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feature interview: natural states
Monday, July 06, 2009 | by Carolyn Price
Wooden Doily Brooches by States of Nature (AUD $35ea, photo by Carolyn)
The "pretty crafty" Issue 3 of our favourite mag, the Peppermint Magazine is out now, and on p76 is "natural states", our indie art & design interview with Simone Madigan from States of Nature!
Newcastle-based designer Simone Madigan loves to print, and to experiment with new products and design styles. Her imagery ranges from bold and graphic to intricate and decorative, and is featured on a range of beautiful products under the label States of Nature. She filled me in on the story so far... By the way - I had the opportunity to take many of the product photos myself. I had a lot of fun finding 'natural' locations & getting the products to pose... hope you like the pics!
Red skirt with flower print by States of Nature (Photo by Carolyn)
I 1. How would you describe your label?
SoN States of Nature manufactures specialist hand-crafted prints using water-based inks and sustainable practices. Designs are printed onto cotton, linen and hemp blends to create clothing, accessories and homeware. Certified plantation timber grown in New South Wales is used to to create a range of brooches. All products are designed and made in Australia. States of Nature is down to earth stuff for down to earth people!
Scarves with circles print by States of Nature (AUD $38ea, photo by Carolyn)
I 2. Is your background in traditonal fine art printmaking?
SoN I have a degree in graphic design but I spent a lot of time in college making prints and experimenting with techniques, from etching and lithography to screenprinting. Luckily I was able to combine my love for design with my love of fine art and I got a job as an illustrator in the fashion industry. As my career developed I continued with printmaking as an outlet for my need to get away from the computer screen. I love the hands-on process of printmaking, even though it can be physically exhausting sometimes when working on large projects.
Scarves by States of Nature (AUD $38ea, photo by States of Nature)
I 3. What sparked the ideas for your first products?
SoN The ideas for my first products came from wanting specific things that I couldn't seem to find anywhere. I wanted to buy clothes and accessories that had a cool design aesthetic as well as being made in a sustainable, carefully considered way. I also like things that are made in Australia, affordable, and durable so that I can wear them to death and not have them fall apart in the wash.
T-shirt & Scarf by States of Nature (Photo by States of Nature)
I 4. How did you progress into making your full range of accessories, clothing & homewares?
SoN One day I realised that nobody was going to give me my dream job, so I had to create it for myself. I worked away in a variety of jobs while I was researching and planning my business. I had meetings, made mistakes, had some small successes and generally burnt the candle at both ends. And then I took a leap of faith, without a safety net, and I couldn't be happier.
Scarf with red zipper print by States of Nature (AUD $38, photo by Carolyn)
I 5. Your label's name (& designs) reveal your love for the natural world. What practices do you incorporate into production to ensure your products are environmentally-friendly?
SoN My first consideration is the environmental impact of my work, from the materials I choose to the processes I use. I have developed systems so that I am able to use minimal water in my production, also recycled and tank water wherever possible. I create very little waste by-product in manufacturing my goods, by designing with specific methods in mind from the beginning. I use only natural fibres, hemp and organic cotton grown in NSW, and certified Australian plantation timber. I have a great team of local makers who sew my products, so we don't waste resources on the raw materials travelling miles just to get made up.
The States of Nature stall at the winter 2009 Finders Keepers designers markets. (Photo by States of Nature)
I 6. Are design markets a large part of your retail & marketing?
SoN They haven't been, but it looks like they will be in 2009. Because my business is primarily wholesale and online, I don't get a chance to communicate directly with the individual people that like or buy my work. I deal with the wholesale buyers for stores, and the people who buy off my website. The great thing about the design markets like Finders Keepers or Magnolia Square, is that I get to hear lots of people's comments about my designs, and I find that feedback very valuable to help me improve the next product.
Close up of scarves with circles print by States of Nature (AUD $38ea, photo by Carolyn)
I 7. Do you have any products which are personal favourites? (I LOVE your doily brooches!)
SoN I live in my a-line skirts, especially the birds print on blue at the moment.
Tea Towels by States of Nature (Photo by States of Nature)
I 8. Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
SoN I find inspiration walking my dog on the beach, in the garden, in nature, traveling near or far, and in my collections of vintage fabric and ceramics.
Wooden Doily Brooches by States of Nature (AUD $35ea, photo by Carolyn)
I 9. What are the best (and worst) parts of running your own label?
SoN The best part is the challenge and freedom of running my own business. The worst part is managing cash flow when I don't get paid on time.
Timber Brooches by States of Nature (AUD $25 ea, photo by Carolyn)
I 10. Who do you bounce your ideas off? Are your friends & family creative or do you keep in touch with other designers online?
SoN I have extremely creative friends and family, and my husband James is the one I bounce my ideas off most of the time. He is a musician, but he has a very good eye and helps me see things from another perspective.
Scarves by States of Nature (Photo by States of Nature)
I 11. You participated in The Springboard Project in 2008. How did the program help you develop your business? Would you recommend this type of program to other emerging designers?
SoN The Springboard Project was fantastic and I found it inspiring and useful in practical terms. There are lots of little insights that I remember from the guest speakers, the workshops and the other participants that help me in so many decisions I make. There's always more information and knowledge to be had, so I'd absolutely recommend this kind of program to other designers.
Wooden Doily Brooches by States of Nature (AUD $35ea, photo by States of Nature)
I 12. What's next for States of Nature?
SoN More design, more fun and more freedom!
Thank you Simone for this wonderful insight into your label! For more natural goodness, visit www.statesofnature.com or browse the States of Nature online store. You'll also find States of Nature stocked in the following stores:
VIC: Claude (the bird) (Armadale), Counter @ Craft Victoria (Melbourne), Duck's Nest (Geelong West), Lulamae (South Melbourne), Mac Pelican (Hawthorn), Safade (Williamstown), The Cats Meow (Melbourne), Village Idiom (Yarraville), Wilkins and Kent (Melbourne)
NSW: Betty Mim (Cooks Hill), Bowerbird Emporium (Murwillumbah), Collect @ Object (Surry Hills)
QLD: Artisan (m)art (Fortitude Valley), Bliss Ecowear (Paddington)
WA: lala orange (Northbridge)
little uns
Thursday, April 02, 2009 | by Carolyn Price
Forest Fungi by Shannon Garson - at the Little Uns ceramics exhibition at Pomme, Mornington, Victoria.
An exhibition of gorgeous small ceramic works will be opening tomorrow (Friday 3rd April, 2009) at Pomme on the Mornington Peninsula. Appropriately titled "Little Uns", the show will feature the work of three ceramic artists from Queensland - Shannon Garson, Mel Robson and Kenji Uranishi.
The brief for this group show was 'keep it small' and the artists were only too happy to oblige with a series of exquisite, but perfectly functional cups, jugs and vessels. (By the way, sorry for the lengthy post but it's really 4 posts in 1!)
Nests by Shannon Garson - at the Little Uns ceramics exhibition at Pomme, Mornington, Victoria.
Shannon Garson is a contemporary ceramicist who has been exhibiting her porcelain works since 1990. Her aim is to explore ceramics and life through the synthesis of surface decoration and form. By transforming everyday objects such as cups and bowls into works of art, she strives to connect the visible world, gardens and plants with the intangible and the mysterious.
Shannon was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2005 and spent 3 months travelling in Europe studying the art of the medieval and Renaissance periods. She has just completed a major new body of work based on the magnolia tree with the assistance of an Australia Council New Works Grant.
"Pale Yellow Magnolia" photograph by Shannon Garson
Above is one of the gorgeous reference photos taken by Shannon in the magnolia orchard. (You can view more on Shannon's Flickr page.) Unlike previous work, she describes "these flowers were not about the body at all. They are about the triumph of hope, about creativity, the resonance for me lies in the knobbly, gnarled magnolia branches putting forth fragile, fragrant blossoms, the deception of appearances. The unstoppable, reassuring rhythm of reproduction is a powerful metaphor for the well-spring of creativity. Sleep-deprived, time deprived, worn out, the driest twig still produces a blossom in Spring."
Magnolia pieces in the kiln by Shannon Garson
This is one of my favourite photos ever to appear on indie art & design! The quiet candle light gives us a glimpse through the artist's eye - a sense of anticipation, satisfaction & nervousness... that breath-catching "almost finished" feeling.
Magnolia Spring Family by Shannon Garson
Shannon Garson works from her studio in Maleny, a small rural town in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. Her ceramic pieces can be found online at http://shannongarson.com and also on her blog Strange Fragments. She is also part of the Umbrella Collective of 6 female artists from Queensland.
Shannon's ceramics are also stocked in the following galleries:
QLD: Cairns Regional Gallery, Manly Gallery, Marks and Gardner (Tambourine), Maleny Artworks, BrisbaneFusions Gallery (Fortitude Valley)
NSW: Planet Commonwealth (Surry Hills), Salmon Galleries (Sydney), Sturt Contemporary Craft (Mittagong)
VIC: Craft Victoria (Melbourne), Crowded House Designs (Malvern), Pomme (Mornington)
ACT: Beaver Galleries (Canberra)
AND she has her own book, "Shannon Garson Porcelain"! Available here.
Little Uns (polka dot), 2007, slipcast porcelain with inlay, 5cm x 7cm each by Mel Robson - at the Little Uns ceramics exhibition at Pomme, Mornington, Victoria.
Mel Robson's work is contemporary and diverse. I've been following her blog for a couple of years now and during this time, she has created a wide range of vessels and objects using a variety of techniques - including new processes such as waterjet cutting (as seen in Home-ing Pigeon, pictured further down this post). Her latest creations have an organic feel - using muted earth colours and soft uneven shapes.
Little Uns (polka dot & natural), 2007, slipcast porcelain with inlay, 5cm x 7cm each by Mel Robson - at the Little Uns ceramics exhibition at Pomme, Mornington, Victoria.
I love the contrast of the small polka dots pattern with the otherwise smooth matt finish. It gives the sets a sense of energy & movement.
Recipe Bowl, 2007, slipcast porcelain with decals by Mel Robson.
The Recipe Bowl (pictured above) is part of Mel's "Precious Little" collection. (Selected pieces were exhibited in the 4th World Ceramic Biennale in South Korea, 2007.) These works are feather weight, paper fine and entirely sculptural. Mel has upturned the concept of surface decoration by allowing decals applied to the interior of her vessels to show through the translucent ceramic. The effect is both stunning & engaging. After the original forms are thrown on the wheel, a plaster mould is made, from which the actual pieces are slipcast in porcelain. The pieces are fired, sanded & polished, then fired again before the imagery is applied using ceramic details and they enter the kiln for one last time. Pieces that survive this lengthy process end up quite strong!
The Absence of Objects (detail), 2006, slipcast porcelain with decals, 6cm x 14cmby Mel Robson.
I love the works pictured above, part of Mel's "Absence of Objects" collection. She describes finding inspiration in libraries' heritage collections - wearing white gloves while poring over old manuscripts and diaries and photographs and records and documents. "So often when we talk or think or make things about the past it is about remembering - what we remember, and the ways we remember. But what I find more fascinating is the forgetting, the process by which things get forgotten and how, in the absence of objects, whole lives and stories can just disappear. These collections fascinate me because they are little doorways into the past, little repositories of near-forgotten things, without which countless stories would have completely disappeared."
Home-ing Pigeon, 2008, found ceramic plates (water jet cut) 10 x 13cm by Mel Robson.
Mel Robson's Home-ing Pigeons (one pictured above) have been cut by waterjet from either side of found vintage plates & saucers. Exhibited at Redland Art Gallery as part of the "Bird Watching" group show, the pigeons symbolise a war-time transformation from apparently mundane to extraordinary. She was inspired by stories of their survival against incredible odds to deliver life-saving messages. "Robson's ceramic works take old domestic objects of that time, imbued with the traces of their day-to-day existence, and recasts them in the shapes of these birds." (Redland Art Gallery)
You can discover more of Mel Robson's work via her blog, Feffakookan.
Tiny vessels by Kenji Uranishi - at the Little Uns ceramics exhibition at Pomme, Mornington, Victoria.
Kenji Uranishi was born in Japan and studied ceramics at the Nara College of Fine Arts before moving to Brisbane in 2004. Living in Australia "provides an environment for more objective study of my own country and culture, as well as an element of freedom from historical and cultural constraints... I'm also interested in how these experiences will encourage some self-discovery and provide me with a new perspective on my relationship with Japanese culture."
Tiny vessels by Kenji Uranishi - at the Little Uns ceramics exhibition at Pomme, Mornington, Victoria.
Kenji draws inspiration from the surrounding built and social environment. He is interested in and influenced by architecture and nature, and how people interact with both. His works include installation and functional objects, and the materials he uses are embedded in the history of Japanese pottery.
Ceramic works by Kenji Uranishi made during his artist residency at ANU.
Selected new sculptural works by Kenji Uranishi will be exhibited later this year as part of the Australian Ceramics Triennale 09. "Encircle" open on 8.7.2009 at the Helen Stephens Gallery, All Hand Made in Bronte (Sydney).
Ceramic works by Kenji Uranishi made during his artist residency at ANU.
I love the delicate surface drawings on Kenji's pieces for "Little Uns", don't you? The sculptural works are something I wouldn't have expected in ceramics - beautiful & amazing. You can discover more about Kenji's work at his blog, http://kamenendo.blogspot.com
The Little People at the beach by Sandwich Mountain, a collaboration between Brisbane-based ceramicists Mel Robson and Kenji Uranishi.
Mel Robson and Kenji Uranishi have also collaborated to create Sandwich Mountain - the adventures of the Little People!
The Little People in the surf by Sandwich Mountain, a collaboration between Brisbane-based ceramicists Mel Robson and Kenji Uranishi.
Kenji loves hand building and first made the Little People to experiment with slip casting. When they emerged from the kiln, Mel was overcome by an incredible urge to "change the colour of THEIR day"... (Remember the 80s TV jingle for the honeycomb chocolate bar?!) Since then, the Little People have been on lots of adventures, as documented at http://sandwichmountain.blogspot.com. They've even been featured in a Brazilian magazine called GLOSS. The Little People have absolutely no idea what it says about them, and they're thinking they may have to travel to Brazil to find out...
The Little People go to the moon by Sandwich Mountain, a collaboration between Brisbane-based ceramicists Mel Robson and Kenji Uranishi.
Little Uns opens tomorrow, on Friday 3rd April, and continues until 24th April 2009. Pomme is located on the Mornington Peninsula at:
Rear 138 Main Street
Mornington, Victoria. 3931.
phone: 03 59 76 3000
Pomme is open Monday to Saturday but advise you to call to check opening hours, as they might be at the beach!
kimono eto
Friday, March 20, 2009 | by Carolyn Price
Vintage kimono silk Crazy Cat softie, AUD $35 by sallymac
I spied sallymac's Crazy Cat (pictured above) at Platform (at LIFE inSTYLE). I love his cheeky expression and wild eyes, AND the amazing graphic print on his vintage kimono coat. He had to come home with me...
Japanese cotton play mats (100x80cm) by sallymac. Polyester filling, machine washable, AUD $64 each. Cotton dog softie AUD $15.
The term eto refers to the Japanese zodiac. It is based on the ancient Chinese concept of zoning time and direction into twelve blocks, each block being given an animal name. Your eto is decided by your birth year and the twelve animal signs are the mouse, the cow, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, the rooster, the dog & the wild boar.
Japanese cotton machine washable bibs (AUD $15 each) and cotton Dog softie (AUD $15) by sallymac
Sydney designer Sally McCarthy has based her gorgeous range of sallymac softies on the Japanese eto. She combines exquisite vintage kimono silks and contemporary fabrics to create these sweet characters, as well as various baby gifts, accessories and unique kimono silk lampshades.
Japanese cotton Cat softies, AUD $18 each by sallymac
I love the serene expression on faces of the Japanese cotton cat softies pictured above - sleep tight kitties!
Waffle Towel with Japanese cotton hood, 70x70cm, AUD $35 and cotton Sheep softie, AUD $35 by sallymac
This here is just too cute for words!
Japanese red cotton Dog softies, AUD $25 each by sallymac
These pups are perfect for those who prefer bright colours for babies - bold red prints on Japanese cotton. (I think you could be forgiven for naming them Spot!)
Japanese cotton Dog softie, AUD $18 by sallymac
You can see that sallymac's Japanese cotton Dog softie (pictured above) has a classic "cuddle me" shape. These are toys which will become instant favourites with your little ones...
Japanese cotton Dragon softie, AUD $25 by sallymac
This one represents me! The dragon (tatsu) is apparently the most peculiar of the 12 signs of the Zodiac cycle. Supposedly we are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered and stubborn, but also honest, sensitive, brave and inspire trust in people. (We can also breathe fire!)
If you're wondering where to find one of sallymac's eto critters, I heard they live in the following habitats:
NSW: MCA (Circular Quay), Bella Emporio (Rozelle), Ekho (Thirroul), Kido Store (Randwick)
ONLINE: Karimu
For a full list of stockists, visit www.sallymac.com.au.
par avion
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 | by Carolyn Price
Now who wouldn't want one of these?! The Par Avion laptop sleeve by new Melbourne label shuky would have to be one of my favourite products from Platform (at LIFE inSTYLE) - I think it's just brilliant! Possibly even the perfect excuse to upgrade your laptop...
Well padded with 360 degree 2.5mm EVA padding and a soft plush fabric lining, the Par Avion will keep your electronic partner in crime safe & scratch-free. Available in two sizes, the Small (AUD $119.99) is designed to snugly fit the new aluminium MacBook 13" or MacBook Air, while the Large (AUD $139.99) will provide beauty rest to the MacBook Pro 15". The colour range is perfect too, with the cheeky smaller sibling coming in light camel, dark tan, black, patent red & patent white while her big sister is available in sophisticated light camel & black.
The Par Avion belongs to an impressive collection of women's leather laptop bags and oversized clutches. Launched during 2008's Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, the shuky label has already attracted a lot of attention - from customers and celebrities alike! Designer Shuk-Yee has developed the shuky range using beautifully soft leather and unique detailing - and the Par Avion will have many designers drooling... shuky aims enrich your mobile lifestyle, reflect your fashion sense, and meet your demand for product quality, and the Par Avion delivers function & style in one neat package!
shuky's Par Avion is due to depart at www.bagsnpacks.com.au and www.rushfaster.com.au... and check out the full range of laptop bags & oversized clutches at www.shuky.com.
my new dress!
Monday, November 10, 2008 | by Carolyn Price
Bamboo Dress by Kisu
New dress! New dress! As I type, I'm wearing the prettiest new addition to my wardrobe - the Moon Flower Dress by Sydney label Kisu. I'm over the moon about this new find, first spied through the window of Kisu's Newtown boutique a couple of weeks ago. I chose the black/grey patterned option pictured in the style below left (in the red/orange colour combo). It's hard to see the pattern in the photo, but it features same delicate geometric design as the Jasmine Dress on the right.
Moon Flower Dress (AUD $139) and Jasmine Dress by Kisu
It's always a challenge for me to find a dress that fits well. The extra curves don't really suit the strappy dresses or crossover tops which have been everywhere the last few years. Not only does the Moon Flower style have a gorgeous neckline and fitted & flattering A-line cut, it is also made from cotton with a little stretch, so it really sits beautifully - and not just in the tiny size being modelled in the pic! The detailing around the waist is so cute too...
Butterfly Shorts and Summer Grove Top by Kisu
Kisu is the creation of Sydney fashion designer Mylinh. The doors opened to the Newtown store a couple of years ago - any Sydney indies from the Newtown area will recognise the cute & enormous head of the Japanese mannequin as well as other characters who have appeared in Mylinh's colourful window displays. It's always hard to resist popping in to admire her designs (and shoes!) which are totally different from anything else in the area.
Red Leaves Dress by Kisu
You can download Kisu's full Spring/Summer 2008/2009 catalogue from the web site at www.kisudesign.com.au or visit the store at 179 King Street, Newtown 2042 (phone: 02 9519 2668). The designs are all quite different - so something to suit everyone!
Spearflower Stitch Dress and Lotus Dress by Kisu
peacock in paisley
Sunday, October 26, 2008 | by Carolyn Price
I love the way in which the peacock parades through this paisley design by Melbourne label Yum Plus One! Designer Eduardo Wolfe-Alegria has incorporated the decorative paisley pattern into a striking graphic image.
With their bold prints and dramatic colour contrasts, these cushions will add a touch of drama to your living room. Pictured above is The Peacock in Paisley, a 50cm x 50cm cushion featuring metallic gold hand screen-printed on black cotton canvas (front & back), available from Yum Plus One for AUD $80. More colour options are pictured below, and also available is a 50cm x 28cm cushion for AUD $50.
Yum Plus One was launched a couple of years ago by two friends: designer Eduardo Wolfe-Alegria and marketing manager Brad Korff, who share a desire to break down the barriers between art and design. Inspired by a range of influences including Art Nouveau, 1960s and 70s pop, Japanese design and 1920s fashion illustration, they aim to add fresh new flavours to the world of interior decorating and design.
The Yum Plus One line up incorporates four ranges: A Paisley Paradise, Butterfly Blossom, The Peacock in Paisley and Utopia. The cushions pictured above are from the Butterfly Blossom range and are titled "Spinning". They are printed in metallic silver and purple on white cotton canvas (front & back), and both are available for AUD $80 each. Pictured below are dizzying designs from the Utopia range. "The Swirl" is available in three eye-catching colour combinations, each for AUD $50.
Visit www.yumplusone.com.au to check out the full line up. Selected prints are also available as stretched canvasses. Plans are underway to expand the product range to include lamps, bed linen, furnishings and wallpaper, so stay tuned! Yum Plus One products are available from the following stockists:
VIC: Meli Interiors (Richmond), Pash Interiors (Fitzroy), Crowded House Design (Malvern).
NSW: Funkis (Bondi Beach)
and of course from the Yum Plus One web site at www.yumplusone.com.au.
yradier giveaway for june!
Thursday, June 12, 2008 | by Carolyn Price
3D gift cards with 3D glasses by innocentgirl (Andrea Innocent), available from Yradier
This month, we're thrilled to be offering up some fabulous finds from the new Yradier online store! Paloma Cole, who launched Yradier earlier this year, has chosen three very different products from Australian designers for one lucky indie to win. These are:
- an innocentgirl 3D gift card - WITH 3D GLASSES!!
(I'm such a sucker for anything 3D - I still have 3D molecular science posters from World Expo '88!) - a pair of Trove Designs red cup studs
- and a handmade wooden photography brooch by Jen Hall
3D gift cards with 3D glasses by innocentgirl (Andrea Innocent), available from Yradier
Paloma Cole is a photography student at the Queensland College of Art and is surrounded by amazing artists on a daily basis! She launched the Yradier online store with the aim of featuring original artworks by emerging Brisbane artists. She also stocks jewellery, homewares and stationery by small Australian designers, and a small selection of quirky, hard to find goods from overseas... and GUESS WHAT? From now until the end of June, indie art & design readers can save 10% on purchases at Yradier! Simply enter the top secret discount code: indieness on the checkout page. Thank you Paloma!
Red Cup Studs by Trove Designs, available from Yradier
The store itself is slick & sleek! The photos are a treat & you can go straight to Australian products, or to the Brooch section (a Yradier specialty) to find some truly unique items. You'll also find original artworks including some intense acrylic paintings by Luke Kidd, as well as photographic prints by Paloma herself.
Small Rectangular Tokyo Handmade Wooden Photography Brooches by Jen Hall, available from Yradier
I was rather intrigued by the name "Yradier", and Paloma explained that it is actually the name of the composer who wrote the song 'La Paloma' - AND she also likes the way it looks when written! (By the way, it is pronounced 'irre-dear'.)
Large Rectangular Tokyo Handmade Wooden Photography Brooches by Jen Hall, available from Yradier
To enter the draw, all you need to do is suggest an Australian label/artist/designer you'd like to see stocked on Yradier's virtual shelves! Just comment on this post with your suggestion. (A one-word answer is enough, though if you know of a web site for your suggested label, please include it so we can all take a peek!) Entries close on June 30, 2008 and we'll draw a name at random & annouce the winner in the following week. (Oh, and make sure to visit http://yradier.bigcartel.com to check that your suggestion isn't already in the lineup!) I'm looking forward to hearing your ideas...
midnight twilight
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 | by Carolyn Price
Hip? Young? Feisty? Yes? Then Young Lovers will be the perfect fit. Whether you're hanging out in Newtown or New York, you're sure to stand out from the crowd in one of these spunky screen printed tees. Pictured top left is "Pirate King" (AUD $59) with the "Young Lovers" signature print (AUD $59) right next door.
The Sydney label has recently released its highly anticipated third collection, titled "Midnight Twilight". The bold new prints "celebrate the madness of midnight love and all that surrounds it. It is for the sleepless ones who dare to not follow. It is the Young Lovers who will take over the city by night." A few neon colours should help out there - pictured above are "Guns&Arms" (left AUD $59) and "Murdermouse" (right, AUD $59).
I'm wondering which of these two tees is the scariest? The title of the daytime soap "Young & Restless" (left, AUD $59) or the razor sharp teeth of "Vampire Hounds" (right, AUD $59)? (I must admit now to having purchased the Young & Restless cookbook... and I was rather dissappointed to find that it lacked the drama of both the TV show and the t-shirt.)
This design has to be my favourite from the new range - a highly decorative traditional frame borders an image depicting a black cat eating licorice at midnight... (AUD $59) Below are "Lovers" (left, AUD $50) and "Dancing Shoes" (right, AUD $59). You'll be looking sharp in those!
Young Lovers tees are produced in strictly limited editions of 100. They are available in both guys & girls styles but you'd better be getting a move on as a couple of styles (not shown here) have already sold out. You can purchase tees directly from the Young Lovers web site at www.younglovers.com.au, or seek them out at the following stockists:
NSW: Beautiful on the Inside (Surry Hills), Roof on Fire (Paddington), Mint (Manly).
VIC: Kids in Berlin
QLD: Violent Green
deliciously handmade
Saturday, February 23, 2008 | by Carolyn Price
Designer Kara Smith's collection of handbags is good enough to eat! It all started when she happened upon a piece of gorgeous fabric, begging to be made into something beautiful. As she tucked it into her trusty yet tired-looking handbag, she resolved to transform that piece of fabric into a new bag for herself... From that first bag sprang many more, and the Kara Smith label was born.
Kara lives in the Blue Mountains (about an hour from Sydney) where she creates a variety of handbags for all sorts of different purposes - every one perfect for the girl who wants to stand out from the crowd. She uses 100% vintage & retro fabric, chosen for head-turning appeal, and adds gorgeous detailing including pockets, vintage buttons and recycled buckles (collected with an eye for the odd, delightful and the cute). The series of photos of the blue Bronte Clutch (right, top of post) highlights the detailing which makes her bags so special.
The fabrics Kara has chosen are truly unique. I think my favourite bag is the Willow Tote pictured above. I just adore the print (nature enthusiast here), and the off-centre band with red buttons is a treat!
Kara Smith bags are all individually named and Kara has grouped the styles into Small, Medium & Large sections on her website (www.karasmith.com.au) to help you choose! The geometric Odetta Clutch (above left, sold) falls into the Small bags section, as does the Germaine Clutch with it's fabulous original 60's screenprinted fabric (below left, AUD $62.95).
The large Leonora Ballerina Tote (above right, AUD $119.95) is a beautiful creation with pale blue denim soft cotton contrasting against the careful folds of a pastel floral print. The Dottie Sue (below left, AUD $119.95) is another Ballerina style tote - but with a completely different flavour. This time spotted fabric from the 60's contrasts with red gingham used for the front pocket & detailing.
Kara's medium-sized bags are currently on special, reduced from AUD $89.95 to between AUD $69.95 - $79.95. This includes the very retro Vesna (above right, AUD $69.95). Featuring recycled black and white gingham lining, a large chocolate button & warm, bold colours - it will be perfect as we come into Autumn!
I must say I was really taken with the dreamy photos of Kara's bags with model Belle. Her photographer is talented UWS design/photography student Lisa Musico. I have no doubt I'll be featuring her photographs for a variety of design labels in the future! Pictured below is a screenshot of the Kara Smith home page - isn't the photo stunning?!
To read more about Kara's collection, you can also visit her blog, "Fabric Fantastic", at www.fabricgal.blogspot.com. Kara's bags are stocked in boutiques around Australia, and she will have a stall at the Rose Street Artists Market (Fitzroy, Melbourne) on 22.3.2008. She also takes customs orders, so if you have something already in mind, contact her through her web site at www.karasmith.com.au.
NSW STOCKISTS: Handcut (Crows Nest), Todae Environmental (Glebe), Mrs Peel (Leura), Guanabana Designs (Cooks Hill), 76 Jam Cafe (Fairy Meadow).
VIC: Arthur's Circus (North Melbourne), I Dream A Highway (Northcote), Meet Me At Mikes (Fitzroy), Lulu (Balaclava), Fanny's Flat (Talbot).
QLD: Cherry Blossom (Paddington)
SA: Three Bears Shoes on Semaphore (Semaphore)
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down the garden path
Friday, February 15, 2008 | by Carolyn Price
Bird Song 14.5cm Ceramic Disk by by Linogirl (sold).
These ceramic pieces by Linogirl are just so lovely! I'm really taken by the ceramic disk pictured above, titled "Bird Song", even though I know that it has just been purchased by another lucky Linogirl admirer... "Down the Garden Path" is an exhibition currently showing at Mad Gallery featuring the work of Kerry Scheen. On display are Kerry's small (8cm) and large (14.5 cm) hand painted ceramic disks which are designed to hang and are double sided. She describes them as "what one might find in a true garden one that hasn't been affected by toxic herbasides and pesticides".
First Bird in Spring Ceramic Pendant by Linogirl, AUD $60.
"Down the Garden Path" is showing until February 24th, and the gallery is located in Lancefield - part of the Macedon Ranges shire and 1 hour from Melbourne heading towards Bendigo. Kerry is lucky enough to work from her home studio in the Macedon Ranges. I have no doubt that her own garden provides plenty of inspiration for her whimsical, cheerful imagery.
Sebastian 8cm Ceramic Disk by Linogirl, AUD $115.
The ceramic disks on display are an extension of Linogirl's range of wearable ceramic objects. The disks, pendants, brooches & rings are all handmade and one-off pieces, each with it's own character and beauty. I'm sure some of you have visited Kerry at the Linogirl stall at the Rose Street Artists Market in Fitzroy, or perhaps spied her pieces in Brunswick Bound (Brunswick, VIC), Louey & Lane Gallery (Glenhuntly, VIC) or Two Birds in the Bush (Woodend, VIC).
Small Bud Ceramic Brooch by Linogirl, AUD $40.
A selection of Kerry's ceramic jewellery is also available to purchase through her web site at www.linogirl.com.au. A Linogirl ceramic object would certainly make a special, unique gift (or gift to self)!
Search 14.5cm Ceramic Disk by Linogirl, AUD $220.
I really love the dual textures of the hand shaped ceramic and the hand painted images used throughout the Linogirl collection. The contrast between the two is shown beautifully in the ceramic disk above, titled "Search". I love the colours too... and the gorgeous surprised expression on the girl's face.
Ping 8cm Ceramic Disk by Linogirl, AUD $115.
If you live near Melbourne, make sure to visit "Down the Garden Path" sometime in the coming week! Mad Gallery is located at 19 High St, Lancefield, VIC. (Ph. 03 5429 1432) Apparently, they serve fantastic coffee, so all the better!
Collecting 14.5cm Ceramic Disk by Linogirl, AUD $220.
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