Hairdressing Industry Awards

Hairdressing celebrities and talented newcomers alike descended on Te Papa for the 40 year celebrations of the New Zealand Hairdressing Industry Training Organisation (HITO).

And what a weekend it was; filled with events, competitions, apprentice awards, networking and the launch of the new face of HITO online at www.hito.org.nz.

Saturday saw a series of salon tours, with guests shown around iconic Wellington salons to met salon owners and staff. An expo was opened at Te Papa that celebrated the past 40 years of formal qualifications in the hairdressing arena and focused on those people who had contributed to the industry in a major way. A selection of historic hairdressing related documents were on display for guests to reminisce over.

Over the two days, a Hairdresser in Training competition was on display where apprentices and trainees sent in entries to copy a Worldskills model hairstyle. Guests were encouraged to vote for their choice and a record number of 65 entries were received from entrants.

On Saturday evening the HITO awards were presented, with the Apprentice of the Year awarded in each of seven areas within New Zealand.

National Apprentice of the Year Nominees were:

Northern – Katherine Minty (Headlines Hairstylist, Whangarei)

Auckland – Ardita Rakovica (Bettjemans, Auckland)

Midland – Haley Barraclough (Ahead of Time, Tauranga)

Mid-Central – Nikita Barter (Spectra, Palmerston North)

Central – Dorien Van der Berg (Pukerua Bay)

Northern South – Krystal Ward (Hair on Brighton, Christchurch)

Southern South – Amber Parkinson (Total Image, Invercargill)

Runner Up was awarded to Nikita Barter and the overall winner of the 2008 Apprentice of the Year was Ardita Rakovica (pictured above).

The awards evening also saw the Jasmine McBeth Memorial Scholarship being awarded to Joel Hornell from Rodney Wayne, Bayfair (Tauranga). This scholarship consists of an prize of $3000 to be used for further training and development within the hairdressing industry. Also, KJ Scissors kindly donated a $1000 pair of specially fitted scissors for the winner.

Sunday's schedule held a series of speakers, Worldskills Training, and demonstrations running throughout the expo. The celebrations closed with a cocktail party on Sunday evening where the Hairdressers in Training competition award winners were announced. Judges from the industry awarded the top prize to Gemma Wigg from Bettjemans in Auckland, with the runner-up prize- and the People's Choice Award- given to Alicia Hampton from Euphoria for Hair in Timaru. This competition drew praise from industry players and judges noted that the overall calibre of the entrants was very high. They also commented that this new competition was one of the best that they had seen over recent years as it encouraged training and put all competitors on the same footing.

The evening ended with HITO unveiling new branding in terms of marketing materials and collateral that will see put its best face forward- to match with its already fabulous hair.

Below: Sasha, Rose Palmer, Ardita Palmer, Erica Cumming and Grant Bettjeman

Cynthia Greep, December 2008

The Great Eclectic Jumble Sale

The Great Eclectic Jumble Sale was held in Newtown, Wellington on Saturday. Call it vintage, retro or antique – it was it all on sale and very well priced. Items ranged from 50 cents to $25 and there were lots of 'em. Everything vintage you can imagine was there, including clothing, fabric, textiles, shoes, bags, jewels, household items, hats and some in-between items.

Vintage-lovers flocked, with some lining up very early. There was very little room to move but it was evident that certain things catch individual shoppers' eyes, depending on their sense of style and past experiences. Many comments were made by buyers such as “This was at my grandmother’s house when I was a child”.

I spoke to two shoppers to ask what they had purchased. One had found a collection of 70’s fabric remnants; prints included geometrics, florals and paisleys in bright colourways. She aimed to cover some vintage chairs, which I thought an interesting idea to match antique chairs with 70's retro designs! The other buyer had found a fur coat she was going to cut up to make new garments from.

Vintage For Dummies: mannequins at the jumble sale

I managed to find a few items: a couple of vintage scarves, a gorgeous antique gold bracelet, a lace Italian top saying “Made in Venice” and some art deco fabric. The turn-out of shoppers was overwhelming- I counted 300 people in the space at one time- and my friends and I needed to go home and sleep to recover from the madness and excitement.

The Great Eclectic Jumble Sale is the initiative of a vintage connoisseur, Maria Henare, of fabulous vintage store Eclectic. Henare has bought up thousands of items from the ‘treasure trove of the South Island’. Based in Nelson, Maria has been collecting items from the South Island, most dating from the 1920s to the 1980s.

Although the jumble sale was a one-off event, if it were to happen regularly it would surely become a staple part of every shopper’s diet.

Cyndi Greep 18th November 2008

de Nada dresses for success

Thread attended a charity fundraising evening supporting Dress for Success (DFS) Wellington at deNada last week. deNada pledged to donate in clothing the same value as anything purchased on the night, with the result that over $15,000 of de Nada clothing was donated to DFS from the evening.

This event was the second of its type hosted by de Nada, and as it was last year, this year was a phenomenal success for all concerned. PEARL played, guests swayed, Rick Armstrong/Audi sponsored, Samanath Hannah (Wellington Stylist) styled and upcoming artist Amy Saunders launched an exhibition coined "Shades of Grey, but mostly White".

Since the evening, we caught up with a delighted and busy Creative Director Nada Piatek, Creative Director after the event. Nada says that “It was a huge success and we were really chuffed with how it went. The feedback we have been getting from our customers has just been overwhelming!”

I asked Nada some questions on the event and her boutique de Nada.

Was there an even larger turn out than last year?

"We had a capacity crowd - the store was chocker. I would guess that over the night there were more than last year, especially as we had more space with the changes we have made to the store since then. It was certainly standing room only at both events, but this year people stayed for longer."

What is your next event?

"Each month deNada hosts a styling event for interested customers. We invite about 20 women to join us for bubbles and nibbles. I talk a bit about a facet of the collection - colour, profile, accessorizing etc and Zara (our fabulous store manager) and I put together a few outfits using the principles we are discussing for our group. Kerri reviews some of the CDs and talks about the CD collection as part of the deNada brand, and then with our help to encourage our customers into some new and exciting ideas, they get an hour or so to get stuck in and try everything on. We are pretty consistently oversubscribed and end up with a waiting list most months."

Below: Guests Lizi Castro and Kat Austin at the deNada evening

How would you describe your summer collection? What was the inspiration?

"Once again I have an Asian-y thing going on. I think the new bags project really drove that for me (images attached - these were launched a few months back) and also the addition of the Laika label into our deNada store. Our designs are also driven by our customers feedback as to what works and doesn't for them - I work hard to design and produce garments that are at the same time quirky and curious but also functional and completely wearable."

What can the customer expect as a staple purchase for their upcoming autumn/winter 2009 wardrobe?

"Colour, colour, colour! Our deNada customers have come to expect that of us and winter will be no exception. There are some great oranges and kingfisher blues coming through and lots of dresses. Winter is the season of layering and there will be lots of pieces that this can be done with in-store too."

Nada is very supportive of her team.

“I have a great team committed to giving our deNada customers both a great product and an exceptional experience getting hold of it. We have a lot of fun bringing all these facets to our customers and will aim to continue our efforts with events, gigs, art, music etc. It is just such a pleasure that with events like we had last week that we can also get involved in the community and help others benefit from it all too."

Below: Wellington band Pearl play instore at the deNada fundraising party

To receive the newsletter for de Nada or for more information go to www.denada.co.nz or visit the gorgeous store on 128 Featherston Street, Wellington.

Cynthia Greep, December 2008

Photos Angelina Lee

'Allo gaitors

If you are shopping in Christchurch in the High Street fashion quarter a good place to go is a gorgeous shop called One Big Sugar Bowl. We were lured inside on our hunt for the gaitor. Gaitors are fashion accessories that can be added to an ensemble to give it that Italian edge.

Virginia Disomma owner of the One Big Sugar Bowl store and company started designing her range of gaiters in 2003. "Gaitors look fabulous with long or short shorts, skirts, dresses and pants. They will turn almost any shoe into a boot and are a great travelling option as you can have the boots in your luggage without worrying about the weight".

"I designed The Gaitor in 2003" says Disomma. "I've always designed and made things - not always fashion items, sometimes interior design and homewares product but fashion and jewellery is my passion now."

Trelise Cooper bought her entire range of feather and flower hairclips that she was making in 1998 and she can safely claim credit for bringing feather and flower clips and fascinators back into vogue in New Zealand because at the time, no one else was doing them. Now, as we all know, they're everywhere!

Virginia Disomma has had her store since March 2001; first in the Christchurch Arts Centre for three and a half years and now in the up-market fashion quarter of High Street for the past four years. She states that the inspiration behind the name, One Big Sugar Bowl was "to give the feeling that this was a space full of sweet and sumptuous treats for women of all ages and somewhere they could truly celebrate femininity". And it certainly is. Filled with trinkets, slightly European styled accessories and a lovely atmosphere, it is the kind of place you will not leave empty handed.

One Big Sugar Bowl provides a makeup and styling service for bridal parties and in 2009 will be specialising in bridal jewellery, headwear and specialty bags, garters and more. As Virginia says, every woman needs "at least one piece of jewellery they can have for many years and love enough to pass onto their children."

One Big Sugar Bowl, 173 High Street, Christchurch. Ph 03 3773600 email: virginiadisomma@gmail.com

Cyndi Greep 18 December 2008

Massey Uni shows Future of Fashion

FUTURE OF FASHION – FOYA COLLECTIVE 08Massey University Fashion Graduates Show
Innovative designs of New Zealand’s future designers embraced the catwalk recently when the Massey University Fashion Graduates Show was unleashed last week. The Future of Fashion – FOYA Collective 08 was held at Wellington's Massey campus in the expansive Great Hall.Massey named the show FOYA in reference to a recently discovered rainforest in Indonesia reflecting the rich, undiscovered originality of such an untouched place and the tight knit community of the people who live there. Graduates presented their designs to a packed-out audience which included well-known and talented designers Alexander Owen, Liz Mitchell, Robyn Matheson and Emma Wallace. Looking for a new pattern-maker perhaps?The themes that were evident on the runway included dark raw use of fabrics and styles. Fabrics that were evident were the use of silks in ethereal floaty dresses, satin in tights and jackets for men and woman and the use of screen printing and tie dye. Some designers used an eclectic mix of fabrics in their collections with a range from floaty and velvet maxi dresses to edgy punk jeans and tie dyed vests and tops. Interesting shoulder features featured on a range of garments including dresses and jackets – bringing the 80s into a more upmarket and attractive light. Pleats, drapery, tucks, domes and zips were meshed into many of the creations, all very versatile and wearable.Frances Hodgson’s edgy textile designer collection (pictured above) caught our eye on the catwalk. Hodgson completed the Bachelor of Design (Textile Major). Thread spoke to Hodgson on her collection coined “I'd Wear It To The Bone” which won her an embroidery award.IS THIS YOUR FIRST COLLECTION? This is my first fashion collection. I have designed many textile collections throughout my study and have had a consistent style with the aesthetic of my drawings translating onto fabric. The inspiration for these collections has been taken from a wide range of things but is mainly drawn from the natural world. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS YOUR INSPIRATION IN YOUR FASHION DESIGN? I'd Wear It To The Bone was inspired by analogies between the natural world and the human anatomy. I was inspired by old medical illustrations from the renaissance and prior, and particularly the limited knowledge the academics had on the human anatomy and the way it works. People formed connections between the body and the way the natural world works as it helped them create meaning from the world. WHAT IS NEXT ON THE AGENDA FOR YOU? I am pursuing a career within the New Zealand Fashion industry. Ideally I'd like to collaborate with a fashion designer to create a collection using my textile designs. WHO DO YOU LIKE IN TERMS OF NZ AND INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS and WHY? Adrian Hailwood would be a favourite within the New Zealand scene. I like his use of colour and pattern within his collections. Many designers in New Zealand are 'safe' with colour and opt for mainly black garments. There is a market in New Zealand for these however the use of colour and pattern could enhance a collection and make it stand out. I admire the work of students graduating from European design schools. The work is edgy, sculptural and sometimes borderline costume. Not in the least conservative. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF NEW ZEALAND DESIGNERS, ARE THERE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THOSE WHO ARE FROM DUNEDIN/WELLY/AUCKLAND? Like I said earlier I think there is room for colour, and varying colour combinations, to be added within collections. New Zealand designers are producing clothes that people love to wear. There is a great deal of talent already in the New Zealand industry but also emerging talent from young designers. Auckland designs seem to be more connected to the international trends but also in some cases seems to be a bit more corporate than the rest of the country. It is hard to categorise though because different designers within New Zealand target different markets ie street ware. Wellington seems to be a bit more one off and create items so that people can be individual. Dunedin designers seem to create the darkest clothing. It is moody and seems to have a grunge feel. WHAT ASPECTS OF DESIGN ARE YOU PASSIONATE? Textiles as this area is what I majored in and have focused on within the fashion field.



After the show Thread spoke to Kim Waddell a graduate from the Diploma in Fashion Design. Waddell was awarded the Brooker Spalding Ltd Award for Excellence. Waddell’s collection A NEW TWIST was based on the Wizard of Oz after a theme of geometry spirals resembling a tornado. Her collection was made up of neatly tailored jackets and vests lined with red chequered gingham. 2009 sees Waddell undertaking further study into the technical side of design as she has a strong interest in pattern making particularly computer based. Her talents lie in the pattern making arena and she is drawn to high end tailoring and sportswear designing, what a combination.New Zealand needs more pattern-makers so we hope to see these talented graduates working for an established label or designer sometime soon. To contact Frances or Kim or to make contact with other graduates email monarchrosell@gmail.comThe Future of Fashion FOYA Collective is a part of Blow.08 which runs from 7-22 November 2008 and includes contributions from the New Zealand School of Music, Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School, the New Zealand School of Dance and the School of English and Media Studies. For more information visit http://blow.massey.ac.nz/ or www.massey.ac.nzPhoto – Models wearing the edgy upmarket collection by talented designer Frances HodgsonPhoto – Kim Waddell, graduate of the Diploma in Fashion Design received the Brooker Spalding Ltd Award for Excellence Photos – Models walk in a range of graduate designsPhotographer: Angelina LeeCyndi Greep, 18 November 2008

3 friends have an exhibition

Three Wellington artists: Ange Lee, Chris Bramwell and Richard Graham, joined together for their exhibition, “three: Good Things Come In…”, a collaboration between the three friends which opened Tuesday 18 November at ROAR! Gallery. Their art works are diverse but all have a slight introspective feeling.
ROAR! gallery is New Zealand’s first gallery to promote Outsider Art. The gallery promotes work which does not fit into the traditional art category, such as craft, and is supportive of emerging and outside artists and also those not formally trained. The space in ROAR! is a fabulous area to showcase art and the exhibition launch for “three: Good Things Come In…” was styled artfully with plants and retro chairs which added to the ambience.
All three artists have all been focusing on the meditative and more introspective aspects of busy day-to-day lives. In their works they embrace the concept of separateness and being separate yet connected. Their paintings, carvings and photographs explore the idea that all things are simultaneously a whole and a part. They are looking at our world on a symbolic level, the small and the smaller, exploring the idea of things appearing distinct from each other because all exist on a unified field of consciousness.
Ange Lee’s Twilight collection is one of a series of paintings featuring a beautiful blue colour palette which provokes thoughtfulness and harmony. “My work is influenced by a deep interest in Eastern philosophy, quantum mechanics and the expansive and ever-changing view of the Orongorongos and Cook Strait from my window” says Lee.
Rich Graham’s collection, The Atom Smashers, incorporates carving and acrylic on board. Graham says that there is an “underlying geometric abstraction carved into the board – resembling a constructionist style that has been influenced by early modernists such as Mondrian and Ben Nicholson.” Some of the works feature Japanese throwing stars, shuriken, to resemble his new role of fatherhood. He says that “quantum mechanics are a recurring theme in my works representing a harmony of mind, body and spirit that few have achieved.”
Bramwell, photographer, says that she is drawn to patterns incorporating balance and the feeling of bleakness. Themes include home and history but essentially about ‘home’. Fabulous photos of Montréal Canada shot in a bleak moment are a part of her collection. Her photography is of a spontaneous nature.“I just capture moments, and tend to take photos as I feel like it”. Nice.
“three: Good Things Come In…” runs for two weeks at ROAR! Gallery. ROAR! Supports the annual Art Auction coming up 25th November for Pablos. Artists works that will auctioned at this event include works by Dick Frizzell, MISERY and others.
To visit the exhibition or for further information including tickets to the Art Auction contact roargallery@paradise.net.nz or visit the gallery situated on the 1st floor, 55 Abel Smith Street, Wellington.
Cyndi Greep, 19th November 2008
Photo by Ange Wadsworth of artists Chris Bramwell, Richard Graham and Ange Lee.

twenty seven names in French
A little bit Parisian, a little bit rock and roll….Inspired by punk duchess Patti Smith, a movie called Dream of Life and some additional themes of marching bands, marine parade and the French flag, twentysevennames has some fresh ideas based around retro themes.
Talking to Anjali Stewart and Rachel Easting about their delightful but edgy label twentysevennames the designers are currently using a mix of fabrics from t-shirting, cottons, denim and silk. Colours for summer include the French flag colour way – red, white and blue being utilised in bold colour blocks.
I guess we “incorporate vintage tailoring into high end wearable items” said Stewart and “we use basic fabrics to make elaborate garments” remarked Easting, “there’s a little bit of 70s, and a little 30s in the sailor's collars that are coming through in the collections.” Their fourth collection “Jacques Attack!” is both French and marine-themed. Recent collections were dreamed up when the designers rock and rolled it to inspirational Paris to see the New Year in.
When asked what item from their collection that all women need in their wardrobe from the current range both designers agree it has to be the knit denim jeans. “They are very much an extension of tights but are actually jeans”. These little beauties currently retail for $360 and they are an item that will with stand the test of time and can be worn any through the seasons – all year round.
Launched in 2005, twentysevennames is a collaboration between Stewart and Easting who have known each other since they were playgrounders. Stewart, a Design student, and Easting, an Arts student, both graduated from Otago. They have a warehouse in central Wellington and their Winter 09 collection was shown recently at Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2008. I envisage these designers are already moving fast –they’ve already been to Paris and I think their designs are following!

For more information go to www.twentysevennames.co.nz
Photo: twentysevennames designers Anjali Stewart and Rachel Easting

Photographer: Emma Allen

Cyndi Greep 13 November 2008

The costumes of Don Quixote Ballet
Why should you attend a performance of Don Quixote with the Royal New Zealand Ballet? The beautiful costumes for one! Vibrant crimsons, reds, tangerines, and fushia pinks float past giving the audience a Barcelona experience full of fashion and flight.
The production staged and choreographed by Gary Harris and Adrian Burnett stars 2008 Wellingtonian of the Year Sir Jon Trimmer as ‘The Don’ in his 50th year with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Set in Barcelona, based on Miguel De Cervantes' classic novel, Don Quixote de la Mancha, is one of the great comedic ballets. Don Quixote magically combines vibrant costumes, impeccable talent and mesmerizing characters with traditional classical ballet choreography and music by Ludwig Minkus performed by Wellington Vector Orchestra.
Costumes for the production have been designed by Artistic Director Gary Harris. As Don Quixote is a new production for the RNZB, costumes have been created from inception and have been designed to match themes occurring throughout the production including a secret lover's tryst, a robbery, gypsy encounters and a wedding.
Trying to source a tutu for my fancy dress collection I asked the RNZB about the costumes. Dresses are made of silk-taffetas and poly-taffetas. Some are able to be sourced locally but they are mainly sourced from the UK and Germany due to the range of vibrant colours. A small team of people including Andrew Pfeiffer, RNZB wardrobe supervisor of 20 years create the costumes and depending on the size of the show can take a period of time to complete.
Below: Katie Hurst-Saxton dances with a red fan to match her stunning Spanish dress in Don Quixote.
For Don Quixote, the dresses were worked on for the rehearsal period, approximately 7 to 8 weeks. The tutu bodices were started at the end of the last show, Romeo and Juliet, which finished in August. Dresses were reasonably easy to put together because of the time period where Don Quixote was set. For this production it appeared that it was the colours that made the costumes.
Although the costumes are hardly ever on display to the public there was is a rare opportunity for some to be viewed and purchased during the Royal New Zealand Ballet's Great Costume Auction and Exhibition in June. Additionally there is sometimes a chance to see some costumes up close during the RNZB Day at the Ballet education experiences. If you get the chance to see the production, go, if not for the ballet, for the fashion!
For more information on how to see Don Quixote for yourself, until 11 December 2008, go to http://www.nzballet.org.nz/season/don-quixote-2008
Cyndi Greep, 12 October 2008

Main picture: RNZB artists as gypsies in Don Quixote.

Photos by Maarten Holl

Art one can afford

It was a case of First Time Browser Meets Talented First Time Exhibitor, when Cyndi Greep visited Wellington's Affordable Art Show where all artworks are priced under $5000.Running since 2005, the annual event is a three day exhibition of art held at TSB Centre in the capital, and includes an opening gala evening followed by public days. The Affordable Art Show encourages New Zealanders to celebrate their identity and culture by buying local art. The objective of the New Zealand Affordable Art Trust, a charitable trust, is to “facilitate, promote, educate and foster support for new, emerging and established artists”. All art displayed at the exhibition is for sale and each work has to be priced under $5,000. Artists also have the option of paying for an entire wall to display a number of their works. I asked a first time exhibitor how she became involved in this year's Affordable Art exhibition. Ange Lee, a Wellington artist who works in a medium of abstract painting using oil and canvas, heard about Affordable Art through friends. “I thought it would be a really good way to test the market" says Lee. "For years, I have dabbled in painting. Over the last couple of years I have become serious about it and this is a great way to start exhibiting. This art show is an excellent way for the general public to see new and emerging artists display their creations in a way they may not necessary usually market their work." Lee says she is influenced by Eastern philosophy, and quantum mechanics.You may not know a lot about art, but you'll know what you like. Get along to the Affordable Art Show and discover the Next Big Thing while you can still afford them.

Photo – emerging Wellington artist Ange Lee.

The Big Fashion Shwop

Go sustainable shopping and Keep the Claws in at The Big Shwop, says Cynthia Greep... The Big Shwop (a hybrid word combining shop/swop) was held in Wellington at the Southern Cross bar last weekend. The Big Shwop is an initiative where shoppers exchange fashionable, unwanted, quality garments for vouchers. Shoppers cash in the vouchers for clothes that have been exchanged by others. The Big Shwop encourages New Zealanders to buy local, ethically-made fashion with a focus on reducing, reusing and recycling as much as possible.A glass of complimentary vino from sponsor Momo Marlborough was poured for all shoppers and spot prizes were donated from Eco Store. Undertaken on a budget of zilch and with volunteer assistance, the event was extremely well organised and attended with assistance from Starfish, the Southern Cross and a live DJ.I traded in a white top I had never worn for a vintage white vinyl jacket. A friend came away with a vintage-style tennis dress and a striped puff-sleeve jacket. With clothing that was not traded given away to charity organisations, it was a very well organised and enjoyable shopping experience with a touch of finesse. Here's to the next one- planned for December 2008 - at a bigger venue please! I'll have a lot more unwanted shopping to be swapping by then...Photo – two happy shwoppers chilling out with a cuppa tea and admiring their newfound bounty.Cynthia Greep, 8 August 2008

Gorgeous Girls

I first came across Narina’s works at the Affordable Art Show held last month in Wellington where she had a wall devoted to her pop-surrealist style portraits of ‘precious’ girls, and this month attended her first major Wellington exhibition opening held at the Rex Royale boutique in Wellington’s artist quarter, Cuba Street.
I overheard some exhibition guests marvelling at Narina's works and saying that she would sell out in New York. Of that I am sure. Narina, a self-taught artist, creates pop-surrealist style portraits of gorgeous, ‘precious’ girls. And these girls and Narina have a fantastic future ahead of them.
Her stylised cartoon-like works, constructed with acrylic on canvas and 3-D touches portray the innocence of youth. Narina started to paint the girls to deal with the pain and grief of losing her sister and these memories, of a childhood touched by sadness are reflected in the pretty characters she creates.
As each wee girl comes to life, Narina’s attachment to each of them intensifies, however she hopes that wherever they end up they'll be loved just as much as she loves creating them. She says “I kind of like to think that out of tragedy came beauty, and I feel lucky to have had a creative outlet to deal with my pain. The cool part is how my girls have gone from being dark and sad to a bit more grown-up and content. Now they kind of look a little bit happy. Not jumping for joy but hey we’re getting there”.

Narina has had three solo exhibitions in Auckland and participated in the Illicit group show in 2005, before moving to Wellington where she continues to produce her truly precious girls. The exhibition runs at Rex Royale, 106 Cuba Street throughout September 2008 and Narina can be contacted at stnz@clear.net.nzPictured above: Narina and her work.

Photo thanks to Citylife and Emma Allen.
Cynthia Greep, September 2008

Rita Angus: Life and Vision

Te Papa is currently running an exhibition documenting the art and life of one of New Zealand’s most significant and loved artists, Rita Angus. The exhibition hosts 200 works, including sketches, studies, photographs, letters and of course her well-known paintings such as Cass (1936), Boats, Island Bay (1962-63) and her own self portraits. In viewing her works it is apparent that she was inspired to work with portraits and landscapes. Many well-known New Zealand iconic landscapes feature in the exhibition including scenes we can all identify with including landscapes in Wanaka, Wellington, Central Otago and Hawkes Bay. This is one of the most extensive collections of Angus’s art and the collection highlights the personal and social experiences Angus was subjected to during her lifespan. Born in 1908, Angus’s paintings reflect her spiritual journey shown with the symbolism and mysticism of the natural world evident in her work. She touches on pacifism and reflects this in her goddesses that “she regarded as her symbolic children – messengers of peace to a future generation”.Angus passed away in 1970. Her sketches of Wellington's Bolton Street cemetery are unveiled in the collection and you can only linger on what they may have been should she have finished them. The collection assists the viewer to discover the real Rita Angus, what was her driving force and the eras she lived through.Te Papa has divided her works into three distinct eras: Early Years (1929-39), A Pacifist Vision (1939 –58) and Later Journeys (1958-70). A book entitled Rita Angus: An Artist’s Life by Jill Trevelyan a co-curator of the exhibition has also been published by Te Papa.The exhibition runs from 5 July through until 5 October and with free entry how could you not give a gold coin koha to be inspired by such an artist. Cynthia Greep, September 2008

Rex Royale Art Exhibition

On a cold Friday night in Cuba Street Wellington, there was more than one reason to get dressed up. Lured into the stylish premises of Rex Royale for an art exhibition unveiling I met with Jacki Condra, owner and in-house retail therapist, and Narina, a pop-surrealist artist.
When asked why the art exhibition Jacki said “essentially it’s getting towards the end of winter – moving into spring and we are moving past the recession. We felt like drinking some bubbly and wanted to put some art on the walls after a spring clean including a fresh paint job”.Rex Royale turns 11 this year. The in-store collection has predominately a New Zealand emphasis, stocking designers from Queenstown, Wellington and Auckland, including 2008 New Zealand Fashion week labels, Stitch Ministry, Crowded Elevator and Doosh. One Australian label, pretty and feminine ‘Mimosa’ is being showcased this season and Rex Royale has recently been approached by a French label so…watch this space!Jacki says that essentially a street wear boutique, for spring we can expect to see more frocks as we are head into a girly feminine summer mixing elegant silk dresses, 1950s retro inspired fabrics and shapes with nanas crafts. For the guys, geek chic and military styles will be evident and the current lumberjack shirts are moving toward a more street savy maths teacher.Want to attend a Rex Royale event yourself? Join the Friends of Rex Royale facebook group so you too can be invited to the next fashion event.
Pictured: Singer Yulia and her husband with writer Cynthia on right. Photo thanks to City Life and Emma Allen.
Cynthia Greep, September 2008

A very curious museum

In the Museum of Curious Intent
Arlo Edwards, curator and talented Wellington artist, has put together an eclectic multimedia art exhibition showcasing work from ten of Wellington's local established and emerging artists. The show, entitled In the Museum of Curious Intent includes work by Rupert Everest, James Flynn, William Hedley, Jaymi Bizzo Lawrence, Chris Lundquist, Gareth Moon, Roger Morris, Marianne Muggeridge, Freeman White and Arlo Edwards himself.
The exhibition is made up of a range of different mediums including painting, photography and installation. It’s a collaborative exhibition and will delight both artists and viewers alike. Think antique store, Moulin Rouge, cabaret and curios.
Edwards understands artists and the struggles they face. He is community-savvy and a talented artist and curator. Edwards is usually housed at the exhibition so pop in and have a chat with him. He can explain the ashes, monkeys, robotics and suitcases to you.
In the Museum of Curious Intent runs till the 25th of October and is housed at Toi Pōneke Gallery, Able Smith Street, Wellington. Toi Pōneke Gallery exhibits work by solo artists, groups and curators, and gives priority to Wellington-based artists. Hosting around 15 exhibitions a year, the gallery supports contemporary artists, curators and established artists.
Curious? Go check it out for yourself...
Cyndi Greep, 7 October 2008.
Photograph by Emma Allen

Pearl - Wellington's Musical Gems

Music at the recent Mary Potter Hospice fashion show in Wellington was performed by the exquisite and entertaining duo Pearl, made up of the musical gems Shelley Hirini and Lisa Nimmo. Pearl performed a variety of numbers which had fashion show guests up twirling in their high heels. Both performers were dressed in Metalicus, an Australian label stocked by Desire and Hamilton & Murray of Wellington. The talented musicians are both stylish to watch and to listen to, with their charismatic and alluring stage presence. I spoke to Shelley at the fashion show about their music and their forthcoming plans. Shelley said the Pearl style “incorporates a splatter of New Zealand covers” using acoustic and vocal harmony. Pearl also has “a six-piece band that are pretty much more rock and roll and will next appear at Toast Martinborough in November”. Playing covers is just one aspect to their music; they have also have a knack for medleys where they mesh three Kiwi songs into one - and I think slightly push the listener out of their comfort zone with the unexpected result.
Pearl is planning to release their next single in 2009, with a more Japanese flavour with lyrics in Japanese. These musicians are talented. Together, the world's their oyster. Konichi wa Pearl san, gumbatte kudasai. Not that these girls will need luck. More information can be found on pearl at www.pearlband.co.nz
Cyndi Greep, 26 October 2008Photographer: Angelina LeePhoto: Shelley Hirini and Lisa Nimmo dressed in Metalicus

Cynthia Greep- styling Wellington
Wellington reviewer for Thread Cynthia Greep has a part-time fashion stylist business called Monarch Rosell. Here, she tells us a little about herself and her passion for fashion..."I have always enjoyed challenging people!" says Cynthia. "I to try put together new creations from garments they already have in their wardrobe, without having to stray too far from their comfort zone.""After experience working in fashion retail management, makeup and the hand and foot beauty industry, I was asked by people to help manage their wardrobes. They wanted me to objectively help them to find a fashion style they felt represented them, which they could wear with ease and confidence, and even assist them on shopping escapades.""This led to me forming a business - essentially as a fashion stylist - but it also incorporates practical ideas of reselling items, revamping and recycling by using local alteration services and giving wardrobe leftovers to charities.""Personally, I wear a lot of black. I am allergic to yellow. And I'm a curvy girl. People need to assess all the things that make themselves unique and work with these traits." "Why do I like the fashion in the capital? Because there is so much black!"To contact Cynthia Greep for help with your own wardrobe, and to request prices for Monarch Rosell fashion stylist services and packages, please contact her at cyndigreep@gmail.com

Mary Potter turns on the style

Wellington’s Mary Potter Hospice held an exclusive fundraising fashion show, hosted by Rutherford and Bond Toyota, with iconic local store Hamilton & Murray and its sister store Desire present up and coming summer ranges. Attended by Wellington fashionistas, Pearl performed live music at the show, Alana Estate Winery unleashed a new bubbly and pinot noir just for the event and nosh catering delivered some delectable nibbles. Guests at the show were dressed impeccably for the occasion wearing black lace gloves, lace and sequin jackets, gold chains, gold handbags -in fact gold embellishment on everything- and lots of the capital's favourite colour - black. The catwalk provided a larger array of colour including kermit green, mustard, tangerine and purple and featured an amazing range of gorgeous dresses. Labels stocked by H & M include Trelise Cooper, Angela Lewis, Calliope Road, Moss and Spy, Saga, Catalyst, Easton Pearson, Caroline Sills, Obi, Sabatini and Cooper by Trelise. Desire’s range of labels are made up of Miss Sixty Diesel, Gaudi, Pepe Jeans and Grab, IPG and Sabatini White, as well as Australian labels Chapel, Bebe, Lolita, Metalicus and Mesop, and new for the summer, Rich.Our favourites included a full spectrum of black and white ensembles which appeared at the end of the show worn by all models which mixed a variety of textured fabrics with plain satins - just divine (pictured below.)

Mary Potter Hospice events and sponsorship manager Karen Doucas hopes that the event will become an annual event and by all accounts there is good reason for it. Not only is it for a great cause, it also is the culmination of many enjoying the same theme – fashion. Look out for this event planned to be held around the same time next year.
Cyndi Greep, 20 October 2008
Photographer: Angelina Lee

Fashion recycled at Willis York salon

A vintage designer clothing fashion sale was held during the weekend at Willis York hairdressing in Wellington. The preview opening held on Friday evening was a great success with sales in full swing and buyers finding makeshift fitting rooms in the upmarket interior space to try on the gorgeous bargains to be had while listening to upbeat DJ sounds and drinking bubbles.
Willis York hairdressers is a unique open industrial space situated on the corner of Taraniki and Vivian Street in Wellington. Owner Bex Brent is passionate about utilising the space to host exhibitions and events to celebrate fashion and art. Brent said that “basically the idea of the vintage clothing sale came from a group of girls with way too many beautiful quality designer clothes in their wardrobes”.
In collaboration with graphic designer and artist Jane Kellahan the vintage clothing designer sale was launched. This was the first event of what will become an annual event but from the popularity of this one, will be more realistically a seasonal event. Around 1000 items were available for sale including top labels designer labels Zambesi, Pearl, Marilyn Sainty, Miss Lau, Girbaud, Salle Smith, Trelise Cooper, George, Rosaria Hall and RJC. Garments were all in top condition. Accessories, shoes and children's designer clothes were also up for sale.
The idea behind the clothing sale was to to move and recycle gorgeous designer clothes that fashionistas don’t wear anymore. Kellahan pointed out that there are currently forums to purchase top-quality second-hand clothing such as TradeMe but that there is a gap in the market where people can actually come and see first-hand to try on what they are buying.
The space in Willis York is open and modern, a great space for hairdressing but with couches and chandeliers and designer interiors, it also is a fabulous space for art and fashion. Brent is supportive and passionate in assisting creative individals to flourish. Artist's works are featured as a part of the space and currently include bird tiles and a doll installation.
For more information on Willis York and the next clothing sale, art works, exhibitions/installations or hairdressing contact Bex at info@willisyork.co.nz
Photos: · Owner Bex Brent and Artist/Graphic Designer Jane Kellahan· Shoppers browsing the designer garments
Photographer: Emma AllenCyndi Greep, 10 November 2008