cinch by the inch

2012-03-05T00:43:00.000+08:00

Something... 

I recently found out that the uber talented NZ designer Mala Brajkovic is now heading up design at Something Else.  This got me REALLY excited.  Mala's eponymous line was one of my fave NZ labels in its time, and Something Else is without a doubt one of the strongest Aussie brands when it comes to straddling the street x high fashion realm.  Their emotive and theme-orientated collections really ring true to me, with seriously killer prints, Natalie Wood's obsession with all things mystical, not to mention hitting the sweet spot when it comes to the scrilla. 

Some of my fave looks from their NH AW'12 collection~ 

Hoping to stock Something Else on zooq.com very soon!

2012-02-28T22:18:00.000+08:00

Endless Moods 

Beautiful moody photographs by Alison Scarpulla.

2012-02-18T23:54:00.001+08:00

RIDICULOUS Judith Leiber sale happening on Gilt right now.

SO much candy!!

2012-02-09T00:12:00.000+08:00

Taipei Moments

The only thing redeeming about flying is the window seat.

2012-02-05T03:00:00.000+08:00

Bitches be killin' it!!

Iggy Azalea, incidentally, is the girlfriend of ASAP Rocky. Her hair is crazy amazing!

2012-02-03T00:10:00.000+08:00

Some dope ass hip hop~  *click for some magic* 

2012-02-01T00:54:00.001+08:00

Stellar Beings

Animated gif photographs by Ignacio Torres.

2012-01-31T00:09:00.001+08:00

Power by Numbers

Images from all over, mostly Tumblr and my own.

2012-01-30T01:07:00.000+08:00

Yeah, straight lacquer porn!

Meanwhile, can't wait to get my hands on this~ 

Buy here.  Swatch from here.

2012-01-25T21:27:00.000+08:00

Double Vision

Doug Keyes' double exposure photographs make me feel all floaty inside.

On the subject of double exposure and floatiness, some beautiful paintings by Pakayla Biehn. Dreamy!

All via Honestly...WTF

2012-01-21T01:03:00.000+08:00

We shot model Dana in our studio yesterday.

Wearing Stylestalker's Currency Dress and accessories by Timi and Disney Couture, all from zooq.com.

2012-01-20T19:41:00.000+08:00

I recently bought my man an antique watch as a very belated b'day present.  

I settled for this handsome specimen from Chopard, which dates back to around 1906.  Throughout the process of acquiring this watch I learnt so much about antique watches, and now have an unprescedented fascination and appreciation for them!  

What doesn't cease to amaze me is how watchmakers were able to fashion such precise mechanisms 100 years ago, and in its life, this watch has timed the rise and fall of so many world-changing milestones, events, movements, and celebrations.

2012-01-19T01:53:00.002+08:00

Navajo Cowgirl

All items from eBay. The booties for one, are now mine. Yippee~

2012-01-11T22:52:00.000+08:00

Ahhhhh, happy new year everyone!!

Just got back from an epic couple of weeks in New Zealand, god I miss that place!! Photos soon...

In fine tradition of the silly season, gluttony and excess is a must. I came across this fun editorial in a Chinese weekly called The Week that really caught my eye. Great hair and I love the over-accessorizing!

Oh and my blog turned one! Happy b'day to me~

2011-12-16T22:11:00.000+08:00

A couple of weeks ago our photographer and I goofed around our studio with some b&w portrait shots.

2011-12-12T01:07:00.001+08:00

Lady of the Hour

Images from tfs and various sources.

SO feeling Sui He right now!

2011-12-11T01:06:00.001+08:00

Last night's lunar eclipse had me feeling all mythological...

Images from various sources.

2011-12-09T21:12:00.001+08:00

I received in the mail the other day a skate deck designed by the awesome Jayne of Stop It Right Now.   She made a series of three decks inspired by the covetable prints and campaign images from Celine's SS11 collection. 

My previously lonely Rookie deck, which I bought so so many years ago and never had the heart to use, now has a new friend!   Back then, I instead skated on a hand-me-down Girl board that my friend Barry gave me.

Campaign images via Fashionising 

2011-12-05T00:33:00.001+08:00

Global Love

If you find these images disturbing.....my friend, open your mind, your heart, and your mouth (to laugh), thank you.

Via I Believe In Adv

2011-12-04T23:57:00.001+08:00

These incredible smoke creations are made by husband and wife team Jeremy Floto and Cassandra Warner, of Floto + Warner. Inspiration maximus!  They have some other interesting works on their site as well. 

Via Honestly...WTF

2011-12-02T01:10:00.001+08:00

We had the lovely model Bruna in for a fun shoot at our studio on Monday.

2011-11-19T17:31:00.001+08:00

Carin Wester's style is classic stripped-back Swedish minimalism with a quirk - and just so, so easy and effortless!  Whilst I love a good stone-cold model face, it's always a welcome relief to see girls just having a jolly time - a la Carin's AW11 lookbook!

2011-11-15T00:03:00.001+08:00

Ohh, how I love me some Gogo Philip~ 

Gorgeous vintage inspired jewels and an equally gorgeous look book! Love!

2011-11-09T00:29:00.000+08:00

Zooq x ParkLu

I worked on an editorial with ParkLu recently on emulating the day-to-night styles of Miranda Kerr and Emma Stone.  Here, Zooq wares are seen on ParkLu's resident illustrated model, Lia.  Isn't she adorable?

All clothing from zooq.com

ParkLu is a fashion and lifestyle news site started by my friend Kim, also based in Shanghai.

2011-11-08T00:33:00.001+08:00

Clouded View

These images of ethereal sky formations were taken by German photojounalist Rüdiger Nehmzow from 6kms up in the air. More here.

2011-11-07T02:13:00.000+08:00

Trigger Happy

How much fun can a studio set up + a remote shutter with a BFF be?

I do love flicking my hair.

2011-11-06T00:11:00.000+08:00

Earth from Above

I went to check out and was utterly blown away by Yann Arthus Bertrand's Earth from Above exhibition recently.  His images take you on a journey through the realities of the world, where natural habitats and expressions of life are juxtaposed with the man's imprint and assault on the environment.

Isn't Mother Earth beautiful? <3

2011-10-31T16:49:00.000+08:00

2011-10-25T00:21:00.001+08:00

I was featured in this month's issue of Chinese magazine Style 俏丽~

2011-10-19T00:52:00.000+08:00

Meow

Via yi, er, san, si.

2011-10-18T01:11:00.000+08:00

Aqua 

Deep love for this shallow colour~

Images via here, here, here, here and elsewhere.

2011-10-14T10:38:00.002+08:00

Plait

Spent an easy breezy afternoon at the park with the man last weekend.  I've been really into braiding my hair since it's grown out lately and this is my current fave - keeps my hair out of everything! So good.

I only realized after the fact that it's remarkably similar to the hair at Valentino SS12 - it's gotta be a moon sister thang! Loving it on Fei Fei, Kasia and Freja~

Images via Style

2011-10-13T22:06:00.001+08:00

Speaking of Taiwan, I read about this amazing rainbow village in Taichung, where almost everything in sight is painted joyful colours. 

This tiny village was painted by Mr. Huang Yongfu, an original native of Hong Kong. He is now 90 years old. 

Via here

2011-10-10T00:03:00.000+08:00

Century

Today a tiny island nation celebrates its 100th birthday.  This is my hometown, and what a funny and wonderful place it is~

Happy birthday, Republic of China!!  

Love you long time <3 <3

2011-10-09T10:55:00.001+08:00

Shakuhachi's Southern Hemisphere SS11/12 campaign. Gorgeous compositions~

Yep, just can't get enough of her!!

via Harper and Harley

2011-10-08T00:35:00.001+08:00

Enter the Void 

One mind-fuck of a movie.....

Watch at your own risk, but watch simply to have your mind blown - this will be one of the most incredible cinematic experiences you've ever had. Gaspar Noe certainly is a creature of the next level.

Images via here.

2011-10-07T00:14:00.002+08:00

The Sartorialtwist

Now who doesn't love a good street style blog?

The Sartorialtwist takes street styles photos and throws it in a blender with oodles of style, a dollop of humour and a dash of cross-dressing hilarity.

2011-10-06T14:46:00.000+08:00

Though I'd never been much of a Mac user, spare a couple of iPods and first learning to use a Mac Classic in the 6th grade, there is no doubt this man revolutionized digital media and telecommunications that in so many ways has shaped the world we live in today. You're a legend. R.I.P. SJ~

2011-10-05T20:30:00.001+08:00

Sunnydaze

Weather is cooling, missing those summer days.....

Incidentally, my die-hard eyeshadow is called Sunnydaze, a pigment by MAC.  Been using it for like the last five years - honestly the most perfect metallic taupe <3

2011-10-04T14:39:00.001+08:00

The imminent Versace x H&M collab is KILLING me!!

YES, the tackier, the better, PLEASE!!  Think I need to go blond again just for this collection.....

First four pages from Vogue Russia via Nitrolicious, Vogue UK and campaign image via tfs

2011-10-03T15:20:00.001+08:00

Moon Child

Zippora Seven is featured in My Pet Square's beautiful look book for Spring 2012. LOVE!

2011-09-30T18:07:00.003+08:00

2011-09-28T20:34:00.001+08:00

Young Love 

The most iconic couple in our lifetime, certainly in mine.....

But of course, equally as iconic.....

via this, that, here, there, where, his, hers, x, y, and z.

2011-09-26T00:18:00.001+08:00

Time is slipping away 

I've had an obsession with these moving sand builders since I came upon them at Tokyu Hands in 2008.  There is an entire section of these at the store, much like there are entire sections for every possible thing you could never imagine you'd ever need at this place.

So beautiful. Now imagine they're moving, and creating these otherworldly landscapes right before your eyes.

Images via here and here.

2011-09-25T23:26:00.000+08:00

Today we did some test shots in our studio with a new photographer, as we will soon be shooting our garments with live models.  Exciting~

Top: lace top by Motel, velvet pants by AY Not Dead

Bottom: tee by Wildfox, skirt by Pleasure Doing Business, dress by Lipsy

2011-09-22T15:58:00.000+08:00

Some music I've been bumpin' lately.....*clickity click click* ^____~

2011-09-20T00:27:00.000+08:00

Via here, here and here.

2011-09-19T23:49:00.005+08:00

Hello from Andromeda

Topshop Unique SS12.  So fresh it HURTS.

I swear Karen Bonser hails from another planet. Picked up a Keith Haring book on her way out.

(but ouch on the biting review on Style!)

2011-09-09T18:57:00.000+08:00

Still sweatin' me some coloured tips~

PS. Charlotte Free is HOT.

2011-09-07T13:20:00.001+08:00

Details from Ann-Sofie Back's SS and FW11 collections.

Umm, Ann-Sofie...

Images from.....all over the interwebs? Forgot to take down links, sorry!

I think I smell a new Margiela in the air~

2011-09-02T01:02:00.000+08:00

Brigitte Lin（林青霞）is one of the most gracious actresses to grace the silver screen in Taiwan, and undoubtedly an icon in the Chinese film and TV industry. She recently released an autobiography and within it contained some never-before seen photos of her with the late and great Hong Kong actor Leslie Cheung（张国荣） and the late angel-voiced Teresa Teng. Precious~

Images via Baidu

2011-08-29T23:46:00.002+08:00

Our website zooq.com is now on sale~ check it~ ^____^

2011-08-27T01:19:00.000+08:00

I love me some Aztec~

Gorgeous handmade headbands and Aztec x Native American medallions from the Etsy store Aztec Art. The headbands are a cinch at $10!

2011-08-24T00:38:00.001+08:00

A bit late on this I suppose, but every time I see it, still tickles me.  Tao Okamoto, you are the hotness.

Vogue China August via Fashion Gone Rogue.

The Chinese name of this shoot translates to 'The Androgynous Attraction of Freja'. Sure, similar baskets, but comparison almost doesn't do either of them justice, nahmean?

2011-08-20T03:47:00.000+08:00

Perfect Cocktail

Can't go wrong when the ingredients include Taylor Warren, Sue-Ann, the desert, metres of flowing fabric, and a healthy dose of candy-pop fluorescent.

My friend Cat and I fantasized of doing an epic Vogue-esque photoshoot involving ludicrous amounts of gem-coloured silk chiffon when we visited Petra last year.  

Ok, fine, we've fantasized of ludicrous amounts of gem-coloured silk chiffon ANYWHERE, ALL OUR LIVES. Time to make it happen.

 The beautiful texture and layers were simply a perfect compliment. [cue chiffon dress blowing into view]

2011-08-18T12:42:00.001+08:00

PURPLE

Last night's storm was awe-inspiring~

I am, by all means, an amateur photographer.

2011-08-11T16:12:00.000+08:00

Fly baby, fly!

Friends, meet Zooq.  Zooq - meet the world~

Zooq.com is our new baby - an online retail platform offering high street and independent designer womenswear to the Chinese market.

Today marks our soft launch. Please, raise your glasses!

2011-08-10T00:40:00.001+08:00

Today is a happy day because two awesome things happened:

1) I received my ASOS delivery.  Really into crop tops right now!

by Beyond the Valley and Kit Rubix, both labels I adore! 

2) Got some blog love from the rockin' Amanda at IS-MENTAL - one of my faves!  Thanks girl~

xx

2011-08-09T00:14:00.000+08:00

Inspired initially by Reed + Rader's creepy animated gif editorials, these cinematic and far more subtle ones by From Me To You is like a cool candy-coloured breeze through my hair.

2011-08-08T23:10:00.000+08:00

SO much dope vintage Moschino on eBay right now, gah!

Now I would say don't fight me for the Nature/Future suit, but someone already did!!  *tear...  This suit is simply made for a futuristic eco-warrior like me!  ME!!

2011-08-05T01:56:00.000+08:00

Facets

I have a bad case of crystalitis.

Most images via here. Also from here, here and here.

2011-08-04T00:14:00.000+08:00

Penny's still got it.

Penny Pickard for Stolen Girlfriends Club Southern Hemisphere SS11.  Never without her trademark open pout.

Via here.

2011-08-03T23:44:00.000+08:00

Heirloom is featured in this month's 18th anniversary issue of Cosmo China~

(Click image to enlarge)

2011-07-26T19:40:00.000+08:00

Love Wildfox's soft, vintage-inspired tees.....wouldn't mind if this was a view of my wardrobe~

2011-07-24T18:38:00.001+08:00

R.I.P. Amy.....

Your soulful tunes and beautiful poetry lives on~

Image via Billboard.

2011-07-22T02:13:00.001+08:00

Industrial designer Markus Kayser designed and built two devices that operate by harnessing the sun's power and recently tested them in the Egyptian desert.

The first is a Sun Cutter, which utilizes a large ball lens to focus the sun's  rays onto a surface moved by a cam-guided system.  As the surface  moves under the magnified light, the light is able to cut 2D components like a laser.

The second device is a Solar Sinter, which melts sand to create 3D objects in glass using the sun's rays instead of a laser and sand instead of resins.  

Brilliant stuff!

Via Colossal

2011-07-21T18:22:00.000+08:00

World Nomad

When it comes to jewellery, I've pretty much always adopted the TBTB philosophy - that's 'The Bigger The Better' to you! Duh!  

Melody Ehsani is one such fierce lady creating equally fierce accessories.  Her designs and campaign images scream pure fun.  I love how these images hark back to the Bennetton ads of the 90's with their pop colours and world nomad feel.

Gotta give props for her great logo too~ so simple and smart!

2011-07-15T01:08:00.002+08:00

5A

2006, all taken with Photo Booth.

2011-07-11T13:30:00.000+08:00

I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Sue-Ann and Rachel from Stylestalker last night.  These ladies are killing it!

They recently commissioned the crazy talented No-ellk to create mood boards for their new collection, Young Hollywood. 

No-ellk's Tumblr is one of my absolute faves.  Ummm sure, I'll have my mind blown, thanks!

2011-07-09T02:15:00.000+08:00

Beautiful illustrations by Olaf Hajek.

2011-07-08T20:15:00.002+08:00

64-bit

My most precious (material) possessions...  

These rings hold great sentimental/physical/psychological/spiritual value to me... 

Clockwise from top: 
// custom made v rings from Street Bauble (I don't leave the house without them) 
// heirloom from Grandma Dearest (this was her favourite ring and she wore it every day until her passing, miss you Grandma <3 ) 
// vintage lion head ring I've owned/loved for years, bought from a pawn shop in Sydney 
// 3-0 b'day gift from the Mother 
// a design by the amazing Taiwanese jeweller 龔遵慈 (...embodies Chinese and art deco in one)

Oh, did you say I have a bit of a ring obsession?

2011-07-06T03:12:00.000+08:00

8-bit

Clockwise from top left: Dark Side of the Moon, Nyan Cat, OG Mario, 8-bit installation, Poketo Icon Watch, Deal With It, Kunihiko Morinaga AW11 heels, Space Invaders, Homestar Runner, Kunihiko Morinaga AW11 dress, Dzmitry Samal 5dpi, Kunihiko Morinaga AW11 jacket.

2011-07-04T17:40:00.000+08:00

I remember, growing up in Taiwan, we'd always have at home placemats and coasters featuring native New Zealand plants and birds.  It's interesting how such a minute thing sticks with you, as I would stare at them during every meal at the dining table, day in day out.

I came across these gorgeous coasters designed by Maori artist Tracey Tawhaio, encapsulating native NZ flora amidst illustrations which are unmistakeably true to her style.

These coasters can be purchased from the unique homeware e-shop Everyday Needs, which also offers plenty other quality inspirations for the house.

2011-07-02T04:45:00.006+08:00

Michael's Thriller jacket sold a few days ago for $1.8m, call me crazy but I think it's a well deserved price for arguably our king's most iconic item of clothing. 

In remembrance, in 2009 I dressed up as him for Halloween.  I bought my Thriller jacket years ago on eBay for peanuts, it's a children's size so it actually fits properly!   

Actually, my fave MJ jackets were always and still are the Beat It red leather jacket (yes the sleeves zip off into a vest, BAM!) and the one he wore in Captain EO (the details!)

RIP Michael~

Images via here, here, here, here and here.

2011-06-28T01:46:00.000+08:00

Right about now.....any of these concoctions to quell the heat, thanks!

Images from Google image search.

2011-06-26T21:42:00.003+08:00

Some of my fave Kate Moss portraits in black & white...

Despite her enigmatic self, somehow it seems she would be just that little bit less iconic without the cigarettes...

lest we forget, however...

TOP (clockwise from top left): origin unknown, Harper's Bazaar March 2010, David Yurman Fall 2008 campaign, 1994 by Peter Lindbergh, smoking backstage, Vogue Paris January 2006, Interview September 2008, Vogue Paris January 2006, origin unknown.  BOTTOM: Agent Provocateur Bridal 2008 campaign. 

2011-06-25T02:50:00.004+08:00

Walking on sunshine

I recently twisted my ankle, meaning heels make for an unhappy foot :(  I have found my happy medium in The Flatform.  

comfy-est.things.ever.

1st row: Cooperative Janis, Ego and Greed Two Hundred, Fendi platform, Coclico Mande

2nd row: Tenoversix Kat, Cacharel J, Jeffery Campbell Ad Long
3rd row: Vena Cava x Tenoversix platform, Jeffery Campbell Fatima, Minimarket Space, DIY Converse platform.

2011-06-23T01:34:00.001+08:00

My friend Katy and I had the pleasure of visiting Tulum in 2008. Mayan ruins atop the utterly surreal Caribbean Ocean, quite possibly the most beautiful beach I'd ever set foot on.

2011-06-22T23:50:00.000+08:00

Hawaiian Mirrors

Seems mirrored Hawaiian prints have found their way into both Stella McCartney and Givenchy's Resort '12 collections.....such fun prints, <3 it!

The whole Stella collection is, of course, to die for! She threw a chic garden party in NYC to present the collection, too cute!!

Images via Style and Mr. Newton

2011-06-21T00:17:00.002+08:00

Watched the classic Suzhou River 蘇州河 last night~

Beautiful film, and <3 the cinematography...

I <3 周迅 , she is one of my fave mainland Chinese actresses. Not only incredibly talented, girl advocates for environmental causes, and is a complete style icon in her own right, not to mention gorgeous.  

What a fabulous lady~

All images via Baidu 图片

2011-06-20T23:48:00.001+08:00

Mugged.

Prince and Bowie are so beautiful...

See more old school mugs here - via Flavorwire.

2011-06-16T00:14:00.000+08:00

Behind the scenes at Net-a-Porter~

Utterly fascinating and a total inspiration!

2011-06-15T15:01:00.000+08:00

Me.....in/and the studio.

2011-06-14T02:11:00.000+08:00

Dig Missoni and their killer prints BIG TIME.  Their recent collabos with Havaianas and Toy Watch are def swoon-worthy~

Images via Lab Daily, Refinery 29 and Toy Watch

2011-06-13T02:34:00.000+08:00

Postcards from Tokyo Part 2

2011-06-09T00:30:00.002+08:00

Summer neutrals are just so easy and breezy~

Dree Hemingway in Vogue UK June. Something about her, so damn sexy.

2011-06-07T00:36:00.000+08:00

<3 Indian jewellery~

Clockwise from top left: Patta necklace, Dannijo Lakshmi bracelet, traditional bridal necklace, the beautiful Aishwarya Rai and tri-colour filigree necklace.

2011-06-05T00:03:00.000+08:00

UNIF started as a tee label and they've now branched into full blown collections for men and women.  I've always loved their smartass humour printed tees, but think I'm really feeling my calling with these prints...

Oh, and you can get these middle finger glasses on Taobao for 16 RMB, which is pretty much fun times.

2011-06-04T00:45:00.000+08:00

Postcards from Tokyo Part 1

2011-05-27T00:10:00.000+08:00

This Saturday the Spring Reggae Festival is happening at O'Malleys. Featured on the day are the awesome Lions of Puxi, a Shanghai-based reggae soul band composed of talented musicians hailing from all corners of the globe. For an afternoon of sweet sounds and feel good vibes this is not to be missed!

2011-05-26T02:56:00.005+08:00

lzf 

My cousin Sandro and his wife make lights out of Valencia.  They recently presented at the HD show in Vegas, receiving two awards along the way  ^___~

Congrats Sandro and Marivi!!  Much love xxx

Check out Lzf Lamps here // More of their videos here

2011-05-25T00:31:00.003+08:00

Tina Kalivas is a luminary Australian designer I've been observing from afar for a few years.  Her designs border on couture and her attention to detail is totally OCD.  One really must laud her in her craft - girlfriend's so obviously born to design.  Of course, the late great McQueen must have rubbed off on her just a little when she worked under him in London.

My fave collection of hers is Polyrhythm from 2009.

I'm so happy to see that she's kept the title page on her website all these years - such a simple, timeless, yet wonderful example of flash done right.

2011-05-20T01:59:00.002+08:00

If your house was burning, what would you take with you?

This single image interview project, The Burning House, asks submitters to choose between what's practical, valuable and sentimental. Each photo tells a one-of-a-kind story~

2011-05-10T18:10:00.001+08:00

Bought me a new lappy~ 

This is, amazingly, only the second computer I've ever bought.  Asus is so trusty that the first laptop I bought in 2001 lasted me four years before it was stolen from my flat.  Insurance paid me out a new one, which then lasted me over five years before I outgrew its capabilities.  It still works perfectly, except that I've finally woken from XP SP2 and 512MB RAM (shame).  Hello modern technology!

2011-05-09T19:37:00.004+08:00

Whilst cruising ASOS for some inspiration I browsed through their Marketplace and only just now discovered the independent vintage boutiques housed there...

What an awesome outlet for independent e-boutiques!

There are some pretty stylin' ladies and killer wares~

2011-05-04T19:37:00.000+08:00

Circular Inspiration

Images via Laura Nelke, Dull Tool Dim Bulb, Nikon Fisheye, Sacred Mandala, Philisophical Disquisitions and Universe Today.

2011-05-03T15:59:00.001+08:00

Two-tone

I'm a slob and I've let my hair go off the rails for nine months...  So I've got some pretty hardcore two-tone going on, which certainly makes for an interesting braid.

2011-04-26T23:28:00.001+08:00

I needa grow me a crystal garden right about now...

Images via here and here - this blog post even took time lapse photos of the crystals growing ^___^

2011-04-23T01:58:00.000+08:00

Paper Theaters

Before the availability of children’s periodicals and mass-produced  toys, small tabletop theaters constructed out of printed or drawn paper, adhered  to cardboard and mounted on a wooden frame were enjoyed in many cultures.  

Some Dutch paper theaters from the 1890's.

Via 50 Watts

2011-04-22T00:46:00.001+08:00

Ohhh-lalaaa

Loving everything about this label...  some air in my face, please?  I'm sweatin'~

Anntian hails from Berlin. You can buy from the amazing e-boutique Pour Porter which, incidentally, stocks A'N'D as well ^__^