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Greetings fair readers, and welcome to Cast Away, the first full gloss edition of X-Press Fashion Magazine. In addition to all of our pages being shiny and lovely, we’re also mixing things up with a stylish lad on our cover for the first time ever! Pretty nifty, huh? Hitting the streets just in time for Spring, Cast Away celebrates seasonal fashions for dapper gents and cool chaps with a broody editorial photographed at one of WA’s most beautiful beaches, Point Peron. Fans of womenswear need not fret, because there’s still plenty of female friendly garments awaiting your perusal in Welcome To The Jungle, which kicks off on page 20. Shot on location at the picturesque Wanneroo Botanical Gardens (who ever thought the northern suburbs could look so lush?), Welcome To The Jungle is all about colour and lots of it, with bright hues and sultry spring silhouettes a’plenty. Next time you’re at a loose end and want to escape to somewhere tropical without having to fork out for an air fare, we suggest you high tail it up to Wanneroo to indulge in some mini golf and an ice cold beverage or two at the Wanneroo Botanical Gardens, which is located at 25 Drovers Place in Wanneroo. Once you’ve wrapped your peepers around the editorials, you can read up on how to spring clean your beauty routine, protect your gadgets and gizmos, get the lowdown on swimwear trends for Spring and Summer and find out about new fashion-friendly events that are hitting Perth. Without any further ado, we suggest you kick back with a Mojito in hand and the sun on your face, and enjoy a flick through Cast Away. Emma Bergmeier
On the cover Matt wears Avatar striped tee from Globalize at 140 William $45. This page Matt wears Hidden Agenda shirt $69.95 and Kiss Chacey jeans $199.95 from Globalize at 140 William, Portrait boat shoes from Betts $69.99. PUBLISHER/MANAGER: Joe Cipriani EDITOR: Emma Bergmeier DESIGN: Dwight O’Neil SALES & MARKETING MANAGER: Chris Coufos LIFESTYLE: Sylvia Dray PRODUCTION: Bryony Crowe RECEPTION: Melissa Erpen ACCOUNTS: Lillian Buckley DISTRIBUTION: distribution@xpressmag.com.au Published by: Columbia Press Pty.Ltd. A.C.N. 066 570 803 Registered by Australia Post. Publication No PP600110.00006 Suite 73/102 Railway Parade, City West Business Centre, West Perth, WA 6005 . Locked Bag 31 West Perth, WA 6872. Phone: (08) 9213 2888 Fax: (08) 9213 2882 Warranty and Indemnity: Advertisers and/or their agents by lodging an advertisment shall indemnify the publisher, and its agents, against all liability claims or proceedings whatsoever arising from the publication. Advertisers and/or their representatives indemnify the publisher in relation to defamation, slander, breach of copyright, infringement of trademarks of name of publication titles, unfair competition or trade practices, royalties or violation of rights or privacy and warrant that the material complies with revelant laws and regulations and that its publication will not give rise to any rights against or liabilities in the publisher, its servants or agents. Any material supplied to X-Press is at the contributor’s risk. No responsibility will be taken by the publisher, its servants or agents.
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Alexandra Blak cuff from Black Beret Fruity heels from Betts
Generics Ziggy Ziggy clutch from Merge
Franks swim shorts from franksaustralia.com
Outfit by Poppy Lissiman
Vans from Beyond Skate
Crumpler Peak Season bag Solar 5600 G-Shock from Un1son
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PHOTOGRAPHY CAMERON ETCHELLS STYLING EMMA BERGMEIER ASSISTANT STYLIST MARNIE FAULKNER BEAUTY REBECCA JOANNE HAIR HEAD STUDIO MODEL MATT ALLPRESS
. Matt wears Hidden Agenda shirt $ 69.95 and Kiss Chacey jeans $199.95 from Globalize at 140 William, Portrait boat shoes from Betts $69.99
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Matt wears tee from Politix $59, Lee shorts from Globalize at 140 William $119.95, Party sneakers from Betts $69.99.
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STYLE OVER SUBSTANCE
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189 High Street, Fremantle www.theeastendbar.com.au theeastendbar@live.com.au
Matt wears Kiss Chacey denim shirt from Globalize at 140 William $129.95, Lee tee from Globalize at 140 William $59.95, jeans from Politix $189.
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NEW SEASON
SKINNY LEG
JEANS INSTORE NOW Shop 6, Forrest Chase Shopping Centre, 200-204 Murray Street, Perth, WA, 6000 9221 4568
www.politix.com.au
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Matt wears Avatar striped tee from Globalize at 140 William $45, Nobody jeans from Merge Clothing, Portrait boat shoes from Betts $69.9
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WIN, WIN, WIN! The Best Things In Life Are Free Penny Quill
Generics
Give you hair a stunning Spring makeover thanks to Penny Quill! The generous and highly skilled team at Penny Quill are offering one lucky reader the chance to score a colour, cut and blowdry valued at $230, and another reader will receive a cut and blowdry valued at $90. To be in the draw to win either of these fab-o packages, email win@xpressmag,com.au with ‘Penny Quill’ in the subject line.
The go-to label for accessories for guys and girls in Perth, Generics is offering two awesome packs of prizes, one for the ladies and another for the fellas. Women have the chance to win an Endless Lights tote, an If By Chance belt and a Got That Beat wallet, with a combined value of $275, while blokes can enter to win a Crusader man bag, a Bounty Hunter belt, and a Sun Still Shines beanie valued at $160. Be sure to check out genericsaccessories.com to view the full range; email win@xpressmag.com.au with ‘Generics Girl’ or ‘Generics Guy’ in the subject line.
Fontaine Our friends at Melbourne brand Fontaine are giving away four of their soft cotton tees from their Spring/ Summer collection. Fontaine tees are tailored in a classic slim fit, are made in Australia from 100 per cent cotton and come in variety of awesome print designs as well as classic plains. For your chance to win your very own Fontaine tee to rock this summer, all you have to do is ‘like’ their Facebook page, visit fontaine-designs.com and pick your fav printed and plain tee from the collection and let us know you’ve entered by emailing win@xpressmag.com.au with ‘Fontaine’ in the subject line.
Red Dusk Designs Ladies keen to stand out at this year’s Spring racing carnival listen up, because Red Dusk Designs are giving our readers the chance to win a made to measure steel boned corset, crafted by the owner of Red Dusk Designs. To get a feel for Red Dusk Designs’ many wares, hit up redduskdesigns.com. To be in the draw to have your very own corset made, email win@xpressmag.com.au with ‘Red Dusk’ in the subject line.
J-Fold Named a tote but technically much closer to a soft, brief style attache case, this bag comes made with ultra high quality components and superior manufacturing techniques. A heavy duty brass zipper, vegetable dyed leather handles and details, removable shoulder strap and heavy duty coated canvas means this bag will last you a very long time. You can ditch the hard cornered black and boring briefcase you got from Grandma and walk into the office looking like you own the place. This J-Fold tote retails for $229.95, to score your very own email win@xpressmag.com.au with ‘J-Fold’ in the subject line. View more J-Fold products at jfold.com.au
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Evelyn wears Sara Phillips dress from Black Beret $395, Alexandra Blak bangle from Black Beret $155, stylist’s own socks, Hybrid heels from Betts $109.99.
PHOTOGRAPHY CAITLIN WORTHINGTON STYLING EMMA BERGMEIER ASSISTANT STYLIST MARNIE FAULKNER BEAUTY NICOLE FORDE HAIR STYLING ALISON @ TONI & GUY COTTESLOE MODEL EVELYN @ SCENE LOCATION WANNEROO BOTANICAL GARDENS
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Evelyn wears Mink Pink shirt from Frankii $59, Generics belt from Merge Clothing, Aszuki shorts from Globalize at 140 William $69.95, Miss Piggy heels from Betts $99.99.
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New Labels Arriving Spring/Summer 11/12
merge. Shop 9/388 / Cnr Hay st & Catherine st / Subiaco 9380 4397 / www.mergeclothing.com.au / www.facebook.com/mergesubiaco
stolen girlfriends club ss11/12
House of Wilde by Alice McCall TWENTY8TWELVE by Sienna Miller Low Luv x by Erin Wasson el amuleto ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT
Evelyn wears Nicola Finetti dress from Em Clothing $335, Sorcerer heels from Betts $99.99.
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MADALIN FRODSHAM, Winner of Flaunt Your Style Competition April 2011.
who has the best style in the west? CITY VS COUNTRY PLACE YOUR VOTE ONLINE NOW!
Like Indulge Clothing on Facebook and browse the “Flaunt your Style” photo galleries. Like your favourite style to vote for it!
www.facebook.com/indulgeclothing PERTH Shop 3/591 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley WA 6050 Phone 08 9228 8090 ESPERANCE Shop 2/71 Dempster St, Esperance WA 6450 Phone 08 9072 0901
Visit our online boutique www.indulgeclothing.com.au
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Evelyn wears Seafolly bustier from Luce Del Sol $84.95, bottoms $79.95, Evil Twin kimono from Globalize at 140 William $130, House Of Baulch necklace from Em Clothing $249, Sadie heels from Betts $89.99
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Backstage
FRIDAY 9TH SEPT
Talulah
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Stylestalker Iikoy Blessed are the Meek Goddess of babylon Bilini Siren
To celebrate Frankii’s CBD stores first birthday, simply spend over $300 at one time during September and you will go into the draw to win a $500 Backstage clothing voucher. FRANKii CLOTHING CBD STORE
Shop 14, 140 William St Perth, WA 6000 (behind ‘The Coffee Club’ on Murray St)
www.frankiiclothing.com.au *30% off sale only available at the Perth CBD store. For more information, phone: 9322 9997
Ruby wears 2 Chillies bow bandeau $40 and 2 Chillies bottoms $80 from Daneechi. Lauren wears 2 Chillies one piece from Daneechi $80, Sun hat from Daneechi, Alexandra Blak bangle from Black Beret.
Ruby from Scene wears Roxy one piece from Daneechi $100, Alexandra Blak bangle from Black Beret. Lauren from Scene wears Seafolly multicolour bikini from Daneechi $170, Marnie Skillings earrings from Black Beret.
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Lauren wears Tigerlily bikini from Daneechi $200. Ruby wears Roxy one piece from Daneechi $90, sun hat from Daneechi. Photography by Matt Tompsett Styling by Emma Bergmeier Beauty by Rebecca Joanne Hair Styling by Ryan at Penny Quill Models: Ruby & Lauren @ Scene Model Management
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Evelyn wears Lovely Girl dress from Indulge Clothing $59, Elke Kramer bangle $289 and House Of Baulch necklace $249 from Em Clothing, Lotus wedges from Betts $89.99.
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Penny Quill Hair Parlour 626 Beaufort Street, Mt Lawley
0413 914 858 or 0401 800 313 enquiry@pennyquill.com.au
Evelyn wears Bardot shirt from Frankii $79.95, Toto & Memi skirt from Black Beret $349, Alexandra Blak bangle from Black Beret $110.
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Red Dusk DESIGNS
Classic, Vintage & Burlesque ur rlesque Inspired Fashion & Accessories ce essories
Headwear Footwear Corsets Clothing ‘Like’ us at www.facebook.com/ RedDuskDesigns
Visit our online boutique
www.redduskdesigns.com
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Evelyn wears Zanthus dress from Merge Clothing $235, Lovely Girl belt from Indulge Clothing $29, Evans atforms from Betts $99.99.
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Evelyn wears Speedo swimsuit from Luce Del Sol $120, skirt from Red Dusk Designs $90, sunglasses from Red Dusk Designs $15, Evans atforms from Betts $99.99. Head piece from Red Dusk $45
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Government of Western Australia Department of Culture and the Arts
Designer Fashion October Funding Round The Department of Culture and the Arts invites applications from individuals, groups and organisations active in the WA designer fashion industry requiring ďŹ nancial assistance to undertake activity in the following areas of designer fashion:
Business Development To assist designers to undertake projects that will improve business viability.
Research and Skills Development To encourage designers to seek industry experience within the sector.
Sector Development
For the implementation of strategies to support the growth of the WA designer fashion industry.
Applications close 5pm, 14 October 2011
Fashion Flight
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and should be submitted before the last Friday of the month, which must be at least six weeks prior to departure.
Please check our website for more details
www.dca.wa.gov.au/designerfashion or call us on 9224 7324 or 1800 199 090 (toll free) Of Cabbages and Kings. Photo by Nicole McCluskey
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Evelyn wears 2 Chillies bikini top from Daneechi $60, Lovely Girl skirt from Indulge Clothing $59, Generics bag from Merge Clothing, Lotus wedges from Betts $89.99. Mink Pink sunnies from Globalize at 140 William
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We Are Handsome
SPLASHING INTO SPRING Bright, Bold & Beautiful Swimwear A winter body trying on bathers is often a fright for the change-room mirror, let alone, one’s self. “Imagine it with a tan, imagine it with a tan”, “bring me a sarong!” and “if I suck my stomach in then perhaps…” are some the horrifying thoughts permeating the minds of those coming out of winter hibernation. ANNABEL MACLEAN
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This coming Spring and Summer, collections are going to be bold and bright, and there will be no hiding behind neutral tones like the forest greens and tans that have dominated much of this past winter’s wardrobe. Block colours and digital prints will be hot to trot this summer. Bright shots of colour are already taking over the likes of Ted Baker, ASOS, Givenchy and some local labels and there’s more to come. Designer and co-founder of Sydney swimwear label We Are Handsome, Indhra Chagoury, says digital prints are definitely popping up more and more. We Are Handsome’s three bold collections include digital prints inspired by mythical birds and ancient mythologies. Their Spring/Summer 2011/2012 collection The Memoirs has a futuristic flavour which branches out into dresses and leggings. Chagoury says The Memoirs was designed to turn heads at the beach, pool or nightclub. “Versatility has always been key to our collections,” she says. “Why would you only want to wear something you love and that is so beautiful, just to the beach?.” The designer believes that wearing swimwear to places other than the beach is a trend which is set to continue. “I think what we will see is this trend continue to spread throughout Europe and the USA as it is extremely prevalent in Australia,” she says. “It’s been around for a while and celebs such as Lady Gaga and Kate Moss have been leading it. Swimwear as
fashion just seems so natural in places such as Australia, Italy, France, Dubai, Indonesia and Singapore where hot weather is very much a part of life most of the year. People still play it safe on the beach but we feel we are injecting and refreshing how fun it can be.” If digital prints don’t tickle your fancy and you’re more of a retro lover, you best be checking out Karen Neilsen’s swimwear collections, which you’ll find at Daneechi Swimwear. Her ‘50s inspired retro prints are all about the polka dots, frills, bows and high rise bottoms. Think contemporary vintage. You can also find digital print patchwork patterns, florals and pearly flavours from Hotel Bondi and local label Bernice Sara offers elegant florals, bright blues and pinks. Maxi dresses and kaftans also make an appearance if you’re looking for an alternative to the sarong. If you’re one for mixing and matching tops and bottoms, check out Daneechi Swimwear in Subiaco. There are a range of bags, hats and towels available too so you can mix and match your bathers with beach accessories. Luce De Sol in Freo is another place to pop in to when out on a swimwear hunt. Focusing on larger bust fittings and retro styles, you’ll be able to get your mittens on bathers from the likes of Seafolly, Jets, Kooey, Bernice Sara, Sia and more. Burn your saggy-bum bathers from last summer and chlorine faded speedos and get set for a serious bright colour explosion.
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FASHIONABLE FUN Stylish Nights Out In Perth Combining music with fashion and some tasty tipples, these chic nights out are a must for Perth inhabitants who dress to impress.
Vanity @ Gold Bar Every Friday night at Subiaco’s lush Gold Bar, fashion takes centre stage with Vanity, a weekly event that showcases wares from some of P-town’s best boutiques and labels. Providing emerging designers with a platform to showcase their work, Vanity is the perfect way to welcome in the weekend for those with an eye for style. During October in the leadup to the Melbourne Cup, Vanity will feature catwalk parades packed full of the hottest racewear looks every week, and whether you’re on the hunt for a new frock, fascinator or millinery masterpiece, Vanity is sure to give you plenty of ideas. Ladies get free entry before midnight and cocktails are only $12, so next time you’re at a loose end on a Friday night, grab your posse of pals and make a bee-line for Gold Bar at 83 Rokeby Road in Subiaco. Find out more at goldwa.com.
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The East End Bar & Lounge Easily Fremantle’s most suave venue, The East End Bar & Lounge prides itself on having style over substance. Fashionable every night of the year, the East End’s interior is the epitome of luxurious, with bespoke leather couches, ornate light fittings, and plenty of velvet to create an intimate and stylish atmosphere. The top notch mixologists who call East End home get behind the bar every night to serve delicious, mouth watering cocktails, including the Lazy Peach Pout (a mix of Peach Schnapps, Midori and vodka over ice, topped up with pineapple juice), the Aphrodisiac Martini (muddled strawberries with Russian Standard Imperia and a splash of Midori Rubis with Mozart Dark Chocolate), and the summer friendly Passion Punch (Russian Standard Imperia Vodka, Vanilla Liquor, fresh passionfruit and peaches with lemon juice and Agrum). Find out what all the fuss is about at 189 High Street in Fremantle, or online at theeastendbar.com.au.
Pure Hipnotiq @ Villa Stylish lads and lasses will make their way to Villa Nightclub on Saturday, September 24, for Pure Hipnotiq, a celebration of style smack bang in the middle of Perth. While DJs Lee, Fatboy and Elktrnx get behind the decks, ladies will vy for the title of Miss Hipnotiq 2011, competing in categories such
as editorial chic, urban wear, sportswear, clubwear and sleepwear. The contestants will be rocking the latest threads from boutiques and designers, and those in the audience will be given the chance to vote for their favourite entrant. As this is a fashion focused event punters are encouraged to dress up and leave casual street shoes, hats and worn-out clothing at home. Get your tickets today from Moshtix, choose from Ruby (general entry), Sapphire (all level access with a free drink on arrival) or Diamond (VIP access with three free drinks).
Hyde And Chic @ The Hyde Park Hotel The worlds of art, fashion, music and film collide on Sundays at the Hyde Park Hotel when Hyde And Chic reinvents the good ol’ fashioned Sunday session. Expect local artists creating amazing artwork live, music courtesy of some of WA’s best up-andcoming bands and DJs, showcases of local short films and market stalls serving up vintage and designer goodies. The fun kicks off at 3pm every Sunday, and there are plenty of awesome beverage specials to be had. To find out exactly what will be on show each Sunday at Hyde And Chic, hit up Facebook.com/ hydeandchic.
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SPRING CLEAN YOUR ROUTINE Lately I’ve felt the weather changing. The early mornings, while still chilly, are starting to reveal an undercurrent of warmth which can mean only one thing... spring is on its way! ANNETTE GOHL
Recipe: 1 cup apple juice 1 cup water 2 cups baby spinach 1 banana 1 cup froz berries Blend, pour and reap the benefits. This tasty, nutrient packed smoothie will help clear your skin, get your motivation soaring and best of all make you feel wonderful – drink up! Here’s to the new season and a healthy, radiant you – happy spring cleaning!
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So how did your beauty and health routine fare throughout winter? Are you looking radiant, feeling energised and ready to take on the new season? Or did the rainy days lure you onto the couch with skin-dulling takeaway pizzas, infinite re-runs of Friends and a few too many warming tipples? If it’s the latter, you may be in need of some serious spring cleaning to get back to being glowy skinned, gorgeous and full of vitality. Luckily help is available, so take a ride with me on the wellness train as we cruise past my three best tips to beautify from the inside-out. Next stop – looking and feeling incredible.
choice. If you’re not getting your body moving regularly enough, chances are that all the skin supportive food and nutrients you’re ingesting (see the next section!) won’t be reaching your skin. Give them a helping hand to get where they need to go and you’ll be luminous in no time. Lastly, exercise does wonders for your self-esteem and confidence and if you think you’re a total babe, then it’s highly likely others will too!
Personal Training
Skin Naturopathy
While most of us are well aware of the thigh firming, tummy shrinking, muscle building benefits of exercise, there is another side to the goodness of training that is less frequently talked about – the benefits to your skin! I’ve decided to focus on personal training rather than plain ol’ solo exercise, as I find it’s much easier to get out of bed and into the wonderful world of fitness when you know you’ve got someone cheering you on towards looking good and obtaining a rockin bod. Crunches and cardio for clear cheeks? Here’s how it works: Sweat, sweat, sweat. This generally pesky part of working out is actually doing your skin some huge favours, and it doesn’t expect anything in return! Sweat contains a natural antibiotic which controls bacteria on the skin, it also clears out pores and helps get rid of toxins – all three of which assist in keeping you pimple free. Go team sweat! Stress less, baby bird. When we are under stress, the body produces an inflammatory response. In the skin this means acne. Exercising is a fantastic way to burn off stress hormones and in turn, save your skin from those red dots. Improved circulation brings all the nutrients to the face - or yard, your
Try sarahdevlin.com or createhealthfitness. com.au if you’re after a great trainer who can help you with your fitness goals.
If you’re diligent with skincare, partake in the occasional salon facial and consider yourself to have a pretty good diet, but are still struggling with acne or dull skin, then it’s likely there are some internal factors that are sabotaging your efforts. Seeing a specialist skin naturopath who will take into account your own personal health history, lifestyle and diet, can help you suss out if there are any key reasons you may not have the skin you’ve always dreamed of. Blood tests, dietary changes and supplements are all part of the experience, so be warned! On a personal note, my skin has really improved with the help of Brooke, skin naturopath at Mi:Skn (miskn.com), so if you need some specific help with acne as part of your spring clean, I can highly recommend this alternative treatment.
Green Smoothies Next time you’re making a smoothie, ditch the icecream and opt for some spinach instead. Although this doesn’t sound tasty (it is much, much yummier than you would think!), this is one of my biggest tips for helping you to look and feel absolutely incredible by flooding your body with vitamins.
BERLIN East Meets West Fifty years ago Berlin awoke a divided city. After 16 years in uneasy limbo as a protectorate of four separate nations, overnight the Soviet Union - under the semblance of the German Democratic Republic (DDR) - would frantically erect the most zealous emblem of the Cold War. On Sunday, August 13, 1961, Berlin would awake to the foundations of what would become ubiquitously known as the Berlin Wall. JULIAN TOMPKIN Photos: Julian Tompkin
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The Wall would tumble dramatically on November 9, 1989, reuniting the city, but Berlin would remain a dramatically fractured city for another two decades; at least culturally. The jubilation of reunification would soon crumble into a course veracity that two very conflicting peoples - east and west, or socialist and capitalist - were now compelled to reconcile almost overnight. The reality of course was gravely paradox, for beneath the functional disparities such as currency, education, rail gauges, wages, road rules and culinary traditions, were two contrary cultures acutely suspicious of one another, and still haunted by their shared Nazi genealogy. Now, more than two decades on from the historic fall of the Wall, Berlin is a city finally unified. Germany’s hosting of the World Cup in 2006 and the 20th anniversary celebrations of the toppling of the Wall in 2009 proved unifying forces for the city’s 3.24 million inhabitants, instilling a new pride in being both a Berliner and German (a dramatic evolution in a culture infamous for its pessimism and deep-seated guilt of the atrocities of the Third Reich). It indeed seems enough water has finally passed under the bridges of the ancient Spree River. But beneath the veneer of progress, history has chiselled a hardened and complex metropolis that continues to perplex and enthral visitors. As the saying goes, most cities
‘were’, Berlin ‘is’. For some a visceral scar of a modern tragedy, Berliners contrarily see their city as a paradigm of the contemporary - a city where the ancient and futuristic meet in sublime chaos. And while Germany’s Lazurus-esque resurrection to international and economic supremacy may be a fresh coat of paint on its crumbling facade, history has moulded a unique populous whose verve for life is as intoxicating as it is inspiring. For a Berliner, there is no such thing as tomorrow and yesterday was but a dream. It’s this desire to ‘live’ - truly live - that’s made Berlin a kaleidoscopic beacon for pilgrims in search of the ‘other’. As well as Europe’s capital of contemporary art, culture and unhinged hedonism, Berlin remains unique amongst its fellow European capitals in that it’s a relatively cheap city in which to live - you can still enjoy a pint and bite for under €5, and rent is but a fraction of what it is here in Perth. And while locals may be beginning to tire of the city’s ‘trendy’ stature, the undeniable fact is there are few cities which exude such cool as Berlin. A euphemism for paradoxical, Berlin has always been understated in being overstated. While Berlin’s allure amongst tourists is largely for its liberated lifestyle, the city still bares the idiosyncrasies of a city once divided. And although most tourists get their quick fix of ‘Ostalgie’ - a nostalgia
49 for East Berlin pre-1989 - with a visit to the rather kitsch DDR Museum, a spin in a Trabant, an Ampelmannchen fridge magnet and a meditative snap at the famous East Side Gallery, East Berlin reveals itself much more subtly if you allow it. While districts such as Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain and Mitte may be rapidly gentrifying with an emerging middle class, to stroll their back streets is to step back in time to another world. With their apartments of crumbling facades and century old kneipes - or working class pubs - these districts embody the daily grind of East Berliners. The trams that ply the roads of these suburbs remain a vivid symbol of East Berlin, for the West didn’t - and still doesn’t - have trams. And few tram rides are as arresting as the one to Bernauer Strasse, where Berlin’s most significant section of the Wall remains. While not as ‘sexy’ as the East Side Galley or popular as Checkpoint Charlie, Bernauer Strasse is an avenue etched in tragedy. One of the first sections of the Wall to be erected, many lost their lives frantically trying to flee to the West in this part of town. The Wall Museum is home to the most extensive archives of historical Wall documentation and paraphernalia in the city, and is just a short stroll from the Chapel Of Reconciliation - the landmark that marks
the spot where, in a moment of ideological madness, DDR authorities razed one of the most historic churches in Berlin, for it obstructed their watchtowers to the West. Back under the famous U2 rail crossing at the intersection of Kastanienallee, Eberswalder Strasse and Schoenhauser Allee in Prenzlauer Berg is one of the most celebrated symbols of the East, Konnopke the legendary currywurst vendor. If the idea of curry powder and tomato sauce atop a bratwurst gets you excited, then this is your place. But if it’s nocturnal pursuits you are hankering for, then it doesn’t get more DDR than Kaffee Burger in Mitte, and its infamous Russian Disco night. Little has changed here since the Ostmark was the dosh of the day, with the Baltic beats still pumping thick, fast and cheesy, and the vodka still cheap and effective. On the other side of the Wall, West Berlin wasn’t without its own distinctive character. A consumerist island in a sea of socialism, West Berlin made a point of living and living well, even if it mean US-funded airlifts to jet in supplies of champagne and caviar. While life in the West was tough for some, other’s enjoyed the upmost decadence capitalism afforded, and you only need to wander the glorious old streets of Charlottenburg to experience that. Home to some of the most beautiful old apartment
buildings in the city, this part of town also boasts the epicentre of West Berlin capitalism: the Ku’damm shopping strip, replete with its historic KaDeWe department store. But it’s in the southern reaches where West Berlin can be best savoured, on the waters of the stunning lakes of Wannsee and Schlachtensee, surrounded by the grandiose mansions of Lichterfelde and Zehlendorf - a privileged side of Berlin most never get to experience, and one of the greenest patches of Europe. Berlin may have been ‘discovered’ by the infinite guide books which feign to elucidate its mystique, but in truth this city is far beyond explanation. Whether it’s yesterday, today or tomorrow, Berlin truly has it all... and so much more.
SAY HELLO TO SPRING Viva La Perth Fashion Festival
Re-Style (Photo: Caitlin Worthington)
Spring is finally here and that means one thing, it’s time for the Perth Fashion Festival! Running from Wednesday, September 21, ’til Tuesday, September 27, PFF is a week long celebration of all things superb and stylish, with runway shows, workshops and events on all day every day. The PFF calendar is chock-ablock with fashion fun, here’s our roundup of some of the best events on offer.
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Re-Style
Popsicle & Outskirts
Wander into the Perth Cultural Centre during PFF to discover the super fun Re-Style Pop-Up Caravan Vintage Store, where old garments will be given a new lease on life. Peruse and buy fashionable finds from our state’s best op shops, check out re-worked vintage garments that have been given a makeover by some of our state’s best designers and take part in free workshops that teach sewing basics. Workshops will be held at the Caravan on Saturday, September 24, at 1pm and 3pm. If you’re heading down to the Caravan be sure to bring a bag of your unwanted clothes to donate, then shop to your heart’s content knowing that every dollar you spend will go straight back into the pockets of Vinnies, Salvos, Red Cross, Good Sammy, Anglicare, Drug Arm and Save The Children. Be sure to also check out the Re-Style runway shows, happening inside the Fashion Cube in Forrest Place on Friday, September 23, at 11am and Saturday, September 24, at 11.45am. Entry to both events is free.
Never ones to disappoint, the folks at On William have a tasty treat hidden up their sleeves for the Perth Fashion Festival, and that’s Popsicle, a week long event that teams up independent boutiques in Northbridge with up-and-coming designers. Eleven labels will combine forces with 11 stores, decorating their windows and creating installations inside that showcase their uber cool creations. Fi & Co will play host to Peppermint Milk, Rummage and She Seldom Blushes will team up, Oh Henry Vintage will welcome On A Whim into its nautical store, Scraps will join forces with Alister Yiap, Miss Jam Jam will saunter into Red Stripe Clothing, KC Wonder will roll into 1UpMicrocinema… and there’s plenty more collaborations; hit up onwilliam.com. au/popsicle to get the full rundown. On William will also present Outskirts, an all day market event on Sunday, September 25, scattered across Northbridge and the Perth CBD. Stalls will be set up in streets, laneways and local stores, dishing up divine products, plus workshops and fashion parades. Find out exactly what’s on and when at onwilliam. com.au/outskirts.
Betts If you’re serious about fashionable footwear, you’d be a fool to miss Betts’ show at Fashion Central on Friday, September 23, at 1pm. Packed full of flatforms, platforms, sandals, pumps, espadrilles and every other kind of shoe style imaginable, the show will also feature clothing and accessories from local retailers. The show is completely free, so grab your shoe-fiend friends and head on down for an afternoon of fun and frivolity.
For the full program of events hit up perthfashionfestival.com.au.
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ALL WRAPPED UP Give Your Gadget A Hug There’s nothing better than that feeling of pulling a brand new gadget out of its box... You get the chance to slowly peel off that transparent plastic coating, put there to let you feel like no hands have ever touched it until now. Cut to a month later and your $800 smart-phone looks like something that just got back from a hard tour of Iraq. After a few months your $2000 aluminum laptop looks like its been whored out to a small fishing village. Cameras age better on the outside, with a matte black that hides marks well, but they rock sensors sensitive to shocks, not to mention their fragile glass peeper. You might as well just give up and go with it right? It has a long life ahead of it and scars are part of life? Well firstly don’t put words in my mouth. And secondly, you silly muppet, there is most certainly something you can do - wrap that shit. Give your precious tech a second skin made of man-made fabrics like neoprene or natural products such as wool or leather. While you’re at it, why not go Aussie owned? Australian bag company Crumpler came about when in 1992 a young dude from Ballarat sewed together an ad-hoc bag that was strong enough to let him transport a slab of beer while he rode his bike. Since starting out producing durable messenger bags, the Crumpler range has expanded dramatically, now boasting bags for your camera, laptop and other precious pieces of electronics. All of their bags sport the same minimal design with a focus on usability and durability, and Crumpler’s gear comes with a lifetime warranty, but you shouldn’t need it because they are built to withstand a hard knock life. For smaller, compact cameras their cheapest offering is the Grub. Available in three sizes and two colours, for 20 bucks you get a no fuss slip for your point and shoot. Going up in size, for your larger DSLR, is the Million Dollar Home range. Starting at the smallest 1 Million Dollar Home, this bag is designed to sling over your shoulder and allows your camera to be pulled out fairly quickly with little fuss. For a simple slip case to hug your laptop or tablet, the Fug range has your back. Made from tight fitting neoprene, a Fug doesn’t add much bulk to your device but gives you extra insurance when taking it out of the house. If you want to get more serious about transporting and protecting your laptop, check out the unique looking and hilariously named Pinnacle of Horror. Featuring a distinctive fold-top opening design and tough as nails construction, these messenger bags can fit up to a 15-inch lappie in there with loads of room for its power block and other necessities.
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If you are after something with a bit more colour and warmth to it, Aussie owned company Foof produce some great cases. Foof make a variety of slip bases for your Apple device, but unfortunately only Apple devices fit their creations. Instead of a static range of products, you choose a pattern, which range from interesting and complex to minimal and timeless, then choose the right size for your device. Lined with Sherpa Fleece, basically a man-made wool alternative, I can vouch for the softness of these cases. They lovingly hug your iDevice or Macbook and even give it a quick clean everytime you pull it out. So next time you go to take your expensive, digital jewellery out of the house, think about its fragile skin and consider giving it some clothes so it’s not so naked. You might even find something that compliments your style.
TOM VARIAN
The Grub By Crumpler
Look after your tech with bags by Crumpler
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Explore over 12,000 kms of Western Australia’s coastline in just one day Australia’s largest aquarium and underwater tunnel Giant sharks, stingrays and turtles Beautiful living coral reefs Interactive fun
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