Monthly Archives: August 2010
the mission
photos by Lydia Hudgens
During my recent trip to San Francisco, I was lucky enough to hook up with the extremely talented Lydia Hudgens. Lydia kindly agreed to show me around the Mission and take a few snaps while we were at it. The Mission is all artisan ice-cream shops and hipsters; cheap Mexican food and independent boutiques – and easily one of my favourite areas in the city.
These photos were taken near Dolores Park, outside a building boasting an ornate metal gate. I love the way Lydia has captured the late afternoon light – there is a certain serenity to these photos that I adore.
I’m wearing: sunglasses by NastyGal, top by Imprint, leather jacket by Target, sass & bide Rats leggings, scarf from Glebe Market, Doc Marten Darcie boots.
origin of time
New: Origin of Time top by Chronicles of Never. Stumbled on it at Paddington’s South West Trader, an odd emporium stocking a mix of Mesoamerican textiles and jewellery along with drapey, black lovelies courtesy of Gareth Moody.
This particular top satisfies all my cravings for the impending warmer months: black (natch), semi-transparent and cunningly constructed. The super fine fabric and raw edges completely seal the deal.
dannika zen
Photos courtesy of Dannika Zen – draped leather and lambs fur jacket
When I spotted pictures of Dannika Zen’s work on DIRTYFLAWS, I was instantly entranced – not only did the aesthetic perfectly align with my own, but the designer lives in my city (amazing to think that I should discover homegrown talent via a blog based halfway around the world). Curious to know more, I emailed Dannika and we spoke about her eponymous label.
At 24 years old, Dannika Zen has a wealth of experience to her name – having completed an Advanced Diploma of Design at East Sydney (now The Fashion Design Studio), several pattern-making courses and internships with German labels Macqua and Unrath & Strano. Her work is considered; mature – there is a quiet poise to it that suggests a much more established label (in fact, it was only started in February this year). Working primarily with leather and fur, the collection includes jackets with shearling collars, bohemian vests and neatly tailored blazers.
“I like classic garments and appreciate good menswear,” explained Zen, and the masculine influence is evident in her work – simplicity, a focus on workmanship, a certain timelessness. With plans to expand into jersey, cotton and knitwear in the same classic aesthetic, Zen’s label promises to evolve into something deeply collectable.
Here are some snippets from our conversation:
What is your studio like? I currently go between 2 studios, my apartment and the leather workshop. I guess its like most what creative spaces are like – organised chaos! There are pens hanging from the ceiling.
What’s your favourite outfit at the moment? At the moment, I like wearing vintage tees inside out with one of the Moto jackets or classic blazer over the top. I love anything faded or washed out, you can’t exactly replicate those vintage colours.
What are you currently working on? A very feminine skirt and developing some jersey basics.
When you’re not working, where do you like to spend your time? In front of the piano, but mostly in bed catching up on sleep.
Follow Dannika’s blog for a window into her inspiration and glimpses of her design process.
Meanwhile, on Instagram…
