Claude Maus

Lover The Label

Tarot cards, folk music, Charles Manson, ballet, freaks and geeks, and Patty Hearst can all take responsibility for being some of the inspiration’s behind the Australian fashion label, Lover. It’s all too clever and witty to ignore. Each collection adheres to a specific narrative and a central character. Read more

Hussy’s Exotic Escape

The Hussy Summer 2009 Exotic Escape collection is up for viewing. I quite like the leather Zanzibar sandals for a stylish casual look that’s slightly sophisticated. While there are a few nice dresses in the new line, I much prefer the accessories and clutches. That’s partially why the rest of the globe has come to love this iconic Aussie label, right?

Peta Pledger — vintage inspired goddess

Creating modern-vintage inspired by 1950s Australian housewives and rock’n'roll style pin-up glamour, Peta Pledger has been producing one-off, made-to-measure or small-run garments and accessories since 2003. Her love affair with the sewing machine began in 1988 when — like many lovely ladies — she couldn’t find any clothing that flattered her figure. Read more

Make Believe

As we made our way to the bar at RAFW this year, it was obvious something was going down. A crowd had gathered around what we assumed to be an off-duty supermodel, but as we ordered our white wine spritzers (they were all the rage) it became apparent that this was no ordinary celeb spotting. The fashion pack were salivating over a man wearing what looked to be a life-sized rat dipped in some sort of neon plastic coating. We needed to know who was behind this, and now finally after months of extensive of research the mystery has been solved. The girls responsible for this Zoolander-like moment are Aussie label Make Believe. They coat flowers and toy rats in high-sheen latex to create scene-stealing jewels. Who’s up for a bit of menagerie accessorizing? Read more

Deadly Ponies coin wallet

You’re running for your chosen mode of public transport when suddenly you realise that pocket full of shrapnel you’ve been carrying around for a week is gone. It’s at home in your coin jar, along with the change from last night’s cab ride that claimed your last twenty bucks. We know what you’re thinking: ‘why does this always happen to me?’. Well, we can tell you why, it’s because you don’t have a coin wallet from New Zealand label Deadly Ponies. Their latest collection, Hathor’s Revenge, breaks down the nanna like stigma often associated with a coin carrying device. Using deer and cow hides in nude, grey, black and purple hues, these unique designs will have you paying with coin at every opportunity. But be warned, they’re a real conversation starter.

Maise at Australian Fashion Week

Cult indie label Maise shunned Rosemount Australian Fashion Week and instead went for an off-program showing in a secret inner-city warehouse before the event’s official launch. Inspired by teen flicks from the late 80s and American high school culture, the label’s designer, Claire Greaves, and Sydney styling guru, Ms Fitz, had guests sitting in the bleachers with the venue decked out like a high school gym. Read more