WILDERNESS WONDER WOMAN

 

Pitch is currently in awe of Francesca Tamse's mosaic style collection of photographs entitled 'Unforeseen Wilderness'. In this series, Francesca  manipulates  multiple photographs that document her own individual travels,  and transforms them into one continuous story. The stunning 'city grid' images feature nine squares in total, with each square having its very own tale to tell. And the coolest part about it? You can actually purchase these quirky, bewildering posters from Francesca herself.

 Our tip is to get in quick for these beauties, before the rest of the cyber world catches on! 

IN A BUBBLE

Last Friday the PITCH team finally got to bask in Susie Bubble's greatness. After months of waiting and multiple blog posts later, we were more then excited to take our coveted seats for the Portable event. The talk was located at the State Library in Brisbane, which was aesthetically perfect for the event and contributed to the very 'personal' atmosphere the audience experienced. Susie covered a range of interesting topics that included her personal journey as a full time fashion blogger, as well as vital information on the fashion blogging industry and how it has changed over the six years that she has been apart of it. 

ANIMAL PRINTS

The fashion world has grown tired of animal prints, after seeing the overused tacky adaption of the prints seen on the likes of Jersey Shore trash 'Snooki' it's safe to say that we threw all of ours in the trash, literally. So it is more than thrilling to see a new innovative design involving animals has been illustrated, and to our pleasure does not involve midriff cheetah print tops. Kelly Thompson is a fashion illustrator that hails from New Zealand, but is currently based in Melbourne, Australia (lucky us!). With a portfolio of work that exceeds all limitations and for that matter expectations, it is no wonder that Kelly has developed a 'cult' like following in both her hometown New Zealand and Australia. You may recognise her work from major magazines such as Pulp, Karen, Yen and Lucire in which she has all been featured. Kelly's work explores the endearing beauty of women and pushes the boundaries of typical fashion illustration. And we are completely obsessed with it! We can totally see all of her illustrations being brought to life by fashion giants on runways all over the world, so keep your eagle eyes peeled.

Website: http://www.kellythompson.co.nz/

CHANGE OF ART

PITCH loves supporting and showcasing local talent, and you don't get any more local then Fortitude Valley. Abigael Whittaker is an emerging artist (based in Brisbane, obviously) with a passion for figurative painting and illustrations. She is currently represented by the dreamy 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace, and believe me after viewing her work you will understand why, all the whilst being left with a whole new appreciation for art.  Unfortunately the majority of her work has already been sold to the 'Art Gallery' elite with prices ranging from $500 to $3000. It's safe to say though, that when you purchase a piece of Abigael's art you are buying into something much more valuable then just measly paint on canvas. There is much more passion and depth that lies beneath the surface of each painting, invested straight from Abigael's artistic soul. 

Website: http://www.19karen.com.au/abigael-whittaker/abigael-whittaker-new.php

Blog: http://abigaelwhittaker.blogspot.com.au/

GIVEAWAYS!

Get ready to party this Easter Thursday, because COBRA KAI VS I OH YOU is putting on a show at Oh hello that will have you buzzing. And with a public holiday Friday, which means no uni (best news ever)  what better way to celebrate the long weekend ahead then with some killer tunes. Now comes the even more exciting news, PITCH has one double pass to give away for one lucky reader. To win the tickets simply email contact.pitchmagazine@gmail.com with your answer to the following question. The first person to email the correct answer will win the tickets! Enjoy.

Question: Name the two band members in Bass Drum Of Death

OUT & ABOUT

The PITCH team cannot stop raving about how great the Up Late With Marie Claire fashion event was. For anyone that missed out don't stress too much, the event was such a success recently that we can see something similar popping up very shortly. Or if not, there's always next year and you would have to be a fashion fool to miss out on it twice! The night started out with all of us retreating to collect our Marie Claire freebie bags which were packed full of fashion goodness. Not going to lie though we all had a quick rummage as soon as we received them, although when I got home was when the real scavenging started. 

Multiple Nivea samples later, I was flicking through my new addition of Marie Claire when I found that it included a $50 Mimco voucher, as if the night wasn't already good enough. Very unfortunately for myself though I had to drive that night, and was the official 'sober sally' of the evening (there's always one.) And after seeing the gourmet beverages that were flowing freely in every store including margaritas, vodka/lime/chambord concoctions and of course champaz,  I was highly tempted to cancel the appointment I had early the next morning and indulge. Luckily there were cupcakes and melting moments galore, and that somewhat made up for the water I was sulkily sipping on for the duration of the night. Although every store had a highly entertaining and lively atmosphere not to mention designs that had us all swooning, we did have a few personal highlights. Optiko eye wear was our first stop and did not disappoint. 

Champagne in hand, that left one free to try on some outlandish pairs of shades, (and by outlandish I mean fabulous).  Frockshop was packed to capacity, and how could it not be with a window display featuring a dress constructed entirely of Marie Claire magazine pages that was just oh so inviting. Unfortunately we didn't quite make it to the Calexico store however we heard from a reliable source that there was a live snake on display, and some brave customers took to wearing it around their neck, now that's what I call high fashion! We also had a great time talking instore to one half of the Ksubi design gods, George Gorrow. Possibly our favourite design instore besides the red checkered trousers of course, was the shirt George was wearing. Unfortunately for us though it was just something he had 'made up' using spare material, and will not be available to Ksubi customers anytime soon. 

It was also highly gratifying to be in the same store space as Sass & Bide design beauty Heidi Middleton. Whilst browsing around in store we found a lot of clothing gems and sadly had to do the only shopping we could afford, shopping with our eyes. The evening finished up reasonably early with fashionistas, bloggers and various other creatives left to wonder the streets of New Farm. Connected together by the black Marie Claire bags they had in hand, and ready to reflect on what a wonderful evening it was.

EXTREMELY LOVEABLE BUBBLE

Our ultimate girl crush Susie Lau, better known to all bloggers and  die hard fashionistas alike as Susie Bubble, is set to travel down under to talk exclusively to Melbourne, Sydney and wait for it.. BRISBANE! Here at PITCH we can barely contain our excitement, and have some what embarrassingly  already marked a big red X on the 27th of April in all our calendars. The countdown has already begun, and luckily for you, our beloved PITCH readers we have collaborated with Portable to offer you an amazing 20% off Susie Bubble tickets for her exclusive Brisbane talk. To purchase tickets simply visit www.portable.tv, click on the events tab and enter the code PITCHBUBBLE to receive your 20% discount. Enjoy!

Oh and if you happen to be living in a bubble yourself, and are unfamiliar with Susie's awesomeness, have a glimpse at the photographs below and soak it all up. 

THE LEATHER MAN

Ray Cook is the one man show behind iconic jewellery label How Typical Of Metal. The brand is recognised primarily for its signature leather bow ties all of which Ray has personally cut, crafted and manipulated with his own pair of very artistic hands. As well as the impeccably crafted leather and suede bow ties, How Typical Of Metal also offers otherworldly carved marble and onyx stone rings and cigarette necklaces. Pretty much anything that exceeds the limits of your imagination, you will find in store!  Also just recently Ray has released a super exclusive line of  to die for collar and cuff sets that include the bow tie of your choice.  Make sure you get in quick though, because these little beauties are very limited! If you live in Sydney or are soon to be visiting the city, be sure to put Ray's 4.5 Billion Store on your places to go list, the interior design of the space alone will leave you mesmerised. So, if you are looking to get your hands on one of the original pieces from any collection and don't hail from Sydney, no need to panic, you can also order online.  A word of warning though, place your orders before the rest of the fashion world catches on, we are expecting big things from this crafty little leather man.  
The PITCH team was lucky enough to steal a few minutes out of Ray's busy schedule to ask him a few key questions about the future prospects for How Typical Of Metal.

1. You have incredible craftsmanship, have you ever considered delving into any other apparel besides accessories?

I have been wanting to for a year or so. . I am letting myself ease into it, creating my own patterns and piecing each part together. I have created some jeans but I am so OCD that I havn't released them yet. I have a few other sample pieces in my studio too, but I need to expand overseas with my accessories before I think about releasing a collection of garments.

2. If you were given the opportunity of opening up a flagship store anywhere in the world where would it be?

This is actually something I am thinking about right now. I would have to say East London because of the aesthetic my brand is evolving into. But you can't dismiss New York. I think New York is like a bigger version of Melbourne though. Thousands of people go there to be artists, photographers, fashion designers ect and that's the problem. Too many people doing the same thing, no stand outs and everyone is fighting for collaborations.


3. What has been the best source of publicity received for your brand so far? 
The cover of Tangent : a Sydney-based fashion magazine. My new collection shoot is on exhibition in a Sydney gallery and then will be in the next issue of Faint Magazine which is a high end couture fashion magazine, that will receive alot of attention.

4. Who do you ideally in-vision wearing your trademark How Typical Of Metal products?

People that lead and don't follow. People who read into the reasons of why I have created them. There are stories behind each collection. The mens bow ties are created to encourage manners in men with the prospect of a sharper better dressed man. And the womans collection is created to encourage girls to become "ladies".

Location / 116 Lawson Street, Darlington, Sydney, NSW
Online Store / http://howtypicalofmetal.bigcartel.com/

Facebook / http://www.facebook.com/pages/How-Typical-Of-Metal/165657933491472

IN A RUSSH FOR NEW ELLERY

Ellery’s latest collection for AW/12 has us frantically running around trying to scavenge every cent we can find, in the hopes of owning one of their newest and most timeless pieces. The AW/12 line features everything from stunning floor length gowns to tight fitting gold flared pants. The latest looks from the brand appear to be all about making a statement and taking risks with fashion. That reasoning may better explain their latest collaboration with RUSSH Magazine, featuring  the stylishly cool Hannah Holman sporting a new pair of fangs. Be prepared for pastels to make a major comeback, because we predict that they will be high on every trend list for the upcoming seasons.  And trust Ellery to be ahead of the fashion pack. The pop of pastel colour in their latest collection has us feeling blue to say the least, we want it all in our wardrobe ASAP! 

Indulge in the rest of the heavenly collection here: http://www.elleryland.com/collection-current.html

\

KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMANI

There is nothing more satisfying than discovering something that stimulates our creative minds. And currently the Pitch Team is obsessed with Fashion Photography. And the man that we hold responsible for our somewhat unhealthy obsession is Nick Knight. Renowned for his unique compositions, artistic style and ever-changing portfolio, it’s safe to say that Nick Knight is no newbie to the fashion industry. His editorial work has been featured in fashion giant Vogue multiple times, as well as Dazed and Confused, i.d and Visionaire. Oh and did we mention that he is the brains behind an array of fashion and advertising projects, featuring the likes of McQueen, Dior, Armani and Klein? Sigh. We guarantee that Nick Knight’s photography will be embedded in your mind and will act as a recurring inspiration for all your fashion hopes and dreams. 

Have a peek at his incredible portfolio here:  http://nickknight.com/ 

THREADS

 

The PITCH team is currently head over heels for Australian born, Belgium based designer Narelle Dore. We love her innovative style and the fact that her designs create that ideal fusion of fashion and nature. Narelle’s collections are a conscious mix of our two current loves, minimalism and fantasy and we are absolutely swooning over the outcomes. Nowadays the earthy designer is living the high life in Antwerp, Belgium. However, Narelle is originally from Perth and pays reference to the beauty of our country in many of her projects, so yes we can definitely claim her as a homegrown talent! The impeccable detailing in the garments handmade by Narelle is a direct result of the incredible craftsmanship that she possesses and puts into all of her work.  When asked the key question of ‘what inspires her designs,’ Narelle coyly dished that both nature and Joan Of Arc are her true inspirations.  Although her collections are incredibly exclusive (only produced annually) they are well worth the wait. And if the 2011 collection featured above is any indication of what’s to come, we can only imagine what amazing design concepts are in store for 2012.  Keep your fingers crossed for a flagship store!

Treat yourself to the rest of the collection here: http://www.narelledore.com/

PLUS View Narelle Dore’s blog, which features some of her other creative projects and ideas: http://coatedarms.blogspot.com.au/

TRENDING

One of our favourite trends for the upcoming seasons is the print on print trend. This is a striking and bold look that has been just as popular off the runway, as it has been on it. We absolutely adore the matching print pantsuits that Florence Welch has been photographed in lately, and truly believe that this is going to be a style that will be mimicked in chain stores very shortly. So get ahead of the rest of the fashion crowd and start experimenting with prints. There really are no limits with this trend, however try and choose colours, textures and patterns that compliment each other. Our best bet for finding affordable, chic, vintage prints are second hand stores. Get out and about, and who knows you may even find a Yves Saint Laurent treasure that someone disposed of in the 60’s.

---

HOME IS WHERE THE SELBY IS

If anyone else has been getting a headache from the countless hours spent brainstorming the many ways of redecorating a bedroom, home or garage. Luckily for you, we have some inspiration too put your mind to rest, well at least for a few minutes anyway. For those of you that haven’t heard of The Selby, prepare to be swept off your feet by some of the quirkiest and most unique homes that the globe has to offer. The Selby is a website that was created by Todd Selby to highlight creative individuals working, living and breathing in their personal spaces. With such an artistic eye for detail, Todd truly captures the most magical elements of these spaces and presents them to the world via his website. Also, there are multiple art house style videos featured on The Selby of some of the most eccentric and intriguing individuals, and they are not to be missed! But beware, the first time I viewed the website I did not leave my computer for 5 hours. (I was hooked after viewing the interior of Erin Wasson’s New York apartment, and Karl Lagerfeld’s studio in Paris) The Selby includes cities that offer that something special and we are very proud to say that our very own Sydney and Melbourne are featured! Here are some of our personal favourite’s from the website.

 

To view the rest of the website click here

---

GOTTA HAVE THEM ALL, OR, GOTTA CATCH EM ALL?

Mononymous featured blogger Francis began combining his two loves for Pokémon and fashion back in mid 2011. Who knew that our favourite childhood game Pokémon would make a comeback into our lives via our beloved haute couture campaigns? Whether it is Valentino, Stella McCartney or Givenchy (Just to name a few!) all of the old gang plus some new faces from Pokémon are back, and are currently sending waves through the fashion industry. It remains undecided whether or not the high-end models featured are completely oblivious to the unexpected photo bombers. But lets just leave that bit up to the imagination! For now just sit back and enjoy the bliss of viewing the best of both worlds. The Pokémon characters that we swooned over for years have transported off the screens of our aged Gameboys, and onto the fierce fashion scene modeling for the worlds top designers. Enjoy!

View the rest of Francis’s collection here http://pokexfashion.tumblr.com/