São Paulo Fashion Week Winter 2008

by Phuong-Cac Nguyen

The concept of designers in tropical Brazil creating winter wear might seem like an oxymoron akin to Icelandic designers pioneering summer styles. Though not entirely off the mark when it came down to execution, the fashion on the catwalks at São Paulo's Fashion Week ended up being, for the most part, mild. But credit should be given to a few choice designers who brought up the temps, plus those who took extra effort in arranging creative shows that veered from the normally staid runways.

But first, the hype to the lead-up. By far the most thrilling moment of the week was Vivienne Westwood's appearance in support of two synthetic versions of her signature shoes she's releasing with Melissa (pictured at right), Brazil's hugely popular plastic-injected shoe manufacturer, accompanied by a retrospective exhibit featuring 147 pairs of the British designer's over-the-top creations. Also, Minister of Culture/singer Gilberto Gil announced the government's new dedication to pushing fashion in Brazil, which will affirm the country's up and coming designers as bona fide resources.

On the runways, plaid and flannel were staples, and while many used their own palette of colors, black reared its dark head. A variety of prints and strategically placed ruffles made everything more interesting too. When it came to size, trouser pants and other high waisted bottoms, like in the U.S., were responses to the skinny movement, and dresses and skirts took on all lengths. What follows is a more detailed rundown of the runways.

Alexandre Herchcovitch/Zoomp
Alexandre Herchcovitch was called in to manage Zoomp's winter season, and the results were unanimously splendid. Crocheted designs starred on women's black Cat Woman-like jumpsuits and light baby doll dresses took on different translations. The men's line was marked by large, shiny parkas with oversized hoods.

For his signature collections, womenswear proved to be another exercise in which he could do no wrong. Pretty dresses in black and color blocks were cut generously and then attached in a way to play with movement. Urban cowboy was his theme for men's, with open-back vests, fringes and leather galore in the form of hooded jackets and even a chaps entry.

Ellus
The Ellus show, set in a beautiful, old train station in the city center, featured a collection as solid as rock. Its cheekier 2nd Floor line (above) was charming and playful, with scarves made from stuffed toy art pieces, oversized and voluminous everything and prints that ranged from chevron stripes to more elaborated artful takes, some of which were created by Brazilian artist Bruno 9Li.

The Ellus line itself brought 21st-century punks and rockers with great hair via train, dressed in the brand's signature denim. Dresses had suggestive cut-outs, overlayed with black framing and metal hardware from the punk uniform (spikes and studs) embellished jackets of both sexes.

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Three Melbourne Bars

by Fiona Killackey

With Australian summer in full swing, now is the time to check out some of Melbourne's new and notable bars. Whether you're a local or on holiday and whether you go for the movies or the eco-conscious vibe, they're all spots where the women glow and the men plunder.

Club Valve
For those heading Down Under and seeking a little ring-a-ding-ding from their bar look no further than the brand new, glorified hardware, uber chic boutique, Valve located in the infamous Greville Street precinct of Prahran, Melbourne. Opening just under a month ago, Valve welcomes the re-birth of an industrial, electronic scene with promises of the best music and sound shows we're likely to hear in Melbourne. The décor is enough of a reason to head southside.

Club Valve
177 Greville Street
Prahran, VIC 3181
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tel. +61 3 8080 5890

The Rooftop Cinema
What more could you ask for that a non-pretentious bar serving quality cocktails from the rooftop of one of Melbourne's most iconic buildings (Curtain House) all summer long? Well, you could add some films to the mix just in case those city views become redundant. Oh, you already did? Well fancy that. Enjoy cult classics and new releases whilst sipping on a summer cocktail at Rooftop Cinema, one of the City's top (literally) drinking holes. A great excuse to get on a plane, out of the cold and winter and head down under for a drink.

Rooftop Cinema
Level 6, 252 Swanston Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
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tel. +61 3 9663 3596

The Pond
As a city saturated in alleyways, finding the latest "it" bar in Melbourne is always going to involve asking for directions. Opened about a month ago, The Pond is fast becoming the favored place for a cold beer in the hot sun. Set up for just twelve weeks over summer, The Pond focuses on being environmentally-sound and eco-friendly and has the appeal of hanging out in someone's (rather large) back yard. (Before image on left.) When creating The Pond designers opted for some friendly help, offering anyone who donated an old plant pot a free beer. It worked and the results speak for themselves. Check it out (if you can find it).

Skate Study House

by Jacob Resneck

Paris-born skateboarder-turned-entrepreneur Pierre-André Senizergues, whose company developed skate shoes like Etnies, teamed up with interior designer Gil Le Bon de LaPointe, a fellow skater, to create the Skate Study House, an exhibit that pays homage to both the skateboard and modern design.

A play on Los Angeles' famed Case Study Houses project that tasked architects and designers with building and furnishing model homes, SSH recreates the furniture from the project bringing the dynamism and spontaneity necessary in skating into the world of interior design, its creators say.

We like the shelves and Eames-like chairs made from decks, which will be available for purchase along with the rest of the collection from Colette and their site (it's still under construction but goes live next week). Already creating a buzz on HighSnobiety, Apartment Therapy and elsewhere, it's worth checking out if you're in Paris next week.

Skate Study House
28 January-4 February 2008
Colette
213 rue Saint-Honoré
75001 Paris
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tel. +01 55 35 33 90

Anthony Newman: Dangerous Diary

by Lost At E Minor

Australian photographer and designer Anthony Newman has been exploring collage art with his latest series of works: "Originally started from a few mixed media paintings, the Dangerous Diary was born out of my need to explore collage. I was also really taken by the fact that new artwork could be created by found, and usually discarded, objects in my environment—bill posters, flyers, stuff left on buses, whatever. It was also my excuse to get random and throw what I know and do all day out the window."