How bizarre was the weather today? At one point I thought the wind was going to blow the side of the house in. It really made leaving my new best friend - my new wool mini jumbuk doona - at 7am very difficult. If it is any consolation I thought about him all day…

Today I visted Hokey Curator, a Hawthorn boutique after a hot top from a very fashionable melbourne designer. I love hot tips! They are very rarely wrong and today was no exception.

Opened six months ago Hokey Curator is owned by Olivia Yeung a former Marketing and PR consultant and Arts graduate, ‘I wasn’t really cut out for the office, so Hokey Curator is a real labour of love’ she says. Situated in a beautiful old building (a former dental surgery with the old plaque still on the wall) on Glenferrie Road, Olivia’s friend Bevan, an interior designer, decided to keep the decor simple and consistent with the exterior, using recycled Tasmanian oak floorboards. With the same recycled oak he created the centre table which houses plenty of delightful goodies including Karen Walker limited edition tees with puff writing. I love puff writing, it reminds me of craft activities with my Mum when I was young, oh so eighties…don’t worry these tees are much cooler. 

Hanging from the roof are exposed giant light globes emitting a soft glow, leaving the store beautifully simple and letting the beautiful stock sell itself. As a consequence the environment is really welcoming and friendly, kind of like Olivia herself, who is friends with all her customers. ‘I had a girl call me desperate for a certain dress from Sretsis, I had to tell her I didn’t have it. I felt so bad’ she told me. I had to chuckle, she really geuinely cares. I have to admit I even pulled up a chair and spendt over an hour talking about life, shopping, Gossip Girl and Twilight with Olivia, who is the most lovely person.

‘When we moved in there was this really hideous yellow carpet, which we got rid of immeditely’ Olivia tells me ‘I really wanted the shop to be relaxed and inviting. The name curator comes from my love of collecting things from all over the world. But I ofcourse I didn’t want take myself too seriously or to be too pretentious, hence the hokey part!  It also is a line from one of my favourite bands the High Llamas.’

Hokey Curator stocks mostly Australian and NZ designers but some overseas labels as well. I love that Olivia has a story to tell about each label and gets along with all the people she stocks including Romance Was Born, Ellery, Cybele (NZ), Karen Walker, Seneca Rising (an LA label which apparently celebrities are going crazy about including Heidi Klum and Leighton Meester), Rittenhouse, Little Tailleur, Dhini, Sretsis, Society for Rational Dress (LA) , Lover and Something Else.  ‘I try to chose pieces that are beautiful and individual knowing my customers and their style. But ultimately if it is a beautiful piece of clothing I think someone else will find it beautiful too’ Olivia explains ‘also it is a bit of a gut feeling!’. Olivia also gets hot tips from a stylist friend and other people in the know.

Hokey Curator, 773 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn 3122, 613 9819 3039

On Friday night I tottered on down to the Famous When Dead Gallery in West Melbourne for the opening of The Essence of Pleasure, an Australian female artist group show. Featuring Aida Sabic, Ali J, Bec Winnel, CSerpent, Jedda Selke, Kaitlin Beckett, Laura McKellar, Megan Dell, Rheanna Tostevin and Yuki Nakano. The show exhibits some of Australia’s extremely talented female artists. While I was there I took a few shots of some well dressed Melbournians. I have also snuck in a few of the exquisite exhibition (drop by - The Essence of Pleasure runs from 25 June until 12 July 2009 at the Famous When Dead Gallery).

Sandra, 32, Actor

I am wearing a dress by Velocity street wear. My belt is from Sportsgirl, my boots are from Santini and my bag is from Harris Scarf.

Justin, 26, Graphic Designer

My jumper is from the op shop and my shirt is from Dangerfield. My jeans are from Jay Jays and my shoes are by Pointer.

Casey, 30, Radical Craft Group

I run a Radical Craft Group called Craft Cartel - It is for crafty types that don’t dig rose scented doilies. I am wearing a Gorman dress, my top is from Tam Hua, my leggings from KiKi Ando and my shoes are from Melissa Vivienne Westwood.

 Famous When Dead Gallery, 207 Victoria Street, West Melbourne 0433 403 551

Hi everyone! I have a Friday treat - not that we really need one, it is Friday afterall.

Digging for Apples is a Sydney Road institution which stocks Women’s and Men’s Clothing. There are lots of loyal Melbourne fans, I know I have spoken to quite a few of them, so I was quite interested to find out all about the store and the secret behind the name. This week Tarsh Hodges, owner  Digging for Apples talked to me about Melbourne, Fashion and Digging for Apples of course…

photo of Digging for Apple’s drawers.

I’m originally from New Zealand. When I came to Melbourne I was offered a great career opportunity in office management with a great salary, but I decided to follow my passion and work for a friend at her shop in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, selling on the floor and also assisting designing. Working behind the scenes in a retail space made me realise that was exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I love the combination of interacting with customers and also having an input into something creative. I have found that being driven by passion rather than money has been so much more rewarding.

When I was pregnant I put together a business plan for Digging for Apples. I don’t think my husband really believed I would go through with it! It was over 50 pages with ideas for the store such as the direction, contacts and potential spaces. The concept was loosely based around the story of Alice in Wonderland, and the idea that every girl loves a fantasy. In one of the Alice in Wonderland movies, the rabbit says to the gardener ‘Where are you?’, ‘out the front, digging for apples’ was the reply.  As soon as I heard it I knew it was perfect. It is a weird and slightly warped phrase. I like that it is not for everyone and people don’t quite ‘get’ it - I think it makes it intriguing. My friend who lives in the UK, Paul, who designs bars and interior spaces, designed the store with us. We did it over the phone and on webcam. As he and his wife are me and my husband’s best friends they totally understood where I was coming from.

I wanted the store to come in at a certain level. Then from that level we can only get better. I thought there was a gap in the market for really good customer service in Melbourne. We are really passionate about the clothing and want people to be really happy and want to come back - and tell all their friends too.

There have been tears of frustration and tears of joy but I know I have made the right decision.I love that my daughter will see that I have created something unique that I love, and that you don’t always have to do what you are expected to do. I have an environment where I can express my ideas.  The store is designed around the idea of Alice in the Wonderland when she falls down the rabbit hole. The wallpaper has vines and branches and animals like a rabbit hole, and there are drawers in various stages of opening giving you a spinning effect. The store was originally quite pink and girly, but we sell guys clothes as well now, so I have removed some of the more pink concepts!

I originally worked six days a week in the store. But now I have dropped back to three days, as I am pregnant. I spend at least two more days researching new labels, looking at new designers, reading articles and researching what is happening overseas and the direction I want the store to be going in. Ultimately I would like to travel overseas as well and find edgy, cool items that no one else stocks in Melbourne as well as Australian designers.

I don’t like to be follower with fashion, I like to have my own personal style. I don’t get the concept of wearing something just because a celebrity is wearing it at the moment. People often try to sell me things because ’so and so’ is wearing it, but that doesn’t really interest me. I like to have fun with my clothing and I always like a bit of the circus element. I love KMRii a Japanese label which we stock.  They have beautiful quality oversized handbags and studding leather belts. In terms of clothing I love Karen Walker’s Sherling Waistcoat (see right) which we have in store at the moment.

For summer, my top tip is a soft frock. I am not generally one for a soft frock. But for summer there are some stunning dresses coming. By putting a girly dress with chunky jewellery or for example a Sass and Bide vest you can give the dress an edge and toughen it up a bit.

Sparta Place is a hidden treasure in Melbourne, and I am not just saying that because Digging for Apples is on the corner. I love the great coffee and unique boutique stores and it has a real piazza feel about it. I also like This Law, on Victoria Street in Brunswick for unique vintage clothing. They have fantastic service and are really fun in there. Melbourne has so many fabulous cafes and restaurants I go somewhere new all the time. As a pregnant woman I eat anywhere at the moment! But I do like Yellow Bird on Chapel Street, Windsor.

photo above of Yellow Bird on Chapel street, Windsor

Digging for Apples, 18/459 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056, 613 9939-0573

While I was strolling the streets yesterday I came across Design A Space’s new window. Just opened last week, IMOK’s (pronounced “I” “Mock”) ‘Magic is in the air‘ exhibition is at Design a Space! Combining a phenomenal talent in fashion, art and illustration IMOCK have been with Design A Space right from the beginning.

After less than 3 years Design A Space has become a Melbourne institution. Stocking new up and coming designers the space gives designers an opportunity to rent a high profile retail space to showcase their wares.

IMOK’s exhibition will be in the window and on the walls of Design a Space (Chapel street store) until 18 July 2009. Also launched is IMOK’s lettering. Having created a font that they call their own you can now get personal words in IMOK’s customised lettering. Quirky, cute and colourful - what more will they think of? An IMOK monthly style winner actually. Send your photo in wearing IMOK and get it posted on their site and get a free t-shirt.

Oh, and apparently IMOK’s great designs have been seen on Home and Away starlets too. 

Design A Space

142 Chapel Street, Windsor 3181 +613 9510 0144

20 Mancester Lane, Melbourne 3000 +9663 8991

How nice was the weather today! I left the house with my usual accoutrements and then suddenly discovered it was hot. I ended up dragging them around town, but I am not complaining! Caught a few girls on Chapel Street the Windsor end, enjoying the sunshine and looking so lovely.

Sarah, 29, Artist

 I am wearing a skirt from Design a Space, up the road. My jacket is from Fat, and my boots and sunglasses are vintage.

Holly, 17, Student

I am wearing a cardigan from Oska just up the road. My jeans are Ksubi, my sunglasses are from Dries Van Noten and my boots are Tods, I am not sure where my top is from.

Sophie, 20, Student

I am wearing a jacket from a Brisbane boutique - the same boutique as Meg’s watch (see below) actually. It is called LaLa Latrobe in Paddington, Brisbane. It is a really impressive, gorgeous little shop which I would recommend to any other tourists! My pants are Lee licks, I love them, and my top is from a shop on Glenferrie Road called Zilla, I think. My oval cocktail ring is from Diva. I bought my other ring and boots from a boutique in Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive called Robyn’s Jean. My boots are by BCBG Max Azria.

Meg, 20, Student

My bag is from the market, my skirt is from Forever New and my top is a Supre leotard. My tights are from Myer and my hat is from the Op Shop. My watch is from a shop is Brisbane.

Guess what? As a little thank you for being a loyal reader of Melbourne Fashionista I have 5 double in-season passes to see Every Little Step at Cinema Nova (Carlton) or Village Rivoli Cinema (Camberwell) which opens July 2 with sneaks this weekend. All subscribers will automatically go into the draw. But you have to be a subscriber - so join up before 9pm Wednesday 1 July.  Sorry this is a Melbourne one - but don’t fret I have other sweet goodies coming up soon!

An intensely moving documentary on a Chorus Line, reviews of the movie have been quite impressive.  I’ll email the lucky 5 winners Thursday 2 July 2009  to get your details.

Click on more to read about the movie.

(more…)

Alana, 24, Fashion retail 

I am wearing a Scanlan and Theodore baby wool knit top. My pants are from Bettina Liano and my boots are from Dolce Firme.

Louise, 21, Sales Assistant

I am wearing a scarf from Sportsgirl which is 5 years old. My jacket and belt are both from Zara in Italy, I was living in Italy until recently. My skirt is from Turin a city in Italy. My ring is from Athens, the Monastiraki Flea Market. A guy there uses cutlery to make jewellery, a bit like an artist at Rose Street Market in Fitzroy. My ring is made from a fork. My bag is from Mimco ofcourse!

I first heard about Monette when I was listening in on a conversation at a fashion event. I overheard a fashion insider commenting on Monette’s amazing shoes. ‘I seem to be hearing about Monette everywhere at the moment’ was the comment. She was not kidding, from Marie Claire, Shop til you Drop and The Age, everyone has been talking about Monette’s fabulous shoes.

Melbourne Fashionista spoke to Jacqui, designer for Monette about what she bought recently…

Vintage Shoes, Book by Caroline Cox

My Mum bought me this book as a present. She came across it at Borders. It is a beautiful book with lovely images and goes through 100 years of shoe history.

Chelsea Flower, Beaded Silk Tie Dye Vest

I don’t get much of an opportunity to shop here in Melbourne because I am always so busy. But earlier in the year I went to New York for a holiday/work trip for two weeks. I went with my girlfriends and did all the touristy things like going to the Rockefeller Centre and the Brooklyn Bridge - it was freezing! I really enjoyed shopping in the lower eastside around Soho and Nolita. There are lots of independent shops and boutiques around there and less department stores. I also used the time in New York to research for Monette. I get inspired by people on the street and their personal style. I also get ideas from music. For example music can make me think about an environment and what people would be wearing in it.

While was there I saw this vest in a shop called To the Max (I think). I didn’t buy it at the time because it was quite expensive, but I kept thinking about it. So I ended up having to go back to get it! It is so soft and so pretty. I wear it mostly with jeans but sometimes over dresses as well.

Reese, White Felt Riding Hat

This is a great bad hair day hat. I bought it when I was in Hong Kong at the end of last year. I was there for work for two weeks, mostly checking production and ensuring the shipment was all perfect. Between the three of us who own the business, My Mum (Liliana) and Annette (a family friend)  we take turns to go to Hong Kong twice a year to do quality assurance on our production.

Vintage Necklace from New York  

I found this in a vintage shop on my New York trip as well. I like how it has an aztec feel about it and is quite a statement piece. My trip was pretty tiring, the place we were staying at was on top of a club so I didn’t get must sleep. At the airport I was so tired I lost my gloves - I think I just got up and they must have fell onto the floor from my lap and I didn’t even notice.

Monette, Carrie Patent Shoe

This shoe is my own personal favourite from our current winter range. It goes with everything and I love the bow. Our current winter collection is quite chic with clean lines and little bit edgy. I wear these with tights as I have white legs at the moment.

Lusso de Bello, Purple Leather Bag

I got this bag in New York as well. I love the bright purple colour. I love how it seems to match everything I have, or perhaps I just make it because I want to use it all the time! I bought it from a boutique near where we were staying. It is a great size and has a bit of boho feel about it.

Monette, McKenzie Ankle Boot

This boot is also from our current winter range as well. We have had so many calls about it and people are still calling. My girlfriends all love the boot too. I wear them all the time with tights and a dress, and sometimes with shorts and tights. As I am not very tall I don’t wear them with pants much - for shorter people I think ankle boots look better with a skirt or a dress. In terms of summer footwear - my tips are cut out, chunky heels and bright colours.

Images below from Monette’s Spring/Summer 09/10 range in stores soon for summer.

I know I have discussed it before (the body suit is back) but the the strong influence of the eighties on the recent Rosemount Australian Fashion Week was unmistakeable. Shoulder pads, bodysuits, body con, crop tops the list continues. Out and about in Melbourne eighties trash was everywhere - suddenly acid wash was back again and looking cool.

There is nothing like a really excellent first time and possibly only time sale opportunity to really get the adrenaline going (see why I didn’t want to confess to my bad behaviour during the boxing day sales?). Today I went to the Florence Broadhurst Pop up Shop at Victoria Harbour Docklands and had to go back again later in the day- I think I might have slightly under budgeted for shopping time and had to meet a friend for lunch at Hutong Dumpling Bar in the City (great dumplings by the way). Also there were so many people around I couldn’t get a clear photo shot!

Florence Broadhurst is an eccentric and revolutionary world famous designer of bold and fabulous wallpaper in the 1960s and 1970s.  Born in 1899 in rural Queensland, she is most famous for her wallpaper prints, but over her flamboyant life she was a performer, dress shop owner, active feminist, trucking magnate and painter. David and Helen Lennie are the driving force behind Signature prints, the custodians of a her 500 print library.  

Every item in the store was a piece of artwork and extremely inspiring. There were bags, cushions, wallets, rugs and fabric remnants just to name a few. Cushions were a bargain price of $68 reduced from $108.

A little birdy told me that the pop-up shop is a little test to see Melbourne’s appetite for a Florence Broadhurst concept store. Judging by the amount of overexcited shoppers I think we may very well see one some time soon.

p.s. My cushions are sitting proudly on my sofa and look just so so fabulous!

Florence Broadhurst Pop Up Shop
Opened for four days, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Thursday 18 June 2009 to Sunday 21 June 2009.
Shop 11, 71 Merchant Street, Victoria Harbour, Docklands 3008