Diplodocus :: Design Store - PTV #24

Everyone has to start somewhere and for the Young Kiwis studying a Diploma in Art at the Windermere Campus in Tauranga, they have the perfect place to do just that.

The Diplodocus Design Store is a creative project developed and managed by the the students attending the course.  Here they are able to show off their paintings, jewllery and ceramic designs whilst learning.

What I love most, apart from helping out the students by buying their art, is the fact that whatever you buy will probably be a one and only original.  Their art can be anywhere from playful to elegant and consists of art not only painted on canvas, but other materials as well - some extreme creativity going on here!

If you are out and about that way, or even driving through, do go in and check them out.  A great little store and another example of Kiwi Creativity - Choice!

C5, Art Block

Windermere Campus

Tauranga

Wed - Thurs

10am - 3pm

e diplodocus.design@gmail.com

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Cloud Nine Creative - Rangiora

It's sometimes hard to share things you absolutely love ... but I'm not very good at keeping secrets ... and Cloud Nine Creative is definitely Choice!

Lee Sinclair, director and designer of Cloud Nine Creative, grew up making the odd thing for family and friends, and after her overseas travel, decided to spread her love of design and craft to the rest of the World by creating her own label.

Although a bold decision, it was a fantastic one. From Kiwi themes to delicate floral designs, Lee has a great range of necklaces, earrings, rings, prints and even gift cards.

I have no doubt you will fall in love with something of hers, and as much as I would love to show everything off, I can only show you some of my favs ... enjoy!

http://www.cloudninecreative.co.nz/

891 Two Chain Road

Rangiora

Christchurch 7475

lee@cloudninecreative.co.nz



Jusju Kiwiana Design

You can't go past great Kiwiana designs and Jusju (I must admit) has to be one of my favs.

What I love about what Allie does, is how she is more focused on being creative with designs to end up with something a bit more left field.

Allie takes Kiwiana material, like tea towels, and makes other things, like skirts and bags ... quite a fun concept really and if you take a look at some of her stuff, you'll see what I mean!

A signature of Allie's is the wrap skirt which can be worn two ways. These have some great Kiwiana designs and make for a bit of fun when heading out ... if you are looking for a conversation starter - this is it!

Have some fun and check out the shop and the designs at http://www.jusju.co.nz/

Kaeo, Whangaroa

Choice!

bronz - NZ designed and made streetwear

I'm sure we all love those Kiwi phrases and sayings that we can buy Ts for, but bronz provide us with some slightly different options than those we are use to seeing.

bronz are about creating clever designs that represent the Kiwi inside us.
They have taken the Kiwi but turned it into something with style that will allow you to wear the T practically anywhere  - a little fun but nothing overboard that restricts where and when you can wear it.

Here are some of the Ts below ... my purchase being the olive 'bronz' ... but you gotta love the ''Fush and Chups'' one!


Organic



Fush and Chups







Together we are one

Designed and made in NZ using 100% cotton, bronz provide great quality, GE free Ts.  Easy to order, great response and delivery, means you can order these from anywhere in NZ or around the World without a fuss. 

Check them out and get something different for yourself ... or someone else ...Choice!

PO Box 60 560

 Auckland 0642

http://www.bronz.co.nz/

Nine Body Coverage - Clothing for the Individual

The enthusiasm of some People can be just astounding and sometimes it shows in what they do.

For me, Nine does exactly this.  Their designs shout and scream uniqueness.  Skirts and tops, dresses and shirts that have some interesting influences, which they say comes from their surroundings ... and what better surroundings than our very own Queenstown.

From a little side alley shop, Nine show off their great range full of colours, shapes and flamboyancy.  Their eye to detail draws the People closer to the item and what is it portraying.

Check out the website and the current galleries of whats in stock.  My favourties below.  Home made and designed .. of course.

Cow Lane

Queenstown

p (03) 409 2389

http://www.ninebc.co.nz/

Vintage Love - Pukekohe

If you are anything like myself, you probably like to find jewellery that is unique and eye capturing in a way that will prompt People to ask ''Where did you get that?".

To me it is always fufilling to find jewellery that a majority of the People won't have and that doesn't blow my budget.  So, I would like to introduce you to ... Vintage Love.

Vintage Love has original, non massed produced jewellery that is clever, creative and totally affordable.  There is going to be more than one piece that will appeal to you (I bought three on my first visit), and if you are into Britain and Rule Britannia, she has a Rule Britannia collection too!

From your old romantic patterns to the cameos, fabric and textiles with some other great little ranges, there is quite a broad selection that may suit your own tastes. 

Definitely worth checking out at either the website or their Facebook page.
My purchases ...

 Studio open by appointment

http://www.vintagelove.co.nz/

www.facebook.com/myvintageloveshop

e vintagelove@slingshot.co.nz

Roadside Attraction - Waikouaiti

Where?  Waikouaiti .... it's in Otago (in case you were wondering).

We love supporting our Kiwi designers and here is yet another, that not only designs clothes but cushions as well!

Alex Wilson and Hilary Rowley have been running this for several years now, and their love for Art and Fashion mixed together, gives their gear a different look and feel.

Hilary got her first sewing machine at the age of 10 and has been making her own clothes, and clothes for others, every since.  Her idea is to have flattering but comfortable clothes and with Alex's arty influence, their pieces tend to be one of a kind ... Choice!

The shop is a definite ''drop into'' if you are travelling on or around Waikouaiti (north of Dunedin) or you could check them out on the website at http://roadside.net76.net/

Great pieces with a difference, dresses, pants, skirts, tops and more.  A must to check out - see some of my favourites below!

Main Road

Waikouaiti

Otago

e roadsideattraction_nz@yahoo.co.nz



Lew Lew Loheni - Seriously Kiwi

Yes, you can't get any more Kiwi than two Sisters working together creating and making their own designs in their own backyard!

Nilla and Gua Loheni are making their dreams come true with their own label, and their first range, 'By the Dozen', is a perfect start.

The clothes are secretly classy with precision stitch and detail.  A huge amount of thought has gone into each and every piece creating a very unique item that will not be 'mass produced' to the heavens.

With inspiration drawn from their music and art interests, the clothes have a silent statement defining what they see in things, and how they create.

Give them a call to view and have a cuppa ... definitely worth a peek ...

One of my favs.

http://lewlewstore.com/

bolt of cloth - fabrics and furnishings

I love this website!  You can choose a fabric and have anything made from curtains and blinds, to cushions and lampshades.  Loads of fun!!!

All the way from our Christchurch these People have a huge range of fabric for just about anything.  They sell their own hand-made cushions, lampshades, aprons and more, but they also make to order as well.

The fabrics are from a few places around the globe, and are funky, vibrant and very cool!  They also have fabric that has been designed by textile designers from around the world ... Oz, Finland, Japan and NZ (of course!).

From pastel colours to fire engine red, floral to scooter patterns, their range is quite large.  Next time you need some cushions, curtains, blinds, wallpaper, lampshades, or just another apron or bag even, check out the website and see if there is something that tickles your fancy!  Be different.

bolt of cloth workroom

216 Madras Street

Christchurch

http://www.boltofcloth.com/

Last Footwear - Leather shoes, boots and bags made right here in NZ

The beautiful and sunny Nelson has some Kiwis making high quality leather products.  With top notch cow hide and natural rubber, the products are made and designed to last, hence they are all repairable!

They are made by highly skilled workers and don't compromise at all on quality and durability.  If you want to spend a bit of money on good quality .. make it NZ quality ... check them out at their own shop, online or at one of their stockists.

Duffel bag below is one of my favs ... oh, and the sandals too! :-)

Last Footwear

Shop 63 Richmond Mall

Nelson

http://www.lastfootwear.co.nz/

Their footwear is also available at Whitwells in Motueka, 182 High Street, and their bag range is also available at The Birkenstock Shop, Nuffield Street, Newmarket, Auckland.

Mr Vintage - keeping it Kiwi

Some of you may already know these guys so you'll understand why they are worth a mention.

These guys design and make Kiwi themed tees that will either bring back memories of childhood or make you laugh with the plays they make on Kiwi icons.

From Play School to Goodnight Kiwi, Space Man candy to Kiwi Slang, be it you were born in 2003 or in 1973, there are tees for everyone!

They also not only have tees, but singlets, v-necks and scoop-necks and they run limited edition tees as well which are always worth a look.  Currently, their limited editions consist of the Artist series, Summer series and a Chartiee.

Check them out either on the web or at their shop in GL.  One of my favs below!

http://www.mrvintage.co.nz/

302B Great North Road

Grey Lynn

kowtow - designed in the Capital

Determined to make a difference, these designers out of Wellington not only make awesome clothes, they are dedicated to using organic cotton and promoting fairtrade ... so when you buy from their range you are supporting a better future for everyone!

Kowtow's clothes are very relaxed with a twist of different.  They feel great and have a very unassuming look; not wanting to take the limelight, but actually force people to look twice.

The top I bought below left is one of my favs to wear.  The cotton is really soft and gives the clothes a very different look.  It is flexible and yet strong and surprisingly light.

Check out the web for their range, both Women and Men, and keep an eye on them at selected stockists.

http://www.kowtowclothing.com/

Phoenix Cosmetics and The Pink Ladies

A New Zealand owned cosmetic company.

Started up by make-up artist Phoenix Renata, this range and its shop is something to be desired.  The make-up itself is top-notch; soft on the skin and easy to apply.  The shop, or boutique as one might call it, is all set up with seats, mirrors and lights that make you feel like someone extremely important!  Movie star ...

All Phoenix's staff (labelled The Pink Ladies), are professional make-up artists and work in the industry as well as in the boutique.  They are more than happy to chat away with you and teach you a thing or two about make-up and the art of applying it.  Dressed up in their trademark pink bomber jackets they work away showing you the make-up they are using, what it is called and why they are using it.  They display different kinds of techniques and can show you how to apply it depending on the look you are wanting. 

No pressure on purchase with the makeover, but once you check out the range it is a bit hard not to buy something!  Should you just want a one off makeover, a lesson on applying make-up or you feel like replacing your current range with something Kiwi, then take a visit and see what you think ... you may be pleasantly surprised!!!

http://www.phoenixcosmetics.com/  Kingsland, Takapuna and Pukekohe

Fashion Week



Joug Design ...

You may think that making light shades is a bit boring, but these guys will be the first to prove you wrong!

Jelle and Helen hand make all their light shades.  From stunning and delicate to fun and funky, these guys will help make your home beautiful and different.

http://www.joug.co.nz/

Based out of Welly, they are dedicated to not only making your home look fab, but they are dedicated to helping the environment, and hence their light shades are 100% recyclable - woohoo!

You must check out their designs either on their websites or at one of the stockists listed on them.  The two web pages differentiate between the different styles so do make sure you check them both out.

Oh, and you can also have one custom made by choosing a fabric and a lightshade shape that you like!

http://www.pookie.co.nz/

Joug Design

Wellington

info@joug.co.nz

Rātā & Ruby

Beautiful NZ designed clothing ....

These guys are based on the West Coast in Raglan and are dedicated to spreading a positive vibe through their clothes to make people stop and be thankful for what they have.

Their designs are very cultural and full of vibrant, bold colours.  The material is organic cotton, so it holds very well, feels good and washes brilliantly.

The kids tees are really neat with butterfly, tiki and a koru prints, along with others, and the womens tees are understated with simple designs on laid back cuts.  Easy and comfortable to wear.

Their gear is sold in a few shops around NZ but you can also purchase online.  Check them out - real Kiwi.

 

11 Bankart Str

Raglan 3225

 New Zealand

Or visit the flagship store Atamira – Cnr. Wainui Rd & Bankart Str. Raglan

http://www.rataandruby.co.nz/

City Designers Market - PTV #7

Those of you missing the Aotea markets .... never fear ... I found some of the offcuts!!!!

Yes, some of our aspiring clothes designers were smart enough to find a place to set up shop after the Aotea markets were temporarily closed.  A few of them now have their clothes being sold out of a small shop in high street and dubbed themselves the City Designers Markets.

It is more than worth a look with clothes at affordable prices.  You don't have to worry at all about the weather or the crowds as the only people that will be there are those who want to look at clothes!

The designers come from all different backgrounds and have quite different tastes, but you will be surprised at one or two that may just tickle your fancy.

If you do know your Kiwi designers then the following are those which are on display; Flox, Hannah Morgan Harriet Falvey, Misty Lang, Ribbon on a Bombshell.

Corner of High Street and Freyburg Square

(across from the water fountain)

Friday 9am to 6pm

Saturday 10am to 5pm

http://www.citydesignersmarket.co.nz/

Billi Tees

Classic case of a Kiwi having an idea in their own back yard ... a girl called Billi had an idea about making a t-shirt to remind a friend about the very small town that she came from.  And what do you know, the idea has turned into a small town business run out of the small town of Bulls!  (I had to actually look this up to find out where it was).

Anyhow, there are many people out their taking the old kiwi phrases and stamping them on tees, but these guys are a little bit different because of the designs they put with them.  There is a lot of thought into how to make a design represent something Kiwi.

The best part about what they have done so far was a Love Your Town tees competition which was about designing t-shirts made for you to wear to show off your little (or big) town that you originated from.  The winning designs were Westport, Invercargill, Dunedin, Ohakune, Blenheim, Napier, Wellington, Kaitaia, Rotorua and West Auckland.

Apart from the tees, they also do merino and sweatshirting so you got to take a look at these guys.  The tees last really well and there is nothing better than supporting a small town NZ business.  Go Billi!!

Contact details all on the web, http://www.billitees.co.nz/, or if you are reseasonbly close to Bulls (?!?!?!), you can pop into their store at 84 High St, Bulls, Rangitikei 4863.

Cher cher

Lisa Hoskins

Some of you may have already seen her range in places like Askew or Flying Saucers, but for those who haven't, you have to check this out.  For the Men, next time you want to spend that little bit more for something different and elegant, find out where her stockists are.  Lisa's jewellery is simple, sharp and stunning.  I have a number of her pieces now and I still can't get enough!

What I love most about her designs is the way that she has made the jewellery with subtle pictures which look like snippets of either music, old maps, or prints. Each year there is a story and each piece, although looks similar to another, on detail is very unique.  So you may be one of very few with that exact necklace or earrings!

Proudly made in NZ.

http://www.lisahoskin.co.nz/

YmamaY

Even just the name of this company makes me smile!  These guys are Kiwi designers of kids clothing and my recent purchase for my son was the below tee.

Price wise they are pretty much on the ball as the quality you get out of this is great.  Soft, yet strong and wearable for the kids.  We gave it to 'Cheeks' for Christmas and he absolutely loved it .... not quite the reaction you usually get when giving your kids clothes for a present!!

I actually bought this off the net, but their website contains further details.

http://www.ymamay.com/Store/

Check them out and see if you can find something that will get them excited about clothes as well!

Let's start with ...

the things that excite me about being a Kiwi.  If you travel around our land of the long white cloud and pop into those little stores that are in the middle of nowhere, or even just the store down the road that no one ever seems to go into, You may be pleasantly surprised!

ChalkyDigits have to be one of my most recent discoveries after stopping into the surf shop just before the Tutukaka Game Fishing club.  I thought it was going to be your typical surf shop with Billabong, Ripcurl and the likes, but they had a number of other clothes on the racks too.  ChalkyDigits are NZ made clothes that take the kiwi approach of being laid back, but looking great!  The materials are fantastic, with mix of merino wool and organic cotton, and their designs are totally understated.  Stockists are around NZ so check out the website and see if there is a shop near you ... or on your way somewhere ... that may just have a few of their great designs.

Website with all the details and designs http://www.chalkydigits.co.nz/

The cute little dress I bought on my finding.