The Silver LiningRoll on summer
Posted on December 3, 2014
Wearing – Ryder dress, Naomi Murrell rings
This dress is sheer summer-wear genius.
A relaxed tee shape with peekaboo lace panels.
A cheeky bright yellow undergarment.
I think I’ve found “the one”.
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Fox & Rabbit + Type Hype turn 1!
Posted on December 1, 2014
I’ve long been an ardent admirer of the marvellously and perfectly undone floral arrangements created by Rebecca from Fox & Rabbit. I’ve even had the pleasure of attending one of her workshops and seeing her in full flight. Like many wondrously creative people, she seems to ponder for a little while, then after finding that sparkle of inspiration, makes a few quick deft movements, maybe a couple of little revisions, then steps back to reveal a work of sheer delight, equal parts beauty, wildness and artful precision. Talents like these are few and far between.
Lately, I’d also been hearing murmurings of a new letterpress company, Type Hype, and seen some great work around, such as at the Kinfolk gathering earlier in May this year. The independent little company is run by Daniel and specialises in bespoke wedding and personalised stationery, and now also sports a smattering of impressively cool greeting cards that say heartfelt things like, “Rain or shine I will love you” and “Hola muchacho”!
Now what’s even cooler is that Dan and Bec are actually married to each other and share a workspace in Leederville on the Oxford Street stretch! Imagine how creative their kids are gonna be! They’ll be all-singing, all-dancing, all-letterpressing! On Friday night, we had great fun celebrating their studio’s first birthday and got to meet Dan’s new (but over 100 year old) letterpress machine. Admittedly, they currently have a love-hate relationship after Dan’s arduous six month-long restoration of the machine, but there’s no denying she’s a real beauty.
Much love and best wishes to the cute-as pair! We’re watching with bated breath to see what you come up with next and know it will be truly splendid.
Fox and Rabbit / Facebook / hello@foxandrabbit.com.au
Type Hype / Facebook / hello@typehype.com.au
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State Theatre Centre – Open House Perth
Posted on November 25, 2014
Music concerts and gigs have always been more my thing rather than theatre and dance, but I’ve always wanted a glimpse inside the glamorous yet dignified State Theatre Centre that opened in 2011 and spearheaded the wave of more innovative, daring and intentional public architecture in Perth. I remember thinking I’d never seen anything like it around young P-town, and could never resist dancing on all silly-like on the colourful lights near the main entrance (who else has pretended they were Tom Hanks from the movie BIG? Y’all own up now…).
I’ve always been inexplicably attracted to the warm shine of the suspended bronze tubes, set against and softened by the natural tones of Tasmanian blackwood panels. The perfect pairing of metal and timber is then drawn together by frames of austere black that offer an air of solemnity. I love how this structure inspires awe and delights the eye without losing its sense of purpose or dignity, or ever going “over the top”.
It’s no wonder that Kerry Hill Architects won the chance to build their incredible design over a group of 40 entrants from all over the world. The impressive and universally loved theatre centre is home to the 575 seat Heath Ledger Theatre, and also contains a number of smaller, flexible performance and rehearsal spaces. Two local theatre companies, Black Swan State Theatre Company and the Perth Theatre Company, are lucky enough to call this space theirs, with shows opening year round.
Find the list of performances here. I can’t wait to take a seat in the Heath Ledger Theatre someday soon.
Every Friday this November and December, RTRFM are taking over the Courtyard space and broadcasting their show live, followed by sets from some of Perth’s best music acts. Entry is free and there’s even a pop-up bar! What’s not to love?
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Longing
Posted on November 20, 2014
Wearing – Nishe top, Ryder shorts, Vans shoes (similar), Naomi Murrell white and rose gold ring, Alister Yiap hexagon ring
I don’t know if it’s because I’m on a run of night shifts this week or because I’ve been at the end of some unduly hurtful words that have been going round my mind, like a broken record of negativity, but lately my heart has been longing for release and relief. Time has continued to pass since the time I lost a dear loved one, and it’s true when they say you go through hills and valleys on the road to healing.
Right now, I’m longing for sunshine, unconditional love, and hope.
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Sussex St – Open House Perth
Posted on November 18, 2014
The first destination we visited for Open House Perth was this amazingly well designed house by Mountford Architects. Located in a semi-industrial area of Maylands, this home maximises its space by utilising a simple, elegant design which allows cross ventilation and easy access to the garden. The widespread use of louvred windows allows light and breeze to permeate the house (and also form cool-looking rainbow reflections on the walls!). There is a single pitched roof over the home which causes hot air to rise to the top of the house, where it is vented through an open window, thereby cooling the house. In addition the house enhances its environmental credentials with solar panels and a grey water system for the garden (definitely something to think about for our place!).
The design of the garden worked in cohesion with the design of the house – a testament to the teamwork of the landscape gardener and architect. We both really liked the clean lines and the considered nature of this house, and the way that the productive garden was located so close. There were lots of good ideas to take away from this one!
Sussex St by Mountford Architects
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Hyde Park 2.0
Posted on November 14, 2014
Wearing – Madewell dress (similar), Bul shoes
Flashback to that time we played with light, shadows and hair in Hyde Park.
Plus I’d just rewarded myself with these new sandals after receiving some unexpected good news.
It was a pretty cool afternoon.
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Perth City opens its doors
Posted on November 10, 2014
We were like two kids in a candy shop, gleefully and excitedly buzzing around our great city during the two days over which Open House Perth was held. Over 70 places opened their doors and welcomed in the general public, allowing us access to magnificent vistas of the city, into the workspaces of local creatives, and into a number of architecturally-designed private residences. Venues ranged from brand-spanking new to heritage-listed, and all were interesting and inspiring in their own ways. We also learnt a fair bit about Perth’s history just by touring certain places such as the 108 St Georges Terrace (previously Bankwest Tower), Council House and Moana Chambers (a ballroom back in its heyday!).
We got 16 places ticked off our hit-list and, though there’ll be plenty more blog posts to come showcasing the great hidden and not-so-hidden spaces around Perth, here is our highlight reel.
Lake House
Council House
Casa 31_4 Room House
View upwards on St Georges Terrace
Moana Chambers/Moana Coffee
108 St Georges Terrace
Paddington St
Sussex St
Another corner of Paddington St
Dapper Jack/Studio Bomba/On A Whim
108 St Georges Terrace lobby and view from 50th floor
Geyer Studios (Atlas Building)
State Theatre Centre
Gotham Studios
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Hylin
Posted on November 6, 2014
The other day we wandered down to the latest coffee-spot to spring up in our neighbourhood, Hylin. This place has one of those “instant-favourite” vibes about it which stems from the perfect fusion of deliberate design and great caffeine. The feel of the (small) converted warehouse space is open and airy, yet invitingly intimate. I love the lush greenery inside the shop and the gently swaying leaves outside through the large open window. And did I mention the hand lettered wall? I’m such a sucker for hand-lettering!
The coffee is good, and is powered by Micrology Coffee Roasters. They also have a range of small baked goods (including Nutella cronuts!!!) and bagels which have been supplied by Holy Bagel.
I’m told on good authority that there are further exciting plans for this cool joint so definitely keep your eyes peeled!
Hylin West Leederville / 178 Railway Pde, Perth / Open Mon-Sat 6.30am-3.00pm
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Unexpected
Posted on November 4, 2014
Wearing – Country Road top and skirt, Christian Louboutin heels, Lee Coren clutch, Naomi Murrell ring
This was a tiny moment we captured walking back to our car after the Open House Perth launch night. Some days we just have to pinch ourselves as it was just two little years ago that we started this here blog. And now to find ourselves being invited to be media partners to an event that we both love and admire, we are humbled, blessed and thankful.
Thankful to be able to express ourselves creatively. Thankful to be allowed this window into Perth’s creative tsunami. Thankful for the awe-inspiring, huge-hearted, earth-shaking people we’ve met along the way, a number of whom have hung about and remained as friends. You are what I’m most thankful for.
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Open House Perth
Posted on October 30, 2014
This weekend Perth opens its doors and let’s you see inside 70 venues dotted around the city. Open House Perth is running this Saturday and Sunday (1st and 2nd November) and gives you the chance to look behind the scenes of some very public places and also into some very intimate private residences. This is the third year Perth has hosted this worldwide event and we’re super honoured to be given the chance to cover the event as official media partners – so stay tuned for a look at our favourite destinations!
So far, places on our must-see list are David Weir’s Apartment House (pictured third from the top), Sussex St House (fourth from the top), Post Studio and Gallery (fifth from top) and the State Theatre Centre (last picture). Other venues open for viewing are a number of other architecturally designed homes, as well as many architectural firms themselves and some cool spaces around Perth such as Paper Mountain, La Petite Galerie, PICA, Beau Est Mien and Moana Chambers. Not only that, there are also several amazing sounding guided walking tours around the city. So much to see, so much to do!
This is an exceptional event run by a small group of passionate people (Here’s lookin’ at you, Carly!) with a tremendous love for architecture in this city. Come down, explore and check out Open House Perth this weekend! You are bound to have your eyes opened by the amount of hidden gems in this city.
Open House Perth / 10am to 5pm / Sat Nov 1st and Sun Nov 2
Image credits (from top): Jinn, Stephan Nicholls, Martin Farquharson, Matt Biocich, Vanity Projects, Robert Frith.
The Silver Lining 