New Season! Introducing...Ellison + Lover & Win Tickets to PINA

Hi Everyone!

A great idea that Splendour in the Grass succumbed to day passes
as I met quite a few people that preferred the day tripped option.
All the fun of the fair and still the comforts of home at the end of the day.

We "endured" the Kaiser Chiefs as we ran into friends and secured
a great spot at the Amphitheatre Stage.
Pulp were again amazing though I was glad to have seen the side
show as you just get more songs and more of everything.
Until next time Jarvis!

We saw Devendra Banhart and his band who were all fabulous.
Even though it was a festival, the sound was great quality.

Then, as we were there anyway, we decided to climb the hill
and watch Coldplay finish the evening.
I was actually amazed at how many songs I knew.
I felt like I was watching one of those schmalzy Hallmark tele movies -
super geeky but hard to walk away from and yes,  enjoyable.
It was exhilarating seeing the thousands of fans below swaying and singing
along.

It was a shame that QUT didn't move the Valerie Steele talk to a larger
space last night to accommodate all of the people that rushed out their
after work, only to be left out in the cold.
I had left my coat at home, so wasn't camping on the winter grass for 2 hours.

Speaking of tickets, the Mercedes Brisbane Fashion Festival is on this
month from the 20th to the 26th of August.
Have a look through the programme and see if something takes your fancy.
I will be involved as part of the QUT Fashion After Hours Forums that will be held at
the State Library.
For festival information, go to:
http://mbff.com.au








Meet our new team...


Modesty Blaise named after the Monica Vitti character in the 1966 film of the same name.
She is wearing Antipodium Jolene Shirt and Quilter's Paradise Skirt with a Benah Black Canvas
Tote bag and my vintage Prada hat.


Honey Ryder named after the James Bond character in Dr No.
Those lips, those eyes and wait until you see her in a bikini.
She is wearing Antipodium Plainsman Silk Blouse and Maxi Skirt in Hide print with a
Karen Walker Tan leather belt.


Montgomery Clift, named so for obvious reasons.
Look deep into his dreamy blue eyes.
He is wearing Antipodium Saloon Shirt, Bad Seed Sweater and Player Shorts
with B Store shoes.



It's a new season!


Lover
White Serpent SS11



Stunning!
The Tuxedo Shirt - sleeveless creamy sateen finish with black lace front $352

The Infinity Slouch Pant - killer wide leg trouser in Ivory with a matt finish cummerbund $374





The Wide Leg Jean - the ultimate 70's style high waister flare $264

Lover in store now at Blonde Venus.





Introducing...

Ellison, Melbourne
Shine On You Crazy Diamond SS11/12


Young Lust Tee in Black $185


Thin Ice Skirt in Black $230


Lunatic Jumper in Black $220

 
Run Like Hell Silk Pant in Psychadeliic Print $395


Young Lust Silk Tee in Psychadelic Print $195

Darkside Panelled Skirt in Black Suede $295


See Saw Silk Jacket in Psychadelic Print $440


Felicity Ellison studied Product Development and Merchandising at RMIT
in Melbourne but it was a semester of study in New York that
inspired her to start her own label.

In launching her third collection, Felicity told me of her passion
to grow her label with integrity.
She draws inspiration from a central conceptual theme, focusing
on clean lines and wearable pieces with an edge.

This time Felicity felt like a rock and roll summer.
I say yeah yeah!
Using Pink Floyd's Shine On You Crazy Diamond as her
soundtrack she was also inspired by the cinematography and images
used in El Guincho's Bombay music video.
It's such an unusual and amazing video - take a peek!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjMQmXAJ3y4&feature=fvwrel

Felicity has created an exclusive print in an intense blue with bursts
of emerald green by digitally adapting kaleidoscopic patterns.
You know how I'm into suits and I love the idea of wearing the printed
vest and pants together for impact.

I also love her laser cut peacock lace too, trimmed neatly with a solid rib
and great with a cool triangle bra or layered with something solid.

Ellison is available exclusively in Australia at Alice Euphemia (Melb),
The Corner Shop (Syd) and The Outpost in Brisbane!






Cheap Monday, Sweden

Zorah Tank in Charcoal $45



Zorah Tank in Army $45



Cassiopeia Shirt in Cream $85



Militaria Dress in Army $115

These pieces are from CM's latest European autumn/winter collection and are great transeasonal
styles for us now.
They're easy to layer but the fabrics are light enough to wear into spring/summer.


Second Skin True High Waist in Very Stretch Black $90

This style makes a welcome return for the Ladies that like to wear them super high.





Unisex Tight Jeans in Very Good $90

A fresh new colour for Spring.
 



Unisex Tight Jeans in Very Stretch One Wash $90





Unisex Tight Jeans in Very Stretch Black $90

Classic CM skinnys back in stock.




Men's Slim Chino in Beige $90



Men's Slim Chino in Frost Grey $90

What a great buy!
These have a light weight tencel feel, with a slightly lower rise and leaner on the ankle
than most chinos around at the moment.
Cheap Monday in store now at The Outpost.



Win Passes to see PINA in 3D


PINA is a feature-length dance film in 3D featuring the unique and inspiring art of
contemporary German choreographer Pina Bausch who actually passed away in the
summer of 2009 while the film was under way.
PINA is directed by Wim Wenders (Buena Vista Social Club, Wings of Desire) who was a
long time friend of Pina's.
Wenders takes the audience on a sensual, visually stunning journey of discovery, following the
dancers out of the theatre into the city and the surrounding areas of Wuppertal, where
Pina Bausch lived for 35 years.

Watch the trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGKzXUWAjnI

Palace Cinemas have kindly give us 5 Double Passes to preview this new film
before it officially opens.
These special screenings will be held this month at Palace Barracks Cinemas on:
Friday 12th
Saturday 13th
Sunday 14th

(not valid after 5pm on Saturday)

If you would like to win a pass, please email me back with PINA in the subject.
The first 5 replies will win!







This is the place to go tonight...



We Buy Your Kids is the working title for the creations of Sydney
based designers Biddy Maroney and Sonny Day.
This exhibition at Nine Lives Gallery features their latest works and is the
official Semi-Permanent After Party.
We Buy Your Kids have worked on a broad spectrum of commissions including
Rolling Stone Australia and QANTAS to tour posters and album covers for bands
including Youth Group and Deerhunter.
More details available here on the Facebook invite:
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=127201930702959

See you soon!
Thea x






blonde venus
707 ann street
fortitude valley  4006
queensland
australia

t+  61 7 3216 1735
blondevenus.com.au


the outpost
5a winn street
fortitude valley  4006
queensland
australia

t  + 61 7 3666 0306

New Season! ANTIPODIUM and introducing BENAH!

H Everyone!

Thank you to everyone who came along to our launch last
Thursday night for Audrey Lam's new photo exhibition Hinter Here.
If you didn't make it, Ella Callach read a J. D. Sallinger short
story, McKisko sang some of her beautiful songs accoustically,
everyone drank LOTS of wine and everyone LOVED Audrey's photos.




The exhibition is on show in Blonde Venus until August 11 and
her prints are available to purchase - $100 framed or $60 unframed.
A perfect surprise for someone special.


I just came back from a very quick trip to Sydney to see PULP play
at the Hordern Pavilion.
Last time I saw them was at the Livid Festival in 1998 and I can still recall
the feeling of being at the concert and how good they were, so...

This was a sideshow for this weekend's Splendour In The Grass
festival and Wendesday's show was SO incredible that I am tempted to drive
up on Sunday night just to see them play one more time.
 


It wasn't only that Jarvis Cocker is a wonderful frontman but the
whole band sounded amazing and the stage and lighting show
was truly spectacular.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqgXzPfAxjo&feature=related


Next Thursday the 4th of August, QUT Creative Industries
Precinct are hosting an evening with fashion historian, curator
and director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology,
New York, Valerie Steele.


http://valeriesteelefashion.com/blog/biography/


Valerie will be speaking on the subject Is Fashion Art?
An oldie but a goodie.
It will be interesting to hear her perspective.
This event is free and seating is at 6pm for a 6:30 start.
For full event details, go to:
http://www.ciprecinct.qut.edu.au/shows/details.jsp?news-event-id=36351



Look out below.
It's a NEW season!

Introducing...
Benah, Sydney



Lena Canvas and Leather Shopper in Red & Tan $440


Classic Canvas Tote in Black $119


Classic Tote Red $119


Classic Tote Orange $119


Classic Tote Destiny Print Orange $149


Classic Tote Destiny Print Olive $149


Kodi Leather Cuff in Tan $120
Also available in Black and Red



You have probably noticed that I rarely order bags for the stores
and it is simply because I normally don't find many that I love.

I like my bags to have a strong yet understated aesthetic and they
must be beautifully made.
Minimal branding - so chic
Exclusive - definitely!  You hardly want to see your bag on every other girl.

Benah is the design debut for Sydney based Brenda Harvey.

This is the first delivery from Brenda's summer collection called Pale Ryder
which was inspired by Sydney band The Preachers who are photographed
throughout the Benah Spring/Summer lookbook.

How fabulous are the colours?
We have more structured leather and canvas styles to come...keep a look out.
Benah available exclusively in Queensland at Blonde Venus.


Karen Walker Eyewear
 

Fruity!
We have just received another delivery of Karen's latest eyewear collection, including
Patsy and Bunny in Crystal Orange, pictured above.
Karen Walker Eyewear available at Blonde Venus



Antipodium
Goodbye Horses
 

Plainsman Maxi Dress in Silk Georgette Hide Print $499


Plainsman Maxi Skirt in Silk Georgette Hide Print $369


Plainsman Shirtdress in Apricot Silk Georgette$349


Jolene Shirt in Goodbye Horses Print Silk Crepe de Chine $299

Midwest Skirt available in Black Stretch Cotton Twill $169




Quilter's Paradise Cotton Skirt $249

Menswear Collection


Bad Seed Pique Knit Pullover in Salt & Pepper $129

Player Short in Tan $149


Saloon Shirt (under) in Charcoal Cotton Check $169
also available in Light Grey


Most of us don't get to see all of the action behind the scenes
of designing a collection -  from the birth of an idea and the transformation
of those thoughts into clothing.
One of the best examples that I can think of is the documentary made
in 2007 on Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton.

I find it fascinating to take a peek into the designer's inspiration and most
seem to create a wall of imagery in their studio called a mood board.

They often collect bits and pieces that they are drawn to visually and conceptually.
It is generally lots of photos but can be random things like food wrappers, string,
and old button, postcards from a friend, old keys, grandma's brooch, a perfume bottle,
a baby's christening dress, a lock of hair, someone's underwear (?) - I've seen ALL sorts of things in
studios over the years!

London based Antipodium designer Geoffrey J Finch is ALL about the mood board
which makes me love him even more.
Geoffrey often creates a soundtrack to compliment his collections, something which
I think shows how passionate he is about his concepts.

I asked him what inspired Goodbye Horses and he was kind enough to share
images from his mood board for the collection.
This is what got him inspired...thanks for sharing Geoffrey X

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Geoffrey also likes to support other young designers and collaborates
with an independent print designer each season.
This time around, he worked with Chloe Constantinidi who previously did
print design for London's Eley Kishimoto.

Chloe designed the faded hide print (inspired by a hearthrug
from Geoffrey's late Grandmother's house) and also the Goodbye Horses
title print: an image of an ecstatic woman embracing her horse - the
sexuality of Richard Prince made as sweet as icecream in a repeat print of
pastel peach and lilac.
Just delicious.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Prince

We have also received more styles that aren't photographed, so make sure
you come and check these out too -

Jolene Shirt in Black & Tan silk crepe de chine $269
Jolene Skirt in Goodbye Horses print silk crepe de chine $299
Quilter's Paradise Dress in Black $269
Plainsman Blouse in Black cotton voile check $159
Plainsman Maxi Skirt in Black cotton voile check $179
Plainsman Shirtdress in Black cotton voile check $199
Half Time Dress in HIde Print $219

Antipodium available at Blonde Venus.



This exhibition looks good for tonight...
Hole Hearted
 

 

This is the debut show for young Brisbane painter and QCA graduate Laura Horrocks.
Laura has made it into a real community event and the exhibition will also feature work by other young
Brisbane artists:

Luke Kidd
Charlie Hillhouse
Holly Janet Ryan
Dominique Elliott
Alex Winters
Jack Pemble
Tom Dalmau
Martha Poggioli

White Canvas Gallery
26 Church Street,
Fortitude Valley
6pm


After party at WOODLAND

For more details, go to the Facebook event page -
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192917724088640

See you soon!
Thea X



blonde venus
707 ann street
fortitude valley  4006
queensland
australia

t+  61 7 3216 1735

http://www.blondevenus.com.au


the outpost
5a winn street
fortitude valley  4006
queensland
australia

t  + 61 7 3666 0306

http://www.theoutpoststore.com.au



 








FURTHER MARKDOWNS in our end of season SALE!

Hi Everyone!



Well, just a slightly small queue of people waiting to get into our big annual event  I Used To Skate Once 7  on June 23.
As always, Matt from The Outpost  did a fantastic job of putting this whole concept together which has
been such an important event for Brisbane creatively, musically and socially.

These nights are always so happy, so "up" and this year felt even more so for some reason.


Artist: DARKROYO, Sydney

The feedback I have heard is that the artwork was particularly strong this year.

A wonderful cross section of artists who used a wide range of techniques including  traditional oil paints and pens but also
embroidery, quilting, neon, industrial design (thank you Michael Candy), photography, collage, laser cutting and special effects
like Ben Havenar's "sinking" deck, Steve John Sullivan's "leaping" fluorescent skull and Cameron and Sarah's "the finger".

All of the boards are now hanging in The Outpost so make sure you come and take a look.



The bands were fantastic as always.
The night opened with the beautiful inspiring sounds of McKisko, followed by some dirty rock and roll from Brisbane bands
The Chokes and Martyr Privates, finishing up with the highly energizing Royal Headache from Sydney.
Swede Tooth and Potato Masta kept the crowd entertained in Winn Lane with their delirious dub and reggae 
antics.

To see all of the artwork images, just click this link to the official I Used To Skate Once blogspot and there are some social
snaps down the bottom too -

Thank You to our amazing sponsors who help make this happen!
The Zoo, Carhartt, Vodka O  
 
 


Our sale continues...

FURTHER MARKDOWNS!
There are some fantastic buys to be had as I've just whipped out
the red pen and made some further reductions!

At Blonde Venus -
Richard Nicoll
Peter Pilotto
Mary Katrantzou
Karen Walker
Lover
Antipodium
Dress Up
Sara Phillips
Dion Lee
Christopher Esber
B Store
Edwin
Carhartt

At The Outpost -
Emma Cook
Milk From A Thistle
Carly Hunter
Above
Dr Denim
Cheap Monday

Remember to shop local and support your favourite independent stores whether they
be fashion, music, books cafes, restaurants...
I was saddened to hear recently about some really cool boutiques closing in Melbourne and also
New York.
It's these innovative and interesting stores of character that makes the culture and
personality of a city.
These are the places that are breaking in new designers, supporting young artists, 
challenging our senses and enlightening our lives by exploring new concepts.

Imagine flying all the way somewhere to discover there was only boring, generic chain stores
to look at?
So take a look around and give some love to your creative community because life
would be so very dull without them.

I saw Tree Of Life courtesy of BIFF at Dendy Portside.
It left me quite dazed but I really enjoyed it and was surprised
to see some people leaving during the film?!
It was very sensory, sensitive and thought provoking.
A very unusual film.  Let me know what you think about it?

I also saw The Trip at Palace this week and thought it was absolutely hilarious
and so clever.

Watch the trailer here - 



See you soon,
Thea X







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