The brand had been hinting exciting things were brewing but it took Brisbane fashion folk by surprise when it unveiled shiny new space W The Store by Robe inside five-star hotel W Brisbane last week. Expect a curated selection of Aussie brands that will zhuzh your endless Queensland summer experience. more
This big old slab of sun-cracked earth may stretch us out into the far corners of the continent, but it doesn’t mean we’re disconnected. Aussies have copped our fair share of struggles of late, but we’ve proven time and time again that we’re ready to lend a hand when the going gets tough. As the 2020 gifting season approaches, give twice this Christmas by choosing to Buy From The Bush. more
It is widely understood that fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world (the first is oil, just in case you were wondering) but what isn't as straight forward is where or how to start your conscious shopping journey. One of the reasons for this is that the term 'sustainable fashion' is inherently loaded and to borrow from the beloved green ogre Shrek, it's like an onion in that there are many layers. To help you navigate the minefield, retailer David Jones has joined the likes of Net-A-Porter and The Iconic to launch a platform dedicated to share the stories behind conscious brands and makers to make it easier than ever to shop better. more
Burberry has been a stalwart on the global fashion scene since a very young Thomas Burberry created the company back in 1856 with the view that clothing should be designed to protect people from the British weather. A few years later, in 1879, Thomas invented gabardine – a breathable, weatherproof material and hard-wearing fabric that revolutionised rainwear. The resulting trench coat spurred a fashion empire that remains one of the world's most iconic and recognised fashion houses, Burberry. After almost six years in its original QueensPlaza space, Burberry has opened a striking new boutique in the mall, the first in Australia to encapsulate chief creative officer Riccardo Tisci’s new creative vision. more
If the loveable flossing blue heelers affectionately known as Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli have become honorary members of your family, set a reminder for 4:00 pm AEST today (Tuesday May 5) because luxe-sleepwear label Peter Alexander is dropping a limited collection of Bluey pyjamas – wackadoo! more
By now it's abundantly clear that simply liking or sharing a post declaring #BlackLivesMatter on social media is not enough. It's time to distill thoughts and intentions into actions. One small, but tangible, way you can do that is by actively supporting brands and companies that are Indigenous-owned-and-operated, or in support of local Aboriginal communities in Australia. Last week, we showcased some seriously amazing skincare and beauty brands (you can check it out here if you missed it), but this week it's about wearing your heart on your sleeve with clothing and apparel. Next week, we'll bring you some amazing pieces created by Indigenous and Aboriginal artists as well as handmade jewellery. These lists are by no means exhaustive and are intended as a starting point for you to continue your own personal journey of listening, learning and ultimately becoming a better anti-racist… more
All of this extra time at home has yielded some unexpected outcomes. For some, it's a newfound interest in baking whilst for others, isolation has meant time to tackle all of those annoying tasks you've been meaning to do – like clearing out the junk cupboard! You know the one – that cupboard where you put all of the things that don't have a place. The only problem is figuring out what to do with it all, especially since the vast majority of op-shops are closed for donations for the foreseeable future. Say hello to Good Stuff Market – it's the virtual op-shop 2020 needs right now. more
Whether you have the kind of job that requires hardy workwear or you generally prioritise comfort and wearability when it comes to your apparel choices, allow us to introduce you to your new favourite wardrobe staple – the pinstriped coverall from Worktones and Business & Pleasure Co. It's everything you need and want all in one handy jumpsuit. more
There are lots of examples of how society can change behaviours and improve livelihoods, so the tools already exist for how we minimise the impact of these issues and improve ocean health ...~ Dr. Chris Gillies more
When it comes to sneakers, not all are created equal. Some (read: most) are made from various types of plastic and unsustainable rubber, which doesn't bode well for you in terms of comfort but it's also not great news for Mother Earth. Thankfully there's a fashion-led alternative from French footwear company Veja and lauded fashion designer Rick Owens, who have come together for a second time to set a new standard for kicks with conscience. more
There's a movement brewing in the heart of The Valley, one that is championing local endeavour and uniting makers under a banner of mutual support and empowerment. This wellspring of energy can be found on Ann Street, where more and more shop spaces are becoming occupied by co-working studios, multidisciplinary hubs and boutique retail. Forge Forward is the newest name in the game – a forward-thinking incubator of upcoming, emerging and established retail and art that is all about growth, guidance and creativity. more
Australian consumers are making the shift to slow fashion in greater numbers, opting for handcrafted and sustainably crafted garments instead of mass-manufactured pieces from large conglomerates. The tricky aspect of slow fashion is discovering these artisan makers, many of whom are independent or small-scale operators. Fortitude Valley's Practice Studio is a unique resource for both designer and buyer – one part store and one part workroom, it aims to bridge the gap between emerging makers and those seeking consciously made clothing. more
The ongoing catastrophic Australian bushfires have left us all feeling helpless, but the overwhelming number of generous individuals and businesses stepping up to support the victims and our firefighters – whether it be by donating funds, spreading awareness, volunteer efforts or fundraising – is nothing short of an amazing feat. Through tough times such as these, our Aussie spirit of kindness and generosity never ceases to prevail. Here is a list of homegrown brands and labels that are donating part (or all) of their sales profits to the Bushfire Disaster Appeal and related charities. more
The Lobster Shanty is an online store dedicated to bright beachwear and good times. The quintessentially Gold Coast lifestyle label slings a range of clothing and accessories to put you in a permanent holiday mood. more
If you thought the racing season finished with the Melbourne Cup, think again. In fact, it's just getting started! This summer, the Aquis Park Gold Coast Turf Club is rolling out a series of high-fashion events at its ultra-exclusive pop-up The Beach Club by Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial. The theme for the luxe experience is French Riviera so whilst spring racing is all about pastels and florals, summer is all about chic Mediterranean vibes like you've just stepped off a plane from Côte d'Azur. Here are four trends to nail the summer racing theme, for guys and girls. more
As we swelter through summer here in Brisbane, it's hard to comprehend wearing anything but boardshorts and singlets. But if you can fathom an alternative, the anticipated collaboration between Études and the Keith Haring Foundation has landed. If you're a fan of New York City's gritty street-art scene circa 1980, get ready to part with some pennies! more
Hovering high on the list of things we hold near and dear in this nation is beer – and our lucky country has plenty of home-grown drops to appreciate! While every individual has a favourite brew they are enamoured with, you can't argue one of our most popular and iconic lagers is Victoria Bitter – and do we have some exciting news involving our brewing buddies south of the border to share with you ... more
It’s an exciting time for menswear – the once hard-and-fast rules of dapper dressing have been thrown out the window in favour of experimental style. But where do you turn to when your neon bum-bag and platform sneakers inevitably fall out of fashion? To basics. A good tee and a reliable pair of pants are the bread and butter of most men’s wardrobes no matter what they throw on top. Bandsome is a brand that understands this, so it’s dedicating itself to producing the best basics out there in sustainable style. more
There's a certain satisfaction that comes with a local market find – ditching the retail racks and mass-produced items to stroll the stalls in search of something with that handcrafted touch. If you love that feeling, then you're likely fans of Australia's leading design and art marketplace, The Finders Keepers Markets, and wish they popped up more than twice a year. Well, dear readers, your wish may have just come true ... more
Queenslanders are familiar with a few strategic provisions when the weather warms up and the festive season rolls around. A fridge stocked with cold beverages, fresh seafood and backyard cricket coincide with regular trips to the beach, an activity that demands vital sun safety measures in our corner of the stratosphere. Luckily, the Cancer Council Queensland have all your Ultra Violet woes covered this summer, bringing back a new edition of the Ugly Xmas Rashie. more
Did you know that the majority of running shoes on the market are made from a material that is 99-percent plastic, specifically, a polymer that is 99-percent petroleum? It doesn't take a scientist to know that doesn't bode particularly well for the future of our planet. The good news is that there's a cleaner alternative. Introducing The Condor, the first post-petroleum running shoe from French footwear company VEJA. more
