What I’m going to argue today is that because there’s no copyright protection in the fashion industry, fashion designers have actually been able to elevate utilitarian design, things to cover our naked bodies, into something that we consider art. Because there’s no copyright protection in this industry, there’s a very open and creative ecology of creativity. — Johanna Blakley
Blakley’s discourse shows the fascinating response of designers in an industry that is both practical and novel, and how ready copying is in part a contribution to high levels of creativity and innovation in fashion. Astounding in today’s risk-adverse society there’s any industry without protection from copying. Although, I also remember when Susie Bubble was in Brisbane, she highlighted unacceptable copying of young designers work is now being peer regulated using social media.
+ Art, Events, Exhibitions, Living
World Press Photo Exhibition at Brisbane’s Powerhouse
by Eva Wynne
I always make the effort to see the World Press Photo when it comes to Brisbane. It has been at the Brisbane Powerhouse since the 2 June 2012 and finished this Sunday. I’m not sure where it heads next – but if it’s in your city it’s worth your time.
The exhibition has been showcasing and profiling the worlds best press photo’s for 55 years. I found this year particularly haunting. It’s an unflinching reminder of unrest, revolution and deprivation on an international scale.
The exhibition at the Powerhouse is now closed but you can find out more about the Word Press Photo organisation and 2012 Collection by visiting World Press Photo.
World Press Photo of the Year 2011 | Samuel Aranda, Spain, for the New York Times, Yemen, 15 October
Cancer’s only one page in my life, and I will not allow this page to impact the rest of my life.” (Ananda Shankar Jayant)
Truly inspirational TED clip where classical Indian dancer, Ananda Shankar Jayant, shares her experiences conquering cancer.
Hello Highgate Hill! After a ridiculously long time in the one place I have now successfully relocated. I love the feeling of freshness that comes from moving but as much as I love the opportunity there’s something quite unsettling about moving. Don’t get me wrong, my fab new apartment is just ripe with potential and everything went terribly smoothly!
I love the wives-tale of buttering a cats paws when moved, allegedly the cat is compelled to lick the butter off which is comforting and resulting in a catty sense of well-being. I’m in no way advocating buttery pedicures for any species but I do wonder what the human equivalent might be… What ritual do we rely on to feel settled after moving?
My circle of friends confirmed the process that symbolises they’re at rest in the new home. There was something that when safely installed into the new home meant they were home. For one family member, it was stocking the fridge. Another friend revealed it was unpacking her (sizable) jewellery collection and carefully placing in a new arrangement. Other friends shared things like: hanging a particular artwork, unpacking a collection of books, cracking that first beer, installing favourite chair… for me (being ever the practical woman) it is my piano. And it is home.
I’m always interested in learning the vocabulary of style*. The first 8 years of my adult life was spent believing people just instinctively “knew” how to express their own stylishness but alas I wasn’t one of these lucky ones.
Then I got a clue. While some people do seem to instinctively know their own personal style and how to put that together with the myriad of choices available at every boutique, mall and store – I have had to learn. So whenever I see anything that offers to interpret a catalogue for you by creating a personalised style profile I jump at it.
Birdsnest online fashion store is offering you to create a personalised style-guide based on your responses to 5 easy questions. I couldn’t resist responding to the questions. I’ve uploaded one of my colour boards for all the world to see.
*Stylishness not fashionableness.
Lil’Sis is departing to Japan for, among other things, the Cherry Blossoms. Seeing any of my loved ones embarking on fabulous journey’s is always a bitter-sweet experience. Naturally I’m thrilled — but can’t seem to help the occasional pang of envy either.
A cosy Bon Voyage dinner was just the ticket for me! Maintaining the international flavour Lil’Sis picked French Martini at Brisbane’s South Bank.
This little bistro is absolutely delightful and cosy without being too pretentious. It offers a selection of French (and French inspired) foods. I can confirm it’s a great place to while away the hours — the cocktail list is very obliging in this respect. It will be very hard to feel anything other than satisfied and content when leaving this venue. Even if you’re bidding farewell someone on a fabulous international jaunt.
When I first started writing, it was an attempt to remember to live. That I had values and beliefs that weren’t informed by ROI or tactical advantage and I am not defined by profit/loss ratios. There are some things I do love, just because. 
Lately, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend. A regression, if you will, in attitude. I’m still making sure I explore the social and cultural events happening in my city (Brisbane) and keeping a keen eye on things of interest but I’ve noticed a slip in smaller things. Working longer hours. My to-do list creeping into my thoughts out of hours and the more worrying mistaking the office as ‘home’.
So, I’m calling myself on it and putting a stop. Today. I will live a good life, not because I work hard (I do) but because I work hard to live with balance.
Brisbane is celebrating the Belle Epoque with an exclusive exhibition of drawings from the Musee d’Orsay, Paris. The exhibition, ‘Modern Woman: Daughters and Lovers 1850-1918‘ starts on 24 March until mid-June 2012.
Featuring works from Edgar Degas, Edouard Vuillard, Edouard Manet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre Bonnard, Auguste Rodin, Berthe Morisot and Jean François Millet,Pierre—Auguste Renoir the works are centered around the changing roles and perception of woman.
Visiting the Musee has always been a highlight when in Paris, so I’m thrilled to see this collection in Brisbane. QAG | GoMA is running a serious of complimentary exhibitions that overlap the Modern Woman exhibition. Included is Contemporary Australia: Women in Film, guest curated by Margaret Pomeranz. I can’t wait for the opening!
Edgar Degas | Dancer sitting, leaning forward, she massages her left foot (Danseuse assise, penchée en avant, elle se masse le pied gauche) 1881–83 | Caillebotte legacy in Luxembourg, 1894 | Collection: Musée d’Orsay, Paris / Photograph: © Hervé Lewandowski | © RMN (RF22712)/Musée d’Orsay
I’m rather partial to a great notebook. A number of my friends have included their moleskin’s as don’t-leave-home-without-it. So I can imagine the Moleskin app for iPhone’s is going to be very popular.
Moleskin is inspired by the humble black notebook used by a swathe of sparkling geniuses of the 19th and 20th century. This modest notebook captured the ideas and stories of the likes of Vincent van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway and Bruce Chatwin.
Today, Moleskine is synonymous with a set of indispensable creative tools that help define who we are, identifying us wherever we are in the world. They have become a symbol of latter-day nomadism, and they are intimately tied to the digital world.
Never say Never. Full Stop.
Unless it’s to leather pants… then it’s negotiable under advisement.
This is part of my 101 Ways to Live series (follow the link to read the original post).
I am currently in love with creative idea’s agency, MAP magazine’s new app – A Local’s Guide.
What I love is the app builds a community around what is great to see and do in Brisbane. For example, want to see what local’s have recommended for Brunch? Try the french toast breakfast from Au Cirque (it’s delightful!) or see the Mondo Organic’s breakfast cocktail recommendations (been there – loved it!). I love it because places I have just loved to go for brunch, lunch, cocktails, providore are recommended. And, I can freely recommend places and experiences in Brisbane as I discover them – plus there’s heaps of recommendations from other locals of places/things/event I just might love to try.
Peasant - The Barracks Brisbane (This Local's Bar/ Tapas Recommendation)
Source: sweethomestyle.tumblr.com via Stylelist on Pinterest
Combining some of my favorite things – fashion, design and living spaces… There’s a real sense of style that’s really appealing – even if creating an apartment that repels tetestorone.
Fragments of Eva 