TRENDING: All Black

We’re in the midst of yet another Australian summer - where the sun’s rays have tinged our skin golden, where the beach serves as the ultimate day-off retreat, and where matte black shades and SPF 50+ are absolute must-haves. For many mere mortals, summer bares images of bikinis and board shorts, crystal blue waters and sweet tropical fruit.

But as I’ve come to notice, from those cool kids walking down Bondi promenade, to my very own go-to summer outfits, all black looks - or anti-summer dressing (as I love to call it) - is a growing trend. One must simply look at Solestruck’s Summer Lookbook to see that this trend is all the rebelliousness rage it claims to be. And boy does it look good, almost Tim Burton-esque.

Titled ‘Goths in Hot Weather’, I found the lookbook possesses an enigmatic beauty about this nonconformist way of summer dressing. Maybe it’s the ‘stick it to the man/I couldn't care less’ attitude you seemingly adopt wearing something all black. Or perhaps the timelessness of the outfit by this simple choice in colour. Regardless of what it is, anti-summer outfits have already, and will continue, to dictate how I dress this summer.

PS. Sharon and I have recently started our very own YouTube channel, at Primped and Primed, and we would really love it if you could have a look around and let us know what you think. It even features anti-summer looks. 

 

[YouTube Video Here]

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White for Spring

Picture Source: http://www.style.com

It seems like every season white doesn't go out of style. White in winter, white in summer; designers will find any excuse to incorporate this shade into their collection. Having white as a trend is almost mandatory. Lets be honest, we can all see it coming.

On par with florals (always 'in') and nautical stripes (just doesn't quit), it was unsurprising to see white on the Spring Summer 2015 runways. What is interesting is how each individual label interprets it, bringing something fresh to the table through texture, shape, cut and styling.

Above are my top picks from NYFW S/S 2015.

By Sharon Jiang 

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TRENDING: Wide Brimmed Hats

From Pharrell’s Canadian Mountie inspired Vivienne Westwood headpiece at the Grammy’s to the sartorial creations of Christopher Bailey, wide brimmed hats – and hats alike – have been creeping their way into the fashion spotlight.  Felt or suede, over-sized, floppy or structured, headwear of the calibre is just what the Australian summer calls for.

Whether you’re lounging on the beach basking in the warm summer rays, exploring the vast expanses of the Australian landscape or simply walking the high streets, brimmed hats are the go-to accessory for practicality and effortless cool. So with that in mind, it seems almost a sin not to jump on the band wagon.

Of course not everyone can afford the technicolour creations at Burberry. Or the luxurious pieces crafted at Lanvin. So I’ve found solace in the beautifully constructed pieces at Fallen Broken Street and Lack of Color. If anyone knows the who-is-who in wide brimmed hats, these two are truly a head above the rest (pardon the pun).

Picture Sources:

Jan Mercel // You Feelin It // Lack of Color

High Snobiety // Mike Kargee // Fallen Broken Street

From the streets of Byron Bay, Fallen Broken Street is the go-to for you stylish world travellers and crazy cool kids. Their hats have sat atop of some of the world biggest celebrities such as Cara Delevingne.  Their cutting edge pieces are made from excellent craftsmanship and some of the finest material money can buy. They also stock beanies, caps and gloves and now too, mini version of some of their best-selling pieces for children alike. I’m personally eyeing the Dingo in Wine or the Cove in Black - definitely a summer essential.

Channelling a more sophisticated approach to the humble headwear is Lack of Color - clean, minimal and exuding an understated class. These pieces are incredibly versatile for all you ladies out there – take it to the beach, wear it out with friends or even as the ultimate accessory to dress up an outfit on a night out. Made from the finest wool, they are perfectly trimmed with genuine leather or metallic gross-grain ribbon. 

I personally know that Sharon loves Montana Silver Haze. For a trans-seasonal piece with an understated sophistication, the creations at Lack of Color are seemingly impossible to pass by. 

By Marvic Casingal
Primed Men

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A Raw Story: Krystle Knight Jewellery

I have had a soft spot for raw crystal jewellery ever since the trend took off. Regardless of whether or not you believe in its powers, admittedly wearing a chunk of crystal does look pretty cool.

Designer Krystle Knight began her eponymous label after being "inspired by the exquisite elemental beauty which surrounds her". The label specialises in creating raw crystal pieces in brass and sterling silver. Today Knight talks about her brand and the spiritual connection she feels with the stones she works with.

1. Describe how Krystle Knight began. 

After working in fashion for seven years, it was a natural progression. I’ve always had a love for jewellery and also for crystals, so it made sense to be able to bring both of those loves together.

I am inspired by everything from photography, the ocean, an endless summer, and the simple natural beauty of the crystals themselves.

2. What made you so passionate about working with raw crystals? 

I have always had interest in the healing powers of crystals and I have always carried around a little pouch of crystals in my handbag (I think I got this little trait from my mum). I find the natural beauty of crystals so fascinating; each piece has its very own characteristics; which also makes each piece individual and special for our customers.

I mainly work with Clear Quartz, which is my favourite stone and is known to be the master healer of all crystals. I have been wearing a clear quartz crystal for years around my neck and really do feel the power of the stone.

Quartz is a stone of harmony, which balances energies and emotions, while increasing inspiration and creativity. It works on all areas of the mind and body; awakening, amplifying & transmitting energy, while clarifying the thought processes and clearing away negative energies.

I also have some exclusive Rose Quartz pieces, which is the stone of love. It promotes unconditional love, forgiveness, infinite peace and compassion. It creates harmony in relationships and teaches us about the true essence of love. It purifies and opens up the heart allowing us to express our emotions.

3. Describe the planning and design process that goes into creating a new collection.

I am now designing four collections a year and at any one time I am designing a new collection, shooting a different collection & also launching a new one. It doesn’t stop! But I love it.

When designing a new collection, I look at past collections and also see what our customers are asking for.  There are quite a few things I must keep in mind when I am designing and one thing is simplicity. 

4. What are your favourite clothes to pair with a Krystal Knight piece? 

I will mix up pieces and coloured stones depending on my outfit. I am a denim shorts and low side slung singlet type of girl, so layering all of my jewellery with a casual outfit can really dress an outfit up and make it perfect for a night out.

5. You recently stocked some homeware pieces such as Agate bookends and crystal candle holders. What gave you the idea to branch out into lifestyle products? 

This also for me, was a natural progression, I spotted them while sourcing new crystals and had to have them, the colours are so stunning and the intricate natural beauty of them are so so beautiful! I am working on some new home wares projects coming up, which I cannot wait to share! 

All pictures belong to Krystle Knight. 

By Sharon Jiang 

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MBFWA Trending: The Tropics

Picture Source: Lucas Dawson for http://www.vogue.com.au/ 

Colourful flora and fauna prints were abundant at Australian Fashion Week as designers looked to tropical islands for inspiration.

2014/15 summer's forecast looks bright and sunny thanks to We Are Handsome, Jayson Brunsdon and Suboo. All three showcased a collection either saturated with colour or exploding with island designs.

We Are Handsome brought the fun and energy into Fashion Week, showing their collection at the Paddington Reservoir Gardens. The lush ferns and plants around the makeshift runway complimented the tropical vibe as models strutted out in leafy, animal and oceanic prints. Sticking closely to their aesthetic of constructing pieces that 'capture the spirit and emotion of summer', We Are Handsome took no reserves as they sent out a model who held a live snake. Designers Jeremy and Katinka Somers seemed to be suggesting a tropical getaway is appropriate come the warmer weather.

Jayson Brunsdon's collection was inspired by the rich Brazilian culture, food and people in Rio De Janeiro. Titled 'RIO' it celebrated a modern girl who isn't afraid to walk out the door dressed in cobalt feathers or iridescent sequins. Metallic and reflective materials dominated the collection as models sashayed down the runway in a vision of sexy femininity and funk.
Brunsdon said: "The vibrant Carioca culture clash is infectious," where it seemed the Brunsdon girl is the life of the summer parties.

Suboo placed the focus on resortwear that's both easy to style and easy to pack. It had the essential ingredients for a chic summer holiday; silky maxi dresses and printed swimwear that took you on a trip down LA with those iconic palm trees. The Suboo girl is relaxed and fuss free during the day but can easily pop on a pair of heels and dance the night away.

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Crystalise

Picture Source: 

http://www.themaniamania.com/

http://krystleknightjewellery.bigcartel.com/

There's something unabashedly raw about a giant chunk of crystal. I'm not talking about the tiny specs of rock that's been wedged in the crevases of a Swarovski necklace. Those only glimmer in sunlight ... understated. 

The ones I'm talking about takes half the effort but looks twice as chic. I've recently discovered two local labels that hand make the boldest raw crystal quartz jewelry. From ring stacks, ear cuffs to costume necklaces, The Mania Mania and Krystal Knight specialise in chunky embellishments. I'm envisioning a stack of silver rings (3 & 10) paired with a white silk blouse and distressed denim cut offs. 

SHOP 

1. Krystal Knight - Energy Cuff 
2. The Mania Mania - Forbidden Path Ear Cuff 
3. Krystal Knight - Clarity Ring 
4. The Mania Mania - Bara Necklace
5. Krystal Knight - Protecting Ring 
6. Krystal Knight - Healing Necklace 
7. The Mania Mania - The Vixen Stacked Ring 
8. The Mania Mania - Rose of Blood Earrings
9. The Mania Mania - Ishtar Earrings
10. Krystal Knight - Focus Rings

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