fashion – Page 2 – Stephanie Vigilante

Sleepwear Label Jasmine and Will Launches Its First Wholly Australian-Made Tracksuit Collection

Classic, timeless pieces made from quality fabrics and finishes. That’s what you can expect from Australian sleepwear label Jasmine and Will. Founder Jasmine Lindsay first conceived the label as a passion project while working in the finance industry.

“I started [the label] in 2015 when I was living and working in Dubai. But essentially it was born out of me not being able to find classic, quality, accessibly priced sleepwear in Australia when I was coming home, and so I decided to give it a whirl,” she says.

Since then, the label has evolved from women’s sleepwear to loungewear for the whole family – including men’s and children’s collections. Jasmine and Will has been worn by the likes of Elle Macpherson and Lara Worthington. And now – forced, like many labels, to change direction since the pandemic hit – Jasmine and Will has launched an entirely Australian-made loungewear collection, fitted with the officially recognised Australian Made logo.

The collection launched in July with two tracksuit sets, one in oatmeal and one in navy. Each is made from 100 per cent cotton terry, backed with baby loop cotton. The mid-rise pants feature a dropped crotch and taper at the ankle. Pair them with the matching scooped-bottom sweatshirt for an effortless at-home look – or layer them with a trench and sneakers to hit the streets. The pieces are sold as a set for $305.

Lindsay hopes the move to Australian-based production is the beginning of a long-term project for the brand, but admits it will be hard to fund. “We will see how the market responds. Our biggest barrier for producing locally is the exorbitant cost to do it. And unfortunately, with sleepwear, there is a barrier to how much people are willing to pay. The cost for us here is about five times the cost of producing overseas. So, to pass that on to the consumer is pretty difficult, which means we eat at our own margin – but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” she says.

Usually, the bulk of the label’s production happens in China – although the Sydney-based team will design, spec and garment tape everything in Australia, as well as monogramming in-house at its Woollahra office.

jasmineandwill.com

29 to Buy: Corduroy Makes a Cruisy Comeback

Written for Broadsheet

I discovered corduroy when I was eight years old. My little sister was in prep, and it was her turn to take home the class bear, Corduroy. Named for the fabric his little navy-blue vest was made from, Corduroy was a matted old thing. The stress from being passed from student to student each week was evident in his lacklustre faux fur and hazy eyes. Not to mention the musky smell, picked up cuddling one germy kid after another.

But his corduroy jacket stuck with me. In honour of that old bear, that winter I was inspired to pick up some mauve tie-dye corduroy flares. By Christmas, I owned a pair of navy corduroy sneakers, too.

Seventeen years on, just as ’70s flares and retro tees come full circle, corduroy is back (not the bear – though memories of him live on in the photos of him and my sister playing cards – but the textile).

Usually made of cotton or a cotton and polyester blend, it’s woven and cut into a raised, striped pattern known as cords, ribs or wales. It’s a strong, durable fabric that’s seen most often in winter, but can also be carried through to the warmer months, especially if you go for a softer texture with a thin, fine rib.

Here are the best new corduroy buys for your wardrobe and your home.

Pairs for your pins
We’re absolutely obsessed with Bassike’s long-rise cord pants, which are easily dressed up or down (and roomy enough for long days on the couch). This ankle-brushing trouser from Acne Studios is a real statement pair, in bright mandarin with a built-in belt. And these wide-leg tailored pants by Kuwaii balance comfort and structure.

Afends’ flower-print pants channel hippie vibes, and for a more classic look, try Kloke’s straight-leg pants. These Rolla’s Eastcoast flares – spotted on Bella Hadid – sit somewhere in between the two.

Top up, up top
The classic sports jacket gets a textured makeover with this Venroy men’s number, best paired with a linen tee. Ottway does long-sleeve unisex shirts for men and women, which are designed for a loose-fitting, relaxed look. And Aje’s Rebellion cord jacket has embroidered detailing on the back.

Go head-to-toe
When you want a cinched-in look, this organic cotton corduroy dress from Gorman (currently 50 per cent off) has a neat waist tie. And pockets – say no more. Bul’s blue onesie is for days when you need to feel both warm and stylish; and this black number from Obus takes cues from a classic boilersuit. You can wear this playful, boxy dress from Assembly Label to dinner and a movie, or pair it with sneakers and a denim jacket.

Oblige to accessorise
This rust cord tote. will add colour and texture the simplest of little black dresses. And this bucket hat from Byron Bay label Thrills will take you from beach to festival, and protect you from the sun along the way.

Love to lounge
Let’s face it, some of us really are living in our dressing gowns right now – elevate that look with Cleverly Laundry’s terry robe. Alexander Wang’s stretch corduroy shorts are especially good for home workouts, and Seed’s beige cord pant and button-down shirt make for a harmonious at-home set.

Hauling over your home
Who’s to say you can’t match your wardrobe and your decor? The Sheet Society’s corduroy doona covers in earthy hues will add depth and warmth to your bedroom, and Loam’s corduroy cushions – in navy, beige and green – will add a little opulence to any room. We’re loving these Kip & Co lilac ottoman covers, too.

For the littlies
Melbourne-based kids’ label Goldie & Ace is inspired by ’80s and ’90s Australia. Its mostly unisex designs include these vintage-cut overalls, perfect for busy little lives. Seed, too has some very cute cord overalls, and this bright yellow quilted jacket. If its colour doesn’t make it impossible to lose, the built-in name tag will. And the matching pants have an adorable smiling bear on the back pocket.

Treat your feet
Gorman’s sling-back clogs take the textile from casual to cool, with an emerald green corduroy upper and a wooden sole. Stepney Workers Club’s chunky Dellow sneaker comes in beige to match almost every outfit. And Van’s Comfycush sneakers are super soft, for long days on your feet.

Wear Your Star Sign Around Your Neck With Skin Studio’s New Double-Sided Zodiac Pendants

Written for Broadsheet

Skin Studio, a jewellery label started by Melbourne-based designer Chi Mai in 2018, makes nine-karat gold-filled necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.

Gold-filled jewellery is made by bonding a thick layer of gold to a base of jeweller’s brass and sterling silver (which is different from gold plating, where metals are simply dipped in gold).

Recently Mai launched an elegant new necklace collection inspired by the signs of the zodiac. Each pendant is hand-engraved with a tarot-style design, and hangs on a 45-centimetre chain.

The designs are by Mai’s friend and illustrator, Hannah Johnson, from Melbourne photography studio Twinewood. On the back of each pendant, there’s an etched constellation representing each sign’s astrological transit. Small charms representing the wearer’s moon or rising sign (or the sign of a loved one) can also be added to personalise each piece.

“The Virgo necklace – as I’m a proud Virgo – features the illustration of a dreamy woman in a field of flowers,” Mai says. “The Virgo woman is gentle, yes, but she’s also full of creativity, and thrives in … the pursuit of perfection.”

Skin Studio’s pieces are produced in a family-owned factory in India. “We also recently switched our packaging to 100 per cent recyclable and compostable [materials],” says Mai.

Zodiac Collection necklaces cost $149 each. They’re currently sold out online, but will be restocked in mid-August.

s-kin.com.au

Australian Intimates Label Nico Debuts a Leisurewear Collection, With Soft, Sustainable Fabrics

Written for Broadsheet

Australian intimates label Nico first launched in 2012 with its signature range of high quality, minimalist underwear. The label has since established itself as a go-to for organic basics made from premium, sustainable fabrics in soft colours such as lilac, lemon and rose.

This month, the label makes its first foray into leisurewear with a capsule collection of clothing in neutral tones and bright new colourways.

“It’s a bit of a natural progression given that we know what we’re doing when it comes to comfy things,” founder Lis Harvey says. “We kind of felt like we were qualified because we had so much experience in making things fit – to be easy and comfortable to wear. So it didn’t feel like too much of a stretch, using the skills we already had.”

The Brisbane-based label’s new collection features high-waisted midi skirts, long-sleeve tees and flare pants in heavy rib fabric made from 95 cent organic cotton and five per cent elastane. The material clings beautifully to the body and is available in a range of colours, including cactus green, Jaffa orange and peachy pink.

New high-neck zipper jumpers feature chunky zips and drop shoulders, making them perfect for layering. Each one is constructed from a lightweight, 100 per cent organic cotton French terry that’s been tie-dyed by a team of artisans in India. The cactus-green colour is derived from wedelia (a plant in the sunflower family), and the peach comes from a combination of turmeric and seashell lime. Skivvies, slip dresses, crew tees and recycled cotton socks also feature in the new range.

The garments are made with super-soft organic cotton that’s certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, and the label uses only plant-based dyes, making the dyeing process 100 per cent chemical-free.

“It’s quite a technical feat, actually. A lot of brands do use natural dyes, but still have to use chemicals at some stage for fixing the colours and that kind of thing,” Harvey says. The use of plant-dyed organic cotton also makes a crucial difference in the lives and health of those making the clothing – synthetic or chemical dyes can contain substances that are toxic for workers, and pollute the local water supply.

While the collection has only just launched online, Nico shot its leisurewear campaign at the end of last year with San Cisco drummer Scarlett Stevens. “She’s a bit of a champion for sustainable fashion and just a cool gal,” Harvey says. “So that was really fun.”

nicounderwear.com

Five Gateway “Hard Pants” to Soften Your Re-Entry to the Workplace

Written for Broadsheet

I wore tight jeans for the first time in months recently.

Had I missed the jig required to pull them into place? No. The way they tighten around my knees when I bend, or sit, or stretch? Not really. But did I feel a sense of achievement? You betcha.

After months working from home, office life seems like a long-forgotten dream. And leaving behind a comforting uniform of tracksuit pants and leggings – “soft pants” – seems like a nightmare.

But a return to work doesn’t necessitate a return to “hard pants”. We’ve rounded up five stylish gateway styles to coax you out of your loungewear.

Wide-leg wonders
Drape-y shapes, ample ankle room and freewheeling knees. Some of our favourite wide-leg styles include these handmade Australian-wool pants from Adelaide’s Good Studios ($299); Elk’s Abeline pants, which exude Hollywood golden-age glam ($149); and these simple high-waisted Uniqlo pants ($19.90). Obus’s funky culottes ($129) – striped with fuchsia, emerald green, ochre and deep blue – add a pop of colour too.

Elastic waists
Buttons and zips don’t equal efficiency. These swoosh-y navy pants by Melbourne’s Sister Studios ($180) are office-appropriate and have an adjustable waist tie. Likewise, Sydney-based Venroy’s cotton-twill lounge pants ($170) can be dressed up or down. These sunny Scrunchie pants ($247) are designed, cut and sewn by Byron Bay-based designer Mimi Holvast. And Melbourne-born Kloke’s Centre Stage pants ($240) are elastic-waisted, shaped by a clever front seam and made with vintage-look textured cotton. For something equally appropriate at work as on the couch there’s Base Range’s ribbed fleece pants ($180), and Melbourne boutique Monkhouse Design has made its own Relaxed pant ($150) in a range of fabrics.

Tailored trousers
Tailored trousers are flattering, stylish and versatile. Uniqlo’s Ezy ankle pants ($39.90) are made with wrinkle-resistant fabric so you don’t even need to iron them. For effortless elegance, try Viktoria & Woods’ Australian-made slim-legged Gateway pants ($300) in black. These luxurious high-waisted silk pants from Byron Bay’s St Agni ($399) have hidden pockets. Caves Collect’s high-waisted wool pants ($310) have a slight A-line leg, giving you room to move, and are handmade in Melbourne. Another sustainable Melbourne brand, Kuwaii, has made these all-season, easy-fit corduroys ($299). And for a unique silhouette, try these balloon-fit Arnsdorf trousers ($340).

Practical pants
Cargos are back, baby. Stan Ray’s striped painter pants ($145) aren’t as restrictive as jeans but are just durable and reliable. Bassike’s utility chinos ($160) have a clean minimal finish; and these slightly structured Safari pants ($359) are designed and sewn in Adelaide.

Relaxed denim
There’s no getting around it: denim is for hard pants. But not all jeans are created equally constrictive. YMC’s classic jeans ($206) have a relaxed drop fit; Australian label Nique’s Umeko jeans ($59) are cropped and wide with a soft shade of stone grey. And finally, Assembly Label’s high-waist flare jeans ($100) are crafted from soft cotton and go with just about anything (and any location).

Sephora Pitt Street Launches an In-House Blow Bar for Affordable and Quick Hairstyles

Written for Broadsheet

In her twenties, The Blow founder Phoebe Simmonds spent a lot of time in the US for work. She was a marketing manager for Nude Skincare (which is part-owned by Bono’s wife Ali Hewson) and then for Benefit Cosmetics across Southeast Asia, before moving to Sydney as the Australian marketing director.

“I noticed that many professional American women get weekly blow-dries. They see it as a professional necessity,” she says. “As someone with difficult hair to manage, I came to feel the same way. I had a big job and wanted to feel my best – but in Australia there was nowhere that met my needs.”

For Simmonds those needs included consistent service, a convenient location, competitive pricing, and a smart and stylish aesthetic. So she launched The Blow’s flagship boutique on Little Collins Street in Melbourne in September 2018.

The Blow does fast and easy blow-dries in seven signature styles in a fun – and very pink – salon. It’s now made its first foray out of Melbourne to Sydney’s Pitt Street Sephora with The Blow On-the-Go.

Here’s how it works: you turn up with clean, dry hair and the team will use hot tongs to create bends, waves or bounce. It costs $30 for short hair (any length above the collarbone) and $40 for long hair. Each style takes around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your hair type. All you have to do is book online – or try your luck as a walk-in.

The Blow On-the-Go uses the same seven signature styles as the Melbourne salon, including The Mane Event (a classic bouncy blow-dry with a hit of volume at the crown and a flick at the ends); the Rich Girl Hair (smooth, glossy S-bends and straight ends); and the Glitterati (minimal height at the crown that extends to long, bended twists). The Baby Got Beach ends in big, bold waves, while the VaVaVoom (“a go-to for a red-carpet gala”) is about rich weighty curls with height up top.

The Blow’s mini salon is stationed beside Benefit Cosmetics’ wax bar. The nook features two styling chairs, blush-pink curtains and Hollywood-style mirror lights. Book a Blow On-the-Go session here.

The Blow On-the-Go
Shop 2043/188 Pitt Street, Sydney
(02) 8880 9446

Hours
Mon to Sat 9.30am–6pm
Sun 10am–¬6pm

theblow.com.au

20 to Buy: White (and Beige) Sneakers of the Season

Written for Broadsheet

“Never trust a man wearing white shoes,” a friend’s mum once told me.

She never explained why, but it stuck with me. And for a long time I found myself deliberating her words. Is it because he’d be afraid to get his hands dirty, and therefore afraid of hard work? Or is just it an outdated red flag?

White shoes evoke a very specific look. But sneakers are different. Trends aside, it’s likely that most of us have a pair in our wardrobes. Over time, we’ve seen slim-fit styles, chunky “Dad” shoes and tennis shoes take the spotlight. As a 12-year-old I’d roughen up new, pristine pairs for that lived-in look, but these days, the cleaner the better.

And with more of us switching to comfy clothing as we spend more at home during the pandemic, sporty footwear is an obvious choice down below. Here are four styles to take to the footpath – or just the lounge room.

Classic
With curves, sturdy soles, uniform laces and a little sporty edge, classic white sneaks pair with just about anything. Acne’s lace-ups have a thick rubber sole for long days on your feet. For something lighter, there’s Superga’s canvas tennis shoe, which has been in production since 1911. Another interpretation of a ’70s tennis-shoe silhouette is the Baan sneaker by Collective Canvas, made from sustainably sourced materials including organic cotton canvas and cork. Feit’s Low Latex sneakers are hand-stitched from a single piece of leather.

Tom’s Indio sneakers are a good budget option at $54.95, while Common Projects’ Original Achilles, at almost $500, is an investment shoe for the kicks connoisseur (it’s made in Italy and has gold foil detailing).

We’re also loving this remake of the original Volley, which was famously worn by tennis great Mark Edmondson (the last Aussie to win the Australian Open in 1976), and this ethically produced pair by Saye – the ’80s-look design is produced using recycled polyester. And the Surry sneaker by RM Williams might just be the ultimate minimalist option.

Velcro
For speedsters with better things to do than tie laces, there are Velcro fasteners. Some of our favourites include Veja’s Esplar trainers, Radical Yes’s ultra-padded Journey 2 sneaks and Adidas’s unisex classic, the Stan Smith. Rip them off, slap them on – you know the drill.

Chunky
Daggy dads everywhere can rejoice, because the chunky sports shoe has well and truly returned (and like many things – cookies, salsa, knit blankets – I reckon athletic footwear is better chunky anyway). Von-Routte’s Austin has some good height to it, and is designed in Australia. Nike’s React Art3mis looks hefty, but feels lightweight. Puma has just released a bold update to its iconic Cali silhouette, the Cali Wedge, which has a super-thick sole. And Skechers’s Energy Timeless Vision sneaker is a Y2K throwback.

A little something extra
Because ankle-grazing sneaks aren’t for everyone, there’s Converse’s Chuck Taylor Move Platform High Top, which will give you some extra coverage. Another Converse shoe we love is this collab with Commes des Garçons – the Japanese fashion house’s iconic heart logo adds a playful touch. Zimmermann’s linen sneakers have a cute tropical print, but for something subtler, Spring Court’s Punch Leather sneaker has a textured, ventilated outer that keeps things interesting without sacrificing simplicity.

Released From Love Is a Sydney Jewellery Label Turning Recycled Sterling Silver and Gold Vermeil Into Classic, Everyday Pieces

Written for Broadsheet

Hannah Roche and her husband LD Malone spent a year learning to craft fine jewellery at one of Australia’s oldest craft institutions, the Sturt School in New South Wales, so they could each make the other’s wedding ring. In the process, they fell in love with jewellery making, going on to launch Released From Love last year, on their first wedding anniversary.

From their Paddington home studio in Sydney, the couple design jewellery people can wear every day, using recycled solid sterling silver and 23-carat gold vermeil (gilded silver). “We love working with gold vermeil [rather than] gold plating because the layer of gold is much thicker, which means it will last longer,” Roche tells Broadsheet, adding that it also keeps the price down.

They then use local goldsmiths and silversmiths to create the pieces with modern practices, such as 3D-printing for mould making, as well as more traditional methods like soldering, hand polishing and lost-wax casting.

The jewellery takes organic shapes, from chunky signet rings with bubbling details to classic hoop earrings with uneven edges that resemble melted tin.

Roche says one of her favourite lines in the current collection is the cast pearls series. “Instead of using the pearls themselves, we [cast] recycled precious metals [in their shape] as a statement against unethical pearl farming, which is rampant within the fast-fashion industry.” The duo is also working on a horseshoe series, to rally against the mistreatment of thoroughbred horses in Australia.

Prior to launching Released From Love in 2019, Roche studied fashion theory and business at Queensland’s University of Technology, as well as photography. She freelanced as a fashion photographer for Vogue and fashion retailers Bassike and Net-a-Porter in Sydney, London and Paris. Malone was an academic and consultant working in philosophy and business management.

“Our personal styles and aesthetic tastes are so different,” Roche says. “For example, [Malone] takes more influence from punk and noise music and cultural philosophical concepts, while I’m drawn to both classic and modern fashion aesthetics that emphasise materiality, tailoring, composition, texture and utilitarianism.”

But both like to take traditional jewellery styles and make them contemporary (see this coin necklace), or even consider a philosophical concept and see if they can create a piece from it.

Once their ideas have been sketched, the designs are carved, sculpted in wax, and cast in recycled materials. All soldering and polishing is done by hand in the pair’s studio.

“I’ll then wear the piece for several weeks and refine any elements that need further work, or if there’s something I don’t like ergonomically, we’ll fix it. Otherwise the piece will go into production,” she says.

releasedfromlove.com

Hummm Is a New Aussie Skincare Label Out to Streamline Your Self-Care Regime

Written for Broadsheet

Getting your skincare routine right can be overwhelming, but a bathroom cabinet full of products can be counterproductive, and not great for your wallet, either.

That’s why Melbourne-born skincare label Hummm has created a two-step range that’s all about simplifying your daily skincare regime.

Hummm is by interior designer Emma Vaughan and Zoë Rubino (former front-of-house manager at Supernormal, and now co-owner of Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca), who were looking for a way to make their skincare routines easier.

“We wanted to build something that we believed in,” says Vaughan. “So we just sort of built the dream scenario and worked backwards.”

The duo partnered with a local biochemist to launch just two products – a face oil and a peptide serum – in December last year, after spending two years researching ingredients.

“We’d line up every single oil that you could possibly think of and blend them together. And we’d smell it, feel it and see how long it would take to absorb,” says Vaughan. “It might’ve been perfect for 10 of those steps, but then the smell changed – and that was incredibly important to us. I guess it was a process of elimination.”

The serum ($98) is made with native botanicals, including Kakadu plum, wattle seed and finger lime, and gentle alpha hydroxy acids (water-soluble acids that can help to exfoliate your skin). The face oil ($75) is made with avocado, rosehip, baobab and rose geranium oils. You’ll just need to BYO cleanser.

As for the name, Vaughan and Rubino say Hummm is a nod to the meditative ritual of looking after your skin.

“As a mum I have very little time to myself, so I appreciate [a self-care routine] more than ever,” Vaughn says. “It’s those tiny moments in the morning where I can go and take my coffee from the kitchen to the bathroom and just put my oil on.”

hummm.space

Apartamento Is Byron Bay’s Stylish New Boutique Accommodation by Fashion Label St Agni

Written for Broadsheet

Ascend the concrete stairs of new two-bedroom boutique accommodation, Apartamento in Byron Bay, and you’ll find a space flooded with natural light and decorated in soft, natural textures. The loft-like apartment is from the duo behind fashion label St Agni, and its balance of minimalism and cosiness emulates the brand’s aesthetic.

“I have always dreamed of running my own bed and breakfast, and [I like] the romanticism that is attached to providing people with a beautiful place to call home – even if only for a few nights,” St Agni co-founder Lara Fells tells Broadsheet. Since Fells launched St Agni with her husband Matt Fells in 2014, the label has become synonymous with the laid back, yet refined look that is so often associated with contemporary Byron Bay. Apartamento, which sits above the label’s warehouse, retail store and office space, feels homely, but is also stylishly appointed in a way that gives due consideration to form and function and reflects St Agni’s air of understated luxury.

The couple found the space (which was once used for building boats) on Gumtree in 2019 and transformed it into the label’s headquarters, warehouse and boutique space. The structure also had a four-bedroom house attached to the front. “[So we decided] to split it in half and create an apartment, while leasing the downstairs to our favourite local coffee shop,” Lara says.

The label’s clean aesthetic carries through to the apartment. There’s a similarly muted colour palette, with warm handmade timber furniture, grounded with concrete floors that the couple polished themselves. The curved, asymmetrical mirrors that hang in the store’s changerooms also appear in the accommodation’s sleek bathroom, with little luxuries such as a rainfall showerhead and Aesop products. The boucle (a knitted fabric of uneven yarn with a surface of loops and curls) used on the boutique’s chaise lounge is also used in the accommodation’s reupholstered, bubble-look sofas. “It was important for me to create a narrative that flows through the entire space and that makes some kind of linear sense,” Lara explains.

Handmade pottery is displayed on shelves in the well-equipped kitchen, while the pantry is stocked with local goodies, including Mayde tea, Bear superpowders, Brookfarm muesli and a bottle of wine chosen from nearby Luna Wine Store. A large, plinth-style dining table is big enough to accommodate all four guests, and is encircled by dining chairs fitted with woven rush seats for comfort and are a homely contrast to the stark table.

The two bedrooms each have queen beds dressed in buttery 100 per cent French flax linen bedding by Bed Threads and two choices of pillows. The look is finished with beautifully crafted tree stumps wooden logs bedside tables, large woven rugs, and an industrial-look floor lamp overhanging the bed. In the mornings, the rooms are soaked in soft natural light through the sheer drapes, perfect for lingering.

Apartamento is located just three kilometres from Byron Bay’s centre, and the beach is a two-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the property. And if you’re looking for more downtime, Apartamento is within walking distance to all the best pamper spots: facial spa Little Company, beautiful massage spa Comma, sauna and wellness studio Nimbus & Co and skin clinic Aesthetica.

Apartamento is located in Byron Bay’s Arts and Industrial Estate (the full address is provided on booking). Rates start at $300 per night for four adults. Book here.