Kimino means ‘the thing to wear’

KIMONOS of TOKYO: Japan has a very rich textile history, with the kimono being a major focus of interest and artistic expression.Meaning ‘the thing to wear’, the term kimono was first adopted in the mid-19th century.Originally worn by commoners, or as an undergarment by the aristocracy, from the 16th century kimono became the principal item of dress for all classes and both sexes.It is still an enduring symbol of traditional Japanese culture today.

Pre Loved Tokyo Fashion

If the contemporary does not speak to you and you are your own rugged individual with your own defined style, then it is a ride on the Tozai Line (the Cyan Blue line) out to Koenji. It is here that you will be spoilt with choice of Americana and European fashion from the 50s, 60s 70s and 80s.

And it will not empty the bank. SLUT is but one of the many stores that lovingly present a wide range of clothes and accessories that will speak to the rogue ‘fashionister’. All along Look Street just right of the South exit from the train station…you will find it, I am sure.

 

Snappy happy feet

West Krezberg, Berlin, Germany

There is a world of opportunities for the style conscious poor out there. It is often in the guise of the ‘other’. No obvious glamour or gloss is associated with these places.

Racks and racks of designer clothes all pressed and catalogues. Winter, Spring, Autumn and Summer pants, tops and coats, footwear, bags even scarves. There is genuinely no reason to buy into the fashion of ‘now ‘ while there are resources such as these thriving.

What the sea brought me

A pink frock or two

“I made it myself.”

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their colour.” Maya Angelou

At an opening at Damien Minton’s one evening , I was drawn to a wonderful jacket worn by someone more so than to the beautiful art on the walls. I had to ask him where had acquired it…New York, Paris, Sydney?
“Oh I made this myself. I just bought this tapestry from a Vinnie’s for $5.00 and then I sewed it on the back of this jacket.“

This is a great example of Shiftazine thinking. So go to your nearest charity store or church fete and see what beautiful tapestries or pieces of fabric that will transform a jacket or coat that has lingered in your wardrobe.

Something for everyone

Something shiny

Brisbane Blossoms

Furry coats are always in style

When my grandmother gave me her fox fur coat, I didn’t know what to do with it. As an animal lover, I wasn’t going to wear it, but I didn’t want to sell a valuable gift from my grandmother, either. Thankfully, there’s an organization that will take your fur coat and give it back to those who need it the most: our tiny, furry animal friends.

The Cuddle Coats organization turns animal cruelty into animal care. Located in Minnesota, the non-profit strips old fur coats of buttons and zippers and sends the furs back out to animal rehabilitation centers around the country. The program is a branch of the Animal Rights Coalition. They seek to make the world a kinder place for all animals. The pelts have a tremendous impact on orphaned and injured animals. The fur keeps them warm and makes them feel safe.

It also helps foster their bond to the natural world, with the hopes of making their reintroduction to the wild easier when they are ready. The fur also helps minimize the amount of touching that happens with humans hands. This helps animals feel more at ease. Over 1,000 coats have been donated since the program began. They have helped bunnies, chipmunks, squirrels, beavers, mice, and countless other ailing animals.

Fingers and Toes

What to do with old work gloves? They often wear out in just one or two finger tips, annoyingly. But they are made of wonderful thick leather and it is a real shame to just throw them away.

In true Shiftazine manner, some clever designer in Japan saved these cast-aways and re-purposed them, moving from hands to feet in one brilliant and witty idea.

Decalomania

A Decal: A design prepared for transfer onto another surface. Such as the wonderful paper little folk found on a wall in West Street, Redfern, among other locations in the inner city area, or maybe beautiful Mahalia, who was spotted on her way to a very hip art event in Damien Minton Gallery on Elizabeth Street, Redfern.

Both caught my eye. Both were charming and thoughtful in their design and application.

Tokyo style

Springs anew

When you chip or crack a lovely cup or saucer, it’s a crying shame. You reluctantly throw the damaged object away or you hold onto it hoping it will fix itself somehow. Our deepest little wish of still being able to have this lovely thing in our lives has come true because of a generous, and delicate person by the name of Raphael who takes what some people might see as junk or old tat and transforms it into beautiful pieces of jewellery.

Big bright toes