Lulu has finally returned from four years across Morocco, Amsterdam and everywhere in between and finally the famed Rainbow Serpent Festival in Melbourne last week. Creating halter neck tops from vintage scarves and cushions from your nana in Oz.

Serena Fagence label designs menswear, womenswear and unisex pieces. The aesthetic of the clothing is innovative, eclectic, imaginative and fresh. Fabric and texture are important design signatures to a Serena Fagence piece.

Serena Fagence completed her Bachelor of Art and Design majoring in Fashion Design at AUT University in 2007. She has designed and produced Five collections; Spring 2008, Summer 2008 collection + late Summer Jan 09 exhibition, S/S 2009, A/W 2010. The label was stocked at Oui Boutique in St Kevins Arcade, Auckland. As well as her ready to wear collections, Serena has also been working on other diverse projects like designing and styling outfits for Auckland musicians such as Bionic Pixie, Charlie Ash, Like you crazy, The Mint Chicks, The Naked and Famous and Kids of 88. She has also worked on music videos and press shots, creating the one off costumes for the bands.

In the ANZFW 2009 GHD New Generation show, Serena Fagence showcased her A/W 2010 collection (menswear and womenswear) while Bionic Pixie performed on the catwalk in Serena’s custom made holographic silver outfit . The A/W 2010 collection builds on a story of innovative patternmaking transformed into bold, unique designs using eclectic, futuristic fabrics and edgy styling. Her objective is to surprise people with the exciting world she has created. The show was theatrical and conceptual that tells a story of lifestyle, fashion, music, influences and energy.

After evolving her label and establishing her design signature in New Zealand for the last 2 years Serena hopes to take her fashion to the world. Strategies to realize this goal will be through the recognition of the musician’s Bionic Pixies custom made outfits that will travel the world alongside her merchandise for Bionic pixie and her ready to wear collection.

www.serenafagence.com

Gemma enjoys making hand- crafted pieces that have intricate detailing.
She hand-stitches miniature animals out of felt and other fabrics
which can be worn as jewelery pieces - brooches, necklaces and hair clips.

Whangaparaoa based fibre artist Melanie McMinn creates interactive functional art that makes you reach out and touch- from fanciful Shark Fin Soaps to part pet sheep, part handbag totes to sophisticated 3D shibori felted scarves.

"Since antiquity, people have transformed piles of wool into useful items with water and agitation. Each object I felt combines ancient techniques, sustainable local fibres and modern sensibilities with a touch of whimsy. "

Melanie, who immigrated to New Zealand six years ago, comes from a long line of practical artisans in the Southern USA. "My mother quilts by hand, my father creates beautiful woodwork and ties gorgeous fly-fishing flies. My grandfather can build or fix anything. A dab hand with a lathe, he currently creates unique pens from unlikely ingredients like kitty litter and whole cloves. My roots drive me to concentrate on creating art that can be used as well as admired."

Shop: http://feltedkiwi.artfire.com
Blog: http://frugalkiwi.co.nz
Twitter: http://twitter.com/feltedkiwi

Ocean Moon is a unique line of handmade fashion jewellery made in New Zealand. Using gemstones, glass beads, crystals, pearls and vintage accents, designer Lauren Orlina creates pieces that are intriguing, feminine, and alluring.

Ocean Moon is inspired by Lauren’s love of jewellery, her curiosity and travels, and her desire for putting beautiful things together.

Lauren has a passion for collecting beautiful and unusual beads, some of which she has had since she was 12 years old. Her grandmother made jewellery in the Philippines and at a young age Lauren started making jewellery as gifts for her friends.

Ocean Moon will be debuting at First Thursdays and can also be found at Dressing Dolls - Dress Boutique to : http://www.dressingdolls.co.nz/

Marmalade Hats
=============
 
Are you a hat virgin? You can change that.
 
Have you noticed how many celebrities are wearing hats?
 
It does mean that you must find a hat that you love. No problem thats  
a Marmalade hat.
 
It does mean that you must find a hat that is exclusively yours. No  
problem thats a Marmalade hat.
 
You do need to be a little brave. Get it on and you will be.
 
First Thursday its a date.
 
Myra "Hat Designer"

BORN IN MEXICO CITY Since a very young age I Travelled  for  a  year  around  United  States  which gave me the passion for  meeting people, languages and  cultures.  Studied Photo  Journalisim  in Seville, Spain where I also got into  Mysticism and learnt the art of Tarot  and Astrology. I then  kept  travelling  around the  world including  Europe,  Grece, Europe and South America. Moved  to  New  Zealand  in  2001  where I managed a Mexican  Restaurant in Wellington and wrote a  book  about  my  experiences  as  a  Latin woman in New Zealand. I then  felt the need to share my culture and  started doing ornaments and Jewelry.  I  currently reside in  wellington  with  my son and partner.

The Web page and online shop is: www.mymexicanheart.com