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| Thursday 1 May 2008 | Filed under News | Posted by Caroline |
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Here at Ku-türe, we’ve tried hard to ensure that you aren’t charged for delivery just because you want such pretty things.
Unfortunately, we have had to make the hard decision that we cannot absorb the cost any longer and now need to charge for delivery for orders under $200.
We are sure that you won’t mind spending a few extra dollars on delivery so that you can own that something special...
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| Tuesday 29 April 2008 | Filed under News | Posted by Caroline |
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By Caroline Come and visit us at the Hope Street Markets on May 17 -18 at the Paddington Town Hall, Sydney! See you there, C xx
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| Monday 14 April 2008 | Filed under Unique Interests | Posted by Caroline |
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By Caroline It's official..I have a lady crush on Roisin Murphy. I saw her recently at the V Festival and now my crush is confirmed. I loved her in the Moloko days but somehow at the moment she is HOT stuff. I mean who else could get away with some of these outfits... I really love her voice, brave looks, hats and amazingly constructed fashions. I don't really think that she could look bad in anything. She is one hot lady! There are many of her clips on You Tube which I have spent hours pouring over. Roisin is really one hot lady. My favs are: Let me Know it - the skirt (and dancemoves) in this clip is amazing! Overpowered - I just love the hat!!
You know me better - Wow!! Yellow skirt and purple socks...say no more!
Sow into you - oh, the green and silver dress and the red hair! gasp!
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| Thursday 10 April 2008 | Filed under Fashion | Posted by Maddy |
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By Maddy I love looking at fashion through a geographical filter. As I’ve mentioned before, I think the Scandinavians are some of the most fashionable people in the world, with their architectural approach to minimalism. New Yorkers have an attitude that is ballsy, strong and chic. Parisians understand fashion as well (if not better) than anyone in the world. But right now, as I gear up to go and cover the Beijing Olympics, I’m fascinated with all things Asia. Obviously much has been written about Tokyo and the wonderfully OTT styling of the Harajuku girls (thank you, Gwen Stefani), but word on the fashion grapevine is that Seoul is the up and coming hub of Asian style. South Korean culture places much importance on appearance and in some senses there is a certain level of formality with their dressing. Although I have never been there myself, Korean friends tell me that high heels and considerable makeup are a minimum requirement for any professional woman. It is interesting then to see this traditional and conservative culture adapt, evolve and begin to push the boundaries, thanks mainly to a youthful, street-smart set. Despite the success of Korean-American designer Doo-Ri Chung (whose sharp tailoring caught the eye of New York fashionistas) it isn’t so much an explosion of up and coming Korean designers but the street styling of every-day men and women which has perpetuated this prediction of fashion greatness. A stylist friend of mine visited Seoul at the end of last year and was blown away with the daring and innovative outfits that were on show. She was especially impressed with the men and judging from some of the pictures I’ve seen she’s not wrong (see pics).  So what is Seoul style? Of course it is varied and when trolling the endless filing-cabinet that is the Internet, I found everything from brightly coloured trenches and black opaques to geek-chic oversized plastic glasses, high waists and sneakers. To simplify things, it is a lighter and more whimsical take on the attitude of Tokyo, with multiple layers and an innovative take on length. Long tops (as in knee length) worn over a short skirt, tights and boots is such an interesting look that is generally credited to the Koreans, but is becoming more popular throughout Asia. Accessories (particularly tights) and quirky shoes are a must, as are mix-matching prints and clashing textures (think sequins, floral and polka dots all in one outfit). It’s a look that is self-consciously stylish, but is also brave, youthful and downright wonderful. Yes it’s hard to pull off, and honestly would like a bit ridiculous walking down the street of Adelaide, but if you need inspiration on how to work personal style, then Seoul may just be the place to go. 
Pictures courtesy of Feetman Seoul. For more info, visit http://www.feetmanseoul.com/
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| Thursday 10 April 2008 | Filed under Something Special | Posted by Caroline |
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By Caroline  Meet the smallest. cutest fan of Ku-ture Kids, Grayson Herrman. Isn't he sweet and not to forget handsome in his Ku-ture Kids popper suit. Caroline x
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| Wednesday 9 April 2008 | Filed under Something Special | Posted by Caroline |
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By Caroline I heart Hobart... and I want to tell everyone I meet! I was very lucky to spend the weekend in Hobart and I have to say that I really like the place. Now I grew up in central NSW so I know country living well and I don't think that I would leave the city. But Hobart seems to have the best of both worlds.. It's got the city parts but then it has the quaint english countryside aspect as well. I could certainly live there...but when I am a bit older maybe. There are some pretty funky kids on the street. And I suspect it's all due to these shops: Love & Clutter Small Rhino IXL Design Caroline xx Oh and Check out these fantastic knitting needles I bought at IXL Design by Artviva: 
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| Monday 3 March 2008 | Filed under Something Special | Posted by Maddy |
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This week I caught up with jewellery designer BJ, whose company Dolly Rockers designs gorgeous one-off pieces (available at Ku-ture of course!). BJ is a true individual who really believes that style is about originality. She had some interesting things to tell me about where she gets her inspiration and drive.
 How long have you been designing for?
Since I was a little girl I have designed something; interiors, clothing and jewellery. For many years I was a fashion accessories designer/buyer for a company whose customers included Sportsgirl, Portmans, JAG, Kookai, Just Jeans and a few independent overseas designers. We designed bags, belts, shoes and jewellery for these clients.
When did you first realise that you wanted to be a designer?
I have worked within the fashion industry as an accessories buyer and developer for over 10 years. In that time I had the opportunity to travel overseas where I started to collect unique vintage jewellery and materials. When I had a bit of time off last year I realised that I wanted to start my own design business and at the time jewellery design seemed the most obvious choice.
Why accessories?
Besides having worked with accessories, I adore jewellery that is big and bold. I believe jewellery and accessories in general say a lot about the personality of the wearer. Jewellery is a great way to express your personality through colour and design. When I see a girl wearing a gorgeous necklace I think that she has an understanding of her own style and is not afraid to show it off, I like that.  How do you come up with your designs each season?
Each Dolly Rockers’ collection is heavily influenced by overseas catwalk fashion – Ready To Wear and Couture. I love to see what designers like Anna Sui, Westwood, Galliano and Lacroix have created and from that I am inspired. The second important aspect of a Dolly Rockers’ collection is music, especially from the 60s and 70s. Dolly Rockers’ first collection “California Dreaming” was named after a song of the same name by the Mamas and Papas, every single piece of the collection contained materials manufactured within 1960s and the theme of 60s folk culture.
Dolly Rockers’ latest collection, to be released March 2008, is called “Children of the Revolution.” Influences include 1970s Glam Rock and Bohemian fashions of the decade. Vintage pendants and Maltese crosses, charms and cuffs dominate the range with every piece a one of a kind original. There is a lot of black, deep purples and red.
Any weird customers/requests ever?
When I first started I had a customer ask me to make charm bracelets for her bridesmaids to wear – the charms were to be big plastic black hearts. I though at the time that it sounded a bit macarb for a wedding.
 What's your fashion philosophy?
Be original. Stand out from the ordinary. Who is your fave designer?
Galliano, Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Dolce & Gabbana and Westwood inspire me more than anyone. Jewellery designers would include the team from Dinosaur Designs.
Hottest tip for 2008?
Wear statement jewellery. Big pendants, chunky rings and cuffs are still in. Be original with your style and wear accessories as a way to express who you are.
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| Thursday 28 February 2008 | Filed under Fashion | Posted by Maddy |
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As I said in my previous post (scroll down if you haven’t read it...do it now!), my favourite thing about fashion is its ability to express the individual; to push the boundaries of conservative society. So as you can imagine, one thing that annoys me to the point of hysteria is close-mindedness. We all have close minded friends or colleagues, people for who thinking outside the box is a different coloured singlet to wear with jeans.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand that some people aren’t interested in fashion, but too often disinterest leads to narrow mindedness. People judge easily, and it often feels safer to stick to the style status quo, lest you be labelled different. Independence of spirit, whether it is in fashion or in life, should be celebrated but too often it is squashed before it can flourish. Hence, when I see the fashionista clones produced by uber-stylist Rachel Zoe lauded as the best dressed people in the world, it really makes me mad. So the topic of this blog is discovering your own style and more importantly, discovering the confidence to wear it proudly. As my mum once told me, it’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.
Let me share with you then, my top places for finding fashion inspiration. My number one place is on the street. There are certain creative places in every city that are absolute treasure troves of inspiration. I like to take the time to really understand outfits, what works, what doesn’t and most importantly why. Once you start this, you’ll begin to see patterns that will help you recreate a similar feel (because of course you don’t want to copy it piece-for-piece). You can learn how to wear volume, innovative ways to wear colour and unusual accessories just by observing the way others do it.
Obviously fashion magazines are a fantastic resource. But beware, they are completely trend driven and often only feature brands that give them big advertising dollars. Despite this, many magazines (especially smaller, edgier ones like Frankie and Fashion Trend) employ some of Australia’s best stylists to put outfits together, so why not swipe a few things that strike your fancy. This is particularly useful with this season’s tricky heavy-knit layers and chunky bohemian accessories. Observe how the pros do it with their designer gear, and take the basic structure or looks and apply to your budget and style.
My third and final suggestion is the past. I love channelling various decades when I dress (at the moment I’m going through a mix of the 70s with hints of 90s tailoring: oversizes collared print shirts with vests, relaxed denim, knitted hats and chunky bangles). Every decade has something to offer and every decade can be updated so you don’t look like you’re going to a costume party! Check out Google Images, old fashion books or old movies; fashion is all around you!
A word of warning: while an individual style is the ultimate aim, be conscious of your shape, colouring and age. If you’re dressing from say the 80s or 90s, you have to be aware that the oversized shapes don’t swamp you; if you’re broad-shouldered for god’s sake stay away from shoulder pads! No matter where you draw your inspiration from you need to put your own spin on it; it’s all about making it your own. So go out and explore new ways of dressing and remember to keep your mind wide open!
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| Wednesday 9 January 2008 | Filed under Fashion | Posted by Maddy |
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Greetings fellow fashion lovers!
My name is Maddy and I am hijacking the blog here at Ku-türe. I am a self-confessed fashion addict who spends far too much of her time scanning the web in the hope of finding that genuine Marc Jacobs trench that’s magically been reduced by 90% (hasn’t happened yet, but it will, oh yes it will!).
Caroline asked me to say a few words about why I love fashion. It seems like a straightforward question, and yet it’s so hard to not give a clichéd answer. There’s the most obvious reason, my magpie tendency, my attraction to shiny, pretty things. Nothing makes me happier than trawling through Vogue, looking at all the lovely things; the delicate fabrics, the intricate details, the whimsical silhouettes.
But fashion touches me at a deeper level as well, for as much as I love editorial and runway fashion, it’s discovering true style in the everyday world that really gets me excited. Fashion is an extension of personality; it is the easiest and most obvious way to tell the world around you “this is me.” Hence, when I see someone with honest-to-God personal style, I can’t tear my eyes away. No matter what style, you can always tell when someone is comfortable in what they wear, when they are proud of the way they look. They are magnetic; I can’t help but be drawn to them. To me, this is the true power fashion holds. Of course, it’s not easy to get to this stage, and in my opinion there are few people who have. I, for one, am still discovering my personal style, and it changes continuously (resulting in a ridiculously jumbled wardrobe). But that is all part of the fun; discovering who you are through fashion. What a wonderful part of life!
That’s not to say I don’t have my likes and dislikes, and you’ll get to know these through my blogs (so please excuse my obvious and ill-concealed bias). I love fashion with attitude; fashion that pushes the boundaries while simultaneously acknowledging the past. I am very interested in regional style, and I love to compare the way people in say, Brisbane and Melbourne dress. On that note, I adore Scandinavian style, though I do have a soft spot for Manhattan chic. I appreciate minimalist and futurist influences, but demand innovative and respectful use of silhouettes and layers. My all time favourite blog is The Sartorialist; no one else on the web captures fashion so unconsciously and unapologetically chic.
What do I dislike? Dressing for anyone but yourself; dressing because someone else tells you what to wear. This sounds hypocritical, since I am writing a fashion blog, but I will endeavour never to tell you what to wear; everything written here is opinion and comment, never fact. Of course there are particular trends I like and dislike (did I hear someone say fluro?), but as with anything, on the right person and worn the right way, it can work.
In the end, I believe fashion should be fun. It should allow you to express your own identity in anyway that you see fit. Your style may be constantly evolving, or it may have been static since you were five years old. Either way it’s yours, and no one can take that from you. Fashion is all about the individual, which is why Ku-türe is such a wonderful concept and tool. So I look forward to sharing my musings and love for fashion with all of you in the year to come. Happy New Year!
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| Wednesday 26 September 2007 | Filed under News | Posted by Caroline |
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Ku-ture Kids coming soon... Ku-ture is launching a kids section very soon. So we are on the look out for some kidswear designers making fabulous one offs! We are looking for sizes from 0 to 10yrs. And anything from bib, shoes, tees, dresses and suits. If you are interested in submitting some pieces to Ku-ture, drop us a line with some pics to info@ku-ture.com. Thanks, Caroline x
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| Monday 24 September 2007 | Filed under Unique Interests | Posted by Caroline |
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Ku-ture is a small business but there is alot to learn, especially if you are interested in the business of fashion.
Therefore we offer work experience spots to students willing to help a hand one day per week.
Tasks would include:
* Publicity
* Scouting for new designers
* Statistics reporting
* General stock management
If you are at all interested and free on Wednesdays, send us a quick email.
info@ku-ture.com
Look forward to hearing from you
Caroline x
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| Friday 14 September 2007 | Filed under News | Posted by Caroline |
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| Thursday 6 September 2007 | Filed under Fashion | Posted by Caroline |
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While on a plane yesterday, I watched a documentary on Haute Couture. Basically it was exploring the mystery of Haute Couture, how and why it exists when only one or two women in the world buy one piece per collection which costs up to $100,000 each.
It was fascinating to see the skeptical presenter slowly fall in love and understand something that is so intrinsically beautiful. She learnt that women, who can obviously afford it, weren't necessarily buying the pieces just because they can but were buying works of art for future prosperity.
When I explain that I have studied and work in fashion, often people ask me why Haute Couture actually exists when people would not actually wear these pieces down the shops. I find myself explaining exactly what the presenter learnt.
A Haute Couture parade and collection is like going to a museum to see the latest Damien Hirst exhibition for example. The average person visits to appreciate the beauty of the work, learn what the artist can actually do and to dream about owning pieces.
Fashion is exactly the same... its a work of art.
What I found interesting in the documentary was that in the 1940s there were over 30 Haute Couture houses. Now there are around 5. Chanel is at the top of the list with Dior, Valentino and Lacroix following closely behind.
This then has a snowball effect on all the atelier and artisan workers. These professions are slowly dying out. This is simple due to lack of demand as it can take 150 man hours to make just one dress. This is the part that makes me sad. Think of all those skills which won't be passed on and will die out... Almost makes me want to move to Paris and learn intricate beading....(hang on, what's new. I want to move to Paris everyday!)
Another purpose of Haute Couture is something called the trickle down effect. Other higher end fashion houses take their lead from these collections. The lower end fashion houses then take their lead from those collecitons. And this is when the mass market departments stores step in. The likes of Topshop, H & M and further down the line, the likes of Sportsgirl and Cue, then drop their collections which don't directly mimic the Couture collections but you can see their influence in the colours, hemlines and silhouettes.
Meryl Strepp in The Devil Wear Prada, explains this perfectly when talking about a plain cerulean blue jumper was influenced by a Haute Couture collection 6 months previously.
It's always interesting to see this trickle down effect. Now that you know about it, you will be able to spot it in a second.
This documentary really inspired me which is what each Haute Couture collection does and should do. Everyone should look to these collections...as a designer, a stylist, a make up artist or a hair stylist.
Haute Couture is art. Simple as that.
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| Saturday 7 July 2007 | Filed under Fashion | Posted by Caroline |
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I just found this great site. You should check it out! http://www.onthecatwalk.com.au Caroline xx 
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| Thursday 14 June 2007 | Filed under News | Posted by Caroline |
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This is a cool new site that I came across recently. It lists cool online stores (like us!) and all sorts of fashion related goodness. And the best part is that you get a sneak peak at what your favourite designers are up to.. www.thewhitebook.com.au
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| Thursday 31 May 2007 | Filed under News | Posted by Caroline |
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http://www.dexigner.com/directory/  
Happy browsing! C xx
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| Wednesday 23 May 2007 | Filed under Fashion | Posted by Caroline |
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Jane is a self-taught jeweller who has been making wearable objects for the past 12 years. Her practice was established in Brisbane, but she now works from her studio in Newtown, Sydney Australia.
Jane exhibits and sells her work Nationally, in both gallery stores and high-end fashion outlets and her designs are seen regularly in the fashion press.
Her pieces are made predominantly from found objects, with 1920's - 1960's plastic, bakelite or glass buttons and buckles providing the foundation for her work. All pieces are beautifully finished and incorporate either glass beads (recycled, vintage and/or new Czech glass, crystals, silk velvet or vintage ribbon.
Jane's earlier pieces were inspired by her interest and knowledge of string spun from natural fibres. A lot of her earlier work was strung on hand spun string made from the plant fibre agave; a skill she learnt while teaching on an Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory in the mid 1980's.
Jane's inspiration is drawn from the objects she finds and receives. As her collection grows so does her appreciation of the individual objects.
The current range represents the most recent stage in a design process that continues to evolve. Each piece draws on the inherent qualities of the component objects - their colours, shapes and patterns - to create a unique wearable piece for a distinctive individual.
Jane first exhibited her work in 1997 at a café in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. The show was a huge success, with 85% of the work selling. She now exhibits regularly; during 2005 she participated in 3 group shows: ‘Plastic Fantastic’ at Craft Queensland in Brisbane, ‘All that Glitters’ at The Jam Factory in Adelaide and the Arc Biennial in Brisbane.
Each piece is unique and can be adjusted.
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| Saturday 19 May 2007 | Filed under News | Posted by Caroline |
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Check out this post by Missy Confidential. It seems that the Sassifras dresses are a hit!!! http://www.missyconfidential.com.au/instore/
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| Wednesday 9 May 2007 | Filed under Unique Interests | Posted by Caroline |
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 Just wanted to let you all know about a great Australian fashion blog - www.fashion.org.au. Sisi Kong began the site with interesting posts about fashion and the odd fashion on the street shot. Maddy has just begun taking the site further with very informative posts about history and trends. It's really great reading and you can sign up for email alerts. www.fashion.org.au Other great blogs to check out are: http://aony.blogspot.com/ http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/ http://softiescentral.typepad.com/blog/ http://biladesign.wordpress.com/
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| Wednesday 9 May 2007 | Filed under Something Special | Posted by Caroline |
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It's not often that I can spend hours in one shop! But I have found my heaven! Tres Fabu! in Northbridge, Sydney is my new favourite home away from home. The second you walk in, you are transported back to another time where time was taken over the little things like buttons. You will find everything vintage - crockery, vases, stationery, buttons, ribbons, fabric, jewellery and dresses. Above is just one drawer overflowing with french buttons from the 20s, 30s and 40s. Wow! What heaven! Jenny Westrup is one very lucky lady to have a shop so beautiful. You should definately visit if you can - you too will fall in love! Tres Fabu! 50 Sailors Bay Road Northbridge NSW 2063 Ph: 02 9967 0099 Open Tues - Sat 10 -5pm
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| Sunday 6 May 2007 | Filed under Fashion | Posted by Caroline |
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We were very lucky last week to be invited to the parade for DavisEyes Summer 07/08 collection. All I can say really is WOW! It was stunning in all its Cuban glory. The show opened with 2 bongo players and 2 cuban dancers which really set the scene. Then came out these amazingly colour pieces in some really great shapes. We send our congratulations to Justine and wish her all the best for the season. C xx
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| Sunday 22 April 2007 | Filed under News | Posted by Caroline |
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 Just what you have been waiting for....new products have been added! The Sandra Williams knit is super cute. The brick colour is amazing and would look great with jeans on the weekend or dress it up for an evening! Homer & Plum also come up with different and unusal bags. You can often find Liz at the markets rustling through piles of fabric! Ghost & Lola necklaces are just something special. This one is called Tiger...I wonder why!?
We had a series debate with ourselves as to add some of these or just keep them ourseleves. Sensibility won so here they are ready to be loved by you! Enjoy, C xxx
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| Thursday 19 April 2007 | Filed under News | Posted by Caroline |
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Thank you to the team at www.shefinds.com for the lovely review of Ku-ture today! Check out: www.shefinds.com/blog/index.php/weblog/comments/web_site_review_ku_turecom Enjoy! Caroline x
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| Monday 16 April 2007 | Filed under News | Posted by Caroline |
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Q-Pot bunny brooch as featured in Shop Til You Drop
Ooops! Due to a print error, the Q-Pot bunny brooch featured on Shop Til You Drop next to the Kuture.com news item is not available here, but through Via Alley's online store www.viaalley.com or their Darlinghurst store.
Other stockists for this adorable piece are Incu (Sydney) or The Outpost (Brisbane).
For more information write to Via Alley at info@viaalley.com or call (02) 9331 1119.
Via Alley
Shop 2, 289 Liverpool Street
Darlinghurst NSW 2010
C xx
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| Saturday 14 April 2007 | Filed under Fashion | Posted by Caroline |
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It’s that fantasy vision rockin’ her heartbeat, and that wild flair dreaming up expressive treats with a wearable luxury punk glam kick that drove designer Justine Davis to fashion school in Perth, Western Australia.
She was awarded ‘WA State Vocational Student of The Year’ in her final year of study, set up an exclusive store ‘Merge Clothing’ in Perth alongside other graduates then flew to London and straight into work with London Fashion Week.
DavisEyes debut collection in The Source at Australian Fashion Week last April was met with rave reviews from agents and boutiques in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Japan, Lebanon and Europe. The label was immediately recognised internationally as an exciting creative force in Australia.
The designer was promptly invited to hit the catwalk at Australian Fashion Week last season, followed soon after by an exclusive Australian Designer showcase in Shanghai. The label resulted in selling its’ couture and ‘into eveningwear’ collections through one of the most fashion forward private boutiques in the ‘Paris of The East’ city.
The brand’s appeal lies in the luxurious ‘punk glam’ emotion, a beautiful colour and texture rich rebellion playing contrast in the ‘into eveningwear’ market, taking you from the street to the red carpet.
2007 is an exciting year for DavisEyes, showcasing as the Exclusive Australian Designer at Marina Square Singapore Fashion Festival just shown in March.
‘From award-winning student to international acclaim in just 2 seasons’
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| Monday 26 March 2007 | Filed under News | Posted by Caroline |
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Ku-türe has arrived!!!
Ku-türe simply brings you one off and unique garments, jewellery and accessories.
Each designer piece on Ku-ture.com is amazing and unique. Every piece is made with passion and creativity and every piece is a one off.
Now you can shop anytime of day or night, for unique items delivered free of charge to anywhere in the world! Now that’s something special.
We are always on the lookout for new designers. If you make one off pieces, please email us about your range. We will get back to you asap and hopefully welcome you into the Ku-türe family.
I would like to thank a few people who without their support, kindness, patience, dedication & knowledge, this site (& our dream) would not be here for you! Thanks goes to: Lindsay, Bill, Ben, Stuart, Yen, Vanessa, Darin, Liz & Ali, David, Sandra and all the designers whose pieces you can now own. Enjoy!
Caroline x
Ps: We always welcome feedback. Please email us with your suggestions, comments or queries.
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