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Taking our cue from Edmund White, we have been peddling the cobbled streets of Paris and have stumbled upon tucked away discoveries that make Paris the place that it is… La Perle for a cool after-dinner Rose in the Marais, an impromptu performance by world famous chantuese Keziah Jones at Le Connetable, an unforgettable raspberry tart on the Il de Cite… and the new vinyl from Sebastian Tellier. Ah oui, c’est bon.
Saturday, 10 July, 2010
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We have the brand new Nokia E27 Amethyst mobile phone and a Ginger & Smart for Nokia Pouch to giveaway to one lucky person.
We’ve designed this limited-edition, leather pouch for Nokia as a functional, chic accessory to their new violet hued phone.
To win, just tell us in 25 words or less what is your favourite blog and why?
Email your answer to info@gingerandsmart.com.
The winner will be announced on Friday July 23.
Monday, 05 July, 2010
Recently we spent the afternoon researching our next collection in the chilly basement of the Powerhouse Museum Archives.
We found this crazy piece by Madge Gill from the 1920’s. She was one of the first female British Outsider Artists in London and her now famous work is known as Mediumistic Art. Madge went mad after her daughter died in the flu epidemic and would speak for hours to the spiritual guides in her head while she embroidered her wild thoughts onto linen dresses.
We quite loved her madness.
Monday, 28 June, 2010
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Following the debut at Australian Fashion Week in May, The Transcendent SS 10/11 collection will arrive in stores and online from next week.
The Transcendent, the fourth state of consciousness, lies beyond waking, dreaming and sleeping and is the essence of this collection.
Inspired by this blissful moment of wakefulness and of future beauty, prints are designed to illustrate a higher state of euphoria and energy through diffused angles and blurred perspective. The images you see when you close your eyes.
The Ginger & Smart Accessory line accompanies this collection including sharply modern shoes with angular metal heels, ultra -soft bags and wrist scarfs in draped and twisted perforated leather.
View the pics from the collection and find your pieces at Ginger & Smart boutiques, David Jones, selected stockists and online through our store @ shop.gingerandsmart.com.
Wednesday, 16 June, 2010
We took a trip to Japan this week to explore the backstreets of Tokyo and found some treasures, namely Shibuyaku’s Tokyo Hipsters Club. Located in a cool concrete bunker designed by Tom Dixon (his first architecture project), it is British Gentleman’s Club (moose heads on the wall, heavy brass fittings) meets modern Japan. The space is packed with trinkets including art, homewares, books, vintage mags (including some first edition works by Allen Ginsberg) and some cool threads including Worn Free t-shirts. Best of all, there’s a rooftop bar for hipsters to hang and watch over the land of the rising sun.
Friday, 04 June, 2010
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We are seriously excited about our POP UP store in James St, Brisbane.
Come and see us soon as we are only there for 8 days.
Tuesday, 01 June, 2010
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Saturday, 29 May, 2010
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You can now shop our collection on The Grand Social. Also, keep your ears out for the launch of their new store in Darlinghurst, Edition. It’s coming soon.
Tuesday, 18 May, 2010
Jefferson Hack’s recent interview on dazeddigital talking about the future of incorporating online social media into luxury fashion brands is top viewing. We really enjoyed hearing his approach to integrating all aspects of the magazine and the digital world into an ‘event’, and that great content is what keeps communities of interested people engaged… Also he reminded us that anything is possible if you believe in it and keep creating… he’s also cool! Speaking of fashion online… have you seen our new twitter / facebook / youtube? ;)
Tuesday, 18 May, 2010
Loving Sydney songstress Lanie Lane rockin’ the G&S “City Lights” dress recently… She is a star. Watch out for her new video coming soon… www.myspace.com/lanielane. We’re going to see her at The Lounge next Tuesday… you coming??
Thursday, 13 May, 2010
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We recently enjoyed a night at a good friend’s house drinking pinot and being captured on a canvas. Check out Daimon’s recent exhibition at mcmhouseartshow.com.
Wednesday, 05 May, 2010
Rosemount Fashion Week ambassador Alyssa Sutherland chatted to Pages Digital about her fave shows this week and we’re delighted to have been mentioned by our fellow redhead:
“I loved Ginger & Smart, I thought it was beautiful. In particular they had a silvery trench coat that I thought was really cool. I love a good trench coat, and they put a bit of a twist on it,” she said.
Read the full interview at pagesdigital.com.
Tuesday, 04 May, 2010
The video of this year’s show is now live! Check it out below and in high definition at our new youtube channel youtube.com/gingerandsmart… Enjoy!
Monday, 03 May, 2010
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Show’s over for another year and we’re thrilled with how it went. Check out the full range of pics on our facebook at www.facebook.com/gingerandsmart (you might need to become our friend to see them). Watch out for the show video coming soon…
Thursday, 29 April, 2010
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We are really pleased to be one of the first Australian designers to be accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia.
This means we are working with our Australian manufacturers to ensure fair and safe working conditions, that pay rates and contracts are abiding to union conditions, and that we are building long term relationships with our supply chain.
We believe our customers have a conscience like we do, so it’s great for us to know we are building as ethical a company as possible. Our hope is that this will help contribute to keeping the industry viable and sustainable.
Friday, 23 April, 2010
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1. When did you first get hooked on music?
I have very early memories of Vivaldi, Prokiev, Grieg and Scottish and Irish folk music on my parent’s turntable. Then I progressed through childhood with soundtracks influenced by my parents and my brother like Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Joy Division, Leonard Cohen, U2. After that I immersed myself in the indie world – New Order, Teenage Fanclub, Sonic Youth, The Pixies, Stone Roses, Happy Mondays while revisiting classics like The Velvet Underground, Television, Rolling Stones, and The Beatles. I am always listening and always learning. I think the world of recorded music is like a never ending bus journey. I get off at all the stops and have good look around, but I always get back on to find out where we’re going next.
2. What type of music you like to make?
Interesting, dynamic, honest, beautiful and weird. From electronic, ambient, and dance to folk and pop.
3. How many G&S shows have you done the music for and which was your favourite?
Currently working on my third. I have a soft spot for “The Theory of Harmony” because all the show music was chosen from my very obscure vinyl collection, which I never thought would reach the public’s ears. Also G&S were prepared to take some musical risks which paid off in a big way. The show had depth, beauty, strength and was very progressive sounding. (Check out the 2009 ‘Theory Of Harmony’ show here)
4. What is the inspiration behind the music for this year’s show?
As always the main inspiration is the collection and the theories and research behind the collection. The music is very new, hypnotic, intricate, beautiful, strong and uplifting. I dont want to give too much away, however one artist being used is Four Tet…
5. Who is your favourite artist you’ve recently discovered?
No one really in particular but I have been enjoying the new electronic movement coming out of the UK and Europe. There seems to be a really exciting, genre-defying movement developing… it all sounds very new and very fresh. Artists that I like include Floating Points, Pantha du Prince, Keaver & Brause, Hudson Mohawke, Lusine, Bullion. Check out www.bleep.com for more…
6. What is the song in your head at the moment as you’re doing this interview?
Funnily enough the music for the new collection – I have been working on it for the last 5 hours.
7. When will music hit the G&S stores??
It’s very exciting because G&S will be stocking very carefully selected CDs for sale through the stores and to broadcast in-store. Very cool, cutting edge, beautiful, interesting. All CDs will be selected to fit the G&S vibe and we are aiming to expose and uncover some future classic albums for the G&S clients. There will be a selection of 10 titles in store, and they will be updated every 3 – 4 months. The CDs should hit stores middle of May.
Find out more about the marvelous Gary Sinclair @ www.tactilemusic.com
Thursday, 22 April, 2010
Ginger & Smart are hosting their annual Melbourne warehouse sale from today with up to 70% off fashion, leather bags, shoes, belts, scarves, candles, fabrics and accessories.
Cash, eftpos and all major credit cards accepted.
Location:
Level 1/66 Toorak Rd,
South Yarra 3141
Opening times:
Thursday April 22 9am-7pm
Friday April 23 9am-7pm
Saturday April 24 9am-4pm
See you there!
Tuesday, 20 April, 2010
We are giving away two tickets to see the Ginger & Smart show at Australian Fashion Week 2010!
The show will take place at Sydney’s Circular Quay on May 3, 2010 at 10am.
To go in the draw all you need to do is check out our blog here, and tell us what you think of it… what do you like? What additions would you make? Is there anything you would change?
The best suggestion will win a double pass for you and a friend to see The Transcendent show, and you will also be invited to attend the post-show drinks event and meet Ginger & Smart sisters Alexandra and Genevieve.
Email your suggestions to info@gingerandsmart.com by 9am Monday April 26 to be in the draw.
Please include your contact phone number and full name so we can let you know if you have won!
Monday, 19 April, 2010
Street Artist 23:56 is creating a mural on the wall of our Ivy store at 2.30pm today. If you are around pop past the store at Palings Lane at The Ivy to see him in action.
Wednesday, 14 April, 2010
We took ourselves off to David Jones Australian Derby Day at Royal Randwick on Saturday and for the occasion we recruited the talented Jonathan Howard, aka Hatmaker, to help craft some amazing headpieces. Using black peacock feathers to make a punk/glam mohawk for one creation, and a ‘cloud of smoke’ in crinolin for the other (how great is Jonathan’s illustration), the two hats are just divine! For all hat lovers, Hatmaker is a true find, and his Double Bay store is one to explore.
Sunday, 04 April, 2010
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We are willing the rain to continue as we are dying to wear the new ILSE JACOBSEN rainboots. Made from 100% natural rubber and the cotton-fleece lining they are warm and comfortable and perfect for the multitude of festivals that are coming our way. In our stores now $295.
Thursday, 25 March, 2010
The books on someone’s bookshelves are so revealing, don’t you think? Which is why this book, Unpacking My Library: Architects and Their Books is so addictive. This is a peek into the personal libraries of 12 of the world’s leading architects. Each architect gives their Top 10 and the book features great photographs of their own bookshelves… so inspiring! Available here
Wednesday, 24 March, 2010
As part of an ongoing collaboration with emerging Australian artists, we have begun our first with Sydney-based graffit artist, 23:56. Yes… that’s his name. His first installation in our William Street, Paddington store is complete with The Ivy and Avalon to follow.
Tuesday, 23 March, 2010
We took five minutes with 23:56 while he was working on the Paddington store walls to find out more about his dynamic street art…
What was your brief for the store wall art pieces?
No brief. Ginger & Smart let me really do what I wanted. They tried extremely hard to find me, which shows they liked what I’ve done and what I do, which is very flattering. So we met up for the first time in the store, I threw a few ideas around and started a couple of days later.
You’ve already done the Paddo store, Ivy’s next, then Avalon… how will the works differ? Each store will be different depending on the wall space, size and the sense of the store and its surroundings. Paddo was small and I only had a certain amount of space to work with, but it also works perfectly for the store. It’s quiet, small and peaceful, down a Melbourne-style lane, which made a great canvas for the young girl to be reaching up for a ballon. A sense of ‘escape to freedom’ was created.
Ivy is big and bold. Very different. The people who walk past are younger. I want to do something they can see.
And Avalon, I’m saving something special for Av.
Come and see…
How will we know a piece of work is yours? On the street you can usually tell if I’ve done it. My signature is at the bottom. 23:56. My work has a few different styles, depending on my mood or the environment. Recently I’ve been working on my inner child… actually, more on a socialites inner child… and how we view ourselves, now, as adults juxtaposed with how children do. So clean, colourful, cheerful, pensive, nostalgic pieces. If I can make you stop and smile, I’ve succeeded.
What’s the philosophy behind your graffiti? To inspire! As arrogant as that might sound, I mean it with all honesty. I personally love being inspired by others. If I can get one kid who tags mindless, ignorant nonsense on walls to go create some art, and challenge themselves as a person and an artist. I’d be pretty happy.
I’m reminded of a famous quote:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened
about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Speech by Nelson Mandela, originally written by Marianne Williamson
Where else can we see your work? Most places you wouldn’t imagine. From the streets of Sydney City to Avalon or feature walls and ceiling of bars, lounges, retail store and on clothes. One of the best things about what I do is it can be everywhere, on everything and at the same time never be seen… or even known that I did it.
Why do you focus on this kind of public art rather than smaller pieces? Despite what the larger community may say, graffiti is not the lowest form of art. Although you might have to creep about at night and lie to your mum, it’s actually one of the more honest art forms available. There is no elitism or hype, it exhibits on the best walls a town has to offer and nobody is put off by the price of admission.
A wall has always been the best place to publish your work.
The people who run our cities don’t understand graffiti because they think nothing has the right to exist unless it makes profit, which makes their opinion worthless.
They say graffiti frightens people and is symbolic of the decline
in society, but real graffiti is art, it’s not tagging your name mindlessly
defacing the community.
Friday, 19 March, 2010
Linda is a long-time collaborator on our campaign shoots and fashion week shows. Her make-up is an industry stand out and she casts a consistently calm, meditative influence on our shoots. We like her, and thought you might, too.
How long have you been doing make-up? So long that I can’t remember how long it has been.
What do you love MOST about make-up?
1. The people that I work with are all so amazing and crazy, it makes it fun.
2. The freedom to be creative.
3. The travel. I get to go to places that I’d probably never go to if it wasn’t for doing make-up.
You’ve still got that signature curly hair going on. What do you use to keep it so hyper curly? “Kevin Murphy” Easy Rider.
What tricks did you use in the G&S summer 10 shoot that we can all try? I did both strong eyes and lips. The eyes were a strong shape done with grey and silver and the lips was a bright pinkish orange colour. For something fun to try, go for just the bright lip and add a little silver in the eyes without the grey. Or else just do a strong eye but make the silver the focus point.
What good stuff are you working on in 2010? Fashion week is just around the corner so I’m in the process of researching and getting ready for the crazy week. Lots of fun though!!!
Are you still nuts for yoga? Oh yes, I’m still doing yoga, it’s the one thing that keeps my feet on the ground.
What else are you nuts for right this MINUTE? I’m just loving this new skin care that was sent to me called DDF, Doctors Dermatologic Formula. This is so beautiful that I feel as if I could eat it. I’m also really loving this whole 90’s vibe that’s coming through in fashion at the moment. Never thought I’d ever be saying that!!!!
Friday, 12 March, 2010
Name: Amanda Norton
Store: William St, Paddington
Fresh from London, and her job with Chloe. Amanda’s moved back home and has landed with Ginger & Smart.
What was it like working for Chloe?
It was AMAZING! I was the Chloe Brand Manager at Harvey Nichols Department store. Which meant I was involved with the buys, and responsible for running all aspects of the concession. I frequently traveled from London to Paris for work, and got to go to all the shows! I worked there for a bit over a year. When I started Paulo Melim Andersson was in his final season, and then new designer Hannah MacGibbon came on board. It was such an exciting time!
Have you got a wardrobe brimming with Chloe?
I have a fair bit of Chloe RTW, Bags & Shoes… although not as much as I would love… you can never have enough Chloe!!
Living in London means amazing places like Berlin and Prague are a mere cheapo air ticket away… did you get to travel lots?
I am a travel junkie!! I’ve travelled all over Europe. My favourite country’s are France, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Malta…. I could happily live anywhere around the Mediterranean. NYC is next on my list!
You used to be an actor, will you ever go back to that?
I was an actor for most of my life, I started acting at about 11 years old. I stopped 4 years ago, after being in a demanding play & shooting 2 films back to back – I wanted a break. Then I ended up working in fashion, and haven’t looked back since. I still view the world through an actor’s eyes… so maybe one day I’ll be drawn back to that world.
What are you loving from this season’s Ginger & Smart collection?
What’s not to love…?! My favourite pieces are the Test Pattern Trench and the Specular Dress… which I can’t stop wearing at the moment!
What blogs are you loving?
The Sartorialist is STILL my fave. It’s been around forever… but still captures the best in street style. I quite enjoy Bitching and Junkfood too.
What song are you playing instore?
My favourite band at the moment is Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zero’s.
Where will you be hanging out in Sydney now you’re back?
I need cheese, so Formaggi Ocello in Bourke St, Surry Hills, The Winery in Crown St, Surry Hills and I really want to go to The Danks Street Markets in Alexandria… apparently they’re amazing.
Saturday, 06 March, 2010
We are having our annual warehouse sale beginning this coming Thursday on March 11 – till
Sunday the 14th.
There’s loads of great stock at amazing prices.
See you at 42 Epsom Road, Zetland.
Thursday and Friday 8 – 7pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 10am – 3pm.
See you there…
Wednesday, 03 March, 2010
Ken, the proprietor of Seasonal Concepts, our favourite prop and set destination, has been a part of Ginger & Smart’s visual journey for a while now. His creative collaborations with us have helped create our instore vibe … as well as some inspirations for our homes. His labyrinth of an emporium in Sydney’s Redfern is pure fun! We wanted to share him with you:
What was the inspiration behind this amazing emporium?
I was raised on a farm in the 60s and have always loved anything kept in a shed. It was all too good to throw away, or waiting for creative inspiration to reinvent it, but most of all these things were worn, loved and functional. When my partner TR and I wanted to create a florist unlike any other in Sydney, we also wanted to marry the seasonality of flowers with the contents of the shed and present it with all the wonder that I experienced as a kid in the country. I wanted to create a retail experience that included wonder, exploration, questioning and discovery. So you can blame it on the big kid in me!
What are you buying now?
For me, I am buying Australian Pottery, in particular Harvey School pieces and ancient beads from Afghani bead traders in Bangkok. For the shop, I’m after Arts & Crafts furniture made from Australian Timbers, in particular silky oak… and Christmas Decorations for Christmas 2010!
You guys have a great interiors collaboration going on. How did that happen?
They first came to the shop with a seed of an idea. Over the next hour we had pulled the shop apart and explored a huge range of possibilities. It was very fluid, spontaneous and exciting. Some of these ideas have been acted upon and others are still maturing. We have met several times since and with each encounter I have experienced a burst of creativity and sharing of ideas.
Who are your customers?
Our customers are serious collectors and also those who have just moved into their first apartment. The one thing our customers all have in common is that they love things with character, a story, one-off pieces, with a bit of nostalgia and a longing for childhood thrown in.
You also have an incredible prop hire department for shoots. What could you never part with from that collection?
That’s a curly question! I’m not sure where the shop finishes and where my private collection begins, both are evolving with the arrival of new stock every week. But it’s probably the “Hiawatha Canoe”, a home-made canoe built from a design purchased from the back of comics in the 30s & 40s.
Tuesday, 02 March, 2010
Meet Remy, Rockie and Poppy… these gorgeous images are the result of a quick drop-in to photographer Simon Davidson’s place for a Sunday brunch… and impromtu shoot. Amazing, really, considering he only just managed to hold the girls still for a total of three seconds each before they raced off in search of more cupcakes. The shots are so detailed and intense they have a wonderful, rich illustrated quality. Simon’s preparing his submission for the Head On Photo Festival and is calling this series of portraits ‘Not My Glasses’… see more of Simon’s work: here.
Thursday, 25 February, 2010
Freestyle is in store now… these pants are great and we will be wearing the trench all winter.
Wednesday, 24 February, 2010
We love a list. Especially this list; The 99 Most Influential Style Blogs. We’ve scoured the list and hours later, we heartily agree with a whole bunch of these blog picks and even found a few newbies to become obsessed by. The Sartorialist ranks no.1, no surprises there, and our favourite, Garance Dore, slides in at no.4. You can check out the list here for the other 97 picks.
Wednesday, 17 February, 2010
We just met amazing chanteuse Lanie Lane . We got chatting after she impromptly played guitar and sang a delicious version of her new single to one year old Valley at his birthday party. We loved her blues/pop sound and her cute burlesque style complete with leopard print tights and a beauty mark. She showed us some shots of her new album cover (beautifully photographed by our dear friend Lenny) and discovered that she was wearing one of the very first pieces we ever designed. A nude chiffon blouse with billowing sleeves. Somehow she made it new again. Keep an ear out for her new single Betty Baby.
Sunday, 07 February, 2010
Our campaign shoots are a chance for us to see the entire range at one time and put it all together the way we’d like to see women wearing it. It’s fun, and creative and we do tend to choose people we like to work with to make it even more enjoyable. For this shoot, our amazing creative team included stylist Catarina Scardino and photographer Georges Antoni who we love. Want to see more of his work? Go here
Saturday, 06 February, 2010
In every season, there’s something that you just feel women will love, and for this winter, it’s this dress. For us it defines modern pretty – sculpted frill shoulders, the right length, the richness of the colour. It epitomizes the inspiration behind the winter collection – light and sound.
Friday, 05 February, 2010
Georges Antoni making fashion magic behind the lens…
Thursday, 04 February, 2010
Making some final adjustments to one of our favourite sporty luxe looks right now – oh, the COLOUR!
Wednesday, 03 February, 2010
We worked a whole new shoe on the spot by enveloping the heels in high tech mesh used in other parts of the range … walking not recommended.
Tuesday, 02 February, 2010
Hair and make-up was loose and sexy. The brief was that she had just been to the gym – that sweaty / sexy thing… very natural but very groomed. So the key to the whole look was gloss: Shiny hair, (thanks to GHD) and skin and clear glossy lips thanks to Shu Uemura, such a goodie.
Monday, 01 February, 2010
… and Valentine’s Day always demands mood lighting. So, voila, our dreamy long-burning candles are Valentine’s essentials… and they also make a gorgeous gift, exquisitely wrapped and presented to friends who are momentarily dateless this February. Head into store or go online here shop.
Monday, 01 February, 2010
This is our peacock. We really wanted our Avalon store to have a heart, a bit of soul, and this guy is it. Apart from anything else, his feathers are like small, vibrant works of art. He’s a beautiful, majestic fellow, and he also makes the right kind of statement about wanting to surround ourselves with inspiring things…
Sunday, 31 January, 2010
We love Avalon. Our newest store has been open in Avalon for a couple of months, and we’ve just finished tweaking the interiors to make it all a bit more G&S by adding beautiful pressed tin walls, lots of warm natural wood finishes, brass clothes racks and lots of mirrors.
This store has its own particular vibe, quite different to our stores in The Ivy and William Street, Paddington, of course, partly because we’re right across the road from the beach, and partly because we’re right in the middle of creative, kooky, beautiful Avalon.
It’s the ideal spot for us and our luxury escape vibe, and this interior fit out has been a fun project (read: lots of work and lots of coffee) for our building go-to guy, Jules. We’ve gathered pieces from far and wide and also from our new friend Ken Wallis at Seasonal Concepts to transform our newest store into a slice of Ginger & Smart heaven. Come visit. Ginger & Smart, 11 Avalon Parade, Avalon, NSW, 2107.
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We are Ginger & Smart, an Australian luxury fashion label created by sisters, Alexandra and Genevieve Smart. This blog will share the everyday inspirations and passions that drive us and our brand.
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