On Your Sleeve
Stylish men know that a pair of cufflinks is an essential finishing touch to any suited look.
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Summer’s here, which means it’s time to hit the beach. If you want to protect the skin that’s been covered for what seems like the past eight months, a swim shirt is the answer.
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45 Minutes to Perfection
Big event coming up? C’mon, with Christmas parties and New Year just around the corner, we know you’ll want to look your best. Now, in the space of a lunchtime, you can duck into The Blow Australia, a new blow-dry bar, and leave with a sensation look. There are six signature styles, including The Main Event, Rich Girl Hair and Baby Got Beach, which include a wash using R+Co products. The salon, too, is a chic affair, designed by Melbourne architecture firm Tecture. If you’ve got a bit more time, add on a scalp massage, hair treatment or braiding. You can find The Blow Australia at 146 Little Collins Street.
Attention Seeker
Sometimes you need a look that is pure glam. Enter DIIDA, a Melbourne label designed by Dimitria Papafotiou, who combines Grecian styling and ultra-feminine looks. You’ll certainly make an entrance in this Electra Mini Drape Dress in a silver metallic fabric. Like all DIIDA’s pieces, this one is made in Melbourne. Check out the whole range, including some summer-loving jumpsuits, at 583 Chapel Street, South Yarra.
On Your Sleeve
Stylish men know that a pair of cufflinks is an essential finishing touch to any suited look. That’s why Mark Boldiston of men’s jewellery store, Lord Coconut, decided to hold an annual exhibition and student acquisitive prize to show off the best links in the biz. The winner this year is Jean-Nicolas Weryha from Melbourne Polytechnic, who created The Lone Pair, enamelled cloisonné cufflinks that depict wolves. Drop into the store, on the fifth floor of Mitchell House on the corner of Lonsdale and Elizabeth Streets, to see a full range of Australian-designed pieces for men.
Cover Your Assets
Summer’s here, which means it’s time to hit the beach. If you want to protect the skin that’s been covered for what seems like the past eight months, a swim shirt is the answer. Unfortunately, they’re not always particularly flattering. Enter the stylish designs from Amber Hogerhorst and Emma Warwick, the duo behind Cuva Swim. The pop of fuchsia on this diagonal zip swim top – teamed with the essential swim pant – gives it contemporary flair. There are long-sleeved versions, too, if what you seek is a little more coverage. Check out the full range in the flagship store at 16–17 Beatty Avenue, Armadale.
Now Sew This
If you’ve ever wanted to make your own clothes, but have no idea where to start, check out the classes at Sew This Pattern. Annie Mollison has been designing and creating her own garments since she was a teenager and opened her studio in Elsternwick to pass on those skills. There are courses for absolute beginners, as well as ones that teach you how to make specific pieces, like a Venus Kimono (easy) or a pair of high-rise skinny jeans (not so much). There are even Sewcial Studio nights, held one Friday each month, so you can compare notes – and patterns – with like-minded stitchers.
Arnsdorf Steps Out
There’s a new arrival on Chapel Street. Melbourne-based fashion label Arnsdorf, designed by Jade Sarita Arnott and, in a commitment to sustainability and transparency in the manufacturing process, made at the company’s factory in Collingwood, has opened its second standalone boutique. All the label’s modern, classic designs are available, along with some special touches. Personal styling and alterations will be offered, as are lifetime repairs on all the garments. Take a look for yourself at 517 Chapel Street, South Yarra.