATED!

2011-11-24T10:34:00.001+13:00

Happy American Thanksgiving!

In the spirit of pumpkin pie and gushy emotional sentiments I have compiled a list of 5 things I am thankful for:

1. I know this will be a give in for many people but I'm thankful that I am relatively healthy. And I'm thankful that I live in a country where if anyone has any health drama they can go to the hospital free of charge. What a luxury.

UPDATE: After watching the Inside New Zealand documentary on child poverty I am so so so sad that many kids on our islands can't access basic healthcare for a variety of reasons. If you are in NZ you can watch the doco here (not sure if overseas readers can view it) and see point number 5 about making sure you VOTE ON SATURDAY. Let's build a society that is passionate about the well being of our young people

If it upsets you as much as it does me that not everyone has this security I would encourage you to think about donating to OXFAM this Christmas through their Unwrapped catalogue.

2. I'm thankful that people other than my Grandmother (Hey Gran!) read my blog. Traffic over the last three months has been astronomical. To all the kind people who leave little comments or notes on my Facebook page or say hello on Twitter: I LOVE YOU!

3. I am thankful for family and friends who constantly remind me of the good in humanity.

4. I am thankful that in New Zealand WE CAN VOTE for our governing leaders! Remember Kiwis, get to a poling place in your electorate THIS SATURDAY and exercise your democratic right!

5. I am thankful for the internet. Instant communication of ideas? Awesome. Except where it is censored. That's lame...

I feel like kind of a bad person for saying that I am thankful for all of these things because it reminds me that there are so many people in our world without food, shelter, health care and people who care for them...

It is a good time of year to think about how we can love more. Maybe this Christmas there is someone you can invite along to your festivities? Maybe someone who doesn't have family in your city or someone who would otherwise be eating two minute noodles alone?

XX

Concrete Playground 2011 BLOGGERS

2011-11-24T09:43:00.001+13:00

Friends!

I need YOUR HELP!

As I vlogged last night I am lucky enough to be a finalist in the fashion section of the Concrete Playground 2011 Bloggers but I am up against some tough competition.

Could you take a couple of seconds to click here and vote "aych" ?

It only takes a couple of seconds and no sign up or anything like that is required :-)

Thank you so much for all of your support dearest readers!

You make my heart skip a beat!

Stand out Rookie 2011 - Charlotte Cho

2011-11-23T21:03:00.001+13:00

I had a total blast at the AUT 2011 Rookie show! Over the last week I had a chat with my favourite seven designers from the graduating class about their ranges, their journey to fashion school and asked "What's Next?"

Charlotte Cho is thefirst of the seven Rookies I interviewed from the 2011 graduating classfrom the Bachelor of Design - Fashion programme at AUT here in Auckland. The colour and textural elements of herrange really caught my attention.

Image: Charlotte Cho's graduate collection // Max Lemesheko

In her graduatecollection Charlotte explored questions around defining traditional Korean outerwear. She was born in Korea and immigrated to New Zealand whenshe was just seven years old but she speaks about the Korean influences on her with suchpassion you can't help but a) want to buy every garment in her collection andb) get on the next plane to Seoul!

Here are thetranscribed moments from the formal part of our coffee date:

Whatlead you to explore traditional Korean garments?

It was based on theidea of how traditional garments are not really respected these days and Iwanted to bring in the Hanbok [a traditional Korean garment]. I wanted to do something quite fun andacceptable to a younger generation.

InKorea do you wear traditional Korean garments every day or are they saved forfamily events and formal occasions?

We don't wear a lotof Hanbok these days but back in Koreawe would at special occasions.

Youuse a lot of colour! Are these traditional Korean colour ways?

My colour palette was inspired by currenttrends and also have used in traditional garments as well!

Whatis the 10 year dream?

I would love to workwith someone like Comme des Garçons or Rae Kawakubo. The things she doesinspire me all the time! Her shapes and her innovations are very inspiring!

Howdo you usually work? What does your creative process look like?

Sketch initially!Then I move onto drape and take photos and then develop from there working withdifferent fabrics.

Ifyou were to develop this summer collection into a winter range could you seeyourself working with similar inspiration? Have Korean influences become partof your signature?

Yes yes! Last year Idid something similar. It is pat of my handwriting at the moment . I can seemyself doing something quite similar again. If I was doing winter I could seemyself doing lots of layers and experimenting with colours

Howwould you describe your design handwriting in a few words?

Drape, colour,quirky, fun!

Whatadvice would you have to a young aspiring fashion student?

Definitely take care ofyour health! And be prepared for what you are doing! Don't study fashion forthe sake of loving clothes. You have to have that will to make something new, to be challenged and to take risks!

Auckland Daze - Deleted Scene 1

2011-11-21T16:59:00.001+13:00

Have you seen the the new show Auckland Daze airing exclusively on TVNZ On Demand? After Danielle Hayes (NZNTM Cycle 1) tweeted about it I checked out the first episode and have been hooked since. Such hilarity!

On Film describes the show as "a spoof comedy that follows four hapless wannabes; a model, a stuntman, a dwarf entertainer and a stand-up comedian, who are all chasing fame in Auckland's ridiculously small entertainment industry."

I have been lucky enough to be offered the chance to air some exclusive content from the show and this week's clip is the video that Millen and his mates make of their Ninja friend Glen taking on some rivals during a game of golf. In the show this clip caused and internet stir and Glen was launched into nation wide stardom overnight. *Snaps for the internet* Glen is possibly my favourite character so far with his Ninja skills!

Check it out below:

One of the really exciting aspects to this show is that it is filmed each week after gauging audience feedback. I this is pretty rad! New episodes are out each week on Thursdays at 5pm - You can watch full episodes online here.

As someone involved in the fashion and theatre industries I have enjoyed all of the digs at the lifestyle of the wanna-be-famous, the gay-mous, the we-should-invite-you-just-cause-you're-famous and the not-quite-sure-how-you-are famous Aucklanders. Let the fun continue!

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In the interests of full disclosure: I am receiving financial reimbursement for involvement in this campaign. As longtime readers will know, I rarely offer advertising space and have strict criteria that must be met. This is a creative project that I think is a pretty revolutionary model for viewer engagement on such a large national scale. I'm excited to see where this goes!

Babes on bikes

2011-11-20T21:23:00.001+13:00

I turned my tumblr into a bicycle shrine!

CLICK CLICK CLICK!

Pan Am + the gender divide

2011-11-18T22:35:00.001+13:00

I have only seen a couple of episodes of the TV series Pan Am but I am captivated!

My inner feminist rages at the gender oppression faced by women (men too!) in the 60s all the while thinking progress was rapidly taking place. For example in this show the women mention that once a woman marries she must leave her job as a stewardess. One even mentions excitedly to a good looking new recruit "You will have a husband in no time!"

Gender policing in this show fascinates me. The different ways the pilots interact with each other in the company of women and in the privacy of the cockpit is an interesting example of gendered space. I feel that this series would be an amazing text to analyse in a gender studies class!

This series is rich in historic references to social issues, political movements and fashion trends. All while dishing up a bit of glam in the form of period drama. #MajorFan.

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If I should have a daughter by Sarah Kay

2011-11-17T18:37:00.001+13:00

I am a massive fan of spoken word and have just been introduced to this beautiful work by Sarah Kay. This piece entitled "If I should have a daughter" made me well up with tears!

My favourite part reads:

"And, baby," I'll tell her, don't keep your nose up in the air like that. I know that trick; I've done it a million times. You're just smelling for smoke so you can follow the trail back to a burning house, so you can find the boy who lost everything in the fire to see if you can save him. Or else find the boy who lit the fire in the first place, to see if you can change him."

And this snippet of advice from mother to daughter makes my heart sing:

" And always apologize when you've done something wrong.
But don't you ever apologize for the way your eyes refuse to stop shining.
Your voice is small, but don't ever stop singing. "

I've included the full poem after the jump so click through if you want to read along while Sarah Kay recites it in the You Tube box above!

If I should have a daughter, instead of Mom, she's gonna call me Point B, because that way she knows that no matter what happens, at least she can always find her way to me.

And I'm going to paint solar systems on the backs of her hands, so she has to learn the entire universe before she can say, "Oh, I know that like the back of my hand."

And she's going to learn that this life will hit you hard in the face, wait for you to get back up just so it can kick you in the stomach.

But getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.

There is hurt here that cannot be fixed by Band-Aids or poetry.

So the first time she realizes that Wonder Woman isn't coming, I'll make sure she knows she doesn't have to wear the cape all by herself.

Because no matter how wide you stretch your fingers, your hands will always be too small to catch all the pain you want to heal.

Believe me, I've tried.

"And, baby," I'll tell her, don't keep your nose up in the air like that. I know that trick; I've done it a million times. You're just smelling for smoke so you can follow the trail back to a burning house, so you can find the boy who lost everything in the fire to see if you can save him. Or else find the boy who lit the fire in the first place, to see if you can change him."

But I know she will anyway, so instead I'll always keep an extra supply of chocolate and rain boots nearby, because there is no heartbreak that chocolate can't fix.

Okay, there's a few heartbreaks that chocolate can't fix.

But that's what the rain boots are for.

Because rain will wash away everything, if you let it.

I want her to look at the world through the underside of a glass-bottom boat, to look through a microscope at the galaxies that exist on the pinpoint of a human mind, because that's the way my mom taught me.

That there'll be days like this.

♫ There'll be days like this, my momma said. ♫

When you open your hands to catch and wind up with only blisters and bruises; when you step out of the phone booth and try to fly and the very people you want to save are the ones standing on your cape; when your boots will fill with rain, and you'll be up to your knees in disappointment.

And those are the very days you have all the more reason to say thank you.

Because there's nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it's swept away.

You will put the wind in winsome, lose some.

You will put the star in starting over, and over.

And no matter how many land mines erupt in a minute, be sure your mind lands on the beauty of this funny place called life.

And yes, on a scale from one to over-trusting, I am pretty damn naive.

But I want her to know that this world is made out of sugar.
It can crumble so easily, but don't be afraid to stick your tongue out and taste it.

"Baby," I'll tell her, "remember, your mama is a worrier, and your papa is a warrior, and you are the girl with small hands and big eyes who never stops asking for more."

Remember that good things come in threes and so do bad things.

And always apologize when you've done something wrong.

But don't you ever apologize for the way your eyes refuse to stop shining.

Your voice is small, but don't ever stop singing.

And when they finally hand you heartache, when they slip war and hatred under your door and offer you handouts on street-corners of cynicism and defeat, you tell them that they really ought to meet your mother.

Huffer NAIL Summer! (Part 2)

2011-11-15T14:51:00.001+13:00

Yeow check out the second instalment in Huffer's Summer movie~!

I wish I was at the beach right now chilling in the shade reading a good book or frolicking around rock pools with amazing friends!

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FAN ART FTW!

2011-11-14T23:26:00.001+13:00

Image: "Hannacorn" by Louis Wee

I have officially received my first piece of fan art!

The very kind Louis Wee emailed me this wee pic soon after I turned my tumblr into a unicorn shrine.

This is possibly one of the most thoughtful things I have ever seen!

Check out Louis and his brothers shakin' it like they got it:

(Louis is the babe in the black waistcoat)

The Week That Was

2011-11-13T21:01:00.001+13:00

1. I fell in love with these two incredible pairs of shoes at my Ciel PR press appointment this week for their Winter '12 clients! I'll get bloggy bloggy on the collections closer to the time they hit stores but I'm telling you: start getting excited!

2. The AUT Rookie 2011 show on Friday night blew me away! So much incredible talent... More on that soon :)

Image: Me, Jade and Nadeesha. HOLLA AT ROOKIE 08!

(Thanks Linh for the photo!)

3. Fashion family is for life. Like, FO LYFE! It was so precious to chill with some of the kids from my graduating year of fashion school and my tutors at Rookie. That bond is radical.

4. How good is old-school-remixed-Robyn?

5. There is a rumour floating around that someone quite significant in my life accidentally had all their hair shaved off at the barber due to a miscommunication. This person likes to let his opinions on my hair cuts be known so after this situation I reckon have a get out of jail free card on all hairstyles choices for about 4 months! Beyond hilarious.

6. Living with passion I think is a legitimate life goal.

7. Have you sponsored someone for Movember? I got told on Friday that New Zealand has kicked butt and is setting participation records! Awesome! Now go donate some mooolah for mens health.

Sparkle

2011-11-11T00:53:00.000+13:00

Image: TheNonBlonde.com

Refined + RAW talent

2011-11-09T22:00:00.000+13:00

Image: Me pretending to be part of the scenery at Showroom 22

My mind is overwhelmed by all the incredible creative projects I got to see today!

This afternoon I visited Showroom 22 for their media open day to check out the collections they are looking after for Winter '12. Absolutely beautiful! I'm looking forward to writing about the collections closer to the time they hit stores. There are some winners! It's also always lots of fun to catch up with media/bloggy friends and hear about everyone's adventures.

Image: At Showroom 22: Me + the Karen Walker frames I *NEED* (Hey Santa!)

This evening I attended the opening of AUT's 2011 Art and Design Festival entitled RAW. Showcasing work from graduating students across the Bachelor of Design and Bachelor of Visual Arts programmes over several buildings this festival is curated brilliantly. I only made it through the Fashion, Textiles and Spacial exhibitions but I am lost for words. This country is exploding with creative talent! The high standard of workmanship, bucket loads of original ideas and commentary on current trends blew me away.

The festival is open to the public from the 10th of November to the 12th of November (10am -6pm) and is based across the AUT city campus. For more info check out the website here. I'll be heading back to the exhibition tomorrow to get through the rest of the work!

Congratulations to all of the students about to graduate!

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Modern mediascape wisdom from FINZ panelists

2011-11-09T00:26:00.001+13:00

**Warning: wordy post ahead but stick with it because I think some of it's insightful**

Yesterday FINZ hosted an incredible discussion on building a brand in an international market as part of their three weeks of discussions in the DHL EXPRESS Apparel Export Series.

I was in awe of the wisdom in the room! Patty Huntington, Murray Bevan, Rae Begley, and Dan Gosling shared their thoughts on brand accesibility in the global marketplace and some of their personal experiences with the changing face of fashion media.

This quadruplet of Australasian fashion royalty generously gave the assembled crowd in Auckland (and via the internet in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin) some of the most concise fashion analysis of current trends that I have heard recently.

Image: The FINZ brand panel (from left to right):

Patty Huntington, Dan Gosling, Murray Bevan and Rae Begley

Some really interesting discussion took place around which comes first - the brand or the product? For example, Dan and his crew created just one t-shirt that they marketed the hell out of before they had even designed a line. They let what the brand became dictate the aesthetic of their collections. Similar situation with Ksubi and their rat stunt at RAFW.

This particular discussion made me reflect on why I started this blog and the journey I have been on since. I started this blog as a way to show my tutors at fashion school the target market I was designing my final year denim line for. The music these kids listen to, the gigs they went to, the people they admire and the political ideals they ascribe to. I was building a brand to show them before I had even presented my product!

Another pearl of wisdom that caught my attention was the discussion around creating content for media. As fashion designers it is not just clothes that need to be designed but an entire way of selling the collection and the brand. Both Murray and Rae agreed that creating specific content for specific mediums is a very clever way to project a fresh yet consistent image. For example, creating specific content for online resources, sending particular info only to magazines ect.

One of the KEY items discussed that every designer must embrace is the utilisation of the World Wide Web and having an easy to use website with clear and interesting images of your product. As Patty pointed out if your images can be easily viewed and they catch readers attention those images could be reblogged thousands of times potentially attracting new fans and hopefully the attention of influential buyers, stockists and media.

FINZ events are always incredibly insightful and I recommend you keep an eye on their website for the soon-to-be-released details of the next two discussions in this series!

Keep in touch with FINZ via their website, Facebook and Twitter.

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F YEAH Art Student Owl just changed my life

2011-11-07T23:23:00.001+13:00

I have just discovered Fuck Yeah Art Student Owl and it has made me feel so much better about my life. I'm a graduate of a Art and Design school and I empathise with the excruciating pain (and joy) this feathered face screams about.

Is it weird that after about an hour of on and off browsing I feel like I KNOW this owl? HE SPEAKS TO MY SOUL!

ZOMG...

All images: Fuck Yeah Art Student Owl

Introducing Katie-Maree Cole

2011-11-06T21:25:00.001+13:00

The super cute Katie Coleman (the designer behind the label Katie-Maree Cole) delivered a little package to my doorstep a few days ago!

Look at this deeeelicious marshmellow slice:

Ooosh that girl! So so so SWEET!

We have had a bit of email chitter chatter going back and forth post NZFW where Katie showed for the first time. So dearest readers, I introduce you to Katie-Maree Cole with my fave images from her Summer 11/12 collection:

You mention that you have a commitment to using natural fabrics - is this a reflection of your design aesthetic or are there some underlying ethical commitments you have to plant and animal based fibres?

Yes I am committed to using natural fibres! I really want to encourage consumers to commit to buying quality natural garments that will last the distance - buying quality over quantity seems to be a lost art - especially when I see the next generation coming through who are happy to re-buy their whole wardrobe with the latest trends etc and throw it all out the next year as it falls apart.

We use all natural products around the house and are committed slow food movement lovers so this was a natural next step. We have done some organic cotton printed Tees for Summer so looking forward to getting those online too :)

Can you tell me a little bit about what lead you into the world of fashion? And then to launch your own label?

I got into fashion as a young kid my mum really wanted to be a designer when she was growing up but she ended up getting a more "sensible" degree in accounting. So when I came along we used to do lots of projects together, making dancing costumes and volunteering at working bees for school plays etc. Everything was always really vibrant and colourful for the stage so I guess that 's where my love of colour and texture came from. My brother's also a Fine Arts Graduate so he was always throwing his bit into the story too.

I studied fashion at high school right up till seventh form and followed in my brothers footsteps to Whitecliffe School of Art and Design. I completed the certificate there and then oved to Otago to do my Bachelor in Design.

You can check out Katie-Maree Coleman's full Summer 11/12 collection here and follow her on Facebook here. Massive congrats to this little lady!

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New Doo - The blonde edition

2011-11-05T23:59:00.000+13:00

I got my hair did! The lovely girls at Tony and Guy kept me entertained for the afternoon as I got a "sensible" summer colour. It looks a little more silver IRL and I love it. When it came to styling I asked for a unicorn mane!

SUCH FUN!

And do you like my glasses? Snookie inspired!

I need to buy some Colour Bug by Kevin Murphy this week so I can still add splashes of colour to satisfy my cravings!

XX

Procrastination cupcakes

2011-11-04T00:46:00.001+13:00

"I should be blogging"

... instead I made procrastination cupcakes...

"Selling assests is DUMB!"

... and political cupcakes...

"#PEOPLEMATTER"

...and social issue cupcakes.

Huffer nail SUMMER!

2011-11-01T11:54:00.002+13:00

Huffer have just released this video for their first Summer '11 collection entitled "Coming Attraction".

The inspiration reads:

"a tribute to Carnivals, traveling fairs and festivals. Reminiscing summer days, festive nights, fortune tellers and the thrill of the ride."

And guess who I spotted? Uber babe Jimmy aka Friend Rock.

Delicious!

I must say I AM kind of excited for Summer now that I have seen this... Roadtrips, friends, time slowing down... yeow!

Happy Halloween Weekend (Part 2)

2011-10-30T23:01:00.002+13:00

Image: Nicole (third from left)

I asked a LEGITIMATE NORTH AMERICAN by the name of Nicole about her experiences with this fabulous holiday:

What year was your most memorable Halloween?

2009 (pictured). Haha I am hardly recognizable!

Favourite costume ever worn?

Probably when I was like 3, there is a photo of me as a pumpkin. My mom thought it was cute and dressed me up in it.

Best candy ever received/ party attended/ decorations seen?

My next door neighbors in America hired out an actor to dress up as a scary witch to jump out and scream at you as you approached the door. As a kid it scared the hell outta me, but retrospectively I giggle (and when I see neighbor kids go there now I laugh)

Do you think you will celebrate Halloween this year in NZ?

This year I don't think so. However, if the opportunity comes up I have some tricks up my sleeve for a zombie costume!

Mohecan doo UPDATE

2011-10-30T22:44:00.001+13:00

My hair is officially long enough to sort of braid!

Watch out Anya, I'm a have your locks in NO TIME!

Happy Halloween Weekend!

2011-10-29T18:50:00.001+13:00

Image: My fave Canadian Stef as Miss Piggy and Kermet

Happy Halloween Weekend!

Here in Nouvelle-Zelande we don't get into this holiday nearly as much as our North American friends. A few years ago I spent a semester abroad in Toronto and couldn't believe that for the entire month of October every store was packed with orange and black decorations! Even the plastic bags at our local supermarket went orange for the month!

I think we need to reclaim this opportunity to dress up!

Image: Becky, Carly and I celebrating Halloween in Toronto

All holidays taste better with Yogen-Fruz!

Tonight I'm dressing up as GLITTER for a friends Halloween doo.

When else do you get the opportunity to douse yourself in a can of $6 spray on glitter? AMAZING!

I've just put the finishing touches on a batch of spider web cupcakes and have candy ready for trick or treating neighbours... but totally wish I was celebrating the weekend in North America. Auckland doesn't even compare.

Calling every fashion kid and fashion grown up in Auckland..

2011-10-28T19:41:00.002+13:00

What would you say if I told you that for a morning you could spend time with Patty Huntington, Murray Bevan, Rae Begley, Marc Moore and Dan Gosling?

Not only spend time with them but listen to their pearls of wisdom on building a brand and have the chance to ask them some nitty gritty questions?

I would squeal!And squeal I did when I received an email from FINZ about their upcoming panel discussions over the first three weeks in November.

Week one sees the branding giants I mentioned above nut out the logistics of:

"Creating international brands; the new media landscape; engaging with media and consumers; fashion without borders; faster transmission; access all areas; controlling your image; experience marketing; integrating publicity and sales ..."

The names on this panel are Australasian fashion royalty. Patty Huntington especially is one of my all time fashion idols, as a journo so fierce and on topic. Murray Bevan (who I not-so-secretly think is one of the most good looking faces behind the NZ fashion industry) is the owner of fashion PR firm Showroom 22 and has an air of excellence about him that I find incredibly inspiring. The ethos behind Rae Begley's Australian PR firm Little Hero is fun and intuitive - a lesson many aspiring fashion related brands could learn from! Marc Moore and Dan Gossling need no introduction as the co founders of Stolen Girlfriends Club, the badass fashion forward label born in Aotearoa.

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!

Weeks 2 and 3 tackle other issues surrounding apparel export with details to be released soon.

GET IN EARLY TO NAB A SPOT TO WEEK ONE!

NZ$30.00 | non-members

NZ$20.00 | finz-members

CLICK HERE to REGISTER ONLINE

Hairspiration

2011-10-28T08:30:00.000+13:00

Image: Chris Lorimer and I // Thepeople.co.nz

This week's hairspiration is a mashup of PR babe Chris Lorimer of Ciel PR and Project Runway finalist Anya Ayoun Chee! I have always been worried about keeping my hair super femme but I've decided to throw caution to the wind.. these two kids look delicious... maybe I can get there too?

Image: Anya Ayoun Chee // Mylifetime.com

I think I want to grow my hair super long like Anya (pretty sure she has extensions though) so in my inbetween stage I'm going to style it like Chris :-)

Image: Me yesterday before being M.A.C-ed over

I've had my hair chopped to keep length through the back but the sides super tidy. Next decision, what colour to go? I've been toying with the idea of going turquoise but thinking I'm going to need a little more "sensible" over the coming months with work commitments... AHHH!

That time Ruby Frost and I hung out...

2011-10-27T20:59:00.000+13:00

Just before fashion week this year I got an exciting call late one night asking if I had a couple of days free to work with Ruby Frost on her latest music video entitled "Porcupine".

OF COURSE I SAID YES! Within an hour I was sketching away with Ruby and her creative team and set to work on creating a 3m long dress with Morticia Adams as a starting reference. I was SO nervous to be working with such a babe! Legitimate stardom!

Coupled with Ruby's talent was the daunting task of working on a project directed by Ralph Matthews and Clairë Littlër. Such talent! Ralph nailed the direction when he told the peeps over at Cheeseontoast:

"Ruby’s character is based on a fantastical old world female goddess, and the interweaving images, drawn from the natural world, echo her attempts to isolate and protect herself.”

I asked Ruby what the reaction to the new single and video has been like so far:

"So far the reaction to Porcupine has been really cool. I didn't know what to expect, but some new radio stations have been keen to play it like George FM and even ZM which has never happened before in my musical journey!

And people have been excited by the clip; the best reaction was when I played it to my brother and he freaked out at all the animation. I was really lucky to work on the clip with some very talented friends, everyone worked really hard and it's come together perfectly - from you making my incredible show-stopping dress to Ralph nailing all the animation... I'm so happy with it and think it conveys the dark, prickly meaning of the song really well."

Without further ado, check out Porcupine below:

I am beyond impressed with the final product!

Ruby Frost is playing a Bowie themed gig tonight at The Basement from 9pm with Glass Owls, Salvi Stone & DJ Andrew Tidball. Also, this Sunday at Viva Waitakere with Artisan Guns and Lisa Crawley at around 5pm.

For info on colaborations or to chat about a project idea drop me a line: hannah@aychblog.com

My M.A.C-a-licious Morning

2011-10-26T22:26:00.002+13:00

I was super lucky this morning to be picked up by an Audi driver courtesy of M.A.C and whisked off to a one on one appointment with M.A.C Senior Artist Amber D at the sparkly new M.A.C Botany store to preview their holiday collection entitled "Glitter and Ice"!

Image: Amber D et moi

Amber D made me feel like a rockstar! You may remember her from such awesome reality TV appearances such as Halloween Face Off (with Snooki!). Remember to vote for her so she can make Snooks look awesome for Halloween! CLICK CLICK CLICK...

How pretty is the brand new Botany store? Located on Fountain Lane North within Botany Town Centre, the store sits on a fashion arm of the complex adding the finishing touch to the newly completed $6.5 million revamp. Can you see the super delicious models inside the window werqin' their skates?

Part of the holiday range that I will be putting on my list for Santa are these delicious "Dazzlespheres".

Packaging imitates a Christmas decoration and is filled with either metallic pigments, dazzleglass lip gloss or nail lacquer from the seasons colour palette. SHIMMERING SPLENDOR!

p.s. Santa, can I have dazzleglass lip colours in every shade? kthnxbi.

Did you notice the handles of the brush set are clear and glittertastic? #iNeed.

My sweet ride! The babin' Jerome kindly took this pic. I can't believe my life... so so so fun!

Look how pretty Amber D made my eyes! I was kindly sent home with a little love package so I'm going to be practice practice practicing some fabulous eyes over the next few weeks :-)

Thanks M.A.C Botany for such a fun morning!

Do good and look good doing it!

2011-10-26T13:29:00.000+13:00

Have you seen FCKH8.com's latest range of blingin' merch?

Moolah raised from these tees goes towards supporting LGBT organizations who carry on the fight for equal rights! Get all Tweety and Bookfacey about the cause!

Do good and look good doing it!

((I'm going to be werqin' a "Born This Way" tank allllllll summer!!!))

A very nervous 80 minutes

2011-10-26T01:41:00.001+13:00

I Love this incredibly moving montage of the tense Rugby World Cup 2011 Final!XX

Sometimes we all need a little bit of glitter

2011-10-25T23:01:00.001+13:00