Hi Everyone!
Milk From A Thistle AW13
Who was your favourite in the Archibald Prize?
These are my two picks but looking forward to seeing
them in person at the Art Gallery of NSW when I'm in
Sydney for Fashion Week next month.
Adam Cullen by Jasper Knight
"Bad Dad" Self Portrait by Michael Zavros
Speaking of Michael Zavros, I had the pleasure of seeing a new exhibition
that is entirely curated by him at the Queensland Art Gallery last weekend
called Artist's Choice.
Based on his own realist work, Michael has selected stunning pieces of
beauty and decadence in one large space, that he has segmented in to separate
rooms.
There are many delicious pieces in the room that I would love for my own rooms:
paintings by Howard Arkley, Willem De Kooning and Katharina Grosse, a sculpture
by Gemma Smith, pottery by Ai Weiwei and the list goes on.
This would be a fun thing to do this Easter weekend if you are staying in town
and take another stroll around the APT7 before it finishes on April 14th.
Last night, the Museum of Brisbane held a very special preview to reveal
their new home, back in the historic City Hall on King George Square.
It's been about 3 years since the Museum made a temporary home on Ann Street
while City Hall has been going through it's refurbishment.
So if you have to move out and move back in, why not make it a whole lot better?!
That's exactly what they have done.
Under the passionate care of Museum Director Peter Denham and Deputy Director
Christopher Salter, the new Museum of Brisbane has a glorious spot
up on the third floor.
The space feels (ironically for a museum) modern and it's an easy flow through each exhibition.
My favourite exhibition is called Light Fantastic - Expo 88 Parades Rewired.
Anyone that lived in Brisbane during that time knows how important World Expo
was for us and how the international event helped our city grow up and move into
a new phase.
This focus on the unforgettable daily and nightly parades reveals original hand
drawings of costume designs and concepts.
Who could forget these...
The museum officially opens to the public on April 6th and it's free entry!
Introducing...
Natalie Encarnita, Melbourne
Raglan Shirt
Wool/Acetate shirt with exaggerated raglan sleeves, high neck collar with
invisible stand and concealed zipper at back.
All hems bound and hand finished.
Nude
$349
Lounge Skirt
Wool Skirt cut with a generously gathered and pleated waistline,
deep pockets and full inside seam binding.
Hand finished hem.
Red
$369
Valentine Dress
Wool/Acetate dress with exaggerated raglan sleeves, high neck collar with
invisible stand and concealed zipper at back.
Pockets in side seams.
Fully lined.
Available in:
Nude
Black
(not pictured)
$535
Silk Lampshade Top
Structured top with small shoulder pad, cut from luxurious heavyweight pure silk
double georgette.
Concealed zipper at back.
All hems bound and hand finished.
Serge print.
Sizes 6 to 10
$355
Boucle Bow Top
Wool blend boucle top with lined body and exaggerated bow
detail at neck.
Sizes 8 to 12
Black
$375
I have mentioned before the large number of collection lookbooks
that come through my inbox every day.
All sorts of labels from all over the world trying to find their place.
I usually know in seconds from opening the first page if the collection
has the right aesthetic for us and Natalie Mason's images hit the mark.
I have to like it and YOU have to like it!
Her beautiful minimalist approach is exactly the look I was feeling for the new season -
A naive print that is vintage enough to feel modern again.
A hint of black (sneaking back) with strong, clean blocks of colour.
Incredibly finished garments made from superior fabrics, plus it's all made in Australia.
So, it was love at first sight!
Natalie launched her label in London several years ago while studying there.
She gained attention quickly but the lifestyle was unexpected and Natalie
longed to come back to Australia.
Making her home in Melbourne, she has kicked off again, beautifully.
There is a great interview with Natalie here, on the Weekend Edition:
Natalie Encarnita is available exclusively in Queensland at Blonde Venus!
Nowadays Tunic
Mahogany Leather Front
Burgundy Merino Wool Sleeves and Back
Made in Australia
XS to Large
$365
Cabin Fever Silk Blazer
Softly tailored, fully lined blazer
Two button opening
Alpine Stripe
Made in Australia
XS to Medium
$585
Park Life Silk Tee
Alpine Stripe with Mahogany Leather Sleeves
Made in Australia
XS to Large
$245
Heritage Leather Skirt
Mahogany
Made in Australia
XS to Large
$359
Navigator Silk Shirt
Punk Pink
Made in Australia
XS to Large
$249
Harvest Silk Dress
Alpine Stripe with Punk Pink Sleeves
Made in Australia
XS to Medium
$335
Navigator Silk Shirt
Punk Pink
Made in Australia
XS to Large
$249
Avalanche Silk Pant
Alpine Stripe
Made in Australia
XS to Medium
$289
Woodchip Quilted Sweater
100% Cotton
Made in Australia
XX to Medium
Grey Marle
$249
The Yeti Dress
100% Cotton, Quilted with Mahogany Leather Shoulder Detail
Made in Australia
XS to Medium
Grey Marle
$389
Navigator Silk Shirt
Made in Australia
XS to Large
Acid Yellow
$249
Bungalow Knit
Four Colour Round Neck Long Sleeve Knit
Merino Wool
Made in Australia
XS to Large
Berry/Burgundy/Navy/Teal
$189
Heritage Leather Skirt
Burgundy
Made in Australia
XS to Large
$359
Navigator Silk Shirt
Two Colour Button Through Silk Shirt
Made in Australia
XS to Large
Petroleum Blue/Copper
$249
Anchorage Three Colour Silk Shirtdress
Made in Australia
XS to Large
Petroleum Blue / Copper / Acid Yellow
$345
Ranger Elasticated Pant
Easy Fitting Silk Pant with Tapered Elasticated Ankle
Contrast Tuxedo Side Stripe
Made in Australia
XS to Large
Petroleum Blue / Acid Yellow
$289
Sydney based designer Danielle Atkinson
blew me away with this collection.
Known for her nature loving prints, Danielle has
let the creatures lie this season and designed the
collection around this rich stripe accented by leather,
quilting, plain wool jersey and silk.
It's her eye for colour that is astounding and the combinations
are absolutely beautiful.
Available now in store and also on our webstore:
Milk From A Thistle is available exclusively in Queensland at Blonde Venus!
Easter Trading!
Both Blonde Venus and The Outpost will be open these times
over the Easter Weekend:
Friday 29th - closed
Saturday 30th - open 10am to 5:30 pm
Sunday 31st - closed
Monday 1st - open 11am to 4pm
Hope that you have some time off.
Enjoy yourself!
See you soon,
Thea X