Kate Sylvester's Winter 2012 Collection was inspired by the films Secretary and Belle De Jour.
October 31, 2011
secretary
October 27, 2011
hitchcock blonde
Doesn't Kirsten Dunst look lovely?
October 25, 2011
colab
Feeling excited to be working on a knitwear collaboration with Melbourne label Thursday Sunday. Here are a few favourite pieces as shot by Russh recently. Can't wait to share my limited edition, hand-knitted jumper with you!
October 21, 2011
my girl
Recently, a package arrived from jeweller Estelle Deve. Inside were two, matching mood rings. One each for Zoe and I. When I put mine on, all I could think of was the film of my childhood, My Girl. In it, Vada Sultenfuss wore a mood ring, but it was broken and always looked black. It's nice to have the far more elegant and grown up version of the $10 ring I wore in homage to Vada when I was eleven on my finger, I catch myself looking at it all the time to see whether I'm calm (blue), lovable (violet) or greeny-gold (creative).
Shelley: That's a pretty ring you're wearing.
Vada: It's a mood ring. It's tells me what mood i'm in.
Thomas J: It doesn't work, it always stays black.
Vada: It's only black when you're around, because you put me in a bad mood.
Shelley: Maybe black means you're happy?
Vada: I don't think so.
October 20, 2011
October 19, 2011
not on my beach
Image: Greg Novak via Black Magazine
While oil seeps from the stricken Rena, US giant Anadarko's oil survey vessel arrived in NZ waters off Raglan to begin prospecting.
October 15, 2011
October 11, 2011
the local
Fish and chips, Maketu by Robin White (1975)
"Unpretentious suburban or small-town buildings, the backbone of New Zealand's recent architectural history, have pride of place in many of Robin White's New Zealand landscape paintings. This little local fish-and-chip shop, threatened now no doubt by international fast-food chains, has a quiet, unsentimental dignity and charm." (The Guide, 2001/Auckland Art Gallery). I love this image: the clean lines, and memories of carefree summer holidays.
EDIT: Well, this is awkward. I just realised where Maketu is, and the carefree nostalgia of this painting seems incredibly bittersweet. If you aren't based in New Zealand, you may not know that there is a terrible oil spill in our waters, with wildlife dying and oil washing up on the beautiful beaches of Tauranga - near Maketu. Sad.
EDIT: Well, this is awkward. I just realised where Maketu is, and the carefree nostalgia of this painting seems incredibly bittersweet. If you aren't based in New Zealand, you may not know that there is a terrible oil spill in our waters, with wildlife dying and oil washing up on the beautiful beaches of Tauranga - near Maketu. Sad.
girls rock!
This reminds me of reading the liner notes of Hole albums over and over, mowing the lawns for six months to buy a cherry red Fender Squier and fumbling through the internet to find tablature so I could play my favourite Everclear song. I love how powerful and strong and happy these girls look, how they learn that it doesn't matter what they're wearing, or how much money they have, or who they know.
October 10, 2011
October 5, 2011
eyes wide shut
I am quite partial to the new range of eyewear by Natalie Wood of Something Else. It's her first foray into sunglasses, and the collection is called WINDOW TO THE SKY. I think the lower pair are going to be gracing my face, especially since I've lost two pairs of sunglasses in the past week. Nude with brushed gold detailing, lovely.
October 3, 2011
a conversation with: tiffany jeans of curio noir
I spent a lovely afternoon with Tiffany Jeans of Curio Noir a few weeks ago at her beautiful art and flower-filled home. We drank tea, ate macarons and talked about the candles she makes, magazines, making beautiful things and staying true to your creative vision. She was kind enough to give me one of her incredible candles (a new Tubereuse scent) and to share some of her inspirations and knowledge with me. Thank you Tiffany, it was really nice to experience your world.
Tell me about your inspiration, references and catalysts for creating.
I'm inspired by the beauty of nature, curios from yesteryear, curios from nowayear, fairy tales my Mum used to read me when I was little, my grandparents antique collection, photographer Tim Walker, Alexander McQueen, Richard Orjis, birds in flight, Kristine Crabb, Lilith Jeans, my antique doll collection, dried flowers, human and plant anatomy, Kate Moss, haute couture, Daphne Guiness, W magazine editorials, the Dalai Lama, beautiful glass, beehives, lovely unique scents, indoor plants, embossing on lovely stock, Laura Marling's voice, butterflies. Strangely enough, all these things are around my work space. All of the above are references to the pieces I create for Curio Noir in some way. I have always wanted to create truly unique, bespoke, yet practical objects of art for any surrounding that can also be beautiful treats for yourself or someone. I see each piece in the Curio Noir collection as a timeless gift from me to those who really appreciate craft and art.
For my wedding I spent months on making small skull candles for our guests. I wrapped them in tulle and ribbon and attached a hand written note to each and guests received them when they sat at their table at Clooney restaurant. Some were placed under large glass domes with large white lisianthus flowers entwined around them. Such interest generated from this I decide to make something I hadn't seen before that would also be a challenge. I first made The Doll and then with some refining made The Lilith Doll. I am still yet to see a moulded candle made from perfumed vegetable wax. That was nearly one and a half years ago. We released our debut collection 'Entwine' recently and have added table linen, a collaboration with artist Richard Orjis. Curio Noir is 'for those with a fascination for the interesting and uncommon'.
Which films, books, magazines and albums are your favourites?
Edward Scissorhands (and everything else by Tim Burton), Amelie (and everything else by Jean-Pierre Jeunet). They are the first two that come to mind. I recently watched Karl Lagerfeld Confidential again and loved it just as much as I did the first time. He's so amazing isn't he? I have bought W magazine and British Vogue every month for as long as I can remember. I love a whole bunch of mags but W magazine is definitely my favourite. On my playlist today I have Laura Marling, Bat For Lashes, Nirvana, Bach (Concerto in D minor for double violin is my fave!), Kanye West, Yann Tiersen, Alice In Chains, Radiohead, Snoop Dogg and Beyonce. I love music and the emotions it creates while I'm working. Next to my bed I always have Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha.
What do you like to wear?
When I'm not wearing my 'leisure wear' to teach yoga and pilates I usually only wear Miss Crabb or Penny Sage. Both these ladies have such a romantically glamourous yet relaxed take on fashion. I love the colours and fabrics they choose. Their clothes are so feminine and have such unique and strong design elements. As I'm relatively natural with my hair and makeup it's important for me to wear clothing that's beautiful and well crafted.
Five favourite pieces of the moment?
Miss Crabb Trenchdress
Penny Sage Sundust Dress
My Helmet Lang denim jacket I bought 12 years ago when I was 18! I rediscovered it in the back of my wardrobe and love it again. It's worn in all the right places. I hope (my daughter( Lilith will wear it in 9 years time when she is 18 too.
My Jessica McCormack key necklace with diamond. This was such a generous 30th birthday gift from my family and I wear it every day. Only problem is, now I want more.
Grey suede Costume National Boots. I bought these last year and maybe wore them twice but this winter I have thrashed them.
Tell us about your beauty regime and healthy habits.
I don't wear foundation so to me it is important to have healthy looking skin. I use only Dermalogica skin and body products and drink plenty of water and practise meditation, yoga or pilates for at least 20 minutes a day and up to an hour and a half. The most important healthy habits to me which I believe are the key to creating mindfulness are breathing and sleep. Proper breathing does such wonders for our mind and body and I'm always amazed at how many people don't do it correctly! And sleep...I don't think I ever get enough but I do try. Makeup and grooming wise I love eyelash curlers, YSL's fine black liquid liner and Mac's Zoomlash.
What sets Curio Noir apart?
It is important for me to continue to grow Curio Noir by creating timeless, bespoke curios for the home that are made to the highest of standards and finished locally. When people see a Curio Noir product or receive one as a gift I want them to be treated to a unique experience only Curio Noir can give. From the tangible aspects such as the packaging to the intangible feelings created by the perfumes from our candles. Every element is important to me. For example, the vegetable wax used for Curio Noir is sourced from a plantation that supports an Orangutan Sanctuary and is biodegradable and sustainable. The perfume is mixed by hand in Grasse, France with the highest quality ingredients. It takes up to three people to produce each piece of Curio Glass. These are hand blown locally in a design that has been inspired by apothecary jars of old and modified so they can be used as a vase once the candle is at its end. There is a story like this for each Curio Noir curio for the home. I believe this is what will continue to set us apart, locally and internationally....along with continuing to create pieces that are visually inviting and made 'for those with a fascination for the interesting and uncommon.'
I'm inspired by the beauty of nature, curios from yesteryear, curios from nowayear, fairy tales my Mum used to read me when I was little, my grandparents antique collection, photographer Tim Walker, Alexander McQueen, Richard Orjis, birds in flight, Kristine Crabb, Lilith Jeans, my antique doll collection, dried flowers, human and plant anatomy, Kate Moss, haute couture, Daphne Guiness, W magazine editorials, the Dalai Lama, beautiful glass, beehives, lovely unique scents, indoor plants, embossing on lovely stock, Laura Marling's voice, butterflies. Strangely enough, all these things are around my work space. All of the above are references to the pieces I create for Curio Noir in some way. I have always wanted to create truly unique, bespoke, yet practical objects of art for any surrounding that can also be beautiful treats for yourself or someone. I see each piece in the Curio Noir collection as a timeless gift from me to those who really appreciate craft and art.
For my wedding I spent months on making small skull candles for our guests. I wrapped them in tulle and ribbon and attached a hand written note to each and guests received them when they sat at their table at Clooney restaurant. Some were placed under large glass domes with large white lisianthus flowers entwined around them. Such interest generated from this I decide to make something I hadn't seen before that would also be a challenge. I first made The Doll and then with some refining made The Lilith Doll. I am still yet to see a moulded candle made from perfumed vegetable wax. That was nearly one and a half years ago. We released our debut collection 'Entwine' recently and have added table linen, a collaboration with artist Richard Orjis. Curio Noir is 'for those with a fascination for the interesting and uncommon'.
Which films, books, magazines and albums are your favourites?
Edward Scissorhands (and everything else by Tim Burton), Amelie (and everything else by Jean-Pierre Jeunet). They are the first two that come to mind. I recently watched Karl Lagerfeld Confidential again and loved it just as much as I did the first time. He's so amazing isn't he? I have bought W magazine and British Vogue every month for as long as I can remember. I love a whole bunch of mags but W magazine is definitely my favourite. On my playlist today I have Laura Marling, Bat For Lashes, Nirvana, Bach (Concerto in D minor for double violin is my fave!), Kanye West, Yann Tiersen, Alice In Chains, Radiohead, Snoop Dogg and Beyonce. I love music and the emotions it creates while I'm working. Next to my bed I always have Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha.
What do you like to wear?
When I'm not wearing my 'leisure wear' to teach yoga and pilates I usually only wear Miss Crabb or Penny Sage. Both these ladies have such a romantically glamourous yet relaxed take on fashion. I love the colours and fabrics they choose. Their clothes are so feminine and have such unique and strong design elements. As I'm relatively natural with my hair and makeup it's important for me to wear clothing that's beautiful and well crafted.
Five favourite pieces of the moment?
Miss Crabb Trenchdress
Penny Sage Sundust Dress
My Helmet Lang denim jacket I bought 12 years ago when I was 18! I rediscovered it in the back of my wardrobe and love it again. It's worn in all the right places. I hope (my daughter( Lilith will wear it in 9 years time when she is 18 too.
My Jessica McCormack key necklace with diamond. This was such a generous 30th birthday gift from my family and I wear it every day. Only problem is, now I want more.
Grey suede Costume National Boots. I bought these last year and maybe wore them twice but this winter I have thrashed them.
Tell us about your beauty regime and healthy habits.
I don't wear foundation so to me it is important to have healthy looking skin. I use only Dermalogica skin and body products and drink plenty of water and practise meditation, yoga or pilates for at least 20 minutes a day and up to an hour and a half. The most important healthy habits to me which I believe are the key to creating mindfulness are breathing and sleep. Proper breathing does such wonders for our mind and body and I'm always amazed at how many people don't do it correctly! And sleep...I don't think I ever get enough but I do try. Makeup and grooming wise I love eyelash curlers, YSL's fine black liquid liner and Mac's Zoomlash.
What sets Curio Noir apart?
It is important for me to continue to grow Curio Noir by creating timeless, bespoke curios for the home that are made to the highest of standards and finished locally. When people see a Curio Noir product or receive one as a gift I want them to be treated to a unique experience only Curio Noir can give. From the tangible aspects such as the packaging to the intangible feelings created by the perfumes from our candles. Every element is important to me. For example, the vegetable wax used for Curio Noir is sourced from a plantation that supports an Orangutan Sanctuary and is biodegradable and sustainable. The perfume is mixed by hand in Grasse, France with the highest quality ingredients. It takes up to three people to produce each piece of Curio Glass. These are hand blown locally in a design that has been inspired by apothecary jars of old and modified so they can be used as a vase once the candle is at its end. There is a story like this for each Curio Noir curio for the home. I believe this is what will continue to set us apart, locally and internationally....along with continuing to create pieces that are visually inviting and made 'for those with a fascination for the interesting and uncommon.'
Many thanks to Andy Morton for the photos.
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