Spotlight On: Vintage Garage

After a recommendation by the stylish Cheryl from Business Chic, I decided to check out Vintage Garage in Collingwood, Melbourne which recently celebrated its first birthday! Started by cousins Lisa and Marisa, Vintage Garage is home to approximately 35 different stallholders who have all been individually souced by Lisa and Marisa from around Australia. Ranging from clothes and accessories to homewares and records, Vintage Garage is a treasure trove of unique pieces.

The space is well used with little passageways and rooms hiding away fantastic things. The register is hidden behind a reconstructed car which has been cut up and painted bright red.

With pieces from high-end designers, to one-of-a-kind collectables, a visit to Vintage Garage is a must for someone who wants something just that little bit different.

Check out Vintage Garage on Facebook.

For more information visit Vintage Garage's website or email them at info@vintagegarage.com.au

Address: 318 Smith Street, Collingwood

Phone: 99077 9030

Open: Mon - Sat 10-6pm and Sun 11-5pm

Melita, Lisa (co-owner) and Amie

Images by Stylus Muse
Information sourced from http://vintagegarage.com.au/

Rodarte Does Couture

After co-designing the costumes for Oscar-winning movie Black Swan, collaboration with Opening Ceremony, Gap and Target, designing collections that were regularly seen on fashion A-listers Natalie Portman, Chloe Sevigny, Keira Knightly and Kristen Dunst just to name a few, it was only a matter of time before sister Kate and Laura Mulleavy applied their unique design aesthetic into a couture collection. 


Starting Rodate in 2005 with no formal training in fashion the Mulleavy sisters have become a fashion force to be reckoned with. As part of the Pitti Immagine Uomo trade fair the sisters created an installation of 10 beautiful couture pieces. Favouring pastel colours, pleats and flowing soft georgette in their ready-to-wear line, these details were carried through to their couture line. Adding delicate sequins and crystals, metal plates, melted into beautiful sunbursts and ruffled details and feathers, the Rodarte pieces stood like works of art in rooms fashioned with wood and stone, illuminated by flashing rods of light.


The gowns, inspired by the Renaissance era, particularly the frescoes of Fra Angelico are destined for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art which means they may never be worn. Lauren said that it was interesting to see the dresses in a space which did not have a "commercial dialogue" as the pieces were not designed to be sold and may never be worn. 


Check out the beautiful dresses and installations below:

Information sourced from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/18/fashion/18iht-rpitti18.html
Images sourced from http://stylebubble.typepad.com, http://www.autumndewilde.com/

Shape The Range

Jess Hart in Nina Maya's
Power SHoulder Swarovski Mini

Nina Maya is a brave woman. In uncertain times, she has withdrawn her label from Myer stores and more than 50 boutiques to focus on building her online store, Nina Maya Emporium. 


Maya has become the first Australian designer to take advantage of "crowd-sourcing" or democratic design. Creating a sample range of 14 designs for her new Spring/Summer collection, Maya asked consumers to 'Shape The Range' by voting on their favourite piece. The top 10 went into production and will be available to purchase exclusively online in July. By selling the garments from her online store, reducing overheads, Maya is able to offer her pieces for around $260 each, 30% less than the regular retail price. 


The Derek Lam for eBay collection was an example of a similar campaign which was very successful. By putting power in the hands of the buyer, designers can make stronger collections and allow consumers to feel part of the design process, helping to build brand loyalty. Maya indicated that what consumers wanted was actually different to what shop owners had ordered. 

Maya has indicated that she wouldn't be stopping at letting her fans pick her range. Her next step is co-creation, i.e. allowing consumers to help shape her designs. Although she would maintain her design aesthetic, she has suggested there is room for consumers to have an input, particularly in relation to areas such as hem lengths and fabrics.


The Australian fashion industry needs more designers like Nina Maya who are willing to take risks and push the boundaries of marketing to help their brands stand out not only in a local market, but in an international one.

Check out the designs consumers were able to vote on:

Information sourced from http://stuff.co.nz and http://www.ragtrader.com.au/news/nina-maya-puts-collection-to-a-vote
Images courtesy of http://ninmaya.com/main.htm

Fashion Muse - Miranda Kerr

Let's face it, Miranda Kerr would look in a paperbag. The first Australian Victoria's Secret angel, Kerr isn't just a pretty face. A strong advocate for a healthy lifestyle, Kerr launched her own organic skincare line called KORA Organics. 


After modelling for chain stores, David Jones and Victoria's Secret, Kerr is gradually moving into the world of high fashion. Gracing the cover of Vogue US and becoming the first ever pregnant Vogue cover girl when she landed the cover of Vogue Australia while 6 months pregnant, Kerr has also walked the runway for Balenciaga and Prada, and graced campaigns for Jil Sander and Prada.


Marrying equally attractive actor Orlando Bloom in July 2010, the pair welcomed baby Flynn in January this year. Kerr is actively involved with Wildlife Warriors Worldwide and Children International.


Kerr favours bright colours on the red carpet, moving easily between short mini-dresses, to glamourous long gowns. Off duty, Kerr is regularly seen in maxi dresses, fitted blazers and favours a Prada bag or a Louis Vuitton dog carrier for her cute Yorkshire Terrier Frankie. 

Kerr rocking a man-style blazer

Kerr with her Yorkshire Terrier Frankie
Love the Louis Vuitton dog carrier

Kerr and Bloom make a very stylish couple
Kerr looks fantastic in Jil Sander

A beautiful simple outfit which
would stand out from the crowd

Showing off her baby bump in a
beautiful mini dress

In a Herve Leger bandage dress, a favourite
of Victoria Secret Angels

In Louis Vuitton

Showing off her amazing body in Jil Sander
at the Met Gala

Loving the red lippie!

A perfect ladylike look with a beautiful
ruffled Prada bag

Showing off her pins in a detailed mini

Loving the pink blazer and Prada bag

The perfect dress for a long flight

Love the blue bag with this simple look

A simple playsuit makes a great off-duty look

Kerr is regularly seen in maxi dresses
and denim jackets off-duty

Kerr introducing Bloom to the Australian
racing season

Kerr supporting Sydney Fashion Week

Images courtesy of http://thefashionpolice.net, http://Modelinia.com, http://sassiamblog.com, http://celebritypregnancy.sheknows.com, http://stylecovered.com, http://gooutfitters.blogspot.com, http://denimblog.com, http://erymvirti.blogspot.com