Archive for the ‘artisans’ Category

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Visage ‘n’ Vice Boutique, Johnson St, Fitzroy

July 14, 2010

I’m convinced that Fitzroy is on a Leyline.  Or Vlad Tepes corpse is buried there.  Or maybe it’s  because it’s on a bat flight path?  whatever the reason… Fitzroy is the Little Carfax of Melbourne, with yet another gothic boutique opening its doors. This one is interesting in that it is specialising in accessories as much as clothing, from what i can tell, and is emphasising local designers, including a few strutting their stuff at the yearly Circa Nocturna parade.

But it doesn’t end there: the boutique holds its own parades and soirees, which they advertise on their website… which also includes a webbe shoppe for out of towners.

Their website describes their wares thus:

Who is Visage ‘n’ Vice?

Visage ‘n’ Vice Boutique, specialise in alternative wear and accessories catering to all occasions, and also inclinations of individuality and self expression.

V ‘n’ V Boutique is dedicated to providing you, with cutting edge clothing accessories and giftware. Creations are available as off the rack designs and also through our custom services, we provide something unique for a wide range of alternative subcultures.

One thing that we like at VnV is that if you see an item happens to tantalise your senses, but we don’t currently stock it in your size – never fear, as we are able to order it in. Our custom service really shines with the pure custom service, which entails you – the client, creating something that is uniquely you – an extension of your identity and personality.

Although not all designers can provide custom orders, these still cover a wide range of items including, but not limited to, furniture, clothing and accessories.

Custom orders are made possible by contacting us with a request and, where possible, an in store consultation with the respective designer can be arranged for a small fee.

Our Boutique offers you quality Independent creations with a focus on independent artistians, with a predominantly Australian made range.

Some of our local stockists include the following designers:

Bone Orchard, Crypt Trash, Gallery Serpentine Corsetry, GeoMythiK, LeLash, Lyris Design, Mizzerie Debauch Accessories, Feral Fraggle Hair, Hexotica, Naughty Nights Custom Furniture, Nocturnal Flames, Manic Panic, Miss X Cosmetics, Raven Clothing, Safari Lee, Vitae, XSIV Leather, Z~ENT!TY, Milly Pilly Designs

Here are the details:

248 Johnston Street, Fitzroy, Victoria. Australia 3065

Trading Hours
Monday 11:00am – 6:30pm
Tuesday 11:00am – 6:30pm
Wednesday 11:00am – 6:30pm
Thursday 11:00am – 6:30pm
Friday 11:00am – 6:30pm
Saturday 11:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm
Email
visage.n.vice@gmail.com
Phone
+61 (0) 3 9486 0752
Postal Address
248 Johnston Street,
Fitzroy,
Victoria. 3065
Australia
They also have a Facebook and a Myspace for you social media mongers…

Posted in artisans, burlesque, clothing, designers, emporium, fashion, fashion parade, gothic, jewellery, men's fashion, rockabilly, steampunk, steampunk fashion, website | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

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Sensory Lab -St Ali vs David Jones for blinding coffee science

June 15, 2010

I’ve been waiting months for Sensory Lab to have an online presence, making it easier to locate, describe and promote.  A collab between St Ali, Melbourne’s coffee maffioso,  and unlikely partners David Jones, Sensory Lab is the latest word in Melbourne’s continual dalliance with the relationship between coffee and science.  Set up like a Laboratory, Sensory Lab serves filters, syphons and the ultimate fix  in cold drip coffee, all presented school-experiment stylee in beakers and pipettes.  Staff wear Lab coats, and the scientific sideof roasting and blending  is pushed front centre, with baristas and brewers only too happy to educate drinkers in the differences in beans, in various preparation methods and what to look out for in taste.  It’s a visual and palate treat to spend time in Sensory Lab, if you can avoid glancing up the stairs into the more mundane surrounds of the department store.

If you feel like seeing the window dressing of science-fetishism but want a standard espresso hit, Sensory Lab has a corner for Normal Transactions, including a cake cabinet containing what look like tasty morsels: but my adventures here are usually centred around the lab bench and its array of bunsen burners.  Most beloved is the cold drip filter, which often comes in two single origins from which to choose and has taken eight hours and the full force of gravity to brew. The caffeine kick is huge but the taste complex, subtle and eminently repeatable.

For those who like it so much they must possess their own artefact: both beans and equipment are available for take-home at the Sensory Lab counter.

Beans are also available online through their website, as are blognotes and youtube videos.

Takeaway window open from 7am, and the full lab is open usual department store hours: 9.30am – 6pm,  Sun – Wed, and until 9pm Thurs- Fri, until 7pm Sat.

Located at: 297 Lt Collins St City. Ph. (03) 9643 2222.

Posted in artisans, Coffee, emporium, Food, Melbourne, science, scientific equipment | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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Robin Boyd Open Houses 2010 -limited places remain

June 2, 2010

Another Melbourne Open House scheme… for the curious and the architecturally interested.  Word has it there are some limited places left in the Robin Boyd Open Houses 2010 programme for houses designed by Boyd and colleagues including:

Recent Award Winning Houses Sunday August 15

Each year the Australian Institute of Architects recognise and celebrate the best designed buildings of the preceding year. The Robin Boyd Foundation will host a public open day of 5 award winning and shortlisted houses from the Institute’s Victorian Chapter Residential Buildings award category.

Full details to be advised in July

Harold Desbrowe Annear Sunday November 14

In his first book Victorian Modern published in 1949 Boyd wrote ‘Harold Desbrowe Annear was the first Australian-born to produce original architecture, a big bluff, hearty architect, who knew what he wanted, and saw that his clients got it.’

This open day will include 5 houses designed by Annear including ‘Chadwick House’ recently restored by Peter and Jane Crone.

Full details to be advised in October

Some detail on Robin Boyd here:

Robin Boyd CBE (1919-1971) was a renowned Victorian architect, author, critic, and public educator in the 50s and 60s, a leader in Melbourne’s Modern Architecture movement, a visionary in urban design and outspoken on the ‘Australian Identity’.

He was a member of the talented Boyd family which, among others, included the novelist Martin Boyd and the painter Arthur Boyd.

Robin Boyd was not only a great architect who was passionate about good design and whose influence extended internationally – but he also ardently shared his ideas with the wider public, not just within the design community. Above all Boyd was committed to an educated nation, to the establishment of innovative ideas as a way of living in an informed Australia.

Boyd is arguably the most influential architect there has been in Australia. Through his writings Boyd inspired the general community and through his architecture he has become an acknowledged leader in the design and architectural professions.

“The best way to learn about design and to appreciate design – is to experience good design for yourself”

The Robin Boyd Foundation hosts a regular series of public open days in privately owned homes.These open days will provide a unique opportunity for people to view and experience the design qualities of some outstanding buildings.

The Open days include buildings designed by Robin Boyd together with the work of Boyd’s colleagues and contemporaries, the work of Architects whose work Boyd admired; and the work of recent and currently practicing Architects whose work continues to demonstrate the benefits of good design.

Check out their website for the full programme and current available places.

Posted in architecture, Art, artisans, Melbourne, tour | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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Vicious Venus – Corsetry and Clothing, Fitzroy

May 6, 2010

Originally, back in the bad old days, Vicious Venus was a dedicated gothic corsetry store tucked away in King Street, in the city.  This was before anyone had ever heard of using King Street for the power of good, not Goldfinger style weevil.  Their corsets were experimental, daring, and of cult status within gothtopia: they came at a larger than normal price tag but had far better than usual workgrrlship and standards.  Fastforward a laced up fist full of years and Vicious Venus have perched themselves at the Cool end of Smith St (hang on, that’s, like, most of Smith Street now. OK let’s call it the Johnson Street End), and their in-store range has expanded from just uber-haute corsetry to a rockabilly-inspired pin up range of clothing and lingerie, and the high heeled and wedged pumps to match.   There are threads for guys and gals, bois and grrrls and even for kiddies of said bois or grrrls, and, of course, there is a small but strategic range of gifts and accessories for that goth/rocker birthday/housewarming/bah mitzvah gift.

Their corsetry isn’t cheap. It’s hand made work and the price reflects it.

Their site says the following:

Vicious Venus is the collaboration and joint vision of Australian designers Joy Liakis and Natalie Fowler. Sharing a love of traditionally tailored, couture clothing, they formed a partnership in 1994. With 16 years of pattern making experience and design skills between them, their work combines elements of traditional craftsmanship with modern textiles to create bold new designs. Their sophisticated styles are inspired by themes from ages past as well as futuristic fantasy.

To create dramatic silhouettes, Joy and Natalie experiment with modern textiles, adapting these to vintage inspired styles and old-world corsetry shapes  as readily as they do more traditional materials like brocades, velvets, lace and beading.

Their couture bridal service is unparalled in Melbourne and renowned for its quality craftsmanship and attention to detail and styling. Each individual garment is laboriously hand-made, giving careful attention to even the smallest of details.

Both designers enjoy working closely with clients to create unique, custom-made pieces designed specifically for their needs. Couple these fabulous creations with exquisite jewelry and other modern accessories, and you begin to behold the full Vicious Venus experience.

Contact details:

346 Smith Street | Collingwood 3066 | ph: (+61 3) 9417 7449
155 Sydney Road | Brunswick 3056 | ph: (+61 3) 9387 5995
Melbourne | Victoria | Australia

email: form available on their website under ‘contact us’.

Posted in artisans, burlesque, clothing, fashion, gothic, jewellery, men's fashion, rockabilly, shoes, Uncategorized, website | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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Brickvention: Lego Exhibition 2010 January Long Weekend

January 19, 2010

 

 

Brickvention is Australia’s premier LEGO® convention

Brickvention is an Australian based convention for LEGO® fans. It’s a two-day event that brings together LEGO® fans from all over Australia to view original and unusual creations. The next Brickvention will be held over the weekend of 23rd– 24th January 2010.

Saturday 23rd January 2010 is devoted to Adult Fans of LEGO® and features competitions, games and activities involving LEGO®. Sunday 24th January is the Public Open Day part of Brickvention where anyone can come along and view the amazing creations made out of LEGO®.

LEGO® fans of all ages are welcome on the Sunday from 11am – 4pm. Entry is $5 for adults, $2.50 for kids, $15 for a family with 2 adults and up to 4 children.

If you love LEGO®, why not join us on the Public Open Day at Level 12, Victoria University Building, 300 Flinders Street, Melbourne.

For more information, please contact us.

Posted in artisans, Collectables, curios, figurines, lego, nerd, pop-culture | Tagged , | 1 Comment »

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Renaissance Bookbinding – St Georges Rd, Fitzroy

January 4, 2010

On my forays from old haunt Preston to the city and back, I passed Renaissance Bookbinders on a daily basis.  The handbound books in the window and intriguing contraptions within held my curious eye on each occasion until, finally, I fashioned an occasion to step inside and enquire about what on earth this cabinet of paper curiousities really is.

As it turns out, the description is helpfully literal.  This shop binds books, using traditional and very beautiful binding methods around since the Renaissance.  They promote the art of book binding in addition to making their honest living through binding books for others.   Their paper presses and other by-hand binding contraptions are fascinating to behold.

Their official spiel is as follows:

Renaissance Bookbinding  was Established in 1981 to promote and enhance his ancient craft of bookbinding and the book arts.Specialising in fine bookbinding & conservation in historical and contemporary designs. Artists’ Books bound in Unique State and Limited Editions. Renaissance Bookbinding is located in a Edwardian shopfront located at 493 Brunswick Street Fitzroy Nth. Melbourne Victoria. The shop window has a display to public of some past and current  work commisioned by artists, designers and printmakers.We have in stock quality Leather Bound Journals, Book Boxes and Albums. Renaissance Bookbinding has unique collection of historical Bookbinding Presses from 1880, Alboin Printing Press from 1858, Vandercook proofing press 1961, Marshall and MaCkay Bristol Gold stamping presses from 1900. Large collection of Gold finishing tools, handset type, brass and foundry. Renaissance Booklbinding offers consultancy for both conservation and binding, all enquiries are welcome.

At the very least, a curious peer through the window of this intriguing establishment is essential on your next Brunswick St trawl.

Their details:

RENAISSANCE BOOKBINDING

493 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy North, VIC 3068

p: (03) 9481 8402  f: (03) 9481 8402

They don’t have a website.

thanks to:

http://meliors.blogspot.com/

for the photo.

Posted in artisans, Books, Bookshops, Collectables | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments »

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Malt Whisky Society of Australia – Melbourne Tasting 12th Nov

November 2, 2009
 

 

Malt Whisky Society of Australia

Melbourne Malt Whisky Showcase

Whisky Tasting Event

 

 

12th November, 2009 – Presse Wine Bar, Elwood

 

This tasting showcases the difficult-to-find award winning malts from the 2009 Whisky Awards, conducted in August with the trophies and medals awarded in September 2009 in Adelaide. We judged 52 whiskies submitted by producers and agents. We awarded 26 medals – 3 Gold, 10 Silver and 13 Bronze. To be awarded any medal the whisky had to impress a panel of 9 judges and average a score over 80/100.

Highlights of the Awards include:

Lark Distillers, LD #39  was the Trophy Winner for best A ustralian malt and was Craig’s third highest scoring malt. The Benromach Peat Smoke (46%) was the second highest ranking malt overall and one of only three Gold Medal Winners. The Isle of Jura Superstition was awarded Craig’s Trophy or Best Value for Money.

Presented by MWSoA Chairman Craig Daniels, the Whiskies on offer at this one and only Melbourne tasting for 2009 are:

v  Glenmorangie 18 Extremely Rare 43% (Silver)

v  Bruichladdich 16 Cuvee E 46% (Bronze)

v  Lark Distillery LD #39 43% (Silver)

v  Isle of Jura Superstition 43% (Silver)

v  Benromach Peat Smoke 46% (Gold)

 

UPSTAIRS AT PRESSE CAFE & WINE BAR – 97 BRIGHTON ROAD, ELWOOD, VICTORIA

THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2009, 6.15 FOR 6.30PM

COST $45 FOR MEMBERS -$50 FOR NON-MEMBERS

There is a limit of 25 attendees so BOOKINGS are ESSENTIAL

A light supper will be served. Please arrange to travel by public transport.

Bookings: Adam Walker of Presse on (03) 9537 7500 before 4.00pm on 11 November 2009

 

 

Posted in artisans, Bars, clubs, whisky | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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Worn Wild Alternative Designer Market – On again Sep 5th

August 23, 2009

Received from Worn Wild Headquarters…

Worn Wild

The Alternative Designers Market

New Venue: The Colonial Hotel
240 King Street (cnr Lonsdale Street)
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Date: Saturday 5th September 2009
Time: 1pm-6pm
Cost: $5.00 earlybird entry / $10 after 3:30pm.
Fashion show at 4:30pm

Hottness WW09 Flyer

Ever been to Japan’s Harajuku on a Sunday? Get a taste of it right here in Melbourne!

Showcasing the best of Melbourne’s underground & alternative designers with select interstate guests. Fashion, jewelry, hair artistry, accessories & body art for rockers, ravers, queers, punks, cyberpunks, goths, hippies, metalheads, emos, lolitas, clubbers, fans of corsetry & burlesque & general street-stylin’.

For customers & industry buyers “Worn Wild” is the one-stop shop for all styles alternative. It’s a chance to see the full range of products on offer from each designer, try on items you have only ever seen on the net or order a custom-made design. You’ll be amazed at the huge diversity and volume of products on show.

If it’s jewellery you’re after Worn Wild will be showcasing a stunning variety adorned with feathers, flowers, cameos, beads, ribbons & steel from the romanticly elegant to the more chunky, industrial & masculine in design. There are hair accessories too in the form of cyber lox & hair additions, rockabilly & skull clips, voodoo combs, lolita headpieces & fascinators to name a few.

You’ll find plenty of individualistic & unique couture – corsets, street wear, occasion wear & club styles that can be custom ordered or off the rack, one offs and standard stock. Our unique designers are less likely to be influenced by the latest season’s looks, hemlines, celebrities or new blacks!

But it’s not just about clothing and accessories, Worn Wild is committed to bringing to its audience products and services which influence every aspect of alternative lifestyle. There’s artwork, bags, manchester or perhaps you’d fancy a new hairdo?

Worn Wild is the first show of its kind in Australia. It’s a hotspot for all genres of alternative design and portfolios some of the most innovative wearable art forms as well as the most exciting ‘niches’ in the underground of fashion.

Finally there is a captivating and high energy event that does more than just put fashion on show.

Presented by GeoMythik / Starseeded Productions with fashion shows, performance, discounts, music, food service & full bar! Be there early to plot your course and take advantage of our specials.

Are you interested in being on our database? You’ll receive all the latest news and top-secret information about our discounts, shows etc
Email us at wornwild@starseededproductions.com with the header ‘E-List’ and we’ll add you to our bulletin group.

Posted in artisans, clothing, emporium, fashion, gothic, hair, men's fashion, rockabilly, shoes | Leave a Comment »

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Tutto Benne Gelati – Saving Southbank…

August 7, 2009

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Everyone has their own feelings about Southbank, yes? Tacky, tourist trap, overpriced, convenient, varied, hit and miss, the craft market on the weekend is pretty decent (I personally love those glass Kaleidoscopes). But rarely would you think of the Flinders St end for cuisine, what with Rockpool, Guilaume etc down the Crown end stealing all the limelight.

But Tutto Benne, the Italian restaurant on level 1, enshrines one of Melbourne’s hidden gems – the best damned gelati in Melbourne. Yes, I make the claim and dare you to prove me wrong. What makes it the best: well key in my mind is the diverse and interesting range of flavours, plus the fact that they keep the range small (12 flavours) but each one is amazing, and they vary the range up depending on the day and the season. It’s wonderful, fresh epiphenal-tasting gelati. Not to mention the fact that you can choose from regular size and baby-cup size, and even the baby cup is generous enough for a decent sized sweet. So far the flavours that have rocked my personal world include:

Pannetone (which was there yesterday 06 08 09 and I HIGHLY recommend).
Fig
Gin and Tonic
Campari and Blood Orange

plus the old favourites like chocolate, lemon, coconut, coffee, blood orange done very very well.

I can’t recommend this place enough. You’ll find it in the corner near the centre stairwell on Level 1 of Southbank, upstairs from the food court, outside Tutto Benne the restaurant. Winter isn’t normally the time one considers a gelati… but with flavours this great I’m pretty sure there’s an exception clause.

PS I owe this one to a tip from UM gastrosleuth Paul.  Cheers. 😀

Posted in artisans, dessert, Food, gelati, ice cream | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

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Coffea Cafe – and castagnaccio

August 2, 2009

Coffea Cake is not exactly a hidden treasure of Melbourne’s hospitality scene.  It holds a proud position on the Elizabeth St side of the Victorian Markets, and does a thriving weekend trade, closing somewhere between 2 and 3pm each day. They sell a selection of  beans which you can also buy ground to take away – the coffee is definitely tasty and worth a try.  But that’s not revelatory news.   So why do I mention Coffea Cafe?  That’s easy.  It’s the Castagnaccio.  Those of you who have tasted it will most likely smile in satisfied agreement.  Those of you who have not tasted – or perhaps heard – of Castagnaccio need to amend this severe life deficiency pronto.

Castagnaccio is walnut flour cake.  Warmed (always ask for it to be warmed) it is like a sticky date pudding without the caramel sauce and with a slightly herbal flavour:  it is made with raisins (or sultanas) and rosemary.  There is no way to describe this sweet adequately.  On paper, unless one is italian and has grown up with it, it sounds like an odd mix of flavours.  But on the plate, it works oh so very well.  Especially with an espresso to accompany.

Recipes exist on the interwebs for making your own, but I recommend trying Coffea Cafe’s freshly baked version as the best introduction to Castagnaccio you could have.  And then you’ll be a convert, just as I and many before me have also been.

519-521 Elizabeth St Melbourne 3000 VIC

Phone: (03) 9326 7388

Posted in artisans, cakes, Coffee, Food | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments »

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