Romance was born

Weird Science

In the 1985 movie Weird Science, a pair of happy misfits use tip-top technology and nerdy know-how to create something truly beautiful: in the form of ‘real life’ woman and sexed up diva Kellie Le Brock. The Australian fashion label Romance Was Born have created something equally beguiling with their Spring/Summer 07/08 collection, also called Weird Science. Sending coke-bottle spectacles, high-waisted acid wash and even a DNA inspired headdress down the runway at Rosemount Fashion Week, a real highlight of the collection is the label’s collaboration with hot Sydney artist Del Kathryn Barton. Del Kathryn Barton, who has previously collaborated on the label’s Regional Australia collection, will once again provide a unique fabric print that will be reproduced across a range of garments. Romance’s own misfit duo, Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales, know nerds get their revenge in the end. [see also Del Kathryn Barton]

Five to watch

These are five Australian illustrators and designers that Lost At E Minor tips for big things over the next year or so: illustrator Lang Leav, who uses pastels and pixels to weave the enchanting world of Akina; Del Kathryn Barton, whose ‘patent wide-eyed innocent children’ occupy ‘imaginary fantasy worlds of abstract patterns, foliage, native birds and rabbits’; Kelly Boulton, of Other Design, who has has worked across a variety of creative mediums, from guest art directing street press magazine, Stu, to designing t-shirts for Jeremyville; Joshua Gurrie, who takes inspiration from the racier elements of contemporary popular culture’ and whose work ’seeks to counter the over-saturation of pop media, web junk and glossy sneakers‘; and Momoko Hatano, who is inspired by ‘philosophy, environmental and political issues, and artists such as Wim Delvoye and William Morris’. [illustrations by Del Kathryn Barton, left, and Lang Leav, right]

Chris Buzelli

American artist, Chris Buzelli, grew up in Chicago before studying at The Rhode Island School of Design. He moved to New York City in 1995. His oil paintings have been featured in The New York Times, Playboy, and The Boston Globe, amongst many other magazines and newspapers, and his work has been ‘recognised by American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, Society of Publication Designs, Communication Arts, Print and Step by Step’. [see also Del Kathryn Barton]

Aussie Map Wall Clock

Struth! We’re now stocking the beautifully designed and overtly Australian range of products by Aussie illustrator, Eamo. Perfect for those of us living abroad, who miss the taste of Vegemite and the smell of the beach, or those whose fleeting connection with the big brown land has left them longing for more, the Aussie Map Wall Clock and Aussie drink cooler are a great addition to walls and barbeques everywhere. Read more

Aussie map wall clock

Perfect for the shed or the good room, this 1970s Australian icon is back! This Aussie Map Wall Clock is a generous slice of Down Under kitsch.

We’re now stocking your creations

Our online store has been kicking along nicely for a while now, featuring prints by Andy Smith [pictured], tees by Das Monk and jewellery by This Charming Man to name a few. We have visitors from all across the globe and some of our pieces have been racing out the virtual door faster than we imagined possible. Aw, shucks! Now it’s your turn. If you design, create, or distribute products and artwork that fits with our style, and you’d like to see your goodies stocked on our shelves in time for Christmas, drop us a note introducing yourself and we’ll take it from there. Psst … we’re planning some Christmas gift ideas and subscriber offers too. We reckon you’ll like them.