Fashion Journal #147 by Furst Media

ISSUE 147 - JUNE 2015

FASHION JOURNAL MELBOURNE - SYDNEY - BRISBANE - ADELAIDE - PERTH

F R E E

Alpine

FJ CO NTENTS

Inside this Issue PUBLISHER Furst Media Pty Ltd. 3 Newton Street, Richmond, VIC www.furstmedia.com.au www.fashionjournal.com.au EDITOR

Leah White (03) 8414 9734 leah@furstmedia.com.au EDITORIAL ASSISTANT & ONLINE EDITOR

Giulia Brugliera (03) 8414 9733 giulia@furstmedia.com.au

@alpineband

@tabathaturner

@inspiringwit

ADVERTISING

Leah White (03) 8414 9734 leah@furstmedia.com.au

Giulia Brugliera (03) 8414 9733 giulia@furstmedia.com.au

ello!

ART DIRECTION & GRAPHIC DESIGN

Thanks for picking up our June issue. We hope it provides you with the inspiration/procrastination you need today.

Music and fashion collide this month, with the beautiful and talented gals from Alpine gracing our cover. It’s been a few years since the six-piece from Melbourne has released new music, so we were super excited to catch up with front women Phoebe and Lou for an epic photo shoot. Flip to page 28 to see the shoot and read our chat about their upcoming tour and new album, Yuck. Also inside this issue we chat street casting with talent agency Folk Collective, talk touring with Michael Angelakos of Passion Pit, round up our fave socks and cosy knits and nab beauty tips from the heirs to a make-up empire.

Emily Clarke emilyclarkedesign.com DISTRIBUTION

Nick Ohlson (03) 8414 9731 nick@furstmedia.com.au EDITORIAL INTERNS

Arianna Lucente, Savannah Anand-Sobti, Veronica Stanford, Tabatha Turner, Carla Brugliera, Lana Peggie, Vivian Lin, Elle O'Donnell and Anna Shang

Until next time, be sure to head to fashionjournal.com.au for your daily fashion, beauty and music fix. Leah and Giulia x

@fashionjournalmagazine

facebook.com/FashionJournalMag

@FJmagazine ON THE COVER:

PEOPLE Meet the team

36 YOUTH Editorial

10 THE SCOOP Fashion news

40 SET THE MOOD Editorial

16 SHOP STOP MUJI

48 DESIGNER PROFILES Coming up

18 MUSIC Passion Pit

49 SHOP STOP Retail Profiles

20 GOODS Things we love

50 BEG BORROW STEAL Designer rental

14 RETAIL THERAPY LESSONS

52 HAIR & BEAUTY Make-up Royalty

26 PEOPLE Folk Collective

54 LOOK AND LISTEN Reviews

28 COVER STORY Alpine

56 OUT AND ABOUT Social pics

Photographer: Cybele Malinowski Full shoot credits on page 28 Phoebe and Lou from Alpine wear: GORMAN Dot Dash dress $249 (Lou) GORMAN Forward Slash jumper $169 and GORMAN Dot Dash skirt $199 (Phoebe)

No part may be reproduced without the consent of the copyright holder.

FJ PEO PLE

Meet the Team It takes quite the squad to put together an issue of Fashion Journal. Here's a few of the best.

My name is... Amanda Lim I'm a... photographer and shot the editorial on page 40 My all-time favourite YouTube video is… Charlie the unicorn I'm inspired by... the fear of mediocrity I secretly hate... babies I'm pretty sure nobody else does this but I... like to watch serial killer documentaries My worst habit is... forgetting names My party trick is... making drinks disappear My life motto is... you need a little bit of insanity to do great things My favourite label is... Comme des Garçons Mum says I'm... too nice Have you ever owned a fake anything? Yes #savetheanimals

My name is... Richi Grisillo I'm a... hairdresser and cake enthusiast. I did the hair for the cover and editorial on page 28 I'm inspired by... nature and technology I secretly hate... black jellybeans I'm pretty sure nobody else does this but I... wake up at 5am every morning for no particular reason My worst habit is... falling asleep in front of the TV My party trick is... vanishing 20 mins after arriving My life motto is... measure twice, cut once My favourite label is... Do Not Tumble Dry and Givenchy Mum says I'm… happy and well adjusted...I hope.

My name is... Kate Squires I'm a... Global Makeup Artist for Napoleon Perdis and did the make-up for the editorial on page 40 I secretly hate... people who carry on too much. Joke was over a while ago peeps, move on My life motto is... you don't stop playing because you get old, you get old because you stop playing My favourite beauty product is... Napoleon Perdis Light Switch Luminizer Palette, hides the late nights, early starts and skin sins like no other My favourite label is… at the moment Alexander Wang and Être Cécile My favourite item of clothing is... a blue lurex turtle neck dress I bought from Mr Stinky, it's pretty much straight from the dance floor of Saturday Night Fever.

@amandalim_photographs

@richi_grisillo

@makemeupkate

My name is...Cybele Malinowski I'm a… photographer. I shot the cover and editorial on page 28 My all-time favourite YouTube video is…oh shit! Well if you looked at my history it would be this 20 minute yoga video. But that’s not cool. Fenton the dog! I'm inspired by… my husband who is a photographer. Plus Richard Avendon, Björk, David Lynch, St Vincent and Helmut Newton I'm pretty sure nobody else does this but I… count when I walk. One two, one two. Or any two words over and over. Whatever the fuck is in my mind at the time My worst habit is… smoking. I don’t do it all the time, I know it kills you, but the rebel inside of me won’t die My favourite label is… Paul Newman. Best pasta sauce around.

My name is… Arianna Lucente (aka badgalariri) I’m a…Writer. I interviewed Passion Pit on page 18 My all-time favourite YouTube video is… a Jessica Biel make-up tutorial by Lisa Eldridge I’m inspired by… books I secretly hate… when strangers call me “babe”. Can you not? I’m pretty sure nobody else does this but I… take pictures of food for my Instagram account My worst habit is… pulling allnighters for uni assignments Fave beauty product… Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel My life motto is… YOLO! My favourite label is… White Suede My favourite item of clothing is… my Alexander Wang Marion bag <3 Mum says I’m… a party girl (lol) Fashion is… expensive.

My name is... Luke Forester I'm a... writer and creator of cheap laughs and I reviewed the albums on page 54 My all-time favourite YouTube video is… the doll flying into the fireplace and the crushed dreams I'm inspired by... anyone with sass and an attitude problem I secretly hate... nothing, I’m very open about hatred I'm pretty sure nobody else does this but I... tag myself into photos I’m not actually in My worst habit is... the constant complaining My life motto is.... I’ll try anything twice My favourite label is… Uniqlo My favourite item of clothing is... a vintage kimono, it has arm flaps to hold your phone Mum says I'm… embarrassing and should take down my Facebook profile Fashion is... confusing most of time.

@cybism

@ariannalucente

@alreadytr yingmyhardest

FJ N EWS

The Scoop

Mokuyobi Threads Since 2011, Mokuyobi Threads has been bringing some serious quirk to wardrobes worldwide. With an emphasis on pattern and bright, bold colours (think every shade imaginable), the American-made label guarantees high-quality construction. They produce a quality range of bags, hats, tees and patches, with different approaches to shape, style and colour. Mokuyobi, meaning Thursday in Japanese, revels in that Thursday feeing of excitement as we await the weekend. Recreating this feeling when your package arrives is what Mokuyobi Threads is all about. mokuyobithreads.com

Keepsake Intimates Dr. Martens Docs are releasing a psychedelic leopard print style as part of their core print collection this month, bringing an element of rugged femininity to their 101 6-Eye Boot. This lace-up boot features the iconic Dr. Martens air-cushioned sole, offering good abrasion and slip resistance, and is is the perfect way to bring some signature Dr. Martens punk styling to any outfit. For stockists call 1800 655 154

The secretâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out. This month will see the release of Keepsake Intimates, the perfect complement to its feminine mainline, Keepsake the Label. Head designer Carmen Dugan has shared key prints and colour palettes across both collections, including blush, baby blue, leopard and pastel florals in luxurious silks and lace. Key shapes include a kimono robe, bralette, playsuit, slip dress, wide-leg lounge pant and matching intimate sets with lace trims. Divine. keepsakethelabel.com.au

FJ N EWS

TONI&GUY TONI&GUY love colour. We are right with them on that one – there isn’t much that beats the feeling of a freshly-coloured head of hair. We caught up with Jack Morton from TONI&GUY Georges in Melbourne to get the lowdown on the latest and greatest techniques in hair colouring, including Niophlex (aka your hair’s new best friend). What is your role at TONI&GUY? I am Technical Director at TONI&GUY Georges in Melbourne where I head up the technical team and also have my regular client base. I’m also part of the National Artistic Team where I travel around teaching through shows, seminars and workshops. What do you love about being a colourist? What I love about my job is the client interaction. You get to meet so many wonderful people every day. I also love how quickly the industry changes. Like fashion, things are constantly evolving – from attitudes towards hair, to the amazing advances in colour technology. You're constantly kept on your toes. We’ve noticed that TONI&GUY offer a premium colour service. Why should customers choose this over a standard service? Premium hair colouring products bring with them improved shine and condition, leaving hair luminous and natural looking. The treatments are also lower maintenance as they grow out much softer and less ‘opaque’ looking than a standard colour. I’m finding that people are coming into the salon less and want low-maintenance colour. However, they are also much more quality-conscious when it comes to what products they want used in their hair. Tell us about Niophlex. It’s a bit of a buzz word at the moment.. It’s a really revolutionary product. By combining the groundbreaking technology in Niophlex with traditional colour and bleaching treatments, damage to the hair is prevented before it even starts. Niophlex adds bonds, elasticity and strength, enhancing the quality of the hair. It means that damaged blonde hair is going to become a thing of the past and that clients can go from brown to blonde in a short period of time (à la Kim Kardashian). TONI&GUY is offering FJ readers $20 off their next colour treatment. Check out page 7 for details. toniandguy.com.au

Platypus Shoes Platypus Shoes have all bases covered for boots this winter, favouring lace up and classic styles with a fashion forward edge. Timberland features a new camo sole for its iconic Earthkeeper boot, also available in off-white, blue, black and wheat colouring, keeping tones earthy and understated. Dr. Martens feature minimal black and white options, getting creative with detailed graphics for the 8-Eye Boot. Palladium laceups, in more slim fitting styles, come in black, lavender, blue and white. platypusshoes.com.au

Bailey Nelson The folks at Bailey Nelson work hard to make buying glasses become one of life’s pleasures. Masters of eyewear that’s both beautiful and affordable, Bailey Nelson have provided us with a new range of specs that embody all of the above and more. The Kaleidoscope collection has landed, bringing a whole new colourful take on the classic tortoiseshell. How will you pick just one pair? baileynelson.com.au

Ratbagg Clothing Ratbagg Clothing wants you to #treatyaself to its latest winter drop. The Melbourne-based menswear brand, owned by Collingwood AFL player Dane Swan, is now stocking winter wears to keep you looking as cool as the weather feels. At Ratbagg’s online store you will find everything from beanies to t-shirts and jeans, each made with excellent quality in mind. For those living in Australia, Ratbagg also covers shipping costs. Happy shopping lads. ratbagg.com

FJ N EWS

Napoleon Perdis Napoleon Perdis is making make-up malleable with the drop of the Social Butterfly collection. The range aims to adapt to any look, from early mornings at work to a late night out. Social Butterfly consists of three dynamic new products. The Radiant Reflections Eye Colour and the Sateen Eyes Sculpting Eye Colour offer the wearer creative control and aim to complete any look. Meanwhile, the Metallic Multi-Purpose Illuminator is a cream so versatile it can be used pretty much anywhere – from lips, to cheeks and eyes. Available in store and online from June 8. napoleonperdis.com

MLR Create We love some silver bling here at FJ. It’s versatile, subtle, tan-enhancing and less exxy than gold. The latest addition to our jewellery wish list is MLR Create. Based in Melbourne, the brand was established by young creative Marie-Lauren Romano. Incorporating her talent in textile design and interests in contemporary jewellery, fashion and interior styling, MLR focuses on two product ranges, MLR Silver and Colour Play. Using unique techniques to create each sterling silver piece, MLR Silver presents a range of miniature sculptural delights that explore curves, form and texture. It’s all in juxtaposition to the abstract, mixed media works in Colour Play. Hand-crafted in her studio in Melbourne and inspired by the ocean, the current collection is full of pieces perfect for stacking and mixing. mlrcreate.com

Vans The Vans Classic Slip-On is once again creating buzz, from skatewear styles to everyday casual. With an understated appeal that somehow pairs well with everything, it seems as if the classic sneaker will never go out of style. Functional and effortless in design, they can be thrown on post-beach day or pre-lunch date. If you didn’t already appreciate Vans' ability to reinvent itself over the years while still staying perfectly versatile, the label is dressing things up a little. It has released a new metallic gold leather slip-on edition, finished off with elasticised accents and the Vans rubber waffle outer sole. Your fave essential can now transcend more smoothly from day to night. For stockists call 1800 655 154

FJ RE TAIL THER APY

LESS IS MORE

Hello Sydney. Muji have finally opened their doors at The Galeries on George Street, giving minimal and perfectly understated Japanese fashion and homewares a new destination in Oz. The flagship store will join over 200 international Muji stores outside of Japan and will (of course) continue the incredibly clean cut and cool ‘no brand’ Muji aesthetic. For quality goods in clothing, homewares, furniture, stationery and travel, Muji is a mecca. Covering over 1000 square metres of floor space, the Sydney store now earns a place in the top 10 largest MUJI stores in the world. For all affordable yet seriously aesthetically pleasing essentials, look no further. Muji The Galeries, Level 1, 500 George Street, Sydney NSW. @mujiau

facebook.com/muji.au

muji.com/au

FJ M USIC

Kindred Spirit Meet Michael Angelakos, the man behind Passion Pit. It’s a solo project when he’s writing, recording and producing music but a dynamic six-piece on stage. We chatted to him ahead of his August tour and he got frank about his mental health, how he thrives creatively in chaos, his latest album, Kindred, and his favourite things to eat in Australia. IN T E RV I EW BY ARIANNA LUCENTE

The last time Passion Pit came to Australia was for Splendour in the Grass in 2013. What’s your favourite thing about Australia? The people are so nice. I’ve had really nice experiences in every town we’ve been in. It’s one of the only places that I’ve actually gone out almost every night after a show, been social and enjoyed myself. We ate a lot as well. The oysters are incredible. Some of the best I’ve had in my life. Is your wife coming with you on tour? None of our partners come on tour with us because it’s so physically and emotionally draining, and bringing your wife out can make it very confusing. She does her own thing. She’s actually a photographer and she does a lot of prop and food styling. She writes for a bunch of magazines on travel and food and has her own publication. Why does Passion Pit go from a solo project to a six-piece on stage? We’re one of the few bands that make this kind of music and actually perform it, rather than just doing playback. It’s much more interesting to not sound exactly like the record. I’ve always felt like Passion Pit needed to be performed with other people. Tell me about the cover art for your latest album, Kindred. Is there a story behind the boy? We wanted to focus on how images felt upon viewing them. It’s not really about the narrative, although people will naturally inject a narrative in its absence. It’s the combination of the artificial background, the family eating at a dinner table, the boy with this dyed hair, and the way he’s looking into the camera. You think it’s creepy or beautiful or amazing or awkward. Among these feelings is the story we wanted to push.

What is Kindred about? It’s about connectivity. My other albums are very internal and concerned with observations rather than action. This is me trying to connect and be part of the world that I’ve been observing for so long. My first album, Manners, was about me [laughs]. And my second one, Gossamer, was about acknowledging the people around me. Kindred is me embracing those people. Your struggle with bipolar disorder has been a very public journey. Is it difficult to talk about your mental health so often? I’ve been pretty open about it because I want to see change. The way I was treated when I first came out about it was crazy, but I’m going to have to continually talk about it, because otherwise I become part of the problem. We need to be more aware of what’s going on with people mentally. Now it’s just like any other question but a little more personal. You’ve said that you thrive creatively in chaos. Is this how Kindred was put together? My brain is kind of a chaotic thing. I’ve tried to write somewhere quiet and peaceful, but it sucked. I just couldn’t do it. I need the noise and craziness of New York to make sense of what’s happening in my head. I don’t think I’m alone in that. Passion Pit is touring Australia’s East Coast in August. For tour dates visit frontiertouring.com/passionpit kindredthealbum.com

G O O DS

SOMETHING SIMPLE

H IS

H ERS

Our obsession with Scandinavian style has taken a strong turn this month. Like, really strong. And we’re blaming it on our recent discovery of a whole host of new brands, namely Eytys, French Trotters and Hope. In true Scandi style, the labels combine clean lines, refined cuts, minimal styling and a visual simplicity with a point of difference. Think understated platforms, contrast panelling or next level cuffs. Are you with us? Of course you are. Head to Someplace to eye off all these edgy cool styles and prepare to obsess.

FRENCH TROTTERS Samuel shirt Chambray selvedge $279

THE HORSE watch $139

FRENCH TROTTERS Mark Simplicity Tee $99

FRENCH TROTTERS Audrey shirt Marrakech $228

THE HORSE watch $139

HOPE News Pants $189

EYTYS Mother suede shoe $295

EYTYS Mother canvas shoe $210

POLAR Camera bag $100

All products available from Someplace PH O TO GR A PH Y BY RI CH ARD I B RAH I M STYLING BY B ON N I E KAY @somewhere_somedays_someplace

facebook.com/somedays.store

someplace.com.au

FJ G O O DS

SOLE SISTERS

PH O TO GR A PH Y BY RI CH ARD I B RAH I M STYLING BY B ON N I E KAY

Where once the humble sock was born to be hidden, it seems the tables have turned. Socks have stepped into the limelight in a big way. Times now dictate for your ankle grabbers to make a statement, so no longer are those over-worn white anklets going to cut it. Instead you should opt for quirky pattens, colours that clash and a rise that goes way above your ankle. These guys should knock your socks off. Clockwise from top left: ODD PEARS Dusko socks $17.95 | OBUS Alpine socks $12 | VANISHING ELEPHANT Triangle socks $15 GHOSTLY Wipe Out socks $18 | STANCE socks $20 from PLATYPUS SHOES | GORMAN Pom Pom socks $16 MARIMEKKO Mittas sock $29 | GORMAN Wigwam socks $16

FJ G O O DS

JUMP AROUND

PH O TO GR A PH Y BY RI CH ARD I B RAH I M STYLING BY B ON N I E KAY

Mmmm winter. The chill of the air as your alarm goes off, the permanently runny noses, the significantly limited daylight hours. Yep, winter kinda sucks. But if there’s one thing we love about the chilly season, it’s the fashion. It’s hard to beat a cosy winter knit, especially when it’s chunky, shapely or bright like these guys. Here’s our picks of this season’s best for you to swaddle yourself in. We promise, you’ve never felt warmer. Clockwise from top left: HOPE Louise knitted jumper in dark blue $349 from Someplace GORMAN Forward Slash cardigan $169 | I LOVE MR MITTENS Billie scarf $245 OBUS Off Piste pullover $269 | I LOVE MR MITTENS Sandknitted shorts $195

AMERICAN VINTAGE knit $335 from Napoleon Perdis Life.Style

FJ RE TAIL THER APY

Learn your Lessons Australia, meet LESSONS. These guys are set to become your new best friends. Part e-tailer, part concept store, LESSONS stocks a very well-curated selection of high-end streetwear. Think 1992, ADYN, Dopechef, MISBHV, Nid de Guepes, Phantom Project, Represent Clo and VFiles Sport Plus. Each of these labels boasts an international cult following and was previously unavailable in Oz. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, their brand mix cannot be found at any other store in Australia or internationally. It's because they choose to work with brands exclusive to their store who are out setting worldwide trends. Pretty neat huh? Well it gets neater. LESSONS also has a Concept Store (aka brand showroom) Â based out of a completely cool basement in Perth. It used to be a wine cellar that sat unused for

150 years, before LESSONS swooped in to repurpose it, converting it from creepy basement to unreal retail space. The store now boasts a cool brick interior, black steel accents, custom sandbag counters and overhead spotlighting to contrast the dimly-lit space. It's accessed via a hidden laneway (because front doors are so last year), and it also contains an after-hours bar. Yep, we’ll say it again. Cool. Those who can’t make it to the space can shop online, with LESSONS shipping nationally and internationally. With brands curated from New York, LA, Paris, London and Poland, we promise you’re onto a winner. You can thank us later.

@lessonsconceptstore

facebook.com/lessonsconceptstore

LESSONSCONCEPTSTORE.com

FJ PEO PLE

Everyday People

Sunni Hart is responsible for scouting some very good looking faces. Just under a year ago she launched Folk Collective, which offers a refreshing alternative to traditional casting. Still in its infancy, Folk Collective is helping to create a movement towards diversifying beauty. We spoke to Sunni about what she looks for in casting, the importance of intellect and why plain ‘pretty’ doesn’t cut it any more.

IN T E RV I EW BY SAVANNAH ANAND-SOBTI

What led you to launch Folk Collective? I saw a gap in the market. I know so many good looking people, as we all do. In Melbourne there’s some really beautiful, interesting people that I think are really aspirational. These days consumers want to see these kinds of people promoting product. It’s more about the idea of the personality behind them and intellectual beauty, whether it’s for a photoshoot, advertising or for fashion. It’s just the direction I think we are all heading in. Do you feel like there’s a movement towards diversifying the notion of beauty? When we first came up with the idea it was more a commercial project, but as we’ve progressed we’ve realised there is definitely a movement. I think it’s a lot to do with social media, especially Instagram where anyone can put up product and promote themselves as the person they are. I feel like Melbourne gets it more, because we’re cooler then some places. Plus, plain ‘pretty’ doesn't cut it anymore. What do you look for when street casting? I look for something interesting and beautiful. Someone who can tell a story. People who are present and real... a kind of beauty that forces you to think. Our ethics are based around that idea. We don't adhere to height or dress sizes like other agencies. We believe that someone’s steeze can carry a garment.

Tell us about your creative background. I started off as a stylist’s assistant when I was 21. I also did some visual merchandising for American Apparel when it was first brought to Australia. I then moved to New York and did a lot of styling over there. There was an abundance of opportunities for me. I also scored an internship for Interview Magazine and went down the fashion road without really intending to, but it all worked out quite well. When I got back from New York, I was pretty tired because the internship had worked me into the ground, so I found myself working in the music industry. I’ve also done some marketing for a few companies. Then I had a baby and started Folk Collective because I really needed to do my own thing. So it was a natural progression to Folk Collective? Yeah, exactly. I was pretty scared off by the fashion world in New York. That’s why I loved the idea of combining the fashion world and the marketing/ advertising world – creating something attainable as opposed to this far-reaching idea. I think that definitely has its place, but these days people want fashion to be more relatable. Who are the young guns in the industry we should be watching out for? I’m really blown away by the young people who are coming up across the creative industries. I feel like

there’s an insane amount of drive and so many fresh ideas. Looking around at Angie Pai (who is with Folk), Jordan Drysdale and Genevieve Walsh, all these guys are only 19 or 20 and they’re all doing so much creatively. It doesn’t feel like everyone’s floating around lost, they know exactly what they want and they’re going for it. What’s the plan for the rest of the year for Folk Collective? Well, we’re very close to launching our website. It’s been a long time coming. We’ll be having two arms of Folk Collective which will be the talent agency and the street casting agency. Those two arms will be taking full flight, just constantly growing a database, finding new, amazing faces and hopefully landing some new campaigns. What projects are in the works? We’ve been working with Shop Kinobi for their new lookbook, Shop A Far which is a great online high-end store, and we also just finished producing a scene for an upcoming feature called Lion, where we supplied 300 ravers for a scene. We just did a huge campaign for Bank of Melbourne which you can see plastered all over the city, plus the latest Heineken ad and collaborating with Ladies of Leisure on a film!

folkcollective.net

A Better Way to Wash

FJ COVER STO RY

MIRROR It’s been three years since a group of six young Melburnians got together and released their first dreamy pop album to the world. Now a little older, and with plenty more tales behind them, Alpine have jumped right back in where they left off. The group’s sophomore release, Yuck, is everything we love about the band and more.

Photographer: Cybele Malinowski @ Net work Agency St ylist: Jade Leung @ Vivien’s Creative Hair: Richi Grisillo @ Work Agency Make-up: Jess Chapman @ Net work Agency

IN T E RVI EW BY VERONICA STANFORD

Shortly after our cover shoot with front women Phoebe Baker and Lou James, we sat down to reflect on their world of catchy tunes and colourful jumpsuits. It all went down while munching on corn fritters and sipping chai. The first thing I noticed about Yuck is that it’s incredibly consistent with every track being a stand out. How did you guys do it? Lou: It’s funny because the title of the album came last, but I think the whole time writing, we knew the concept. I think having that clearly in our minds meant that lyrically and instrumentally, we all were coming from the right place.

Phoebe: We wanted it to be a consistent package. We wouldn’t want to get you confused when you are listening to it. We always consider how it is going to sound as a full album. If you had to pick your most “Yuck” moment, what would it be? Lou: Probably heartbreak is what stands out as the yuckiest. Phoebe: Me hooking up with the ex. Yep…don’t do that. Lou: Oh my gosh. A yuck moment when you’ve had a big night out and you’ve vomited, that taste in your mouth in the morning is the worst. Phoebe: I think it really epitomises what the album is about, a lot of those uncomfortable, squeamish feelings. Your album art includes two FJ faves, cats and food. Whose concept was this?

Phoebe: That was all Timmy’s idea, he showed us and we immediately said yes. It is kind of confusing. Lou: I think we are the cats? Phoebe: Oh really? I didn’t know that… Lou: I felt like it was a joke, these two cats looking in the mirror, getting ready for a show. Tim also did A is for Alpine so it is nice to keep it in the band. The colours in the breakfast drawing remind me of Ken Done which also keeps it Australian. I feel like it is a vinyl I can’t wait to have, just as a piece of art in my room. After a successful debut, many bands often rush out a sophomore album, however you left fans waiting. Was this deliberate? Phoebe: I don’t think we could hurry it. We would never release something that we weren’t happy with. Art takes time I guess [laughs].

Lou: Also knowing that art can never be finished, which is the tricky thing about it. There are still songs on the album where each member might have wanted something more, but you just have to let it go. It is like sending your little kid off to kindergarten, you have to let it go and trust it is going to be okay [laughs]. Every song on the album seems to be as good as the last and I struggled to pick a favourite. Do you guys have a favourite? Phoebe: For me it changes. Lou: I also think when we are performing it on tour it might change. At the moment I keep mentioning 'Jellyfish'. I think that is a really different Alpine song and also one that plays to our strengths in terms of vocals. But also 'Damn Baby' definitely shows a new side to Alpine. That sort of reflects the more assured sound we have created. It’s showing that we have grown up a little bit. That has got trumpets and stuff, which is super fun, and the first time we have used more brass. But then we have 'Need Not Be', which almost reminds me of a ’90s Spice Girls song. I really do love each song for it’s own sake. I like it all.

"We all have different influences and there can be arguments, obviously. But we have a really close bond, we are kind of like siblings."

Phoebe: 'Jellyfish' does stand out for us though, I think because it is the most recent one. It feels like “oh, this is where we are heading now.” Is it hard for all six of you to be on the same page when writing? Phoebe: We all have different influences and there can be arguments, obviously. But we have a really close bond, we are kind of like siblings. I think we have really forged this chemistry and we understand where our music is going, even though we can’t really define the sound. How did the video concept for ‘Foolish’ come about? Phoebe: Tristan Jalleh, the director, was awesome. I remember I saw a video he did for Oscar Key Sung last year and I was blown away. We started from scratch and we came up with an idea all together. Lou: We made mood boards and it was kind of a play on 1960s Rio, it’s glamorous but slightly daggy. It came to life. There were crocodiles and flamingos, which I now consider my spirit animal. Actually, there is no flamingo emoji. It’s a scandal.

RROR

Phoebe wears: HOUSE OF HOLLAND dress from GRACE BOUTIQUE $682 Lou wears: HOUSE OF HOLLAND long sleeve dress from GRACE BOUTIQUE $198

Phoebe wears: MIRANDA SKOCZEK FOR GORMAN Garden of Eden top $169, GORMAN Midnight pantsuit $249, GORMAN Patchwork pump $299 Lou wears: GORMAN Beatrix polo $149, GORMAN Midnight pantsuit $249, GORMAN Square pump $299

Phoebe wears: PREEN Fielder dress from GRACE BOUTIQUE $698, FENDI sunglasses $650 Lou wears: PREEN Manyatta dress from GRACE BOUTIQUE $1558, FENDI sunglasses $650

What can fans who haven’t been to an Alpine show expect from your upcoming tour? Phoebe: We have put a lot of work in. Even last year we were thinking about this tour. Hopefully it shows. Lou: Basically an Alpine show is quite wild, I mean there are six of us. There is a bit of girl power, but mainly just a group of misfits and really good friends who produce music together. There are no session players, we all started together so we just want to create this world on stage where you feel you can be involved and have as much fun as we are. We dance around… we're not very good dancers but we dance because we want to. Although for this album we might be grooving more, a bit more sassy than crazy dancing. You guys always appear on stage in pretty wonderful get ups. Talk us through your tour wardrobe. Do you ladies co-ordinate? Phoebe: My mum made our costumes for the last tour, which was amazing. It was fun because we got to go to the fabric shop with her. It tended to be jumpsuits a lot of the time. There are some elements with these new costumes that are similar, but really we are just trying to reflect our individual personalities. Lou: For this upcoming tour we did a shout out on Facebook, a girl called Juliette got in touch to help with costume design. She is a gorgeous creature and we like supporting the arts and creative people. What is your most prized item of clothing? Phoebe: My mum’s jumpsuits that she’s made for us. Each one has special memories tied to it. Lou: I have a crazy tights collection because I always need to wear them under jumpsuits. Sometimes they rip and it’s very sad.

Phoebe wears: MIRANDA SKOCZEK FOR GORMAN Garden of Eden pantsuit $289, MELISSA SHOES x KARL LAGERFELD Upside Down heel $215 Lou wears: MIRANDA SKOCZEK FOR GORMAN Garden of Eden pantsuit $289

We open your tour suitcases, what do we find? Lou: Urban Decay silver glitter eyeliner. We also always have Hydralyte and coconut water. Phoebe: Fake eyelashes, essential oils. Jasmine oil smells delicious and helps make you feel at home when you are on the road. Tell us about your Fashion Journal shoot. Phoebe: It was amazing, the photographer was amazing, she keeps you energised and feeling happy. We aren’t models and we aren’t used to being in front of the camera but it was a breeze, and the clothes look amazing. Lou: We got to wear things we may have never picked out ourselves, but when you have it all on, it creates an amazing scene. It was quite magical. Alpine’s latest album Yuck is out from June 12. You can catch Phoebe, Lou and the rest of the Alpine gang performing around Australia for their ‘Foolish’ tour, starting June 24 in Adelaide. alpineband.com

MIRROR

TO P M A N d e n i m s h e a r l i n g j a c ke t $ 1 3 2 F O R T H E H O M I E S l e a t h e r s l e eve l e s s j a c ke t $ 1 3 0 0 A LC H Ve g e t a b l e S a c k t ra c k p a n t s P OA TO P M A N b o o t s $ 9 0

YO U T H

Ph o t o g r a p h e r: M i c h e ll e Tr an S t y list : J a d e L e u n g @ V i v i e nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s C r e a t i ve H a ir: To ri G ill @ K in gs D o m a in B ar b e rs M o d e l: Th o m as @ I M G M o d e ls

AU TO N O M Y b i ke r l e a t h e r j a c ke t $ 5 5 0 S T R AT E A S C A R LU CC I p l e a t p a n t $ 5 3 0 A LC H Te m p o ra r y F e n c i n g t e e P OA M o d e l ’ s ow n s h o e s

S T R AT E A S C A R LU CC I f o r m p l e a t s h o r t s $ 5 1 0 H&M tee $19.95 F O R T H E H O M I E S l e a t h e r b i ke r j a c ke t $ 1 6 0 0 M o d e l ' s ow n s h o e s

A LC H t e n n i s c o u r t n e t t i n g k i m o n o P OA F O R T H E H O M I E S l e a t h e r b i ke r j a c ke t $ 1 6 0 0

TO P M A N g r i d c h e c k p a n t $ 7 6 TO P M A N Te c h t e e $ 3 6 A LC H V i n y l j a c ke t P OA

AU TO N O M Y S u b way t wo t o n e j a c ke t $ 1 9 9 A LC H L o o p s h o r t s P OA

Set the Mood Photographer Amanda Lim Stylist Jade Leung @ Vivienâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creative Hair Carl Reeves @ Company1 Make-up Kate Squires Global Makeup Artist for Napoleon Perdis Model Madeleine @ IMG Models

L EF T K aliv e r s h irt $180Â In es v n e c k le ath er to p f ro m G RA C E B O U TIQ U E $1050 O s t w al d H el g a s s o n sk irt f ro m G RA C E B O U TIQ U E $632 M a k e rs o f B elief se q uin ja c ket $ 450

B UL Ske a n ju m p er $240 G O R M AN B e atrix p olo $149 G O R M AN clutc h P O A K AREN WAL K ER H alifa x w id e le g p a nts $6 45

G O R M AN B e atrix p olo $149 Jo n a th a n Simkh ai cro p te e a n d sk irt f ro m G RA C E B O U TIQ U E $ 488 a n d $ 472 G O R M AN platfor m s $249

RIG H T G O R M AN B e atrix p olo $149 T H A KO O N cro c h et dress f ro m G RA C E B O U TIQ U E $388 G O R M AN Nig ht W alker p a nts $299 M elis s a b allet h e els $155

G O R M AN Bre a k th e Ic e p olo $99 Jo n a th a n Simkh ai B urn o ut dress f ro m G RA C E B O U TIQ U E $2098 C a mill a & M a rc tro u ser $750

G O R M AN Bre a k th e Ic e p olo $99, G O R M AN B u s h w alk p a nt $199 B UL A ultb e a le ath er dress $3 40

L EF T E d g el e y Â Minty Silh o u ette dress $310Â F a d d oul c ut o ut dress $329

AS U AR R a w dress $189 T H A KO O N A d ditio n k n it sk irt f ro m G R A C E B O U TIQ U E $398 I l ov e M r Mitt e n s s w e ater $525

FJ D ESIG N ER PRO FILES

Me-I-Me

Heloise Fitzpatrick is the talented lady behind emerging label Me-I-Me. With a Bachelor and Masters in architecture, Heloise merges geometric and sculptural influences to create considered pieces that are beautifully simple. Made in Australia, each piece is hand-carved in wax by the designer in her studio in the South West of WA. The casting is executed in Sydney by specialised workers and finished by hand by the designer in her studio. Currently Me-I-Me have two collections available, the Eagles & Triangles line which is minimal with bold shapes, and the ME line, which is branded with the Me-I-Me logo. Each line features high-quality precious metals with gold plating, and oxidisation is added to many of the pieces as finishing touches.

Olenka

After four years in the business, Olenka is killing it. Synonymous with play, sophistication and timelessness, the label which was founded in Bali in 2011 creates high-quality swimwear and womenswear pieces that you need to get into, stat. Olenka prides itself on its unique approach to design, using digitalprinted fabrics and careful tailoring. Each season, a new print is designed from scratch then printed on site in Sydney onto allnatural fibres. Their SS15 collection, The Storyteller, is inspired by African tribes, ancient artefacts and quirky cubist art. But more impressive is their use of shape. Click online, you’ll see what we mean. olenka-olenka.com

meime.com.au

03 17 Sundays x Denimsmith

Launched in Abbotsford in 2011, 17 Sundays is locally known as the best in the business for plus-size fashion. They’ve recently teamed up with Denimsmith to produce a pretty swish denim boiler suit with a denim shirt jacket soon to follow. Denimsmith sources some of the finest Japanese denim and constructs each piece straight out of their East Brunswick store. 17 Sundays is really pushing the boundaries in the plus-size market. We think it’s about time for everybody else to catch up. | Images: Lily Cummings, Talent: Sophie Sheppard, HMU: Chanel Fucile. 17sundays.com

RE TAIL TH ER APY

Monster threads

THE GALERIES SHOP 7 GROUND FLOOR, 500 GEORGE ST, SYDNEY CBD MONSTERTHREADS. COM.AU

LUXE DELUXE 1052 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE VIC 03 9509 9689 LUXE-DELUXE.COM

A far cry from its early days as a market stall selling artist t-shirts in Sydney, Monsterthreads has since expanded in a mammoth way. Bucking the trend of other retailers, the artistic brand is up to its fifth brickand-mortar store, with one international set up and one beauty of a space at The Galeries. Their success can easily be pinned to their unique approach to design. Each product infused with art by an independent artist, with the bright-lit space showcasing a mix of folk art, character illustration, street art and contemporary graphic design. It’s just. so. cool.

LUXE DELUXE is an Australian brand dedicated to providing beautiful, everyday staples with a modern sports luxe sensibility. Designed between Melbourne and Paris, the label’s AW15 range is inspired by women of the world. The collection was shot in the heart of Paris, at the Palais Royal, with rising French model Estelle Chen fronting the campaign. Oozing nonchalant Parisian elegance, the collection is a combination of classic shapes, unexpected cuts and rich detailing in a mix of silk essentials, leather bikers, fur vests and velvety cashmeres. Stocked in over 150 boutiques, the homegrown label continues to grow with the opening of their first flagship in Melbourne.

Bailey Nelson

SHOP 444, CORNER OF WATERLOO & HERRING ROADS NORTH RYDE, NSW 02 9870 7829 BAILEYNELSON.COM.AU

When it comes to balancing quality and affordability in a pair of glasses, there is only one player in the game. Bailey Nelson’s frames are not just stylish, but are also locally designed, handmade and use high-quality lenses that are anti-glare, anti-scratch and anti-fog. The newest boutique in Macquarie Centre boasts a spacious interior and modern vibe, with horizontal wooden panels running across walls which serve dual functions as display stands and shop decor. Another recent addition in Westfield Miranda also adds to Bailey Nelsons’ list of stores across Australia and in London.

BEG BORROW STEAL

We a l l k n o w t h e s t o r y. S p e n d t h r e e w e e k s p a y o n a d r e s s o n l y t o w e a r i t o n c e . I t ’s h e a r t b r e a k i n g a n d h a r d o n t h e h i p p o c k e t , s o a g r o u p o f n e w b u s i n e s s e s a r e f i g h t i n g b a c k w i t h d e s i g n e r r e n t a l s e r v i c e s . H e r e ’s a f e w o f t h e b e s t .

U S E MY B AG Where: Australia wide Brands: All designer everything Price point: Starting from $40 weekly Why you should rent/list with them: Been eyeing off that LV for a while? This is one way to ensure you can afford it. Not only is Use My Bag good for renting, you can also list your own goods on there. Think of it as a sharing site, kind of like an Airbnb for designer handbags. This is a win if a) you want to offset the cost of your new purchase, b) you want to try before you buy, or c) you’re swimming in designer handbags (yeah right). Owners have the option to invisibly tag each bag with advanced DataDot security and bags are all covered by a tailored insurance policy. usemybag.com.au

H E R WA R D R O B E

Where: Australia wide. Tr y o n i n M e l b o u r n e B r a n d s : E l l e r y, N i c o l a F i n e t t i , White Suede, Josh Goot, Aurelio Costarella, Bec & Bridge, By J o h n n y, D a n i c a E r a r d M i l l i n e r y Price point: $50 - $250 (includes dry cleaning) Why you should rent from them: Because doesn't every girl wish she could steal something out of h e r w a r d r o b e ? We l l n o w y o u c a n (even if only for one night). Founded by fashion devotee Alex Osmond, H e r Wa r d r o b e i s p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t promoting incredible design talent and giving women the opportunity to wear amazing pieces. Without the designer price tag. herwardrobe.com.au

Y O U R C LO S E T W h e r e : A u s t r a l i a w i d e . Tr y o n i n S y d n e y B r a n d s : A l e x P e r r y, C a m i l l a , C h r i s t o p h e r E s b e r, Nicholas, Peter Lang and Camilla and Marc Price point: $75 - $320 (includes dry cleaning) W h y y o u s h o u l d r e n t f r o m t h e m : Yo u r C l o s e t allows access to luxury Australian and international designersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; collections at a fraction of the retail p r i c e . T h e Yo u r C l o s e t t e a m g o e s t h e e x t r a m i l e t o ensure customers are completely satisfied, offering a free back-up size with every rental and advice from experienced stylists to assist with your dress d e c i s i o n s . Yo u c a n a l s o e n j o y $ 2 0 o f f y o u r n e x t r e n t a l w h e n y o u s i g n u p a n d b e c o m e a m e m b e r. y o u r- c l o s e t . c o m . a u

H I R I N G WA R D R O B E Where: Australia wide Brands: 17 different designers including Manning Cartell, Camilla and Marc, Zimmermann, Josh Goot, Dion Lee, Scanlan Theodore and Camilla Price point: $40 - $200 (includes dry cleaning) Why you should rent/list with them: T h e s e n e w k i d s o n t h e b l o c k u n d e r s t a n d w h a t i t â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s l i k e to spend a fortune on a dress, just to have it sit in your wardrobe. So theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re giving girls the opportunity to not only rent, but to join their team and make available their designer pieces to others. They also have a comprehensive review system to ensure they stay top of their game. hiringwardrobe.com.au @hiringwardrobe

HAIR & BEAUTY

Make-up Royalty Having a father who is a world-famous make-up artist sounds like a whole bunch of fun. An endless supply of cosmetics, beauty tips on tap – pretty much what dreams are make of right? We caught up with Angelene, Alexia, Athina and Lianna, daughters of make-up guru, Napoleon Perdis, to find out what it’s really like growing up in a cosmetics empire.

What’s the best thing about having a dad who is a famous make-up artist with his own line of products? Angelene: The best thing is we are able to try different types of cosmetics before they are even available. We also get to visit different facilities where cosmetics are made and be part of creating the magic. As for the hardest part, I don’t think there is one. Except maybe not having enough space to store all of our make-up! Alexia: The best thing is we are able to give our personal opinion and feedback. We get to try different shades, formulas and types of cosmetics and kind of be part of the development process. Athina: For me, the best thing is being among all the amazing creations. Different types of products, fresh shades and combinations. I love that we are able to give our dad our feedback and really be part of the process. Lianna: I love all of the tips, tricks and feedback we are able to get from him. We are also fortunate to be able to try on products that are not on the market yet, and even give him our own opinion on them. It’s amazing!

Athina

When were you allowed to start wearing make-up? Angelene: I was about 12 I think, but nothing fancy, mostly a really good cleansing routine and nail polish to start with. Alexia: Maybe a couple of years ago. I am crazy about lip glosses, so I think this is what I started with. Athina: I started around 12 too with my favourite lip gloss (Cherchez La Femme Luminous Lip Veil) and a touch of blush. Lianna: I was about 12 or 13. I started with lip gloss, nail polish and mascara.

What’s your favourite thing about make-up and beauty? Angelene: It’s all about matching your mood with your looks. Make-up can make you transform your looks depending on how you feel. That’s pretty awesome! Alexia: It picks me up even when I am feeling down. Make-up really helps me find my passion with all the different colours and textures and combinations. Athina: The fun of it! All different textures, colours, options. It’s a world of its own and always surprises me. Lianna: I love how unique and different all people are. Make-up helps people enhance their own version of themselves and highlight what they are proud of. Do you think any of you will follow your dad’s footsteps into the beauty world? Angelene: I would definitely want to spend a little time working in the company. I am not sure if this is something I would choose as a career but I want to get to know what it is all about. Alexia: I would love to! I really want to be able to have an internship period within the company to learn all of the procedures. Athina: I sure hope so! I want to get involved as much as possible with our business! I am not sure in what capacity but I would love to learn all of the mechanics. Lianna: I would love to get involved with the company. I have not yet decided what I want to do in my life, but starting to get involved in the company I think will help me decide what my future steps will be.

Angelene

HAIR & BEAUTY

What’s your favourite beauty product? Angelene: I am all about brows! Browtox is of course my favourite product! Alexia: I love my lip products. Lip glosses and lipsticks make my day! Athina: I LOVE mascara! It can change the way your eyes look and can be applied even on its own! The effect is always stunning! Lianna: Hmm that is quite hard. I think the most important step for all make-up is foundation. So I would have to choose foundation just because it gives me the best prepared canvas on which I can create any look. When your dad isn’t busy working, what do you guys like to do together? Angelene: Since we moved to Greece we spend a lot of time travelling to different parts of the city so that we learn more and more about our new home! Alexia: I really love going for drives or strolls on the beach. Living close to the water, and especially now that Greek summer is fast approaching, I hope we get to do more and more.

Alexia Athina: We love watching movies, especially documentaries and real-life based films. They are so inspiring! Lianna: I really like that my dad is involved in different charities and helping people in general. I try to spend time with him helping those less fortunate. Tell us about your skincare routine? Angelene: Cleansing for me is the most important part of my routine. I make sure my face is fresh and hydrated before applying any make-up or before I go to bed. Alexia: The one thing I never forget to do is to prepare my skin, before applying any make-up. Athina: I really love making new shades by mixing existing ones! I will always apply different types of lip gloss over my lipstick and create my own personal shade. I even do it with eye shadows! It’s so much fun! Lianna: I always make sure that my foundation is uniform and matte. My secret is to use different types of foundation depending on your skin and seasons.

Lianna What’s the best beauty advice you could give to someone? Angelene: Your most beautiful feature is your smile! Alexia: Believe in yourself. Athina: Experiment and embrace your creativity! Lianna: Find your inner beauty and let others see it! What’s one piece of beauty advice your dad gives you that you don’t do? Angelene: To begin shaping my brows from the arch inwards…. That is always an issue between us! Alexia: To try different shades of glosses. Honestly, when I find one I like, I get obsessed until it is all gone. Athina: Start my make-up by applying mascara first. He is right, it does make a huge difference but the truth is I sometimes forget. Lianna: Experiment with colour! Once I find a shade I like, it’s really hard to move on.

napoleonperdis.com Photography by Richard Ibrahim

FJ REVIEWS

Look & Listen

with GIULIA BRUGLIERA and LUKE FORESTER

DESIGNERS ON INSTAGRAM

FASHION VISIONARIES

TECHBITCH

The Council of Fashion Designers America

Linda Watson

Lucy Kykes, Jo Piazza

Since its inception in 1962, the CFDA has released nine books. Only nine. And reportedly they've never been more excited than the release of their latest. On what important subject matter must this focus, you ask? Instagram. No, it's not a poignant look at how the app has democratised fashion nor is it a criticism on the pace it has pushed the industry. Instead, it is quite literally a whole bunch of screen grabs from CFDA designers' Instagrams. Groundbreaking. Admittedly some of the pics are quite cool (Diane Von Furstenburg's selfie is sa chic), but bottom line, we didn't need this.

If you're looking for a coffee table book to make yourself look cooler, stop. We found it. The end. Fashion Visionaries is a perfect size, looks super classy and is full of bite size fashion biographies so that you can impress your friends with all your fashion knowledge. From cover to cover it reads as a timeline of legendary designers such as Thierry Hermès to Yohji Yamamoto, giving a brief history of the designer and their brand. Bonus points go out for the double page per designer format, meaning it's easy to pick up and read from wherever. Yep, perfect coffee table book.

LOL. OMG. Techbitch. Where to even start. This one's for my sisters who loved The Devil Wears Prada and also find the Kardashians relevant. Deliciously trashy, it follows the usurpation of Glossy editor, Imogen Tate, by her narcissistic, tyrant-like exassistant. Ugh, the assistant is just so damn awful and Imogen is a legend. This book will suck you in like an episode of Dance Moms. You'll pretend to hate it but really, secretly, you're totally obsessed. It's also a refreshing look at how the magazine industry has transformed with the internet. But mostly it's pure, delicious, satisfying trash.

ALBUM REVIEWS DÉJÀ VU

IN COLOUR

KIDDO

Giorgio Moroder

Jamie XX

Tove Stryke

After almost 30 years out of the game, Moroder is back with his 21st album déjà vu. Proving the 74-year-old isn’t out of touch with trends, this album is jam-packed with diverse guest vocalists on almost every track. Unsurprisingly, the biggest hits here are thanks to these guests. Kylie Minogue feature 'Right Here, Right Now' is a slice of glittery disco euphoria, while the Sia-driven title track is a syrupy torch ballad that sounds like it time travelled here straight from the '70s. The other big highlight here is Britney’s cover of '80s hit 'Tom’s Diner'. It’s sleek and cool in a way that Britney’s own output hasn’t been for years. The broad range of guests does ultimately detract from the continuity of the album itself, feeling more like a compilation in the end. That said, there’s no one out there making music quite like this. Welcome back, Giorgio we’ve missed you.

It’s a real feat to create what Jamie XX does. In Colour is a contradiction of an album; a celebration of UK club culture and also solitude, an album that is somehow both loud and indescribably quiet at the same time. Unlike his monochromatic work with The XX, Jamie’s second solo album is bursting with colour - a technicolour rocket taking off into space. Vintage Roland synths buzz their way through the album like a Saturday morning cartoon character on tracks like 'Gosh' and 'Sleep Sound'. Romy and Oliver lend their vocals and provide emotional depth to 'Loud Places' and 'Stranger In A Room', the closest tracks to anyone familiar with The XX’s work. Jamie’s previous work remixing and producing tracks for other artists only hinted at what was to come. This is a beautiful, joyous album that I’m certain will be a house party staple for quite some time.

There must be something in the water in Sweden judging by the consistently amazing pop stars they’ve created. A former Swedish Idol contestant, Tove is back with her second album and first worldwide release too. Like Robyn and Annie, Tove makes punchy, quirky pop music with a fervour that would make any other pop star jealous. There’s a rebellious streak here too, most noticeable on 'Even If I’m Loud Doesn’t Mean I’m Talking To You' an insanely catchy girl-punk anthem that’s all processed guitars and shouty vocals. It is definitely becoming my ‘stop staring at me on the train’ song. Lead single 'Ego' is practically an anti-ballad with biting lyrics and an effortlessly cool chorus to boot. Although a few of these tracks tread similar ground to her contemporaries, Kiddo still has more oomph over its 12 tracks than what most artists fit into their career. Sweden, you’ve done it again.

SCEN ERY

Out & About Muji Last month we saw minimalist Japanese retailer, Muji, open a third shop in Australia. With their first two stores in Melbourne’s Chadstone and Emporium an instant success, Sydneysiders have now been given the same chance to bring a little Japanese aesthetic into their lives. The new store (which is double the size of the Emporium store) echoes Muji’s distinctive vibe of functional, simple and zen, making it very easy to feel at home. Guests of the launch party were invited to shop the store first, being able to nab quality, well-designed products without the hefty price tag. muji.com.au

label.men The hair care brand behind the looks at London Fashion week, Label.m, called for a twin celebration at Sydney’s Vine in Double Bay. The event commemorated 10 years of professional hair care and debuted the brand’s first male styling range, label.men. Developed by the TONI&GUY artistic team, the line includes seven brand new barbering products for the modern man. Attendees sipped the strong flavours of Whisky Sours and Rusty Nail cocktails, while rock and roll tunes set the mood. labelm.com/au

STOCKISTS ALCH

a-l-c-h.com

GORMAN

gormanshop.com.au

asuardesign.com

GRACE BOUTIQUE

gracemelbourne.com

NAPOLEON PERDIS LIFE.STYLE

lifestyle.napoleonperdis.com

ASUAR AUTONOMY

autonomyonline.com.au

GRAND SCHEME

grandscheme.com.au

OBUS

obus.com.au

BÚL

bul.com.au

H&M

hm.com.au

ODD PEARS

oddpears.com

CAMILLA & MARC

camillaandmarc.com

I LOVE MR MITTENS

ilovemrmittens.com

SABA

saba.com.au

EDGELEY

edgeley.com.au

KALIVER

kaliver.com

SOMEPLACE

someplace.com.au

FADDOUL

faddoulthelabel.com

KAREN WALKER

karenwalker.com

STRATEAS CARLUCCI

strateascarlucci.com

FENDI

safilo.com

MAKERS OF BELIEF

makersofbelief.com

TOPMAN

topman.com

FOR THE HOMIES

forthehomies.com

MARIMEKKO

marimekko.com

TYPO

cottonon.com

GHOSTLY

ghostlylabel.com

MELISSA SHOES

melissaaustralia.com.au

VANISHING ELEPHANT

vanishingelephant.com