ISSUE 09 / NOVEMBER 2017 / FREE
ARTS / COMMUNITY / FASHION / FOOD & DRINK / MUSIC
DESIGN BY JUDE: FASHION IMITATING NATURE LATE NIGHT FOOD DELIGHT • ANDREA KELLER: THE THRILL OF SPONTANEITY AN INTERVIEW WITH KIM HYUNJI • THRIVE SYMPOSIUM
DO NOT LITTER
THIS IS MELBOURNE’S INNER NORTH
PLEASE RECYCLE
ABBOTSFORD / BRUNSWICK / CARLTON / COLLINGWOOD / FITZROY NORTHCOTE / NORTH MELBOURNE / PARKVILLE / RICHMOND
EDITOR’S LETTER Spring is in full swing! And at last, more often than not, we can enjoy sunshine, picnics, festivals, beer gardens, open air cinemas and BBQ’s… yes, friends of the inner north, November well and truly has it all, and the good vibes are already infectious!
Editor & Co-Founder - James Fox
Inevitably, good vibes and sunshine often leads to celebration and a big night out. But no big night out is ever truly complete without a late night venture to the nearest food joint. The inner north is not short of an establishment willing and able to satisfy our late night hunger pangs, and so our resident foodie Nina McQueen takes us on exploration of the best after hours eateries our region has to offer.
Head Designer & Co-Founder - Declan Hooper
Taking centre stage in the arts section this month is Kim Hyunji. Brought up in South Korea, and now based in Brunswick, Kim comes straight off the back off a hugely successful exhibition at Backwoods Gallery in Collingwood to give us a little insight into the process behind her unique, insightful and alluring portraiture craft.
Editorial Assistant: Eleanor van Driel
The concept of community is highly valued in the inner north, and as such we often see ourselves as accepting, open and tolerant. What we are less inclined to recognise is our increasing apathy to what is happening around us, as we suffer fatigue and burnout. So we take a look at the upcoming two-day Thrive Symposium. Helping us learn how to connect, communicate and co-create, we find out more about this exciting, collaborative event, and how we can get involved. This issue also sees us take a look at local fashion label JUDE. The perfect antithesis to multinational fast fashion and the epitome of Melbourne in more ways than one, this exciting, Fitzroy based label is something that begs to be worn. We speak with founder and lead designer Jude Ng, to find out more about the motivation and inspiration behind this awesome local label. Finally, this month’s music feature sees us delve into the world of spontaneity and the unknown, and there’s only one genre that can truly take us there – jazz. Here we catch up with multi-award winning jazz pianist Andrea Keller, as she invites us to take a look at Melbourne’s unique jazz scene. Once again, whatever grabs your attention, we hope you enjoy our latest exploration of Melbourne’s inner north.
James Fox - Editor & Co-Founder, Inner Circle Magazine
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners of the Land:
We would not have been able to create Inner Circle Magazine without the hard work and dedication of all involved. Thank you!
Design Assistant: Nicola Hooper Consultant: David Hooper Print Columnists: Tobias Handke, Quincy Malesovas, Ruby Syme, Nina McQueen, Simon Wraight, Kathryn Lewis Photography: Jason Blake, Jean Baulch, Danielle Chau (Cover Image), Natasha Blankfield Cover Models: Elana Philbert, Minjarrah Jarrett Illustrator: Minnie Chantpakpimon Online Columnists and Contributors in October: Ruby Syme, Quincy Malesovas, Nathan Senn, The Mind Room Collingwood Special thanks to:
“We, at Inner Circle Magazine, would like to acknowledge that the land we meet on is the traditional lands for the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations, and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as the custodians of the Melbourne region, including Melbourne’s inner north, and recognise that their culture and heritage is still important to the Wurundjeri people today. We wish to pay respect to their Elders, both past and present, and further acknowledge the important role that Indigenous people continue to play within our communities.”
contact@innercirclemagazine.com.au
facebook.com/innercirclemagazine
Kim Hyunji, Rei Alphonso (Thrive Symposium), Jude Ng (JUDE), Anastasia (The Real Greek Souvlaki Bar), Andrea Keller Special thanks also reserved for all our advertising partners. Publisher: Inner Circle Magazine - innercirclemagazine.com.au
@innercirclemagazine
To contribute, head to: innercirclemagazine.com.au/about/contribute/
twitter.com/innercirclemelb
For advertising enquiries, contact: James Fox - james@innercirclemagazine.com.au Declan Hooper - declan@innercirclemagazine.com.au
Printed by Ellikon on PEFCTM certified laser paper made from 30% recycled waste and using vegetable inks. This document has been produced to international standard ISO14001 bystandard a certified greenbyprinting using recycled This document hasenvironmental been produced to management international environmental management ISO14001 a certifiedcompany green printing company usingpaper. recycled paper.
ARTS PAGE 7
COMMUNITY PAGE 11
FASHION PAGE 17
FOOD & DRINK PAGE 20
MUSIC PAGE 23
• WHAT’S ON
• WHAT’S ON
• WHAT’S ON
• LATE NIGHT FOOD
• WHAT’S ON
• ARTS NEWS
• COMMUNITY
• FASHION UPDATE
• AN INTERVIEW
WITH KIM HYUNJI
NEWS
• THRIVE
SYMPOSIUM
• JUDE: FASHION
IMITATING NATURE
DELIGHT
• MUSIC NEWS • ANDREA KELLER: THE THRILL OF SPONTANEITY
Inner Circle Magazine • Arts
Issue 09 • November
What’s On - Arts
Arts News
Funny at the Brunny
This October marked The Melbourne Festival. Australia’s leading international arts festival came to another successful close, having showcased a number of dance, music, theatre, visual art and multimedia events. Exhibitions and performances included Ayoung Kim’s, In This Vessel We Shall Be Kept as well as Turning Point by the Australian String Quartet at Collingwood Arts Precint. A number of artists also performed for The Score at The University of Melbourne. 150 still and moving images were curated by Naomi Cass and Pippa Milne for An Unorthodox Flow of Images at the Centre for Contemporary Photography. You may have also noticed the Melbourne Art Trams running throughout the city. 8 Victorian artists swapped their canvases for trams, designing them to be exhibited throughout the streets of Melbourne.
The Brunswick Hotel, Every 2nd Monday Free comedy, $10 jugs of draught. What more could you ask for? Enlighten your Monday nights with a laugh and a drink. Cheers!
Small Works Art Prize: Application Deadline
Brunswick St Gallery, 12am 17th Nov Enter your artwork for this professional exhibition running from Friday 8th December. Brunswickstreetgallery.com.au.
Rest in Pieces Taxidermy Workshop
Northcote, 18th - 19th November No previous experience is required at this 2-day workshop – just an interest in this controversial yet fascinating art. Head to restinpieces.com.au to find out more.
If You Know How To Get Here, Come, by Tomo Campbell
Gallery Voltaire, North Melbourne, 29th Nov - 10th Dec London-based oil painter, Tomo Campbell brings his abstract, intricate paintings to North Melbourne.
Written by Nina McQueen
November in Melbourne’s inner north art society is once again blooming. Check out
Funny at the Brunny at the one and only, Brunswick Hotel. Running every Monday fortnight at 8pm, sit back with a $10 jug of draught and laugh for free with sets performed by talented comedians. If you’re looking to take up a slightly more unusual hobby, Rest In Pieces invites you to Australia’s first Skeletal Articulation in Northcote. This two day engaging workshop gives students a hands-on experience with the process of skinning and articulation, as well as an informative seminar on specimen cleaning and preservation. No previous experience required – just an interest in the controversial yet fascinating art. Or if absorbing others’ art is preferable, Tomo Campbell’s oil paintings are being displayed at Gallery Voltaire. If you know how to get here, come is a free exhibition exploring the tensions between familiarity and mystery within abstract and complex art.
Avantiplus Collingwood
New Location! Now at 192 Wellington Street Open 7 days Mon to Fri 8am - 6 Sat 10 - 5 Sun 11 - 6 Local Bike Shop Call 9419-1995
Issue 09 • November
Interview by Quincy Malesovas Photography by Jason Blake
Page 08 • Arts
Kim Hyunji knows the power of a smile. Or a frown. Or a roll of skin. She is a portrait artist with a penchant for highlighting the profiles of her peers - early 20’s individuals - as a means of connecting with them, and connecting them with others. Anyone living in Melbourne is exposed to a countless number of faces on a regular basis, so much so that we’ve become desensitised to it. The mugs we pass on the street, the selfies in our feeds, the vlogs we can’t stop consuming – they’re all pretty commonplace. But Kim’s work is not. She highlights reality while embracing subtle abstraction (unconventional colour schemes, bold brushstrokes in mismatched hues). She is not just a representation of our current digital climate, where personal (visual) exploitation is encouraged, but a response to it. The generation she depicts is the generation raised to believe they are deserving of constant attention, which is an inherent part of the portraiture process. The difference lies in the fact that when being captured by another person, your representation of self is far less curated and less filtered than any selfie would be. Kim does a great job of balancing the unrefined and the alluring, harnessing the rawness of her subjects in a way that they wouldn’t be able to do on their own accord. We thank her for taking the time to share this process with us. Inner Circle: Where did you grow up and when did you come to Melbourne? Kim Hyunji: I grew up in Seoul, South Korea. I came to Perth in 2013 when my dad
had a business there. I have since moved to Melbourne to experience the bigger art scene of Australia. IC: Are there any differences in how your work is received here versus in South Korea? KH: I started my career in Australia so I haven’t got a chance to compare it yet! IC: Have you always been artistically inclined? KH: My mum and grandparents on my mum’s side are all artists themselves. I grew up surrounded by their artworks and art books they owned. It certainly affected my ability to look at art, especially paintings. IC: When did you decide to pursue painting as your medium of choice? KH: I always enjoyed doing drawings since I was a kid and I first tried oil paints at art school. It became my favorite medium. Although I’m a painter I don’t want to limit myself to this medium. I do enjoy exploring a few other different mediums and I like to mix/ combine them with my painting work. Unlike photography, painting isn’t flat. I’m interested in pushing my work to be outside of traditional & conventional painting styles.
fascinating and exciting part for me. I don’t really like painting clothes or tattoos when I want to focus on the subject. I like depicting flesh and other natural features from the body without any acquired decoration that the individual chooses to wear. IC: Where and when do you work best? KH: I work best in my studio in Brunswick, where the environment is set to do my own work. I get distracted pretty easily so it’s really helpful to have one. 10pm-4am is my magic hour for working. Because I work in Brunswick and live in North Melbourne, I often miss the openings of galleries in the Collingwood & Fitzroy area, as it’s quite hard to travel to. I always wish there was some sort of public transport that would link Fitzroy and Brunswick directly. IC: Who’s your favourite contemporary artist at the moment? KH: [British painter] Jenny Saville is my all-time favorite.
IC: What is it about portraiture that speaks to you, and that you believe appeals to viewers of your work? KH: I love the act of depicting the face. In the human portrait, even the smallest and most minuscule brush marks can change the whole feeling of a facial expression. That makes it so challenging; translating the persona of a model with painting, as opposed to the photographyportraiture genre.
IC: What shows/exhibitions have you done recently, and what do you have planned in the near future? KH: I recently had a solo show at Backwoods Gallery in Collingwood. It was a really great experience to have support, to do whatever I wanted to do. I hardly get support from the local community as a foreign artist, so it was a great opportunity for me. We are planning to do another solo show together around late 2018. Since I wrapped up the recent show, I’ve been applying for exhibition opportunities at all the artist-run galleries around Melbourne, so fingers crossed!
IC: What are your favourite or least favourite features to draw? KH: Eyes are my favorite part to work on. It’s a really
To keep up with Kim’s work, follow her on Instagram or Facebook (@kimkimkimxx) or visit www.cargocollective.com/kimkimkim
Page 09 • Inner Circle Magazine
Words by Ruby Syme Photography by Jean Baulch
From a small Brunswick courtyard to a spectacular Collingwood warehouse, this is the story of Greener House Greener House in Collingwood is a leafy oasis amidst the traffic and bustle of Alexandra Parade. Bursts of green line an elegant office, and a cool warehouse reveals a collection of plants in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Indeed, the plants themselves are fascinating, but the story behind this green paradise is even more so. What’s now a busy business, with an inner city warehouse and a solid, loyal customer base, was once a monthly plant sale run from a Brunswick home. Started by Josh Tynan, 24, and Maggie Dunleavy, 22, Greener House is a testament to hard work, a little luck, and the benefits of perseverance. “We started while I was studying and working crazy hospitality hours, and Josh was working fulltime,” says Maggie. Soon, free minutes and dollars were solely dedicated to sourcing and collecting plants for their green collection. “Josh would spend all week in the hot car driving round to suppliers to pick up plants, and then we would sell them in our front courtyard,” Maggie explains. “I owned a Holden Commodore which didn’t have air con or anything, so I’d be driving in the middle of summer to Dandenong and back every week to fill up the car. You couldn’t see out any windows!” adds Josh. Steadily, business picked up and the pair began popping up in Urban List and Broadsheet. “When you’re in things like [that] lots of people start to come,” Maggie laughs, “so we decided we needed somewhere bigger.” “We found a studio space on Johnson Street, so we were able to do sales there. We would alternate - Johnson street, then our house.” “We ended up building a pretty solid base of people who came to most sales and getting really nice suppliers.”
One sale brought past Nordik Living, a Scandinavian style furniture company and owners of Greener House’s current space. “They really liked what we were doing, so they bought some plants and asked us to come and have a look at their warehouse,” says Maggie. And so the current Greener House began. The business is now run out of the Alexandra Parade location, with popular warehouse plant sales a regular occurrence. There are plans to expand beyond the inner north and even head interstate. But it’s not business that takes precedence here, it’s the genuine love for plants, and for what they provide people that’s obvious in the pair’s dedication to their work.
“People are starting to see indoor plants not as a whimsical thing but as a necessity,” says Maggie,
“so we really care that people’s plants keep going.” “We cater for people on an individual basis, and offer 24/7 Facebook support. Just message us about your plant or send us a picture… even if you didn’t buy it from us we’ll help you out.” Both Maggie and Josh agree it’s been a crazy ride, from the courtyard of their Brunswick home to this busy office, but as Josh says “it’s been the most amazing thing.” “It’s been such a learning experience, making so many mistakes… but its been worth it,” he says. And Maggie agrees. “It brings us so much joy to make something and have it be a success,” she says. “It’s just such a gift.”
facebook.com/greenerhousenursery • 57–61 Alexandra Parade, Collingwood Now open every Saturday 10am - 4pm
Inner Circle Magazine • Community
Issue 09 • November
What’s On - Community
Community News
Thrive Symposium
October was festival season, with a range of cultural day fetes on all across the northern ‘burbs. Melbourne’s most prevalent European influencers were highlighted at the Carlton Italian Festa on the 22nd.
Siteworks, Brunswick, 4th & 5th Nov Thrive is a call for social change. Learn more about this awesome, empowering community event on page 12.
Indie Comic Con
Northcote Town Hall, 4th Nov Check out Melbourne’s newest comic book festival, featuring an array of independent artists, writers and creators!
People with Cameras
231 Rathdowne St, Carlton, 12th Nov Be challenged photographically and improve your skills through this new community.
Johnston St Fiesta
Johnston St, Fitzroy, 18th & 19th Nov Johnston St Fiesta is a celebration of Hispanic Latin and American Culture, and brings an infectious, fun atmosphere to Fitzroy.
To Be Heard
Dancehouse, Carlton North, 24th Nov This special performance focuses on topics of substance abuse and domestic violence, with proceeds going to support Melbourne’s homeless population.
A stark contrast to the meat-heavy Italian fest was the Spring Vegan Fest at Meat Market in North Melbourne, featuring animal-free eats & more. The 31st annual Melbourne Festival was by far the largest happening this month, running almost all month. Just when you thought the bar couldn’t be set any higher for local culture and arts, the community behind Melbourne Festival swooped in and churned out a stellar collection of events confirming the city’s status as a leader in creative industries. As for this month, we are excited to hype the Thrive Symposium (see page 12). Thrive is a call for social change, running
Written by Quincy Malesovas
from November 4th-5th at Siteworks in Brunswick. Also on the 4th is the first ever Indie Comic Con at Northcote Town Hall. It’s a oneday event in its first year running, featuring independent artists, writers and creators of all sorts. Also worth checking out is People with Cameras. The workshop is a chance for photographers of all experience levels to meet like-minded people in their city. The event has been held in other cities around Australia and now it’s coming to Carlton on November 12th. Towards the end of the month, on November 24th, a very special performance titled To Be Heard is on at Dancehouse in Carlton North. The show focuses on topics of substance abuse and domestic violence, with proceeds going to support homeless populations locally and in the wider Melbourne community.
Issue 09 • November
THRIVE SYMPOSIUM CONNECT, COMMUNICATE & CO-CREATE
Words by Quincy Malesovas Graphics by Sophie White
Two days. Over 20 workshops. An opportunity for those of all ages and experiences to come together and learn how to finally start giving a f**k. This is Thrive Symposium; the premise is simple: Connect, Communicate & CoCreate. This affair has many objectives, but when I sat down to speak with creator Rei Alphonso, one became evident above all else. Thrive exists to bring hope to the cynical, reduce monotony and burnout in activist circles, and unearth commonalities amongst those with even the most differing of opinions. In many communities, “idealism is seen as young and uneducated and naïve,” Rei told me. “To be jaded seems smart.” Or at least that’s what we’re told, but things aren’t that simple. Rei believes that the cynicism often comes as a result of being drained. “That’s just normal – it’s self-defense to shut off.” This is why the symposium will be prioritizing activities revolving
around self-care, both physically and mentally, to combat the stressors of activism. Rei knows these woes because she has experienced them herself. Having delved into different social justice communities over the years, she has experienced her own cycles of “fatigue and f***s given.” She has also seen firsthand the negative impact of the communities on their very own members. Lateral (or peer-on-peer) violence occurs in even the most seemingly progressive of circles. It manifests as bigotry, public shaming and calling out, backhanded comments with the power to cause harm. Thrive exists to address all of these concerns, plus more. Rei explained that “it’s seeded from hundreds of conversations with people about self-care, lateral violence, access to social capital.” * Social capital, for those who don’t know, is one’s connection to other people and identities that cement their place in their community and subsequently, the level of support they do or don’t receive. The intention of the Thrive Symposium will be carried out through a panel of keynote speakers, five different streams of workshops and subsequent networking and discussion sessions. It’s a choose-youradventure sort of event. With categories ranging from communication skills and working with grief and despair to transformative justice and body work (plus a “breakout” stream for workshops that don’t fit neatly into any of these
categories), there will be options to suit any participant. Thrive is not simply for those who are already very lefty leaning and schooled in social justice and activist issues. Of course, those people will probably be the ones who come out in droves. But the symposium also aims to create space for differing opinions as well, and those who are simply curious to learn. “There is no such thing as a perfect ally,” Rei told me. No one is ever going to agree with you on all fronts. Rather than focus on those differences, we must highlight the points of connection in any form that they take. Through this, Rei hopes to create a culture at Thrive that can precedent any associated events going forward. Guests should remain open to being challenged. They can expect to be held but also be subject to feelings that aren’t entirely comfortable. Because how does change occur if not without a bit of discomfort? They should prepare to focus on different areas where they feel blocked and to
Inner Circle Magazine • Community
develop a better awareness of what links us rather than what divides us.
“So many people are burdened by the tyranny of perfection – all we can have are points of connection.” – Rei Alphonso
The point of Thrive is to remind participants that enacting in social change is worth it, and that any relations we can form with people do matter. This event is for people who care as well as people who want to be pushed to care more.
Thrive Symposium will be held at Siteworks in Brunswick (33 Saxon Street) on November 4th and 5th. Those interested in attending can purchase either single day tickets or weekend passes at Eventbrite. You can keep up with event updates on Facebook (@thrive. symposium).
Rei puts it best: “I’m trying to crack people open and give them some skills and resources and experiential opportunities to access their compassion.”
If you don’t make it to the Thrive Symposium this month, be sure to follow Thrive on Facebook to learn about future events and happenings.
Words by Ruby Syme Photography by Jean Baulch
MANFRED’S SHOE LOUNGE 17 years of authenticity, quality & elegance Walking along Errol Street, you can’t help but stop at Manfred’s Shoe Lounge. A simple shop front with a hanging sign welcomes you, and large front windows offer a glimpse of the magic within. There’s a peak of a soft leather couch; a table piled with striking brogues, a swirling Persian carpet and the gentle chink of tools. And that’s just a glimpse. Inside is shoe heaven. The walls are lined with boots and brogues; funky patterns, pointed toes and detailed buckles all making an appearance. Various tools lie scattered on a workbench and above the counter a frenzy of footwear hangs, waiting to be resoled or repaired. The faint smell of shoe polish hangs in the air. There’s a sort of authenticity about the place, hardwood floors, elegant wallpaper and wooden features all conveying a stylish ease. A killer soundtrack featuring Massive Attack doesn’t hurt either. This is where owner Manfred Schopf has been selling and repairing shoes for 17 years. “I just love working with good quality shoes,” he says, explaining that this is the reason he stocks so many handmade English brands. “Most of the shoes I sell are Jeffery West, Loake, Barker, Ian Harolds. I love working with English shoes, the quality’s just so much better.”
and other shoes,” he says. “With English shoes you can feel the stiffening caps in the toes. They’re designed to last up to 20 years if you look after them.”
“It looks more stylish too.” Manfred has been involved in shoe repairs since 1976, “quite a few years,” he remarks with a grin, so it’s no wonder the store is among the top repair stores in Australia. “I’ve got a lot of pride in my work,” he says. He began learning with his father, a cobbler, in Austria when he was 16. “I started working with Dad, for about two years in Europe. When I was 18 I came to Australia by myself and started working in shoe repair factories, learning how it was all done.” “I then decided to open up my own shop in the city which I had for about 16 years, and then I came here,” Manfred says. He chose the location for its central location and accessibility. “I could see there was nothing in North Melbourne like it,” he explains, “and it was so close to the city and all the facilities, yet there was no decent repair place in the area.” “It was an instant win. The locals really stood up for me, they were so happy to have someone that could do this work for them.”
As he talks, he takes a pair of Jeffery West boots off the shelf and presses the toe.
The store hasn’t always been what it is now though, Manfred explains. In the early days, one half of the now spacious shop was a pawnbrokers.
“This is the difference between English shoes
“I didn’t sell shoes back then,” Manfred explains,
“but I thought it’s a great shop… why don’t I take over [next door]?”
And he did, bringing in the rock star style Jeffery Wests, supple Loake brogues and funky Barker shoes that now line the walls. “Ever since then it’s just worked,” he says. “I’ve got the largest range of English Loake shoes in Australia, over 26 styles in stock, and even more of the Jeffery Wests.” “Selling shoes as well as repairs has been great. I get a whole range of customers, half come in to buy, half to get shoes repaired.” “We’re now stocking ladies shoes too, from the Barker Factory in North Hampton, England,” he says. It’s hard to deny Manfred’s obvious passion for his work and his appreciation for quality footwear. As he wanders around the shop he stops to caress a leather boot or admire the heel of a Barker shoe, remarking on their craftsmanship as he goes. “You can see the hand stitching here,” he says, pointing at the sole of a Loake brogue. “Look at that, it’s just stunning.” And indeed, it is. Full of personality and style, the shoes that line the walls at Manfred’s aren’t your ordinary sandals or boots. They’re individual, hand crafted gems, full of delicate details and elegant stitching. As Manfred says, “they’re beautiful, beautiful shoes.”
manfredsshoelounge.com.au • 62 Errol Street, North Melbourne • 9328 4940
What’s On - Fashion
Fashion News
Avant Garbage Part Three
Hello November! And hello to one of Melbourne’s biggest fashion events of the year – the Melbourne Cup! For fashion lovers, this is a week of florals, fascinators, colour and couture.
and go with big shapes and bright colours.
This year, focus is on striking pieces that will make sure it’s not just the race turning heads. Whimsical, floral vibes are always a safe bet, with floaty, pastel dresses and delicate accessories lending themselves perfectly to this spring weather, but there’s also room to do something a little different. Stand out with statement sleeves, striking silhouettes and daring patterns or if you can’t give up that LBD, opt for a classic pop of colour with a bold lip. Pantsuits and jumpsuits are also another strong trend with many labels rolling these out in striking colours and prints.
a good chance to try something a bit more
Laundry Bar, Fitzroy, 9th Nov Promoting underground art, fashion & street wear culture in Australia, Avant Garbage is about embracing it all. Partnering with the Aussie social media street wear and fashion community, this is a space for creatives, fashion lovers and artists alike to meet, boogie and bond.
Graduate Runway Assembly RMIT, Brunswick Campus, 23rd Nov Come and see this generation’s new designers showcase their shorts, shirts and skirts! 2017 RMIT Bachelor of Fashion Graduate’s will showcase their final graduate collections at an elegant evening with drinks, nibbles and contemporary designs.
Evelyn Markets The Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy, 4th Nov Funky pre-owned, vintage markets in this most iconic of Brunswick St band rooms. Wander the rows of local stores and sip on spicy $10 Bloody Mary’s as you hunt for a bargain. Stalls include everything from vintage goods to handmade art and craft goodies.
For a headpiece, accessorize with something a little more creative than the traditional fascinator. Inject a little bit of magic into your day with a crystal crown or be daring
Written by Ruby Syme
For the men, bowties are in, as are suits in light blues and greys. Unless you’re heading to Derby Day (stick to black and white), it’s unique! Away from the races, metallic colours and embellishments are strong on the street this season, and embroidered and statement tees are making a reappearance. For this everchanging weather, when the days are warm but the nights are still cool, a perfectly worn pair of jeans and a pretty tee is the perfect in between. Accessorize with a fashionable (and practical) trench coat, and you’ll have an outfit that will see you from picnicking in the park to sipping cocktails at the Black Pearl.
JUDE: FASHION IMITATING NATURE
“I looked around me and my painting studio was starting to look more like a fashion design studio.” A stroll along Fitzroy’s Johnston St and you will find the product of Jude Ng’s transition from artist to fashion designer nestled surreptitiously among handicraft stores and graffitied walls. The store window is embossed with the label’s signature beetle - a hybridized creation reflecting Jude’s love of the unlikely - behind it is a tactile landscape changing alongside Melbourne’s seasons.
Page 18 • Fashion
JUDE is a fashion label that values a narrative from origin to wearer. Founder and designer Jude uses his background in painting to create clothing for people to not only wear but to rouse an emotional connection.
The label’s signature designs are genderneutral, designed to flatter people of different age groups and body shapes. Layering and versatility are incorporated into all of the garments.
“I still use my fine arts sensibility in the way I design clothes, looking at how lines and shapes fall on the proportions of the body to create something which people would like to wear,” he says.
“We love that this gives our customers different ways to wear the clothes and carry them through different seasons, extending the wear and value of each piece,” Jude says.
While the pieces may be deemed fit for a fine art gallery, their purpose is to be loved by a far wider audience. “Fashion does not have to be as ‘exclusive’ as fine art,” Jude says.
This Spring/Summer season is typified by Australia’s landscape, the ‘Soft Terrain’ collection is a harmonic expression of Jude’s label, a union of “bold and elegant tailored lines mixed with relaxed shapes and tactile natural fibres to create unique and modern pieces with
thousand years to biodegrade. Only fifteen per cent* of clothing donated to charity stores gets sold or given back into the community, around half of what’s left hanging off the shelves is sent to developing nations; the majority is sent straight to landfill. JUDE’s clothing not only reflects Australia’s natural habitat, it protects it. The philosophy of the label is to combine traditional techniques of clothes-making with contemporary shapes of a modern lifestyle, put to use with beautiful natural fibers and intimate hand crafted detailing.
Words by Kathryn Lewis Campaign Photography by Danielle Chau @danielleciaochau, Other Photography by Jean Baulch @baulch_tales Talent: Minjarrah Jarrett
The label is part of the narrative from start to finish, to create ethical clothing which can be traced right back to its origins. Following the one year anniversary of the flagship store in August, Jude is one to stick to his roots as the label expands, maintaining the Melbournemade tone of the label.
@minjarrajarrett, Elana Philbert @elanaelle Styling by Tamara Leacock @reciclagem, Lawrence Gatt @lawrencexjames Make - Up Art by Gabby Webb @gabbywebbmakeup
There is a lot in store for JUDE with the hope of opening another store in Victoria and venturing interstate as well as collaborating with overseas stockists who can understand and appreciate the ethos of the label.
Designed By Jude Ng @designbyjude
soul,” he says. The collection is embodied by a palette of earthy tones, khakis, deep indigo and the distinction of black and white. Every aspect of the label imparts a story into the clothing. Jude illustrates the transformation of the Johnston St store to a makeshift photoshoot set with calico drapes and whitewashed wooden boxes. He sets the story running through the season’s latest designs as an imagined landscape where two travellers are journeying alone through a strange land, they find each other in an “intimate corner of this unfamiliar place,” making their meeting even more extraordinary.
JUDE epitomizes Melbourne in one label, the versatility of the styles inspired by Melbourne’s infamous four seasons in one day. These are clothes made to last and carry across seasons making each piece adaptable to fit into the wearer’s life. This is the antithesis of the rapidly growing fast fashion industry, JUDE rebels against an industry who can have a mass order made and shipped across the globe in under a week. Australians are the second largest consumers of textiles globally, perpetuating an industry saturated with plastic-based materials including nylon and polyester which, according to the University of Queensland*, can take up to one
“I have always believed that starting small, being grounded and working with the immediate environment I am in is where the magic happens and is the key to success,” says Jude.
Visit JUDE: In person @ 252 Johnston St, Fitzroy Online @ www.designbyjude.com Instagram @designbyjude Email: info@designbyjude.com Call : 0403 800 992 *Read more about Fast Fashion on the University of Queensland website at uq.edu.au/sustainability/ fast-fashion-q uick-to-cause-environmentalhavoc-143174 and on the ABC News website at abc. net.au/news/2017-01-12/australias-obsession-withnew-clothes-hurting-the-environment/8177624
Page 19 • Fashion
Words by Nina McQueen Illustration by Minnie Chantpakpimon
Laundry Bar. Johnston Street. 2am.
OUR RESIDENT FOODIE NINA MCQUEEN TAKES US ON A POST-NIGHT OUT JOURNEY TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL LATE NIGHT EATS
Vocals stinging and sensitive from belting our terrible voices over timeless R&B hits, heels stabbing through to the aching balls of our feet, and sobriety upon us, a relieving and exciting thought captivated our minds suddenly. This part of the night, which I believe every slightly intoxicated person would also agree, is the most thrilling and satisfying hour of a good night out. The time for food. My friend, Katie and I headed across the road, straight to the corner 7/11, with the unimaginative but starving desire to satisfy our usual tipsy cravings. For me, t h i s
Page 20 • Food & Drink
Inner Circle Magazine • Food & Drink
consists of donuts, regardless of whether I’m sober or not. For Katie, this is a classic packet of Smith’s crinkle cut salt and vinegar chips. Purchasing the goods, we jumped into an Uber to head home. In this case, our driver was a superbly sassy, equally hungry, and probably more-drunk-than-us-in-personality-butdefinitely-sober kind of guy. “Let’s get chips, oh my god!” he insisted. He pulled over by Ali Baba Kebab Palace. Even for a very early Monday morning, there were people lined up, hungry for a greasy feast that would no doubt throw any diet out the window. In saying that, the chips were far from greasy. I don’t mean to sound dramatic or cliché, but these chips were, by far, the best chips I’ve ever eaten in all my years of avid chip eating. A subtle glaze of amazing chicken salt, the
Issue 09 • November
perfect ratio of normal salt to potato filling. The crisp batter shell perfectly juxtaposed the soft, gentle mush of the inner potato. Our Uber driver couldn’t have agreed more. He, ‘Oh my gosh’ed through every mouthful, his chips drowning in garlic sauce which was kindly put on with no extra charge at his request. There aren’t many times that I truly thank an Uber driver, but that man opened me up to a whole new experience of food after a big night out. Nothing I’ve ever experienced in my life can compare to those chips; no fish and chippery, no packets of oven chips; just Ali Baba Kebeb Palace on Johnston Street. There was no hesitation to return…
Saturday Night. Katie’s 21st. We started the night at Dr Morse bar in Abbotsford, which although can get quite busy on a weekend, proved by the line out front, is one of those worth it socialising bars. Quiet, chilled out bar at the front and dance party bar out back - perfect for whether you want a big night or not. The bartenders excel at fantastic, reasonably priced drinks and cocktails. Despite the long lines, they will make your drinks with care and eloquent precision without the sharp, burning taste of alcohol. Highly recommended: the El Capo cocktail or an espresso martini! After a few hours, we headed to one of Brunswick Street’s favourite bars, Bimbo Deluxe. I’d never been, nor understood the huge lines turning down the street, until that night. There’s a large space downstairs for drinking, sitting on couches or at tables to socialise. Or you can head upstairs to the outdoor bar, where you can also grab a $4 pizza, now available until 3am. We spent our time upstairs on the dance floor by the bar, dancing to just about anything, from classic late 90s to modern day pop and R&B tunes that everyone can sing to, or at least pretend to know the lyrics anyhow. After an hour or two though, are minds wore on. We were tired of drinking and dancing,
but the night couldn’t be over yet. We needed food. Not just any food though. Katie and I dragged our friend, Gabby to Ali Baba Kebab Palace, where we ordered a small chips each for $5, but that was the perfect portion size for each of us. Though some memories are somewhat hazy from the night, standing on Johnston Street, waiting for our Uber, feeling the salt soak in my mouth with each crunch of a chip, the potato pleasantly warming my throat - I can’t possibly forget that level of satisfaction. Faithful Ali Baba Kebab Palace consistently seals the deal of a good night out with a feed you’ll sacrifice your summer diet for without the slightest twinge of regret. Whilst some people bar-hop, some people like to kebab-hop. To add another worthy name to your list, check out The Real Greek Souvlaki Bar on Brunswick Street. Katie and I came here after spending a few hours at Naked for Satan. The menu offers all your favourite Greek meals, served quickly and deliciously. “Souvlakis are the most ordered food item,” says Anastasia, who’s had her fair experience of serving people on a late night out. “Chicken, lamb, a mix. Some people order falafel wraps, and chips.” Other locals recommend Biggie Smalls and Smith Kebabs on Smith Street. Or if you’re not a fan of meat and chips, the inner north continues to have plenty of options that don’t have to resort to you going to the service station (although sometimes nothing can beat a sugary Krispy Kreme). Gabby and I spent an evening at Polly Cocktail Bar, Fitzroy’s first cocktail bar, where we were treated to bartender, Dave’s talented concoctions including the Happily Ever After cocktail - which tastes of liquid fairy floss, and a smooth espresso martini. With a lack of dinner in our stomachs afterwards, however, we needed our fix.
“There’s a really cool, cheap pizza place on the corner,” Gabby said. “They do massive, American-style slices of pizza really cheap.” Shawcross Pizza Joint, home to Melbourne’s biggest pizzas on Brunswick Street upheld Gabby’s judgement. I went with a familyfavourite Magherita and she got a slice of vegetarian. The portion sizes are perfect. I was quite hungry, but I was completely satisfied with the one slice. Cheesy without oozing grease all over your fingers, covering a light spread of tomato paste, with an almost burnt thick crust. Completely satisfying, completely delicious, and a complete relief to leave with your wallet as full as you will be. A wise woman once said: a night cannot be considered remotely enjoyable if food is lacking from the equation. Although this philosophy of mine is completely selfregulated and not accredited by any plausible forms of research, we at Inner Circle Magazine adhere to the idea that sometimes a fast food fix can pleasantly end a good night out.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
Page 21 • Food & Drink
Words by Ruby Syme Photography by Kerman Daruwalla
The one & only shawcross pizza joint Hand-tossed dough, gooey cheese and a chewy crust… this is a typical New York pizza, and Shawcross Pizza on Brunswick Street spins the biggest and best all week. “You can’t find these pizzas anywhere else,” says owner John Khoury (pictured above). That’s clear as soon as you enter the store. From stacks of mammoth 22-inch takeaway boxes to a cabinet of fresh pizzas sold by the slice, this little Fitzroy pizza joint is unlike anything else in Melbourne. “Looking at the Melbourne market, we didn’t really see anything that came close to that New York taste,” says John, and it’s a taste Melbournian’s are clearly hungry for. “On Friday and Saturday nights, our trays of slices will be gone in seconds,” John explains. There’s also the giant 22 inch pizza challenge for those who just can’t get enough. Finish one of Shawcross’ famous 22 inch pizzas in under 30 minutes and you’ll win a 6 pack of beer and a t-shirt.
“We get a couple of people a week, sometimes groups come in, to do the challenge,” John says. “About 10% of them manage to do it in the timeframe.” But it’s not just size that sets Shawcross’ pizza apart. Custom-made ingredients and creative toppings are what really packs a punch. “I found it really hard to find good cheese,” explains John, “so my cheese is custom made for Shawcross by an award winning Australian cheese producer. “Lot’s of cheese in the market is just stock standard stuff. It isn’t that good and almost all pizza places use the same stuff. We pay a premium for this kind of cheese but it’s absolutely key to creating the right pizza. This custom mix, just for our shop, really sets us apart. The cheese as well as our home made sauce which is made in house, give our pizzas a unique taste that only Shawcross can deliver.” Dough at Shawcross is also hand stretched, which John explains gives the base and crust a different density. And the ingredients that top this base are special again. “We get deliveries 3 or 4 times a week so everything is fresh.”
“Most of our stuff is local produce, and our ham isn’t that shredded stuff, it’s all top quality ham,” says John.
For those not so keen on meat, Shawcross’ menu also has some creative vegan and vegetarian options, with more to come in the next few months. All creations on the Shawcross’ menu are unique, John adds, so they’re perfect to spice up your next event or function. “It’s a different kind of catering. If you walk into a space with one of these 22 inch boxes, it has an effect!” But, if a quiet night in with a beer and a slice is more your style, then Shawcross still has your back - they’re with Ubereats, Foodora, EatNow and MenuLog and also deliver alcohol. So, next time you’re craving a cheesy slice washed down by a cool beer, head into Shawcross, or just pick up the phone… tasty, New York pizza is only minutes away. Find Shawcross on Facebook at facebook.com/ ShawcrossPizza or Instagram at instagram.com/ shawcrosspizza Visit the store at 324 Brunswick St, Fitzroy or you can order a delivery by calling the shop on 03 9419 9596. Hours are: Sun: 4pm - 12am, Mon - Thurs: 5pm - 12am, Fri - Sat: 4pm - 3.30am
Inner Circle Magazine • Music
Issue 09 • November
What’s On - Music Ross McLennan
Northcote Social Club, Nov 4th Melbourne legend Ross McLennan and his 10-piece band launch brand new album All The Colours Print Can Manage.
Tumbleweed
The Gasometer, Collingwood, Nov 10th Returning from a two year hiatus, Tumbleweed are back with a headline show at this Collingwood favourite.
Clare Bowditch & Adalita
The Corner Hotel, Richmond, Nov 19th Two Australian icons come together to celebrate The Corner’s 21st birthday with a matinee performance.
Crywank
The Curtin Hotel, Carlton, Nov 24th UK DIY folk-punk rockers hit the road for their first ever Australian tour.
Gordi
Howler, Brunswick, Nov 25th Sydney rising folktronica star plays Howler as part of her Reservoir album tour.
Music News Peter Hook & The Light welcomed the month of October as they returned to Melbourne for a number of shows dedicated to Joy Division and New Order albums. Lucky enough to attend the first of four shows, Hook & The Light delivered on all fronts. 90s post-grunge rockers Everclear delighted at a sold out Croxton Bandroom with a rendition of their third album So Much For The Afterglow. On the local front UV Boi performed tracks from his new EP Returned To Alone at The Gaso, Alex Lahey dazzled with her two shows at The Corner, while The Snowdroppers didn’t disappoint with their showing at the Northcote Social Club. It’s nearing the end of the year but the gigs keep on coming with November another bumper month chock full of awesome live music. Top off the ranks is LUCUANBLOMKAMP’s album launch at The Gasometer on Friday November 3rd. Playing tracks from Sick Of What I
Written by Tobias Handke
Don’t Understand along with older material and recent collaborations with 6LACK and Seekae’s John Hassell, this is sure to be an electrifying night of music. Other must attend gigs include American garage rockers NOTS playing The Tote Saturday 18th, Melbourne’s own genredefying Ecca Vandal headlining The Corner Saturday 25th, and former Superjesus frontwoman Sara McLeod playing tracks from her new album at The Curtin Hotel Wednesday 29th. As always, there’s heaps to keep your head bouncing and your feet stomping in the north, so check out our What’s On to the left, or just get out there and explore.
Words by Simon Wraight Photography by Natasha Blankfield
THE THRILL OF SPONTANEITY Award winning jazz pianist Andrea Keller discusses the allure of jazz Andrea Keller is an ARIA award winning jazz pianist as well as a composer and educator. She is also a jazz fanatic and holds a wealth of knowledge on the local jazz scene. She is internationally renowned for her work with the Andrea Keller Quartet, as well as for her compositions and collaborations. So, if you’ve ever wondered what the scene is like here in Melbourne, let Andrea be your guide. Andrea first started playing the piano when she was 7 and was drawn to jazz as a teenager. It was the groove that originally captured her attention, but also, as Andrea explains, the “sense of interplay and musical interaction between the musicians, and the thrill of spontaneity and the unknown.” After being involved with jazz for all of her adult life, it is still these same elements that keep her inspired to perform and to create. The mystery and magic of jazz is something that many musicians and aficionados all talk about. It is also the way that jazz is represented in pop culture. Think of the dark jazz bar and the nom de plumes that many famous jazz musicians have hidden behind, and it is easy to see why the mystery of jazz has such an alluring element. And it is not only the feeling of magic and mystery that still resonates with Andrea today, but also the connection between the audience and the musicians at a jazz concert that Andrea describes as the “sharing aspect of the music.” A connection that Andrea feels is extremely deep. “There’s also an enormous sense of generosity in the music - in the act of improvising human beings earnestly searching to express themselves and their sense of the world as honestly as they can through this universal language, as a way of reaching out and communicating or connecting with other human beings,” explains Andrea. Page 24 • Music
This, for Andrea, is at the heart of jazz. Her constant creativity is driven by her deep love of the music that she is creating. It is inspiring to hear that someone who has been so passionate about something for so long is still striving to create.
More locally, Andrea describes the Melbourne scene as “diverse and inventive.” Whether it is due to Melbourne’s isolation, or the creative energy that hangs over the city, Andrea stresses that what is coming out of Melbourne at the moment is “remarkable.”
Andrea further discusses an “insatiable need to keep getting better at playing and creating,” and highlights her need to delve deeper into understanding it.
“The quality of the music that’s being made, particularly in the creative realm, is truly remarkable. We have phenomenal musicians here, who are playing and creating music that sounds like no one else. It’s totally individualistic, imaginative, and strikingly new, yet more often than not goes unnoticed.”
Andrea explains, “after I finish a project, there’s always a sense that it is incomplete, because the process of creating that project opened up new questions for me that I’m driven to explore in an attempt to get to the heart of.” This constant drive to keep creating has led Andrea to perform all over the world and create an extensive catalogue of music, both with the Andrea Keller Quartet (which played their last gig in May 2016), and as an acclaimed solo performer. Andrea explains that the only thing that differs when creating pieces for the Quartet or going solo is the number of hands she has, although she has found a solution to this in the past. “The only thing that deters me from playing a particular piece in a solo context is if it contains too many different parts that would be impossible to play with only two hands on a piano. However, a few years ago I did do a solo project which incorporated a loop pedal. In this context I was able to expand my two-handed possibilities to 8 or more.” Jazz itself, having originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in and around New Orleans, has had a strong and loyal following in Australia since the first jazz club opened in the 1940s. Andrea highlights that while the Australian scene is not large, and is spread out geographically, there is a great sense of community among the musicians. She explains that they try to create opportunities to collaborate when they can, and are always trying to support one another, whether by watching other artists live in concert or by buying their records.
It is sad to think that some of this music does go unnoticed, and it is certainly not due to a lack of venues. Both the CBD and the inner north are blessed with a wide range of small and distinguished jazz venues. One of the most popular is Uptown Jazz on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy. It has become an institution for jazz lovers in the inner north, and features a wide range of live performances. It is also where Andrea performs every Tuesday with various trios for Transient Tuesday. Alongside Uptown Jazz, Andrea recommends that you head to The Jazzlab in Brunswick, where you can catch her performing every Monday night, Bird’s Basement and The Paris Cat in the City, as well as the Lido Jazzroom in Hawthorn. There are also jazz gigs on at The Brunswick Green in Brunswick, Cross Street (through Lebowski’s) in Brunswick East, and at 303 on High Street in Northcote. So, with the summer months approaching and the weather heating up, what better time to indulge in the city’s jazz scene. There’s a huge range of gigs, and a diverse array of musicians performing. Our advice: head out and support these musicians and experience the allure and mystery of jazz for yourself.
Issue 09 • November
Inner Circle Magazine • Music
Page 25 • Music
Inner Circle Magazine • Arts
Page 07 • Arts