Nevenka. Pretty, delicate, stylish and a little bit old school. These gorgeous dresses and gowns are created by Rosemary Masic. Some time ago I was encouraged to visit the boutique in Howey Lane to look at these dresses "made from elaborate and intricate old linen". Old linen? Are they nice? Intrigued I just had to check it out. I discovered a tiny little shop in a small lane way dotted with boutiques and cafes. I went looking for table cloths and found an enchanted world of luxe bohemian clothing, all unique, and all obviously created from great passion and vision. I often purposefully pass by to look at the gowns in the window, and to appreciate the creativity and talent behind them. So what is the story behind this unique work? Rosemary launched her clothing brand Nevenka 2006, inspired to create something truly beautiful after the death of her mother of the same name. Nevenka the brand "is not only a tribute to love and loss; it’s a celebration of all things feminine and beautiful." She takes the old and gives it new life and purpose. The embroideries and embellishments replicated in her work are sourced from family heirlooms, and those found on her global travels, especially from Eastern Europe where her family originates. Her clothes are treasures bringing the past into the present for continued purpose and joy. Many women choose Nevenka gowns for their "special" day. An ideal match. A unique gown from a rich past, to set someone off into a new life full of possibility. Perfect. NEVENKA / 12 Howey Place, Melbourne / +61 3 9663 5873 / www.nevenka.com.au Images: ℅ Nevenka Facebook page & Google images (Fashionising, Lady Melbourne) FOUND AT PHILLIP ISLAND As if warm weather, beach, long walks, swimming and freshly squeezed 'Immunity' juice from Fresh Fix wasn't enough, I discovered some of Jai Vasicek's work today and I am definitely in love. Thanks to the girls at Neon Circus and Sarsaparilla and their genuis sourcing skills, a small selection of Jai's work found it's way into my day and I haven't stopped smiling since. He has a love of the sea and spent much of his childhood sailing around the world. Looking at his work you can see and sense the influence of sea and culture, of religion, tribal impulses, Polynesia, South America, time past and present, all mixed together with colour, detail and joy. Based in Byron Bay, Jai creates paintings, murals, cushions, tiles and crosses to adorn his own store Ahoy Trader, and provide specialty individual pieces to boutiques, home owners, designers throughout the country and abroad. "In-demand, on-trend and constantly evolving, Jai Vasicek is one of Australia's most exciting and collectable designers" one day into discovering his work I have no doubt that this is true, and know I will continue to follow and enjoy his work. AHOY TRADER / Shop 1/3 Marvell St, Byron Bay / www.ahoytrader.com NEON CIRCUS / 42a Thompson Ave, Cowes 3922 / +61 3 5952 1143 / www.neoncircus.com.au SARSPARILLA / 42 Thompson Ave, Cowes 3922 / +61 3 5952 1143 Images: ℅ Ahoy Trader website and google images (I am Vagabonde, Kreo Homes, Queensaland Homes) Capi. Looks Italian but it's a true blue Aussie. Actually the head office is in South Melbourne just a short drive away. It's not its mere Aussiness, it's cute labelling and packaging that encourages me to write about it, it's that fact that is bottled at source and is free from all the nasties you'd typically find in mass produced beverages. Capi mineral water is sourced just 50 minutes from Melbourne from a mineral spring reserve in Lauiston, Victoria. With a known history dating back to the late 1800's, this water was revered by local aborigines for its special healing properties. Today it is bottled at the source by Capi. The full range includes mixers and fruit sodas. All crafted using only quality ingredients, all purposefully sourced, blended and manufactured using no preservatives. It has been voted best Austalian mineral water. 'HARD TO MAKE. EASY TO DRINK' is being gobbled up by bars and restaurants who like to source local quality product. Pure, local product, makes perfect sense. CAPI / 2-4 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne, 3205 / 1300 CAPI SODA / www.capi.com.au Images: ℅ Capi website and google images Funkis. An Australian based company specialising in Scandinavian design made in primarily in Sweden and Australia, with goods spanning across homewares, personal products, clothing and jewellery. It is a carefully curated range which features products from ittala, Arabia, Tonfisk design, Le Klint, Rodebeir, Norman Copenhagen, Gubi, Thorbergs, Lidnform Design, Lilla Bruket, Iris Hantverk, and Marimekko (homewares, clothing ,bags). The first golden age of Scandinavian design extended from 1930's - 1970's, here the model and set of values were created (durability, functionality and reliability) and achieved in their simple forms. The purpose was to improve daily life through access to beautiful objects for the home. There is a strong relationship between nature, the materials used and the choice of shape. All of these design parameters and goals are still very much in place in all the items at Funkis. It's jammed packed full of goodies, all pure and organic in nature. It's alluring and soothing to be there. It's a peaceful place to step in to. Even when it got busy, people just seemed to wander around and admire (and desire) all the pieces. There is lots of wood, leather and raw materials. I wanted to touch everything...and did! I'll be back to reconnect with the space and select a treasure to keep in my home as soon as I can choose just one! FUNKIS / The Strand Arcade / Shop 12, 250 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 3000 / +61 3 9663 3005 / www.funkis.com Images: ℅ Funkis website and Google Images (Shop to shop, Urban walkabout, Get in my home, The strand melbourne) |
AUTHORThinking about all I've written and said about Jayne Reid. Archives
November 2016
Categories
All
|