For years, I’ve been singing the praises of Swedish style, based on my unabashed love for labels like J. Lindeberg, Acne, Our Legacy and Red Collar Project.  Well, a new isolated land mass known for it’s blondes is giving Sweden a serious run for its money for the title of Most Stylish Yet Completely Out of the Way Place: Australia.

For the past few seasons, Aussie brands like Chronicles of Never and Stolen Girlfriends Club (pictured above), have been churning out interesting, wearable menswear that is helping to build a name for the country as a style destination.  Like their Scandinavian brethren, most Australian designers favor a skinnier fit, but tend to also throw in bursts of color or irreverent details that are distinctively Australian.  The overall effect is artfully disheveled and effortlessly cool.  While established names like Ksubi continue to build fans around the world, lower-profile labels like Claude Maus are finding niche audiences eager to import a little flavor up from Down Under.  And a clothing line named Warriors of Radness?  SOLD.

Take a look at some more selections from a few stand-out Aussie designers below.

(Top to bottom: Chronicles of Never, Claude Maus, Warriors of Radness, Popissue, Book Club, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Song for the Mute, St. Augustine Academy)

I like this eye-wear fashion set…It is a very cute and pouty concept…

Name// Ksubi
Occupation// Fashion
Where// Australia / USA
Why Pouting// They couldn’t really see in the dark with their eye glasses…

Herman Melville once wrote that “the eyes are the gateway to the soul”. Common understanding of this statement sugests that it means that your eyes possess the most honest expression of your body – that you can read a person through their eyes. In the Australian summer, we spend a large portion of our time outdoors, hence exposing our eyes to damaging strong light, and more worryingly, ultraviolet rays. Fortunately, finding sunglasses that are both functional and fashionable is not a hard task this season. 

image by PaauRios' via Flickr

In terms of function, the Cancer Council of Australia has some very clear outlines in regards to the safety and effictiveness of sunglasses. They also discuss the standards at which pairs of sunglasses are rated on for blocking out ultraviolet rays. 

Fashion is another bag entirely. The Australian market is currently swimming in different styles and makes; as a continent with a unique climate, sunglasses are a must, as opposed to merely a fashion accessory. We have a wide range of styles to choose from, far removed from the market a couple of years ago, which was focused on ‘vintage inspired’ oversized glasses. Indeed, this season includes a diverse range of styles, with wayfarers and aviators at the fashion forefront, the ever-practical wraparounds and the re-emergence of tearshades, a style synonymous with John Lennon, appearing frequently on the faces of model Agyness Deyn and Lady Gaga. 

Brands that kissandtell like include LeSpecs, Ksubi, Karen Walker, Rayban, Tom Ford and Sceats.

If Herman Melville was indeed right about eyes, then why not protect them in style this summer? I’ll see you all at the beach.

Via: The Freaks Of Nature

here

 CHECK OUT SOME OF THE DESIGNS THE NEW KSUBI 2010 LINE  HAS IN STORES FOR US EYEWEAR LOVERS!!! ENJOY!!!

Campanha da marca Ksubi com a coleção Book Club:

Escolha o seu preferido e vá ler um livro!

THE NEW GUARD

From Friday 9th October, for one week only FAT will hold its anual Garage Sale.

With stock up to 70% off…..

alpha60, antipodium, Arnsdorf, Asuza,

Bassike, Beat Poet, Chronicles of Never,

Claude Maus, Elke Kramer, Ksubi,

Life With Bird, Lover, NomD, Nathan Smith,

PAM, Romanca was Born, Schwipe,

Self Help, TV

++++++++ Many More!

Fat4

let’s completely abandon the real world and shop online all day long! needsupply will ensure that you never have to leave the comfort of your cubicle and/or couch to collect some lovely wardrobe gems. their jeans are killer, their shoes are bloggable and the styling is just like yours, but somehow even cuter (and that’s no easy feat!). it’s one of those rare shops where you love every item they carry.  

i’m all for human to human contact, but with options like needsupply.com, mr. computer is the best shopping buddy i will ever have.

30. J W Anderson for ASOS toothbrush

Actually amazing, because most toothbrushes aren’t very cool, and actually makes sense; J W’s A/W 09 collection includes all kinds of gentlemanly ephemera from compasses to cuffs and rings.

31.The return of photorealism, part deux

I’ve got a very unhealthy obssession with Sixpack, especially since they get some of the best designers, artists and so forth to collaborate with them, and aren’t shy about letting the work speak for itself.

Expect to see Sixpack a few times on this list but for now, it’s these awesome marbled pieces I’m hand-wrangling over.

32. Gordon Richardson and Topman’s new floor

This is the average contents of Gordon Richardson’s manbag, courtesy of the Guardian:

Perhaps he forgot to mention the large side order of GENIUS he must carry around everywhere. I recently was asked to come up with a list of people I celebrities or men in the public eye who I thought were well dressed and couldn’t think of anyone apart from Topman’s Design Director.

Next week, a project he must have been working on for some time comes to fruition; Topman’s Oxford Circus opens an extra floor, a doubling of the space and a stepping up of the game that should renew it for guys who have maybe moved on and grown up. It also intriguingly highlights what other highstreet stores must do to draw our attention rightly back to the physical after the lure of internet shopping. Rumours are there will be a Rough Trade store, a long-deserved Ksubi concession, some kind of bar, a permanent Lens section plus the collections from James Long and Christopher Shannon.

33. LD Tuttle men’s boots

Well, unisex, not strictly men’s; but as Rachel Zoe might write, ‘AMAHZING’ and destined to end up on Jak & Jil blog in some form. Clear-cut, military flecked but so well made as to invoke classicism at the same time.

34. Jim Stoten for Habitat

Jim’s an excellent, amazing illustrator and he’s made some lovely textiles for Habitat, including this street scene. Never a massive one for cushions before, but to be honest Jim could illustrate a slice of bread and I’d want to buy it.

35. Carolyn Massey at Daniel Jenkins

Carolyn Massey, now ready to buy at Daniel Jenkins! What more could you want?

36. Lou Dalton and Full Circle

Truth be told, I heard a rumour about this a few months back; and yes, it’s true. London Fashion Week star and creator of “rebellious English sportswear” Lou Dalton is also the new accessories designer for Full Circle.

If you’ve noticed a shift in the brand, then it’s no surprise as it aims to become sharper, cleaner, neater and seems to be headed into the right territory. But it’s Lou’s accessories that really shine; panelled satchels that turn into backpacks, sturdy leather holdalls, jelly belts, gloves and squashable totes. Full Circle will be sponsoring Lou’s LFW show in return; and following last season’s fantastic cake and catwalk affair at Kettner’s in Soho, it looks to be another definite highlight.

37. PRESENT

New, beautifully-formed men’s store just opened in Shoreditch- selling not only the obvious brands like Raf by Raf and Nigel Cabourn, but some beautiful Trickers colourways, vintage spectacles and coffee which is meant to be very nice. Beautiful old signage too.

PRESENT, 140 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JE

38. No more NUMBER (N)INE!

Another excellent show, another Beth Gibbons soundtrack (this time her brilliant solo record, Out of Season). Japanese brands that use layering to impress their sense of modernity are everywhere; but few have trod such a diverse and colourful path, and few make the layers of crystals, leggings, jacquard and loose threads look so MASCULINE.

39. Kolor

Often referred to as the ‘Japanese Dries van Noten’, Kolor has built up from its signature washed, crumpled and organic-looking tailoring into a full-bodied collection of muted colours and wantable seperates. Currently stocked at Browns and the Library in the UK, the grapevine tells me there might be a few more accounts to add over the next season or two…

40. Komakino

London’s answer to Rick Owens? The many-belted biker jacket, the detailing, the fact it’s all black… fantastic. Did I mention they’ll be showing at London Fashion Week’s menswear day, too?

80’s PURPLE

The Online Warehouse Sale – Save up to 60% at their first ever online warehouse sale. 80’s Purple is clearing out all inventories – hundreds of men’s and women’s brands (obey, purple label, converse by john varvatos, insight, free people, jenny han, torn, 80%20, and much, much, more)  marked down 20-60%. Get this Torn Anne All Over Zebra tank $33 (orig. $66),  Converse by John Varvatos Metallic Studded denim in black $157 (orig. $225), and Faryl Robin Belly sandals in Camel $180 (orig. $300).

BEAUTY TICKET

Steal of the Week: CARE by Stella McCartney 5 Benefits Moisturizing Cream and Nourishing Night & Day Cream only $9.99 (MSRP: $75 – $80). Limit 2 per person.

CALYPSO ST. BARTHS

Calypso Cocktails – Online Happy Hour Tonight (8.26.09) from 7-10pm. Shop Calypso St. Barths (while sipping your favorite cocktail in the comfort of your own home) and save 20% on all regular priced items and 10% on sale items with code “CC8″.

EDUN

Support Africa – Buy The ONE Tee – now 30% Off! Edun’s cut the price (now $25-28), but not their donation. $10 from each shirt purchased still goes to ALAFA.

HEELS.com

Exclusive $20 off your $50+ purchase, now through August 28, 2009.  Enjoy free 2nd day shipping & free returns too. Use code “happy20″ at check-out for deal.

There’s something for everyone at Heels.com – if you haven’t shopped for shoes here yet, jump on over and give it a whirl. Get right down to what you’re looking for with their easy to use search tool – narrow your search results by style, attributes, brand, heel, color, size. Plus they also offer a Heel of the Day (a gorg Badgley Mischka Halma in Black Satin, $199) and a Deal of the Day – Today you’ll find Jessica Simpson’s Salina pump on sale for $44.99 (orig. $89.99).

THE HIP HOSTESS

The Sale Rack readers save 15% on The Hip Hostess’ collection of chic & adorable sheath & demi style aprons and tea towels with code “SALERACK” at check-out. Hip Hostess aprons will positively change your domestic attitude! Mixing fresh fabrics with clean design and functional style they’ll bring a little “hip” into your kitchen…or a friend’s! These make great gifts!

KARMALOOP

Don’t miss Karmaloop’s immense sale section – tons of merch from BB Dakota, WeSC, Peoples Market, Melissa Shoes, Rvca, Cheap Monday, Wildfire, Tokidoki, and so many others.

• Back to School: Spend $120 and get Free Shipping plus a $20 Karmaloop gift card. Use code “4SKOOL” through 9.30.09
• August Sale: Take 20% off any full priced item with code “GROOVE” through the end of August.
• Sign Up Special: Sign up for Karmaloop’s newsletter ($15) &  refer 20 friends ($20) and get instant gift certificates. Nice.
• All Year Discount: 15% OFF ENTIRE ORDER! Use code: TASH09. Good for all of 2009.

KATE SPADE

Online Sample Sale – shop today through August 28, 2009 for up to 75% off at Kate Spade.

LINEA PELLE

So Long To Summer Sale – Take an additional 25% off all sale items with code “BYEBYE” at check-out, now through August 29, 2009.

Don’t forget to sign-up for the Linea Pelle newsletter to receive exclusive coupons & sale information first!

NIMLI

Final Sale – Buy 2 items, get 1 Free! Offer applies to final sale merchandise only. Free item must be of equal or lesser value than the lowest cost item. Offer ends Monday, August 31, 2009.

Shop Azuri cashmere & wool scarves, Cri de Coeur boots, Lara Miller tops, knitwear from EcoSkin, and eco-undies from Cosabella.

SHE BOUTIQUE

Take 30% off sitewide through August 30, 2009 with code “30TIL30″ at check-out. Be sure to check-out their huge sale rack with tons of items from the likes of Myne, VPL, Loeffler-Randall, Vena Cava, Ksubi, and many, many others – all already at reduced prices!

SHOP ROBERTSON

End of Summer Blowout Sale – Take an extra 25% off all sale merchandise at Shop Robertson with code “SALEBLOWOUT25″ at check-out, through August 31, 2009.

SOUTH MOON UNDER

Get ready for fall with South Moon Under’s 20% off Fall Fashion promotion! Use code “FALL20″ at check-out.

TOBI

Take 20% off all regular priced merchandise today through Friday, August 28, 2009 with code “20FORME” at check-out.

WEST/FEREN

Lucky Breaks Discount – Take 35% off everything (like the Berkshire bag – below) at West/Feren with code “luckybreaks9″ at check-out.

My new most wanted  brand it Ksubi – formerly Tsubi and pronounced ’soobie’. Confused? Well, all you need to know is that they are an Australian jeans & streetwear brand and they have some GREAT T-shirts.

I spotted this one in French Vogue:

Ksubi Pop N Shop

What have those crazy kids at Ksubi done now? (Yes they are crazy, and yes i’m jealous)

If your in Tokyo. Read this.

If your not in Tokyo. Wish you were.

Why?

Because right now you would be climbing (or on an escalator at least) to the 5th floor of Shibuya store Cannabis, to check out Australian label Ksubis newest ‘Pop N Shop’ store # 2 *, ‘Home Honey, I’m Hi!’

(* #1 was ‘Lest we Forget’ in Melbourne at Don’t Come- Schwipe Gallery, if you were lucky enough to see it)

The latest installation by the brand is in homage to the homeless folk who reside on Tokyo’s colourful streets, drawing inspiration from the blue tarpulins used in the hand built shelters, Ksubi have built their own little bright blue plastic toy ‘home’…(i’m getting giddy with nostalgia for the plastic sesame street cubby I used to think was my palace).

Perhaps Ksubi are onto something, the blue tarped ‘cubbyhouse’ is perhaps a reflection of our own desires for the less elaborate things in life. We are obsessed with our material comforts that surround us, and long for the simplistic, Ksubi definitely cure our cravings. ‘Home Honey, I’m Hi!’ exists in the hassle free realm, all the furniture is painted on the tarped walls, down to the smallest detail, such as the cutlery and books in the bookcase. (awesome if you can’t read and don’t eat)

The irony exists in the fact that the Pop N Shop is littered with Ksubi goodies, simplistic materialism. Yum.

inside the lair

words by Tania Debono

Australian denim brand, Ksubi, just recently opened their pop-up shop in Shibuya called “Honey Home, I´m Hi.”  The shop is built from a plastic tarp and will be open temporarily.

Ksubi is an Australian fashion label, co-founded (2000) and directed by Sydney-based surfers/designers Dan Single and George Gorrow. Inspired by art, the street and music, Ksubi strives to present a unique concept each season and the label’s fashion shows are notorious for their attention-grabbing antics, such as releasing 200 live rats on stage or pushing models overboard into the Sydney Harbor. While themes continually vary and the label doesn’t necessarily follow trends, a common thread in Ksubi’s urban-chic offerings is that they are always fun and full of irreverent attitude.

Get them online, or view more of Ksubi’s denim after the jump

Hello my friends! Where has everyone been? Life at the big H has been rather homey: I’ve been doing my laundry, vacuuming, writing court documents, and calculating financial ratios at the speed of a financial calculator (using a financial calculator).

Boston seems to be the place for consignment / vintage shops, though vintage seems to be a catch-all term these days: they even have racks for clothes from the ’90s! Anyway, I’ve never really caught on the trend because I’m always:
1. too lazy to dig; and
2. a little scared of the dirt; and
3. plagued by the thought of dead owners.

As a starving student (the dining hall food is beyond description) here, though, I’ve started to give second-hand um, well, second thoughts. OK WHO AM I KIDDING I just wanted to say I bought this:

Ksubi Denim Zip-Up Dress, Skinny, in Black; Beacon's Closet, NYC

I first chanced upon it a very long time ago at a Certain Store at HMV, where it was going for S$400. We hit it off immediately and I toyed with it in the dressing room on three separate occasions, though I left each time feeling more alone than I had after my previous visit. While it didn’t mind that I was a poor, starving student, who had spent all her money on alcohol and um, other clothes, the guy at the counter always looked at me like I was a girl who liked expensive dresses but had no money to pay for them (both true).

I guess it finally found an owner who could squeeze her fat ass into it (I say this with all the meanness and anger in my heart) because it disappeared from the racks after a while. But lo and behold! I found it going for USD44.95 at Beacon’s Closet in NYC! OK, so it’s consignment, not vintage, but they’re all well, old.

Anyway, I’ve also visited the famed Oona’s, which is just up the road from my room here. I spent my last USD 15 on a vintage pullover, though I really think pullovers haven’t really changed that much over the years. The dresses looked pretty interesting too, but they weren’t exactly made for pure feeling young asian girls.

I’ve also visited Poor Little Rich Girl, a vintage/consignment store that everyone hypes about. They had vintage clothes on shelves labelled 1950s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s (what?) but it was pretty much a miss for me.

I think deebot once said she was interested in exploring classical hipster culture and how the new generation of HipsterzZz seems to have adulterated it (ok, my words), but I’ll leave that to her. If you’re interested in thrifting or vintage (which isn’t exactly thrifty), here are a couple of links:
1. Refinery29’s list of online vintage shops
2. 1stdibs Vintage
3. Liebemarlene Vintage: this is so cute!

Funky Beefy Cool

I normally wouldn’t talk about brands if I didn’t believe in them, but this historical brand certainly has something to say! With classic, stunning ‘masculine’ lines that will leave broken hearts in your tracks, this exceptional fashion brand creates its timeless pieces from the highest grade of leather. I nearly passed out on the smell of ‘cow’ when I visited the London store so I know this to be true. I could have stayed in their all day gazing at the craftsmanship of each piece, but had a date with Emily Blunt so had to move on.

If you’ve never heard of Belstaff, then you are well behind the times. Belstaff has been around since 1924 and has dressed everyone from James Dean to Steve McQueen, as well over 70 Hollywood stars in films, including the Academy Award winning The Aviator and the upcoming Terminator 4, Harry Potter the Half Blood Prince and Amelia Earheart.

Initially designed for motorcyclists and aviators, Belstaff was the first fashion company that made waterproof garments for men and women (waxed cotton). Its logo is the Phoenix rising, resembling the continuity through times of good and bad. And we all know how bad they are right now – but Belstaff has had a killer year with new designs showing on the European Runways.

Tip; Wear one of these rockstar leather jackets over an organic cotton T, with Ksubi jeans and distressed Blundstones. Choose to wear a belt, and if so – make it the original green and red Gucci strip – perfect.

i will buy all of them when i get back to bangkok….. cant wait for shopping !!! ahhhh T_T