By Sarah Willcocks
I’m in season-denial. Still, it is becoming increasingly tricky to ignore the foggy breath clouds that escape as I venture outside into the frost. Winter’s icy fist has clamped firmly around the place I live and, judging by the complaints drifting by, much of the country is shivering along with me. I ignore my northern friends who are basking in 35 degree Celsius warmth as I curse my impotent heater. Around here even lowly peaks are sprinkled with early snowfalls and our cities’ footpaths seem populated only by scurrying umbrellas. While we have become a country never contemptuous of precious rain, outside it is still drab, grey and enough to give you the blues. Grasping at the last rays of sunshine I’m looking toward the other end of the spectrum; tempted to add a splash of kaleidoscopic colour to my home, life and wardrobe. I‘d rather that than give in to the dark side and actually purchase an as-seen-on-TV “Snuggie”. Instead rejoice in vivid colour and brighten up with these Technicolor antidotes to winter. Suddenly summer does not seem quite so out of reach.
1. My recent colour fetish started with a dress. Everybody was tweeting, blogging and talking about the fanciful kites used as props in their Australian Fashion Week 2009 parade, but all I noticed was this standout Ginger & Smart design. The digital print on the float-y maxi-dress reminds me of stained-glass windows while the spaulder-like shoulder piece toughens up all that prettiness.
2. Bedlinen designer Josie Baker has an earthy aesthetic born from working with 100% natural materials like hand-woven raw cotton. While the intricate patchwork hues of this Mandala design in earthtones may keep you awake at night, you will rest peacefully in the knowledge that the label supports a Balinese childrens’ charity called Carry for Kids.
3. Hanging mobiles are not just for little ones anymore. A mobile can act as a playful piece of art that brightens up any creative office or bedroom in an instant. This colourful Polli version, by Sydney design duo Maja Rose and Tess Lloyd, is designed to play with the light and breeze. In a quirky addition two little birds are happily perched at the top. Try clipping a selection of polaroids, love letters or postcards to the mobile and using it as a unique display piece.
4. Usually I’m not one to judge a book by its proverbial cover. Yet Kit cosmetics have gotten to me this time with the vibrant water-colour artwork wrapped around their new range of “Face” skincare. Kit is covering all the ethical bases as this line is designed to be recyclable or biodegradable where possible. The recipes (which took several years to perfect) avoid any ingredient that could possibly irritate skin. Active ingredients include toning strawberry extract, witch-hazel and antioxidants from cherry and grape juices. The range is formulated for young skin which makes me wish to be a teenager again…almost. Either way they’ll make your bathroom look like the sanctuary that it should be.
5. Even if we insist on wearing solely black or grey this season we can still make a colour statement with this clutch bag (or as it is actually termed a minaudier – basically a posh French way of saying same thing) by Australian accessories label Olga Berg. The unusual facetted jewel shape is shrouded with a dappled shimmer effect that gives off opalescent sparks. Plus I’ve been assured the pattern is mock reptile, so no worries there! It seems the winter 2009 collection is inspired by an opulent “more is more” ideal.
6. When I look at Simone Jessup’s art work I have the sudden urge to break out my drawing pencils for an old-school colouring-in session. Or since there is a hint of psychedelia to some of the pieces I may simply sit and stare for a while. She creates patterns and prints for textiles and fashion clients featuring birds and beauties as recurring motifs. Simone even manages to make bones look entrancing on paper.
