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Melbourne based celebrity fashion stylist and milliner (a talent she’s lesser known for, but we’re trying to change that!), Kate Bollard is one busy gal.

As well as being a new face of Matrix L’Oreal, a part time Model and an in‐house stylist for Lisa Ho, Kate has a flourishing business ensuring the likes of Rhys Uhlich, Paul O’Brien and Tania Zaetta look ever so stylish, everywhere they go!

Kate has always been a fashion enthusiast. After studying fashion design and working for a bridal label in NSW, she extended this passion and her skills, studying millinery and headwear, creating amazing headpieces. “Although I’ve studied millinery technique, my style is very fluid and organic.”

In Feb 2010, Kate made Melbourne her new home. Underneath her cute, pixie look lies a savvy business women. With both determination and motivation in equal measure, she is now throughly amongst it, in the Melbourne fashion arena, working at both LMFW and MSFW, on editorials, celebrity styling and at other fashion events.

And she’s certainly got plenty of exciting things in the pipeline for 2012…but we can’t let the cat out of the bag just yet, so you’ll just have to stay tuned!

With her 10+ years of industry experience as a professional makeup artist, Nadine has worked with the likes of Marie Claire, Oyster, and Rolling Stone and her work is sought-after by leading photographers. With a long-held love of natural products, she believes that beautiful skin comes from—and deserves—the purest formulas. Beauty Department by Nadine Monley represents the definitive balance between Nadine’s dual passions of performance and purity.

Having used using natural oils on models with superior results, Nadine began travelling extensively, researching ingredients and after two years in development Nadine developed ‘Summer’ natural gradual tan and the deliciously scented, ‘Man Tan’!

Although I must admit to a love affair with the Man Tan, I’ve used both products, alternately to tan me from scratch and also extend a spray tan, with fantastic results. With a rich, luxurious consistency, the cream leaves a beautiful bronzed glow, second only to a true tan.

Infused with organic ingredients and essential oils, ‘Summer’ presents a luxurious alternative to traditional self-tanners, building a gradual glow to compliment individual complexions. Natural active ingredients, such as DHA, deliver a light, golden hue over 2-3 hours for complete colour control. ‘Summer’ uses only naturally-derived tanning agents, Summer Without harsh, and is free from PEGs,  synthetic colourants, propylene glycol and parabens. As the tan develops, vitamin E and certified organic shea butter work to nourish and soften skin.

Australian Made. Organic ingredients. Not a streak in sight. Naturally-derived tanning. Complete colour control. What more could we ask for?! Buy some now.

www.beautydepartment.com.au 

Thai cafe Middle Fish has arrived, tucked away in Berkeley St, Carlton in the heart of ‘warehouse heaven’. Taking a cavernous warehouse and transforming it into a warm and welcoming space with defined zones is never an easy task. Boldly and successfully, the creators have designed this space entirely themselves with a clever and artistic eye.

The creativity and vision behind Middle Fish are the dynamic and super lovely duo of Siriporn ‘Pla’ Liamthong and partner David Holtum. Pla, meaning ‘fish’ in Thai, has had the lifelong nickname ‘Middle Fish’ after which the cafe is named. With origins in southern Thailand and after years cementing herself in the Melbourne hospitality scene, her vision was to open her own a restaurant celebrating the cuisine of her home region – a cuisine which is lighter than how we generally know ‘traditional’ Thai food.

Middle Fish has a distinctly rustic feel. After first painting throughout, Pla and David -who is a chippy by trade and completed much of the construction himself – sandblasted all walls to reveal the original brickwork, bringing warmth and texture to such a voluminous space. Steel framed windows flood light from either end and two oversized chandeliers constructed from traditional Thai silver bowls dominate, shining above.

The chandeliers and other featured artwork (such as that shown above), including the giant fish sculpture running the length of one main wall, are the creation of artist Torlarp Larpjaroensook, who Pla and David discovered based in Chiang Mai. He was provided photos of the venue as it progressed through construction and worked mostly remotely during the design process. Impressive, to say the least!

On the day we visited Middle Fish for our shoot, we foolishly came with full tummies! Foolish, because in a display of generous Thai hospitality, we were presented with our ‘second lunch’ – Pla’s Tom Yum soup and a sticky rice and pork belly delight prepared by Pla’s auntie, Na Sauw, who is experiencing her first time outside Thailand. Both were beyond delicious.

It’s refreshing to see a couple with such passion and commitment to their vision for a venue which embraces design true to Thailand and many hand made pieces.

Do yourself a favour and head down to Middle Fish while the word is still spreading. Because there’s no doubt this one will be a hotspot in months to come.

Middle Fish, 122-128 Berkeley St, Carlton

Launched this month and the brain child of Australian model Rhys Uhlich, TEVITA, meaning ‘be loved’ in Tongan, is a fresh new menswear label that has a “beach/surfing soul with a street smart mind”.

After years modelling for a multitude of labels, Rhys decided to ‘listen to the fire inside’ and go it alone to launch his brand. With no design background, he travelled to Bali, went surfing and allowed his surroundings to inspire and help him design his first collection.

TEVITA embraces quality, but allows for imperfection as a part of it’s aesthetic – a good fit for the laidback production approach of the Balinese! Each TEVITA piece is unique and hand made with a focus on ‘colour, cut and minimal print’. The Summer 2012 range features loose fitting singlets with fun contrasting pockets and, our personal fave, low crutch shorts and pants. This new take on the classic fisherman pant, they’re proving popular with women as well as men…and they’re our ‘list’!

“TEVITA is everything you’ve been looking for and anything you want it to be” They’re currently stocked in Globalize and selected boutiques nationwide with plans to go international in the not too distant future and a women’s range definitely on the cards. Down the track. We hope not too far…

Check out the video for the TEVITA Summer 2012 campaign - clever, fresh and downright cute, you’ll feel Summer flowing through your veins just watching it!

www.tevita.com.au

Our personal favourite? Shortlisted entry, the Mash House by Andrew Maynard architects. With an emphasis on ‘celebrating the backyard’, this clever extension to a traditional home embraces colour and plays with form and texture, making it a winner in our eyes.

Our first ‘Graphic of the day’ comes in the form of some uber-positive messages which popped up around Brooklyn this year from graffiti and street-art artist TrustoCorp

I’m sure they brightened the morning of many a commuter – while they lasted! Enjoy!

Designed by award-winning architectural practice, Six Degrees, My Mexican Cousin is the much anticipated dining and entertainment destination from Salvatore Malatesta of the St Ali Group, Jerome Borazio of St Jerome, Grant Smillie, award winning DJ and owner of 360 Agency and Andrew Mackinnon from The Taboo Group.

A warm and versatile space, My Mexican Cousin is no doubt a welcome addition to this pocket of Melbourne; an area more flooded with large corporate venues than those that are intimate and inviting.

I talked to the team behind the venue and Mark Healy of Six Degrees architects, to get the low down on how this little ‘jewel’ came to be…

What was the intention behind wanting to open MMC and why in this location?

Salvatore Malatesta came up with the concept after being approached by the Melbourne Recital Centre. “The art and the cultural life of Melbourne are of primary importance to me, because it enriches and informs all parts of my life. I have a tendency to put that out there and people pick up on it. My Mexican Cousin was born from the unique blend of synchronicity and opportunity. I brought Grant on board first because I’ve wanted to do a venue with him for ages, and the rest just fell into place.”

3. Six Degrees designed the fit out and their signature style is evident – how much free reign were they given or was there a clearly defined vision?

Mark Healy at Six Degrees says, “We were presented with an absolute shell, a bare structure with all the exposed service pipes, and pretty much given free reign. Salvatore was very clear on what does and doesn’t work from an operational perspective, but otherwise we were left to interpret.” The space is very tall and voluminous, so instead of dropping the ceiling Six Degrees left all the industrial fixtures, the underbelly of the building if you like, and dropped certain fixtures into the space, such as the dramatic lights.

“The bar area allows for the small amount of space on offer to be open for serving on all sides, and the interior is designed so that it can wear many hats, from morning café, the lunch time eatery, to dinner and ultimately a cocktail bar. The space is layered up so it can be have lots of different identities.

The design of My Mexican Cousin needed to have a dialogue with the foyer of the MRC, which is highly specified and no expense has been spared. We had a small budget yet we needed to enmesh the two spaces. MRC management was very watchful over the entire process so there was pressure there. The weight of the existing structure had thepotential to crush the small space we were working with so we scaled the space down to people size and created, I believe, a little jewel that sparkles so people can see there is something there between the toes of the elephant.”

4. How strong was the sustainability focus in the design?

Mark Healy says “We always looks for sustainable opportunities in all of our projects. With an already built concrete shell, we worked to have efficient lighting and air handling mostly.”

5. Is MMC an eco-conscious business? What are initiatives are in place to ensure this?

My Mexican Cousin embraces closed loop recycled.

A contemporary, versatile space, super friendly staff and a menu to die for, My Mexican Cousin certainly is one stylish spot.

Are you ready to cross the border?!

www.mymexicancousin.com.au

Beginning with ‘The Original Hobe’, a shoe which is both stylish and timeless, Melbourne-based designer Georgia Hobart launched her footwear label in June 2010 with a contemporary take on the classic desert boot – a staple of the 70′s and 80′s Australian wardrobe.

A ‘non-high-heel-wearer’ as a general rule and frustrated by an inability to find a simple, well-crafted shoe made from quality materials, Hobart sought to deliver a unisex product which would fill a gap in the marketplace.

Recently, I talked to Georgia about how Hobes came to be and what makes them special…

1. When was Hobes born?

The idea for Hobes was conceived early in January 2010 and we launched the brand on June 1, 2010.

2. What is the design intent behind each kind of Hobe?

The idea for Hobes, was, and still is, to produce very simply styled, classical shoes that are super comfortable and versatile. High quality, simple designs with new colours and style variations on the original core design each season. The Original Hobe is the key style and is the basis of all additional and seasonal style variations. Hobes are designed to be worn anywhere with anything. The ultimate wardrobe essential piece.

3. Where do you source your materials?

Materials are sourced from all over! Italy and Asia mainly. We use Italian suede where we can.

4. Tell me 3 special things about Hobes shoes?

• Without a doubt THE most comfortable shoes you will ever own! That’s a promise!
• Each pair weighs in at approx 350 grams and pack up flat into a cute little cotton bag, so they are just the perfect travel companion and will go anywhere and everywhere with you.
• All Hobes are handmade by a fourth generation Italian boot maker, with lots of love, care and special attention.

With a return to ‘classic’ and ‘quality’ permeating throughout all sectors of the design world, Hobes have cleverly launched into a market on wave of authentic appreciation – and with such a beautiful handmade product they are sure to do well. Next challenge?! UK & Europe!

The Hobe, self described as “utility, comfort, luxury and simplicity. One fit, happy tootsies and endless miles”. And free shipping throughout Australia to boot – pardon the pun……what more could you ask for?

So get shopping at www.hobes.com.au/shop

Employing an authentic ethos, Polli produce a range of beautiful pieces, from brooches to earrings to Christmas decorations, manufactured from recycled and sustainable materials. Some are interwoven with colourful, vivid cotton and others with hand stitched leather. Whether it be texturally or visually, there is an overall sense of ‘embracing the organic’.

I talked to designers, Tess Lloyd and Maja Rose about all things ‘Polli’ and what inspires and motivates them as designers.

Where do you seek inspiration for your pieces?

Polli draws inspiration from our environment, architecture and popular culture. As product designers we love objects, old and new, and often find inspiration in different things from bicycles to vintage cameras.

We are avid bushwalkers and enjoy spending time outdoors with our family – this is one reason we are passionate about protecting our environment. Our favorite spot to walk is the Jervis Bay area, on the south coast of New South Wales. We find the area inspiring, particularly the botanical gardens.

We are inspired by architecture and the man made environment we live in. Our studio is in a converted ginger beer factory. We have been influenced by the Art Deco architecture of the 1930s, and used the Empire State Building as inspiration for a scalloped design in our jewellery. Some of our favourite buildings in Sydney include the heritage terrace homes in Glebe, Newtown, and Paddington.

As a team, we’ve travelled to Amsterdam and we loved the quirky buildings, which inspired a range of jewellery and home accessories. Another area we’ve loved spending time in is Brooklyn, because of the beautiful brownstones and inviting stoops. Finally, we are inspired by the ornate details and use of pattern in Indian and Moorish architecture. (Polli also tell me that designer Tess loved travelling to India so much that she named her first daughter after the country!)

Your studio has many wonderful environmentally conscious initiatives in place – what is your best tip on how to maintain ‘socially responsible’ work environment?

Having a common sustainable team focus means there’s no effort in thinking green. We don’t have recycling signs or rules, our team all care and know to do the right thing. While we use recycled products and opt for greener shipping method our core tip is reducing waste; it helps to save money and the environment.

Can you tell me 3 special things about the ‘authentic design’  of Polli range? 

The Polli range is a unique concept and each design is developed through our collaboration with lots of input from our creative and supportive team. It’s authentic in each step of the process: firstly, our design concepts are creatively original and based on our own hand sketches. Secondly, the process has been appropriated from industrial materials and methods and refined over the years with our Australian manufacturers. Finally, our products are all hand finished with love by our team in Sydney.

What are you working on next for Polli?

We are really excited to have a new sustainable wooden collection in the works. This new collection is a different chapter in the Polli design book and uses lots of fabulous colours and chunky pieces.

That said, we can’t wait to see it and anything else coming out of the inspiring Stanmore studio of Polli. Beautiful work!

Be sure to check out their full range at www.polli.com.au