New Season! Dress Up and Antipodium!




Hi Everyone!

Well...Sydney was pretty and busy...





View from the hotel.
Looking good Sydney.
 
I have an addiction and it's not what you're maybe thinking.
I need to be constantly inspired and mentally stimulated!

So apart from previewing some very fabulous summer collections (all of which
will be revealed at a later date to achieve maximum excitement),
I took in these new gallery exhibitions which are on right now...

Kaldor Art Projects
13Rooms
 
13 Rooms Exhibition at Walsh Bay
 
Curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist and Klaus Biesenbach this innovative exhibition
features big name artists such as Marina Abramovic and Damien Hirst
as well as newer names like Brisbane duo Clark Beaumont.

So... you head for the door, turn the handle and see what's inside...
 
Clark Beaumont

Through live and mediated performance works, Sarah Clark and Nicole Beaumont
investigate ideas about identity, intimacy and interpersonal relationships.
Coexisting 2013 positions the artists as artwork; the pair spending the during of the
11 day exhibition negotiating the space of a small plinth.
 
This experience was so beautiful and I really felt for the girls - such a level
of commitment and I'm sure discomfort.
 
Xu Zhen

A prolific and controversial artist, Xu Zhen often employs humour and sophisticated
trickery in his works.
For In Just a Blink of an Eye 2005, a breathing body floats mysteriously in mid-air,
frozen in time and space as if defying the constraints of physics.
 
No! Definitely no strings!



In Tino Sehgal's room, I was confronted by a man at a desk who was
asking to swap his one possession, in this case an unlit cigarette.
I told him that I didn't really want to give anything of mine up but I was secretly
keen to rid the world of another cigarette, so I swapped it for my opened packet of
hand wipes.
He continued the process with other people visiting the room.
I don't know how he went with my hand wipes as I kept moving!
An interesting approach to be part of the process.

13Rooms is only on for 11 days, ending this Sunday the 21st of April
so be quick to take the experience.
It's fantastic!
Artist notes courtesy of Kaldor Art Projects


White Rabbit Gallery
Smash Palace

CBD 2010 (porcelain) by Zhou Jie

Made of porcelain china and set on a bed of rice, this mini-city is a reminder of China's cultural heritage.
But it also expresses the artist's deep ambivalence about urban development.
The buildings are closely modelled on those of Beijing's new CBD, are covered with growths that resemble
pathologic organisms.
"New buildings are spreading like viruses," Zhou Jie says.
"Cities are bound to grow with the economy, but we are invading nature and upsetting the balance."
 
 
 
Madeln Company led by Xu Zhen
Under Heaven 20121018, 2012
Oil paint, canvas, aluminium board

 
This delicious piece contains over 70kg of oil paint all squeezed straight from a chef's icing bag.
Xu Zhen sees this work  as a kind of landscape - a city, perhaps, or a forest or coral reef,
viewed from a great height.
In a further link with tradition, the painting's name invokes an ancient term for the material,
earthly world: tianxia, "all under heaven".
 
Smash Palace is the latest show at this space which specialises
in contemporary Chinese art, specifically from 2000 onwards.
The gallery isn't too big to take in but packs a punch with content
and you can relax before or after the show in their Teahouse.

The Smash Palace show is on now until the 4th of August.
 
Artists notes courtesy of White Rabbit Gallery.




The fashion party of the week was definitely the P.A.M. Black Gold Launch at Tattlers in Kings Cross.
Even Susie Lau (Stylebubble) was on the dance floor!



I also stopped in at the local launch from French publication A Magazine
at Sydney boutique Assin.
Each issue is curated wholly by a different person and this time, it's milliner extraordinaire Stephen Jones.

Assin Window for A Magazine










Here are our latest arrivals...


 
 
 


Dress Up, Melbourne

Some Dreamers AW13
 
 
 
 
 
Soft Polo Neck
85% cotton / 15% wool
Kimono cut long sleeved tee with soft polo neck and cuff
Light weight, super soft jersey
Oatmeal
Pale Blue
Sizes 6 to 12
$99
 
Denim Style Pants
60% wool / 40% silk
Slim fitting, high waist pleated trouser with tapered leg and cuffed hem.
Jean style detailing with 5 pockets, fly front, belt loops, rivets and jean button.
Blue Check
Sizes 6 to 12
$385
 
 
 
Draped Drawstring Dress
70% wool / 30% silk
Mid calf length dress with drawstring waist, dropped shoulder and cowl neck V insert.
Indigo
Sizes 6 to 12
$462
 
Photography - Christopher Morris
Hair - Shukeel Murtaza
Make Up - Amanda Joe
 
Dress Up is available exclusively in Brisbane at Blonde Venus!
 
 
 
 
 
Antipodium, London

How To Affect Robots and Influence People NH SS13 





















Interface Shirtdress

100% Cotton Georgette

Contrast Mandarin Collar in Burgundy Twill

Sleeveless mid-length Shirtdress with concealed front buttons

Layered bodice detail

Side pockets and belt loops

Skirt is fully lined

White

Sizes 6 to 14

$289
 
Also available on-line:

 
Interface Blouse
100% Cotton Georgette
Contrast Mandarin Collar in Burgundy Twill
Concealed front buttons
Layered bodice detail
Sizes 6 to 14
$219
 
Antipodium is available exclusively in Brisbane at Blonde Venus!


Karen Walker Eyewear
Karen Walker Forever NH SS13


Intergalactic in Pink $399

Matt Rabbidge, one of the nine guys from the defunct and sorely missed 
Nine LIves Art Gallery has started his own business called Mild Manners
and is launching a series of exhibitions at the k.O.M.A. space
above Ksubi.

The first in the series launches this week with a group show including
Andrew Gordon, Ben Havenaar, Hamishi, James Ettelson,
Jedda Daisy Culley, Mark Alsweiller and Mike Bennett
and will be on show until the 20th of May.
k.O.M.A is upstairs at 2/30 James Street, Fortitude Valley



On Friday night the 19th, Eucalyptic Echoes returns to the Brunswick Hotel
in New Farm with Nite Fields, Gazar Strips, Heavy Toll and Ultra Material.
Be prepared for cheap drinks and a late night.
Doors are at 9pm and it's $10 entry.



On Saturday night the 20th, The Buzzcocks are back to play another show
at The Zoo.
Those Moet loving punk rockers are being supported by locals Bleeding Knees Club and 
the Keep on Dancin's.
Doors are at 8pm and tickets are $55.

Also on Saturday night, Geelong's The  Living Eyes are being supported by locals Tiny Migrants,
Cobwebs and Sewers at Fat Louie's, Level 1, 124 Albert Street, the City.
Doors are at 8pm and apparently this is a free show! Amazing!


It's been a super busy week in store with the new season
and post fashion week as I have some orders to finish!
I'm also doing 2 days a QUT with the latest group of third year fashion students.

Come down to the block this weekend and check out the fancy NEW dining room at Flamingo Cafe.
It is such a cool thing!

Also, it is Record Store Day on Saturday and Tym's Guitars have some special treats
lined up.

See you soon,
Thea X








 




 
 

New Season P.A.M. Kinoak AND Antipodium & Win Movie Tickets!




Hi Everyone!

I enjoyed every French Film that I saw at the festival
and apparently I'm not the only one as screenings
have been extended to this weekend due to popular demand.

Laurence Anyways, Journal de France, After May,
Sister, Louise Wimmer and Welcome Aboard and not
a romantic comedy amongst them!

All interesting, life stories.
I think that you learn and grow more that way.



SO MANY NEW THINGS!



 
P.A.M.
Black Gold SS13
 

 
"It starts in a house of interlocking textiled blocks, but soon enters deeper jungle.
The path we walk is paved with gold of the past."

 
Shipibo Applique Top
100% Cotton Twill Voile
Oversized boxy fit
White 
Sizes S/M and M/L
 $282
 
 

 
Shipibo Applique Top
100% Cotton Twill Voile
Oversized boxy fit
Navy
Sizes S/M & M/L
$282
 
 
 

 
Kamayura Collared Dress
Cotton/Linen Broadcloth
Easy fit shift dress
White/Black Kamayura print
Sizes XS to Large
$288
 
 
Kamayura Leggings
95% Cotton/5% Spandex Jersey
Mid rise, cropped ankle
White/Black Kamayura Print
Sizes XS to Large
$156
 
The Kamayura people are an indigenous tribe in the Amazonian Basin
of Brazil with a population of only 450 to 500 people.
Their name means "a raised platform to keep meat, pots and pans and much like
other small, indigenous cultures around the globe, the Kamayura are struggling
to adapt to the effects of deforestation and climate change.
 
 

 
They're Back!
The P.A.M. Rousseau Sandal
An adjustable technical platform sandal, hand made in Melbourne using
ethically sourced leathers and wood.
A hand carved platform sole, velcro and clasp fastenings, neoprene padding and 
vegetable latex footbed.
 
 

 
 
 

 
In the Rousseau workroom!
Keep this kind of industry alive by supporting the brands that do.
 
Rousseau Sandal
White/Grey
Sizes 36 to 40
$480
P.A.M. Black Gold Collection available exclusively
in Queensland at Blonde Venus.



Kinoak
Hinterland AW13

 

 
 
 

 
Highland Gilet
Japanese Wool Twill with Embossed Leather Insert 
Made in Australia
Clay
sizes 8 to 12
$449
 
 

 
Highland Gilet
Japanese Wool Twill with Embossed Leather Insert 
Made in Australia
Lichen
sizes 8 to 12
$449
 
Possibly the piece that you will wear the most this winter,
next to your favourite jeans and/or pyjama pants.
These are already flying out the door!
Kinoak available exclusively in Queensland at Blonde Venus.

 

Antipodium 
How To Affect Robots and Influence People SS12
 

 
Automate Bomber on the Runway at London Fashion Week
 
 

 
Pointilize Knit backstage at London Fashion Week


 
 

 
Automate Bomber
Tech Suiting in Nylon/Viscose/Elastane with Patent Leather Sleeves
Architectural shaped short jacket with zip front and pockets
Sleeves slashed at elbows for comfort
White
Sizes 8 and 10
$699
 
 
Automate Trouser
Tech Suiting in Nylon/Viscose/Elastane with Patent Leather Waistband.
High rise,  pleated front, tapered leg
White
Sizes 8 to 14
$299
 
 

 
 
 

 
Template Blouse
Black Permanent Pleat Polyester Georgette
Metallic Silver Polyester Panelled Insert
White Patent Leather Collar
Black  Cotton/Silk Collar Stand and Cuffs
Back pleating detail
Regular fit, can be worn tucked in or out
Sizes 6 to 14
$249
 
 
 
Pointilize Tee
Copper, Peach & Black Polester/Cotton Metallic Check Front
100% Cotton Knit Sleeves and Back in Berry
Sizes Small to Large
$179
Antipodium is available exclusively in Queensland at Blonde Venus.


 
Win Movie Tickets!
 

 

We have 10 Double Passes to giveaway to a special preview of the new
political, action, thriller called The Company You Keep thanks to our 
friends at Madman and Think Tank Communications.

Starring Hollywood heroes Robert Redford, Susan Sarandon, Nick Nolte
and Stanley Tucci, the Seattle Times says that the film offers the pleasures of
an old-fashioned thriller.

Robert Redford is in to his 5th decade of films and what an astounding array 
of quality roles he has performed in.
One of my favourites is the quirky 1967 film called Barefoot in the Park where
he co-starred with Jane Fonda.
Robert Redford also founded the Sundance Film Festival.


When: Wednesday April 19 @ 6:30PM
Where: Palace Centro Cinema, 39 James Street

Email me back with The Company You Keep in the subject and I'll let 
you know before Monday.

I'm gearing up for my Sydney trip next week and very excited
to preview the Spring/Summer collections of our cool Australian
labels: Dress Up, Kinoak, Verner and more ;)

No, there won't be live streamings or goody bags from these designers
but I know that the collections from these young, independent
Australians will be the most interesting, original and inspiring and that's what
we want to see!

See you soon,
Thea X


Bumper Issue! Introducing Natalie Encarnita + New Season Milk From A Thistle!




Hi Everyone!

Who was your favourite in the Archibald Prize?
These are my two picks but looking forward to seeing
them in person at the Art Gallery of NSW when I'm in 
Sydney for Fashion Week next month.


Adam Cullen by Jasper Knight
 
"Bad Dad" Self Portrait by Michael Zavros
 
 
Speaking of Michael Zavros, I had the pleasure of seeing a new exhibition
that is entirely curated by him at the Queensland Art Gallery last weekend
called Artist's Choice.
Based on his own realist work, Michael has selected stunning pieces of
beauty and decadence in one large space, that he has segmented in to separate
rooms.
There are many delicious pieces in the room that I would love for my own rooms:
paintings by Howard ArkleyWillem De Kooning and Katharina Grosse, a sculpture
by Gemma Smith, pottery by Ai Weiwei and the list goes on.

This would be a fun thing to do this Easter weekend if you are staying in town
and take another stroll around the APT7 before it finishes on April 14th.

Last night, the Museum of Brisbane held a very special preview to reveal
their new home, back in the historic City Hall  on King George Square.
It's been about 3 years since the Museum made a temporary home on Ann Street
while City Hall has been going through it's refurbishment.

So if you have to move out and move back in, why not make it a whole lot better?!
That's exactly what they have done.
Under the passionate care of Museum Director Peter Denham and Deputy Director
Christopher Salter, the new Museum of Brisbane has a glorious spot
up on the third floor.
The space feels (ironically for a museum) modern and it's an easy flow through each exhibition.

My favourite exhibition is called Light Fantastic - Expo 88 Parades Rewired.
Anyone that lived in Brisbane during that time knows how important World Expo
was for us and how the international event helped our city grow up and move into
a new phase.
This focus on the unforgettable daily and nightly parades reveals original hand
drawings of costume designs and concepts.
Who could forget these...

The museum officially opens to the public on April 6th and it's free entry!



Introducing...

Natalie Encarnita, Melbourne
 
 


 
Raglan Shirt 
Wool/Acetate shirt with exaggerated raglan sleeves, high neck collar with
invisible stand and concealed zipper at back.
All hems bound and hand finished.
Nude
$349
 
 
Lounge Skirt
Wool Skirt cut with a generously gathered and pleated waistline,
deep pockets and full inside seam binding.
Hand finished hem.
Red
$369
 
Valentine Dress
Wool/Acetate dress with exaggerated raglan sleeves, high neck collar with
invisible stand and concealed zipper at back.
Pockets in side seams.
Fully lined.
Available in:
Nude
Black
(not pictured)
$535
 
Silk Lampshade Top
Structured top with small shoulder pad, cut from luxurious heavyweight pure silk
double georgette.
Concealed zipper at back.
All hems bound and hand finished.
Serge print.
Sizes 6 to 10
$355
 
Boucle Bow Top
Wool blend boucle top with lined body and exaggerated bow
detail at neck.
Sizes 8 to 12
Black
$375
 
I have mentioned before the large number of collection lookbooks
that come through my inbox every day.
All sorts of labels from all over the world trying to find their place.
I usually know in seconds from opening the first page if the collection
has the right aesthetic for us and Natalie Mason's images hit the mark.
I have to like it and YOU have to like it!

Her beautiful minimalist approach is exactly the look I was feeling for the new season -
A naive print that is vintage enough to feel modern again.
A hint of black (sneaking back) with strong, clean blocks of colour.
Incredibly finished garments made from superior fabrics, plus it's all made in Australia.
So, it was love at first sight!

Natalie launched her label in London several years ago while studying there.
She gained attention quickly but the lifestyle was unexpected and Natalie
longed to come back to Australia.
Making her home in Melbourne, she has kicked off again, beautifully.

There is a great interview with Natalie here, on the Weekend Edition:
 
Natalie Encarnita is available exclusively in Queensland at Blonde Venus!




 
 
Milk From A Thistle AW13




Nowadays Tunic
Mahogany Leather Front 
Burgundy Merino Wool Sleeves and Back
Made in Australia
XS to Large
$365
 
Cabin Fever Silk Blazer 
Softly tailored, fully lined blazer
Two button opening
Alpine Stripe 
Made in Australia
XS to Medium 
$585
 
Park Life Silk Tee
Alpine Stripe with Mahogany Leather Sleeves
Made in Australia
XS to Large
$245
 
Heritage Leather Skirt
Mahogany
Made in Australia
XS to Large
$359
 
 
Navigator Silk Shirt
Punk Pink
Made in Australia
XS to Large
$249
 
 
 
Harvest Silk Dress
Alpine Stripe with Punk Pink Sleeves
Made in Australia
XS to Medium
$335
 
Navigator Silk Shirt
Punk Pink
Made in Australia
XS to Large
$249
 
 
Avalanche Silk Pant
Alpine Stripe
Made in Australia
XS to Medium
$289
 
Woodchip Quilted Sweater
100% Cotton
Made in Australia
XX to Medium
Grey Marle
$249
 
The Yeti Dress
100% Cotton, Quilted with Mahogany Leather Shoulder Detail
Made in Australia
XS to Medium
Grey Marle
$389
 
Navigator Silk Shirt
Made in Australia
XS to Large
Acid Yellow
$249
 
Bungalow Knit
Four Colour Round Neck Long Sleeve Knit
Merino Wool
Made in Australia
XS to Large
Berry/Burgundy/Navy/Teal
$189
 
Heritage Leather Skirt
Burgundy
Made in Australia
XS to Large
$359
 
Navigator Silk Shirt
Two Colour Button Through Silk Shirt
Made in Australia
XS to Large
Petroleum Blue/Copper
$249
 
 
Anchorage Three Colour Silk Shirtdress
Made in Australia
XS to Large
Petroleum Blue / Copper / Acid Yellow
$345
 
 
 
Ranger Elasticated Pant
Easy Fitting Silk Pant with Tapered Elasticated Ankle
Contrast Tuxedo Side Stripe
Made in Australia
XS to Large
Petroleum Blue / Acid Yellow
$289
 
Sydney based designer Danielle Atkinson
blew me away with this collection.
Known for her nature loving prints, Danielle has
let the creatures lie this season and designed the
collection around this rich stripe accented by leather,
quilting, plain wool jersey and silk.
It's her eye for colour that is astounding and the combinations
are absolutely beautiful.
Available now in store and also on our webstore:
Milk From A Thistle is available exclusively in Queensland at Blonde Venus!



Easter Trading!

Both Blonde Venus and The Outpost will be open these times
over the Easter Weekend:

Friday 29th - closed
Saturday 30th - open 10am to 5:30 pm
Sunday 31st - closed
Monday 1st - open 11am to 4pm



Hope that you have some time off.
Enjoy yourself!

See you soon,
Thea X





 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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