New Zealand Fashion week has been and gone. It was a massive flurry of activity and then poof, we are left only with pictures and lists of ‘must-buys’. This is my pictorial wish-list, all Stolen Girlfriends Club* all the time:
Welcome To Nowhere, is as if a troop of love children rolled down out of a wooded wilderness and came into town; plucking contemporary fashion fancies (leggings, hotpants) and adorning themselves with modern trinkets along the way. Everything is thick, fringed and over-sized.
The details are glorious – a triple threat of watches, cable knitted smalls, the mismatching boots and shredded velvet pants. I love the loopy woosdy madness of it all – it almost makes me want to fast forward straight past this upcoming summer into a winter woolen wonderland.
*Natch I liked some other designers too… Zambizzle, Kate Sylvester and Twenty-Seven Names were really good.
A few months ago I wrote an article entitled Girls On Film: Style Brands & Video about the plethora of labels now using video to communicate their messages and peddle their wares. Lately there’s been a couple more New Zealand brands getting in on the act.
Last week I attended a show at Plaything Gallery. It was no ordinary art opening, rather it was a dual film screening and launch of Stolen Girlfriends Club’s latest collection: Weapons Of Mass Seduction.
The film, shot by photographer Derek Henderson, depicted a collection of awkward moments, SGC’s friends, family and clothes. We gathered on a rooftop, glass jars of wine in hand, to watch it projected on a wall across the way. It was raw, cool, funny and certainly touching in some places.
Above all, it made me want the clothes. I saw how they looked on a living, feeling human. Perhaps if I had one of those sweet Old News button up denim shirts I’d be just as charming? Sadly I can’t embed the film but if you go to the Stolen Girlfriends site it’s on the homepage.
Cybèle, my favourite New Zealand designer, has also released a video to celebrate her new SS 09/10 collection, Serpentine.
According to fellow Kiwi blogger Isaac Likes, the film is inspired by dancer Loie Fuller’s 1896 ‘Danse Serpentine‘. Take a look – it’s a gorgeous number, with a mesmerizing hand painted effect. Then check out Cybèle’s smokey, kaleidoscopic showcase:
I think these both of these films are great introductions to their respective brand – someone with an interest in film is likely to watch these videos without needing an intimate knowledge of fashion, while clothes ponies can pursue their interests with a different perspective.
The next steps for the fashion and video relationship? Well live broadcasts from Fashion Weeks already get a look in, and fashion houses are making features, a la The September Issue and Karl Lagerfeld’s 2007 film. In my opinion, it’s only a matter of time before fashion bloggers start producing their own DIY clothes dramas, seeing as most seem to have photo shoots on par with professional look books. We’ll also soon be able to go to the cinema, watch a film and then shop the film at the accompanying site – something along the lines of an easily accessible 2010 Sex & The City.
What do you think is going to happen next?
Cybele is in Tokyo right now (like right now as we speak) launching the above film – made for her new S/S 09/10 collection Serpentine – at American Rag Cie’s Aoyama Tokyo store. Inspired by a clip of Loie Fuller’s Danse Serpentine, found on YouTube, the film features Derya Parlak writhing in a smoke filled box. Says Cybele, “I love how the shapes and fabrics of the collection move and flow – like they do on the body when worn, it’s always exciting to see the clothes in motion. Mediums outside of fashion (art, sculpture, design) are always a constant inspiration for my work.” Cybele joins a growing force of fashion designers (like Gareth Pugh, Stefano Pilati for YSL and Stolen Girlfriends Club) who have begun presenting their collections as films. No doubt it eliminates the stress of a full scale runway show. That said, Cybele will be showing once again at New Zealand Fashion Week this year – in the opening time slot.
Today’s hot shopping tip is to turn your shopping experience global. It’s time to take advantage of the plethora of online stores and your geographic location, to snag some bargains. So, say you’re like me, currently twiddling your cold little fingers in Oceania, there’s no better time than to plug in some Northern Hemisphere sites and check out what summer frocks they have up for sale. It’s also a fabulous opportunity to investigate new brands and designers.
To get you started, I’ve listed a few suggested shops that do ship over yonder seas. Explore, save and hang out eagerly waiting for the delivery of some new threads by your letterbox.
If you live in the Southern Hemisphere:
- In case you were under a rock, a Southern Alp or on a self enforced break from the Internet (ha!), you’ll know that Topshop now ships to New Zealand and Australia! Summer frocks and rompers ahoy.
- American Apparel is great for boys, basics, nerdy accessories and ice skating dresses for summer. Hint: Find a shipping/discount code to make your purchase that much sweeter.
- Pixie Market is the home of many fantastically creative fashion designers. Plus there’s free international shipping for all orders over US$250.
- The Outnet, La Garconne and Shopbop are my picks for high end designer garments. It’s possible to find huge discounts on all the brands you covet at the end of season.
If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, obviously you kids have hella more choices when it comes to stores & shipping. However you may like to check out these options:
- Witchery is an Aussie chain store – good for simple, elegant pieces. They love neutral colours and their jewellery/scarves/bags are fantastic.
- Cool as a… General Cucumber. A good place to pick up the best pieces from New Zealand’s darker designers. Highlights include Gothic stalwarts Zambesi, the luxe leather work of Deadly Ponies and Jaeha – Alex Kim’s brilliant label.
- MyCatwalk stocks a plethora of cute Aussie & Kiwi designers – including Romance Was Born (get in there for their new tights!) and Elke Kramer’s heart stoppingly awesome laminate jewllery.
(Inspired by Rural Report, New Zealand Fashion Quarterly, Summer 2008)
There’s a bit of teeth gnashing and wailing going on in the Code For Something headquarters this afternoon. While doing some research, I happened upon perhaps the most perfect pair of braces ever. No, not for teeth, rather for holding up your trou. Behold, the Lonely Hearts zipper braces:
From the I.O.U Nothing collection, A/W 08. I’d love to find a pair.
Human nature is to seek attention. We usually gain it through a time tested method – fashion. In recent years this has manifested as huge tally of shopping receipts rather than style. Hushed cries of “Ooh look at her in that Armani” and “…More diamonds on that bra than any other brassiere, ever” were heard throughout the land. Which is all quite wrong in respect of the current and widespread financial predicament.
Nevertheless, we still want to look different, and we still want people to admiringly glance at us as we enter a room. But how do we do so without simply relying on luxury purchases?
If you think about other non-fashion situations, when humans want to be seen (and usually photographed) – we plop something upon our heads and proceed to parade. Weddings, graduations and trips to Disneyland; where you simply must acquire a set of sequined or fluffy mouse ears for the day.
Judging by the first scratched self portraits we made in caves, we have always worn things upon their heads. It started with simple fur coverings for protection and warmth, but as time passed, we began to use head-wear to denote our roles in society.
We tell people we are bakers, princesses (either wearing crowns or the new romantic fripperies favoured by Diana) and police officers.
Really though, when we get down to it – hats are about making a noise. The eye is always drawn to a person’s face first, so a hat instantly adds distinction to one’s look. With a hat, the wearer is hidden in an ounce of mystery but also nonchalantly screams for attention from across the street (a fact celebrities know well). Of course, sometimes head-wear has been overlooked, depending on the ebb and tide of designer moods. Thankfully the last few seasons have delivered us a wealth of ideas to flaunt upon our noggins.
Little by little, we have started to remember the joy of headwear – with pieces like Marc Jacob’s fun party hats, smile inducing jet planes and abstract bunny ears leading the way. Recent collections flaunted a wealth of toppers – everybody from Lanvin to Ann Demeulemeester did their part and capped models with decadent sculptures. Fresh millinery talents like Justin Smith are offering more hats than ever before; and even on the other side of the world hats are in – Lover’s simple boaters have captured the imagination of thousands.
You’ve now heard it girls and boys, and there’s no excuses not to participate! The way things are going, expect Topshop to have a dedicated head-wear department soon. Those of you looking for custom crafted plumage can find some easily by turning to the online craft portal Etsy. Many niche milliners have found their place there and are doing a roaring trade.
Furthermore, the size of most pieces means whether you opt for a fascinator at the more expressive end of the scale, or simple plaited leather headbands at the latter; your budget is only going to be blown if you’re lead astray and buy too many.
Yes, as affordable as you please, as loud as you want, versatile enough for any occasion you could dream of – coffee dates, space missions and bar mitzvahs alike. Right now hats seem to be the most versatile and stylish way of getting what we want – attention. As the old saying goes – get ahead, get a hat.
While this I really love the styling – the bags are not so to my taste. The black suede clutch is more appealing than the monogrammed version; but I just don’t think I could ever spend that much money on a handbag, regardless of how loaded I was.
Spenidng hard earned cash on pink champagne and old Rolling Stones tunes is much more my style!
My friends are not only witty, well read and loyal – they also have a wonderful sense of eye wear. I snapped a few pictures of Lazarescu & Prasnaglava, and asked them about their shades.
Laza’s father is an importer – “In the mid nineties somebody imported these Polaroid glasses and couldn’t pay the shipping fees… so we had 10 boxes lying around the house.” He describes the look as retro sport – “If action calls the goggs are waiting!”
Josh (or Prasnaglava as he is fondly known) found his glasses at the New Lynn $2 shop, but asked me to note that subsequent trips have “failed to unearth any more pairs”. A shame because they are outrageously cute and gender neutral! Josh describes them as “subtly provocative, complementing any outfit”.
You could say they share a philosophy that the more unique a look is, the better! They also get bonus points for being stylish on the cheap. Now to find some cheap frames for myself…
Laza’s father is an importer – “In the mid nineties somebody imported these Polaroid glasses and couldn’t pay the shipping fees… so we had 10 boxes lying around the house.” He describes the look as retro sport – “If action calls the goggs are waiting!”
Le feu d’artifice is French for fireworks! May there be many overhead as you celebrate Bastille Day. Here’s what I’d, uh, wear and accessorise with if I was going to go out on the town in Paris!
Macaron charms and a Dior oui ring, a little black satchel, a striped puffball dress, Coco parfum, Repetto Kandinsky Lace-Ups and of course, lashings of Veuve! Best champagne ever.
❤
I’m not quite a Francophile yet – but oh! I’m sure I could – assuming I could dismiss all the bad memories of my slovenly housemate from Marseille. But let’s not focus on that. Today is about LOVE! Here are some of the previous Code For Something declarations of amour for the sexy, decadent and stylish nation of France:
Gorgeous tights packaging from our favourite Swedes H&M. Helvetica Neue is often seen a a cop-out by some designers but in the right dose it works. Add some clean, to the point photography and you get something beautiful:
Why don’t more brands bring beautiful design to their commodity items?
I was shopping in the cute Auckland suburb of Kinglsand last weekend; spending some time browsing at a nice store called Dressing Dolls. It has a lot of ‘ball season’ and cocktail type dresses but there were some standout, wearable pieces too.I picked up a few frocks to try, and funnily enough, they were all from the same label – Celine Rita.
When I got home I turned to our old pal Google and this is what I dug up:
“The Celine Rita label was launched by Celine Chapman in Auckland, New Zealand in 2008, shortly after Celine completed her Bachelor of Art and Design majoring in Fashion Design at Auckland’s AUT University.”
Her latest collection (which I was coveting in store) is called Beautiful Little Fools – which is what y’all will turn into after taking a peep. Here’s my 4 favourite looks:
Left: Hannah Frock (pink). Off the shoulder for the win!
Right: Steph Dress (stripe). I like the quirky details of the pattern and the loud 80’s colours.
Left: Nic Hoodie Dres. I want this dress. A dress with a hood is all of my dreams coming true. I envision wearing this dress clubbing in winter, then to a nice wholesome family gathering by a fire.
Right: Natalie Dress (black). A sassy little number perfect for work, then drinks. Perhaps I would look more writerly wearing it?
As you’d hope, all Celine Rita garments are designed and made with love in New Zealand. Yay! I really look forward to investing in some pieces (they are very affordable) and seeing what’s next for the label.
Thinking I might post a few of the cool tees that I snap here and there. Stories too, if there is one.
Jess’ Osaka Castle tee was purchased by my friends Jerm & Jules in Japan, a souvenir of their adventures through Asia. Apparently they had bought a ‘cooler’ shirt earlier, but as is the life of backpackers, one of them ran out of clean shirts and pilfered from the stash of gifts. This one is still very nice! It reminds me of cyanotypes and classic pottery.
If you have a graphically devastating or favourite t-shirt you’d like to show off, email me!
I went sneaker shopping with my dear friend Nikhil today. He needed a little bit of style advice and I gladly obliged him, in exchange for good conversation and tea. Oh and vicarious consumerism… I LOVE it when other people buy stuff I want.
After hitting up local stores Area 51, Loaded and Made, we found the perfect pair – Lacoste’s kooky version of the boat shoe! Technically they’re called the Lacoste Cabestan Cup LA 1 Black/Grey and hail from Lacoste’s more experimental Stealth collection. They have thick vulcanized soles, cute detailing and popping colours – perfect for the boy running about town.
I think Nikhil made an excellent choice – the grey is flattering and lace detailing is very sharp. (The packaging is nice too). If grey doesn’t happen to float your boat, you can also buy the Cabestans in pink/black or yellow/white:
I think all 3 colourways are pretty tight – but if you’re feeling adventurous the pink ones would look AMAZING in summer with shorts. Ahoy sailor! Nice one Lacoste.
This is how modern tarot readers gussy themselves up – with a ‘Flirtini’ cardigan, the heavy florals of a ‘Magic Carpet’ mini and some decidedly witchy boots.
Aussie brand Ant!podium’s latest collection is called Totally Tarot and it provides a lot of fashion answers. Muted colours, heavy fabrics with playfulness injected through the shapes. Antipodium always make interesting use of zippers and these pieces are no different.
I think this collection makes a case for interactive showcasing – I really want to see the details. Better yet, it makes a case for getting away from my desk and looking in store!
