Supermarket Sweep

Grandmas picking out their produce in Auckland, NZ today had a front row seat to the Stolen Girlfriends Club show. Models entered through the supermarket's automatic doors and paraded down the aisles past unsuspecting shoppers. I always love seeing fashion taken out of context like this, even if it has little to do with the clothes themselves.




via Style Sketchbook & SGC blog

Nebula

I've managed to accumulate an impressive amount of bikinis to outfit my frequent beach trips and tropical-related travel this year. It's not like I need any more swimsuits, but have been keeping my eyes peeled for a one-piece that doesn't have much more fabric than a bikini (aka a lot of cut-outs) and this one by NZ label Cybéle pretty much fits the bill!




images via 1AM Magazine and ESA/Hubble

Beehives and Pinecones

I honestly don't know much about New Zealand fashion but apparently I should know about Zambesi, one of the most influential labels to come out of the country, started before I was even born. They were among the first labels in NZ to establish a strong local identity, pushing the innovative relationships between fabric and function, often echoeing the landscape of the rugged coastal country. For Fall 09, my favorite pieces were those that drew inspiration from nature- the patterns found in pinecones and beehives specifically. While cut-outs have been done to death, I am really into this more directional approach, using materials like leather and suede to create a stronger form.

Zambesi is mostly stocked in New Zealand and Australia, but available online at General Cucumber. Elizabeth Charles in SF + NYC carries some of the line as well.

Cosmic

I've written about New Zealand designer Jimmy D before and his aesthetic has caught my eye again, this time with his spring 09 collection of tops available at General Cucumber. They all have this sort of soft mystery about them, with subtle "outer space" undertones which I always love. My fave is this oversized organza and sequins pleat tee below that I imagine feels like a dream. The compelling graphics on the tees and tanks are also pretty epic—the eerie blocked out abstractions remind me a bit of the stuff PAM does.

Jaeha SS 2009

This 21 year-old designer is making some big waves in New Zealand. Since debuting his first collection in September 2007 (inspired by Edward Scissorhands), Jaeha has gotten major press from Australia to America. His latest collection for Summer 09 is called "Colouring in Calms Me Down", which was inspired by a French film called The Dreamers. It includes surrealistic caricature images, lace socks, and plenty of innovative draping and tailoring. His clothes are mostly available in Australia and New Zealand and online at General Cucumber.

Lowest Common Dominator

Jimmy D is a New Zealand label with an interesting approach to clothing. He has a strong reputation for fusing a soft femininity with something all together more dark and sinister creating an edgy street appeal. The line is only sold in New Zealand and Australia but is available online at General Cucumber.

Where in the world is Mala Brajkovic?

New Zealander Mala Brajkovic used to design for Karen Walker before venturing out on her own. Her pieces are undeniably sexy, yet practical enough for everyday wear.







Unfortunately she is taking a hiatus from designing, but you can still pick up a few of her pieces from Elizabeth Charles. (PS. Whereever you are Mala, come back soon, your clothes are amazing!)

Thanks Vivian!

we are all animals

It's about that time when the folks in the Southern hemisphere start releasing their Spring/Summer collections, and the rest of us wish it wouldn't be too cold to wear tiny dresses in December. Stolen Girlfriends Club is a New Zealand label that makes some pretty awesome clothes and jewelery. They started out as an art band, but nobody liked their music "because it was shit." They eventually traded it all in for high fashion and low income. Their latest collection, entitled "We are all animals" brings in such influences as peace, bikers, and owls. Being a night person myself, I am pretty obsessed with the black balloon dress with big white eyes. Look for these pieces and more in September at Pitbull Mansion.