indie fashion

katoomba's sherman + betty

Shop window at Sherman and Betty, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW

As you wander down the main street of Katoomba, you pass through a myriad of architectural styles and boutique curiosities. The brisk mountain air ensures coffee houses aplenty; the more rugged seated at small round tables on the sidewalk, attired in scarves and beanies, their hands wrapped around steaming beverages.

polli's biggest ever sale!

Polli Sale 70% off

EEEK!! indie art & design fave Polli are having their biggest sale ever, with up to 70% off! It's for one week only... starting... now! (1st - 7th Feb) With prices from just $12.25 AUD, and free shipping too, you need no excuse to treat yourself to their lovely charms. Soooo many designs discounted to tiny amounts...

sweet summer gifts

Apple wire tea light lantern by Mozi

We're back!! We extended our Christmas break for a few weeks to catch up with our four month old, who recently decided to stop sleeping... (Apparently, he doesn't want to miss out on anything!)

I hope everybody loved all the gorgeous Christmas gifts we posted out in November & December - you kept us busy with gift wrapping!

Wooden stitched brooch by Elk

i love lenko!

Lenko shop front

Designer Dana Lenko has been injecting colourful cheekiness into Melbourne fashion for over a decade. The Lenko boutique, which moved from Melbourne Central into the lovely Cathedral Arcade a year ago, stocks local, interstate and international designers as well as the Lenko label.

Lenko Vanity Wall

melbourne shopping: Campbell Arcade

Shop signs in Campbell Arcade, Degraves Street Subway

Campbell Arcade, in the Degraves Street Subway, is a must when on the hunt for something special in Melbourne City. It is located below all the lovely alleyway stores & cafes in Degraves Street, and connects the fashion strip to Flinders Street Station.

The Cats Meow window

melbourne shopping spree: TNK

Tomorrow Never Knows Capitol Arcade shop window

Not long ago, I spent a long weekend in Melbourne with my mum & sister. While I didn't make it to all all the shopping strips I would have liked (as I had to be 'diplomatic'), I did get to visit many of my favourite boutiques in the city - and take some pics to share with you!

bicycle fashions!

Spoke + Spool casual fashion for cyclists

Through their innovative new label, Spoke + Spool, Sydney designers Alia Parker and Laura Pike have threaded together their love of both fashion & cycling. They've released a fantastic range of creative clothing for guys and girls with all garments designed & made by Laura. The label was launched at the recent "Where To From Here" exhibition at Fraser Studios (Chippendale) which celebrated bike culture in Sydney and showcased the work of a number of progressive designers, artists and makers around town.

Spoke + Spool casual fashion for cyclists

The Spoke + Spool collection is remade from existing vintage clothes which are made from beautiful fabrics such as silk and wool. The clothing is transformed with an emphasis on functionality - achieved specifically through reflector tape, screenprinted bicycle map linings, and compasses for navigation. I really love the little bolero pictured above. When the coat tails are buttoned up, the woven reflector tape patches look like a pair of ladybird wings!

Spoke + Spool casual fashion for cyclists

Aren't these photos beautiful? The photo shoot was at local Sydney Park (the grassy hills seemed very familiar!), and the talent behind the lens was Sudney photographer Laura Friezer. This pretty bike fashion is a far cry from lycra bodysuits!

Spoke + Spool casual fashion for cyclists

I think this is my favourite from the range. The "onesy" has been totally transformed from the original garment, with legs that were once sleeves, and frills which used to be a belt... The diamond-shaped reflector detail makes a cute pattern which matches the stylish, airy feel of the outfit.

Spoke + Spool casual fashion for cyclists

Spoke + Spool represents a duality of style & function for the inner city commuter propelled by pedal power. The label endeavours to be as resourceful and ecologically sound as the transport method it's made for. With designs springing from superior second hand and vintage clothing & fabrics, each garment is both unusual in style and totally unique. The vintage woolen vest pictured above is reversible, so it's ideal for both on and off the bike.

Spoke + Spool casual fashion for cyclists

The Spoke + Spool range is stocked exclusively at The Vintage Clothing Shop, Shop 7/80 Castlereagh St, St James Arcade, Sydney. To find out more about this collection of "Freewheeling Clothes for Bikelovers", visit www.spokenspool.com. With compass vintage wristbands to guide them, these girls know where they're going!

About indie art & design

indie art & design is a web site dedicated to promoting independent designers, artists and labels from Australia.

The blog showcases Australian products from all over, boutiques that stock them and indie related exhibitions and events.

The indie store stocks some of our favourite things from a wide range of Australian indies. We're ready to take your order!