peppermint magazine

Akira presented a magical showcase on the last day of Fashion Week. And what a way to end a wonderful week! On show at the Box, models stood on low plinths surrounded by scattered lace and silk petals. A subtle soundtrack of twittering birds set a serene and ambient scene; a pleasant escape from the churning Fashion Week outside. Read the rest of this entry »

Many fashion designers have been inspired by Aboriginal art, however few have done it as strikingly as Roopa Pemmaraju. Her SS12/13 collection was a collaboration with Aboriginal artists from Coee Art Gallery, Desert Designs and Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation. Each piece features original artwork from many of today’s incredible artists including Jimmy Pike, Judy Napangardi Watson and Shanna Napanangka Williams. Read the rest of this entry »

After being to many a show at various fashion weeks, one can become somewhat tired of the same old sterile (yet sleek) locations. For their show at this year’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia, however, Ginger & Smart cleverly chose the grandiose setting of Sydney’s old David Jones’ ballroom. The old-world charm of the building was contrasted with a large abstract wall art piece, designed by the Ginger & Smart duo themselves. Celebrating the label’s 10^th anniversary, the mood was an upbeat and excited one. Read the rest of this entry »

Fancy yourself a bit of a creative? Find yourself collecting old bits and bobs to one day transform into that incredible fashion creation? Well now is the time! The Australian Museum’s Fashion Less Waste competition, whose finalists were featured on the pages of Peppermint last Spring, is on again. Read the rest of this entry »

Melbourne’s Autumn fashion week has quite a distinct flavour compared to our northern capital equivalents. Sure, there are still the grand waterside buildings and packed out post-show parties but the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival has tried to represent that ‘oh so cool’ and independent edge that Melbourne is renowned for. With a hefty chunk of off-site events, cultural programs and diverse group shows, it has successfully captured a broad cross section of designers from a myriad of styles and markets. Read the rest of this entry »

Last Wednesday morning at Ginger and Smart’s Paddington boutique, Ethical Clothing Australia held the first of many Meet Your Maker events. As the name suggests, the new campaign focuses on helping Australian consumers to make informed ethical shopping choices. You can be sure that anything boasting the Meet Your Maker label has been manufactured by skilled workers in safe conditions by brands committed to keeping their business local and sustainable. Read the rest of this entry »

Sydney Design Festival is just around the corner and with “Is old new again?” this year’s theme, we can be sure to find a myriad of sustainable exhibitions and workshops to tickle our toes! Just one gem among the design fun is Transparent Seams ‘Upcyling Fashion’ workshop next Saturday, July 30, from 1pm-4pm at The Gaffa Gallery. Armholes will be turned into necklines, necklines into bustles and shirts into skirts as fashion is transformed all round and consumers learn how to become their own creators. Book ahead here or, if you can’t make the workshop, visit the Transparent Seams Exhibition which will be running all week from July 28 – August 6!

Some you may be familiar with the euphoric sense of accomplishment (and sometimes frustration!) of making your very own garment. For those of you who aren’t, now is the time to get that dusty sewing machine out and feel the joy of creating. DIY couture is a London-based fashion label that encourages consumers to be co-creators. Inspired by the lack of affordable ethical clothing and over-complexity of traditional sewing patterns, DIYC (who you might also remember back in Issue 6 of Peppermint!) was born. Many designers would be outraged at the idea of sharing their designs with easy step by step instructions; however founder Rosie Martin is doing just that. Rosie tells us about her motivations, life in London and her exciting new book which is set to revolutionise the way we consume fashion. Read the rest of this entry »