MINIMUM

Minimum was founded back in 1997, based in Århus, Denmark with showrooms in Scandinavia, Germany, Benelux, France, Italy, Canada and Australia. minimum is comprised of a dedicated staff of 30 ambitious young people within sales, production, design and textiles.

Minimum designs and develops progressive young international male and female fashion with a twisted scent of Scandinavian coolness, always with a seasonal look and commercial twist. Our collections have a unique design profile making them the ‘missing link’ between denim and design fashion.

minimum design is aimed at the young and progressive customer who seeks to challenge conventions and wants a rapidly changing fashion style.

www.minimum.dk

MONOLOG

The Monolog project was brought to fruition by graphic designer Indie Ladan. Inspired by flexibility and movement, Indie has created a collection of graphically driven pieces that are functional and versatile, each piece designed to offer multiple looks through the variety of ways in which they can be worn.

Indie has made it a personal goal to be environmentally conscious by using processes that aim to reduce waste where possible. Her collections are made from organic materials and she works closely with local manufacturers to ensure the making of the garments is not compromised, The entire collection is personally hand-printed by Indie.

NOOK VINTAGE

Gary and Rachael's Nook Vintage dream came to fruition after they built up the brand by selling their unique vintage finds at Melbourne markets. They took the leap in 2010 and opened Nook Vintage on Johnston Street in Fitzroy. 'It's going great guns! Seeing our growth in a year of being launched inspires us...we are appreciative and are humbled by the success and we look forward to enjoying the next chapter', says Rachael. The eclectic stores sells a range of great finds from vintage clothing and 1930's costume jewellery to sold timber work benches, lovingly restored furniture and unique rustic pieces. The pair are big believers in recycling and love to find pre-loved industrial pieces that they restore with sanding, waxing and oiling. 'The rawer the texture the better- it just adds character', says Gary.

The creative couple are inspired by beautiful vintage products that they work hard to source. These one-of-a kind pieces all have their own unique story that their customers enjoy. 'We love creating a real in store experience for our customers and we have a large loyal following', says Rachael. Having worked in retail, Gary and Rachael know the importance of good customer service and had planned to make Nook vintage more than just your average second hand store. They have set themselves apart by offering their customers exceptional service such as offering free deliveries and sourcing requests for the perfect one-off piece. They are passionate about what they do and it shows in the beautiful hand-picked items that fill their unique store and the thought that goes into presenting them.

At Nook Vintage you will be sure to find something you love, whether its a one-off piece, a unique shopping experience, or exceptional customer service, you will walk away knowing you will come back. You can find Nook Vintage at 258 Johnston Street in the heart of Fitzroy near the corner of Smith St and Johnston St. Check out the Nook blog and Facebook page.

LITTLE ROCK VINTAGE (homewares collections)

We love Little Rock Vintage because we believe that age can add beauty & depth to everyday items, homewares that have history and their own unique story. We love to unearth pieces that are the ideal finishing touch to a room, a wonderful gift for a friend or simply something special for yourself. Add a touch of history to your home with a Little Rock vintage piece and become the next chapter in its life.

Paro Paro

Paro Paro decoratives and accessories are hand-crafted from the finest natural raw materials. The striking creations are hewn from wood, shell, bone, horn and resin, all sourced from the Philippines.

Syndey based designer, Faye Maramara is inspired by a harmonious blend of art and fashion. Her bold designs have tribal influences that make a strong statement however they are worn. Paro designs are also widely sought after by some of Australia’s leading fashion editors and stylists. Faye’s stylish designs have featured in the 2009 L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival presented by Grazia, Leading fashion magazines, The Financial Review newspaper, The Age newspaper and The Good Weekend Magazine.

www.paroparo.com.au

ZHOUK (Victoria, Australia)

History
Zhouk is a women’s fashion clothing label created in Melbourne, Australia in 2003. Quickly, finding a loyal and passionate following in selected boutiques across Victoria, Zhouk did not make its national debut until the Spring/Summer of 2004 at the Mercedes Australian Fashion Week exhibitions. The overwhelmingly positive response to this fresh new label made Zhouk an instant hit, with many major retail chains competing for the exclusive right to stock and distribute the brand. More than five years on, Zhouk is now one of the best selling women’s clothing labels in David Jones as well as many other stores across Australia.

Design Philosophy
The inspiration for Zhouk designs come not only from the catwalks of Milan and Paris but also from styles and trends observed at street level. For us here at Zhouk, fashion is not simply a function of big-name fashion houses and celebrities, but more about taking existing trends and mixing, matching and twisting them in unique and beautiful ways. We believe that fashion must allow you to add your own personality and attitude to create new and exciting looks that are distinguished by your own personal signature.

www.zhouk.com.au

GYEGI (Victoria, Australia)

For the past three years, Honie Haig, Melbourne-based graphic designer has turned her attention to fashion and started her own label Gyegi – a non-mass-produced line of garments made in South Korea. Honie describes her pieces as vibrant in colour, graceful and feminine with an urban quirkiness.

Honie aims to inspire women to create their own unique looks by utilising the flexible ‘free-sized’ nature of the Gyegi range – the idea is to make each piece your own. Gyegi is versatile, on-trend and doesn’t come with the high price tag.

The label has attracted a loyal following after being stocked at Design a Space’s two outlets (in the CBD and Chapel Street) for more than two years. You can now find the Gyegi store on Lygon Street, East Brunswick.

Gyegi store
104a Lygon Street
East Brunswick Victoria 3057
Australia

www.gyegi.com

d.co Copenhagen

Sören D. Petersen started his own brand d.co Copenhagen in 1997 as a fashion brand.
In 2003 Petersen saw the need for a total change and translated the unique perception of d.co Copenhagen fashion into footwear. D.co shoes were a sensation for the market. Around 25.000 pairs of shoes were sold only in Denmark the first season and the success of d.co Copenhagen is constantly growing.

www.dicocopenhagen.dk

DO RE ME (Madeline Grummet’s Do Re Me store is in Elsternwick, Victoria)

About the store
We take ordinary objects, ancient skills, unloved trash, new art & sculpture, treasures of yesteryear and surprising homegrown, homesewn things and give them to you on a platter – in one place, one space, with a product line you can trace. To put it simply, we have thrown the net wide to harness the creative talents of the village. We believe in product with conscience, and we make it our business to tell you the stories that breathe the life and love into the wonderful one-offs.

Read more about Madeline, her store, and her craft workshops on her website.

Ilse Jacobson

Say the name, Ilse Jacobsen, and most of us will think of her rubber boots and raincoats as well as her feminine shoes, but to this should also be added her two annual clothes collections and accessories.

We are inspired by our Scandinavian and rural roots in utility and simplicity, giving our customers something feminine and comfortable to wear. We continuously strive to build an international brand of style and quality with a preference for natural beauty and natural materials.

www.ilsejacobsen.dk

Orson and Blake

Orson and Blake's brand is one of eclecticism, handpicked items from artists and designers around the globe, chosen because of their beauty, dedication to fine design, intrigue and soul.

At Orson and Blake you can find a beautiful cushion made from vintage Japanese Obi juxtaposed with an African stool or a Scandinavian stainless steel bowl.

www.orsonandblake.com.au

Bec Stern

Handmade jewellery designed for every woman who appreciates simple, unique and timeless designs. Founded in 2009 by an Australian Industrial Designer from Melbourne, Bec Stern uses a mix of bamboo, acrylic, stainless steel, brass, silver, vermeil, gold and silver plated metals, combined with semi precious stones and crystals which are manufactured using different techniques. Bec Stern creates fashion accessories by employing manufacturing techniques usually reserved for industrial design. Each piece creates a statement, bringing a touch of style and sophistication to any outfit.

SKEEM (Philadelphia, USA)

Skeem Candles are designed by Geoff Weiser and Suji Meswani. This Philadelphia based husband and wife team, did more than a year of research and development to perfect the wax formulation, develop the scents and colours and, of course, create the candles themselves.

The rich, colourful designs and unique long-lasting scents are inspired by their vast travels which include three to four annual trips to exotic locales such as, India, Costa Rica, & Thailand. The candles are silk-screened, then hand-poured with a custom soy wax blend to ensure a clean, even burn. Finally, they are wicked with a lead-free cotton wick.

The products have been designed so they are thoughtful and intriguing without any excess packaging. Skeem are proud to manufacture candles that can be used to be reused and recycled. It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.

KYLIE GARTSIDE (Northern New South Wales, Australia)

I have always liked knowing the origin of a piece of art. Who made it, why, for whom, what motivated them to create it? I appreciate and applaud originality and individuality. Sometimes that can mean inhabiting the edges of conventional style or challenging preconceived ideas.

Some of my work displays irreverence to history or tradition but I think that is what makes it interesting. I enjoy the juxtaposition of contradictions... precious and plastic, serious and playful, naivety and wit. I draw inspiration for my work from every facet of life. Conversations and experiences, the pedestrian and the exotic, what happened yesterday and what might happen tomorrow.

Jennifer Ellen (Victoria, Australia)

Based on the Mornington Peninsula, Jennifer Ellen finds much of her inspiration for her vivid contemporary pieces in the gorgeous colours and shapes of her coastal surrounds. A life-long passion for all things creative including a background in theatre, led Jen to discover a love of painting and she began her professional career 6 years ago. She enjoys working with acrylics and loves vibrant glossy colours that have a strong intensity . Jen paints large contemporary pieces but I also works on a smaller scale. The imagery of bold shapes and colour has an energetic burst that add character to any room - perfect for coastal homes and kids bedroom.

MICHAEL SHELLEY (Victoria, Australia)

Michael is a Graphic Designer and Artist that been designing, drawing and painting since he can first remember.

Mike has worked in the fashion industry for many years, designing for many well known Australian clothing labels. His paintings are inspired by his love for all genres of art, combined with his strong graphic design and fashion background, resulting in contemporary pieces that are truly unique.

It is not hard to appreciate Mike's talent - anyone that has the pleasure of owning a piece of his work will be delighted by the striking imagery and the exceptional attention to detail.

Q&A WITH KATIE ALBRECHT (Victoria, Australia)

When did you start drawing?
Age eight

What inspires you to draw?
Photography, manga and aritists such as Van Gogh, Schiele and the Futurist's.

What artist do you admire?
Seraphine - because her paintings are colourful and unique. She was self taught and made her own paints.

What medium do you prefer?
Charcoal for drawing, oil and watercolour for painting.