Posts Tagged ‘Jewellery’
Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas: Flock Design Boutique
Last Minute Gift Guide: Flock Design Boutique in The Tannery, Woolston, Christchurch
Hands down, Flock Design Boutique is my number one favourite design boutique Christchurch has to offer. Design products are cherry picked by owner Emma Smith and range from top local fashion designers Christchurch based husband and wife duo, MisteR and new comer Ingrid Starnes which sit side by side design must-haves from Norway, Sweden, the States, and Australia. All items are lovingly handmade and have a long-lasting quality and beauty which translates to treasured pieces you love to own and admire.
Located in The Tannery in Woolston, Flock is one of six pop-up shops temporarily housed in Christchurch’s customary post-quake shipping containers. The line-up includes independently owned fashion boutiques Dead Set and Where the Fox Lives, specialising in new comers to the local fashion scene, Smiths Bookshop, offering its usual collection of excellent second hand and new books and magazines, Sumner’s One Fish Blue Fish, for crafty and eco-friendly homewares, and fun and fresh gifts from Toi Toi. These six shops are set to move into their newly built premises come April 2013 which will mark the first of three stages in The Tannery shopping development.
Clockwise from Top Left: This hand embossed graphic print “All Smiles Have Teeth”, comes from a graphic series created by 326 Design Collective, the playtime brand of Auckland design studio, Studio Alexander. Bold and extremely affordable – a great Christmas gift / Seattle based Ladies & Gentlemen Studio creates super mod products like the Bloc Necklace comprising of an assortment of painted wooden shapes and brass or copper tubing on an adjustable leather cord. Flock also stocks their sleek minimalistic brass and copper salt & pepper Cylinder Shakers and the Chalk It To Me Piggy Bank / Kiwi lighting and furniture designer David Moreland delivers the fairytale in his Knight light series, available in both pendant shades (pictured) or bedside table lamps in black and white / Australian leather accessories brand Status Anxiety rocks out a fantastic wallets, purses, and bags. These have been super popular as Christmas gifts at affordable prices / Christchurch fashion brand MisteR have a selection of brightly coloured patterned ties for both men and women. The perfect stocking filler and fun fashion accessory / Norwegian design duo Darling Clementine create covetable items like these cups from their new Harvest series. The saucer cleverly doubles as a lid to keep your tea or coffee hot while you work or kick back and relax with a good book. Also available through Flock are Darling Clementine 2013 calendars, featured in the Mint Gift Guide for The Crafty Minx here which I’m looking forward to using in the new year / Swedish creative company, Fine Little Day, was founded by artist Elisabeth Dunker. Her artistic doodlings and quirky patterns adorn homewares items like this laminate birch Splash tray which also comes in cushions to match. This combo I’ve already snapped up for one lucky and special person on my Christmas list //
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Favourite Finds This Month
On a day like today with unrelenting torrential downpours, it may be hard to believe that spring is just around the corner, but these punches of acid yellow and turquoise are bound to lift your spirits and have you day dreaming of warmer, brighter days to come.
Clockwise from Top Left – Green Canary #1 photographic print by Luke Stephenson //The Photographer’s Gallery / Faceture resin vase by Phil Cuttance //Douglas & Bec / Ikea pendant light //Ikea / Audley open-toe heels also available in orange and fushia //Head Over Heels / ‘Tab’ stool by Nadadora for Sancal //UFL / Helen Cherry Liliana dress in Calypso (pictured), Ballet, or Ink //Workshop 7 Orla Kiely Tarpaulin Print Tillie Bag //Small Acorns 8 Scribble powder-coated stainless steel brooch in Turquoise (pictured) and assorted colours //In Sync
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Favourite Finds of the Month
I’m afraid the last solid week has put me MIA deep, deep under my duvet covers with a dreadful bout of the flu. Hence, being a one-woman show, I have had no trusty off-sider to step in while I’ve been religiously administering drugs, vitamins, rehydration, in between lengthy periods of sleeping and fighting off intermittent spells of boredom. While in the unrelenting clutches of the lurgy, I did venture from my death bed twice; once to complete a window installation for french fashion 2012 at Ballantynes, and the other to purchase two extremely important anti-boredom devices, 1 an iphone and 2 an ipad.
As the rest of you know, who have effortlessly joined the 21st century long before myself on this front, there is much needed additional paraphernalia required to go along with these sexy gadgets. One simply needs the cases and the covers to protect our investments and it goes without saying they must be stylish. After spending many hours surfing the net from the absolute comfort of my bed, with ipad in lap, I finally decided on the understated chic diagonal stripes from New York’s Kate Spade (above). With the world of retail therapy at my fingertips and nothing but time on my hands, I admittedly indulged in a few on-line purchases. Along the way, a found a few gorgeous and interesting things I’d like to share.
I found this handsome, angular ‘Geo’ thermos from Normann Copenhagen which is available in six bold colours from Normann Copenhagen.
If you happen to be in Manchester between now and the end of September, there are a host of sixteen fascinating artists’ works which draw on the theme of “Flights of Fancy” for Tatton Park Biennial 2012.
In search of something with an air of understated chic for my ipad protector, I decided on Kate Spade’s black and white diagonal stripes, from Papier D’Amour in Sydney.
If ever in search of a stunning resin piece of jewellery, look no further than Dinosaur Designs.
British illustrator, Diane Boyle, makes intricate drawings of buildings all over the world including this one of an Oamaru 19th century hotel turned Victorian pub in Southland.
The one thing I love about this gorgeous rug by Charlotte Lancelot for Gandia Blasco, is the illusion it casts from afar as a well-worn heirloom piece of tapestry, but at close quarters, it has been meticulously cross stitched to appear just so! Enquire through Matisse in New Zealand.
This photograph comes from an award winning photographic series, ‘Abandoned’, set in post-apocolyptic Dubai. This personal project of British photographer, Richard Allenby-Pratt, explores ”the fragility of our economic systems and the desperate need for us to live in harmony with the other occupants of our world”. To enquire about prints contact Richard here.
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Host a Brooch: Jacqui Chan & The National
Interactive jewellery exhibition, Host a Brooch, is part of this year’s annual Christchurch Arts Festival. A desperately welcome relief to all of us following the uncertainty and stress of the last year, it proves that the heart of Christchurch is still beating strong. Like many independent businesses who lost their buildings in the 6.3 earthquake on 22 February, contemporary jewellery gallery, The National, has had to dream up creative solutions to engage their customers and keep business ticking over.
New Zealand jeweller, Jacqui Chan, has created 16 intricate brooches, made from urban debris collected from demolition sites around Christchurch. The object of Host a Brooch is for members of the public to don a brooch and walk around the city taking photos with the brooch illustrating how it connects them to their surroundings. All photos will be collated for the public to view in the Host a Brooch shipping container in Hagley Park and in a catalogue to document the project. Not only does it provide you with the opportunity to wear a beautiful piece of contemporary jewellery, but it will serve to reconnect us with our surroundings and each other once again.
Sixteen brooches by Jacqui Chan made with urban debris
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Pop up Shops: The National & Shoezies
For two weeks only, contemporary jewellery gallery The National invite you to another pop up exhibition showcasing the work of Adelaide jeweller Kath Inglis (above). There will also be a wide selection of jewellery from other artists to chose from. The National will be joined by its High Street neighbour, Shoezies, importers of divine Italian, French and Spanish handmade shoes, from August 5- 20. I have been longing for an injection of shoe luxury from my favourite shoe emporium and if The National’s last pop up exhibition in June was anything to go by, I may be wise to top up my credit card before setting out!
5 – 20 August 2011 84 Murray Place, Merivale, Christchurch Mon – Fri 11 – 5You May Also Like:
ESTY COLLECTIONS: COCKTAIL HOUR
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Michigan sisters, Christina & Courtney Spivak, are the creators behind White Owl. Their gorgeous vintage lace jewellery is sourced from estate sales, flea markets and even their own Grandmother! This lace cuff is the perfect addition to almost any ‘after five’ outfit.
In the fleeting moments of down time as a mother, Kim Brown designs and makes her extensive range of adornments for shoes and hair from home. Kim makes shopping a breeze by catagorising her creations by colour. Visit Kim’s Etsy shop Chloe and Maddie for an extra special finishing touch to your bridesmaids’ shoes or revitalise a neglected pair of heels with these elegant shoe clips.
Christina Marie of Christina Marie Mineral Cosmetics is a student of The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in California. There are a tantalising array of candy pink blushes and a bold collection of come-hither eyeshadows. All products are free of fragrances, preservatives, synthetic dyes and parabens. You can buy guilt-free too, safe in the knowledge that no product has been tested on animals.
New Zealander Kelsey Genna designs and handcrafts delightfully feminine and flirty pieces like these pale pink ‘Parfait’ silk trousers. At a mere 19 years, this recent fashion design graduate produces limited runs, so you can be sure you’ll be one of a kind! Check out Kelsey’s designs at her Etsy shop or peruse her lucious on-line lookbook photographed at Wellington’s Begonia House here.
Invited Ink is a mother and daughter letterpress design and printing enterprise. Together they produce these most delightful calling cards. Sally Ann and Kathy also provide customised wedding inviations, thank you notes, business cards and even a calligraphy service!
This print of an original oil painting, ‘What was left’, comes from from a portrait series entitled “And close your eyes”. Kai Samuels Davis works from Windy Lane Studio, a converted barn overlooking Bodega Bay in Northern California. This portrait captures a quiet elegance in a contemplative moment.
These darling vintage French Rosaline champagne glasses are among a carefully chosen collection of antique wares available from Bonnbonn. I recently bought a few things from Bonnie and can attest to her super friendly midwestern approach. Bonnbonn wins the Mint seal of approval!
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interview: Emma Smith of Flock Design Boutique
Ever since I came across Flock on a serendipitous expedition to the Sumner supermarket, I was smitten. It’s polished concrete floors and clean lines provide the perfect backdrop for cutting edge art, design and fashion, with carefully chosen vintage ceramics; the perfect foil. It wasn’t until a couple of months later when I was shopping on a lazy Sunday afternoon, did I strike up a conversation with the lovely Emma, owner of Flock. It turns out we have more than just an undeniable passion for design and New Zealand artists in common, we also live in the same neighbourhood! Emma was kind enough to agree to spare some time in between earthquakes and filling out insurance claims to answer a few questions about her new venture. Thanks Emma!
Details at Flock, Third Drawer Down tea towels displayed in the window and Flock’s slick, clean interior
Can you tell us a little about your background? I was born in Sydney and I grew up in Christchurch. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Film theory and a Diploma in Photography and I was a commercial photographer for several years before starting Flock which I own with my partner Billy Wilson.
Congratulations on celebrating your sixth month anniversary last month! How long was Flock in the making before it became a reality? Thanks! I had the plan in the back of my mind for a few years and it surfaced everytime my commerical photography work became too stressful or boring. I started looking for sites a year before I opened but only got serious about the shop 6 months before the opening date.
Ceramics & Papier Mache vessels from Up in the Air Somewhere and ceramic ‘scribble’ bowl by Amanda Shanley
I love the simple, modern aesthetic of polished concrete floors mixed with up-cycled vintage wooden-comejewellery display cases. How did you go about deciding on the look and materials to use? The look of the shop was dictated by the building and our budget to some extent but we chose the space because we could see the potential in the simple design, large windows and ancient concrete floor hidden underneath some disgusting carpet. We didn’t want to take the easy way out by hiring someone to knock up a standard fitout – it was much more fun to find the beautiful trestle tables and design the other pieces ourselves. I made the jewellery display cases out of old apple boxes and beautiful thick pieces of polished glass.
How hard has it been for you starting up a new business in the midst of the Christchurch earthquake? It has been a mixed blessing for us; our shop is fine and we didn’t lose too much stock so we feel very lucky. For awhile ours was the only store of its kind open in Christchurch so that was good.
In three words, how do you feel when you get up in the morning to go to work? Depending on how much is going on – peaceful, excited or overwhelmed.
Alaina Rhind’s curious creatures from her mystical ‘Escape to Lonely Wood’ illustrative series - ’Flying Lesson oil’ and pencil on wood panel
With so many gorgeous products in your shop you must find it difficult not to take home a lot of what you sell! Not really, I feel like the reason I buy beautiful things is so that I can be surrounded by them and I am surrounded everyday in the shop so I don’t need to buy alot. I have become quite selective.
What’s your favourite piece in Flock? Tough. At the moment I would have to say the Amanda Shanley ceramic bowl with the ceramic pencil scribbling on the exterior and the dark brown glazed interior.
What’s the most recent piece of design or art work you’ve purchased? I bought an Anna Wallis gold ring – though not from Flock! My last Flock purchase was a Standard Issue khaki Diamond and Pearl cardi.
NZ label Thrive 2011 winter range “Come Fly With Me” features aviation-themed prints, draping scarves and merino cardigans
I adore Alaina Rhind’s mysterious and fantastical artwork which sits beautifully amongst your other products. I especially love the way you’ve styled them with the vintage Hanmer pottery! Yes I love mixing old and new and lifting something that may have seemed a bit dreary into a new light – recontextualising it.
Are you a pen and paper diary person or is it ipad all the way? Pen and paper – computers hate me!
What’s your Sunday ritual? I usually go to the farmers market around the corner at the Rudolph Steiner School and then whatever – I try to be outside as much as possible because I spend all week indoors.
What are you most looking forward to? The end of earthquakes and renovating our house. We are sticking a glass box onto the back of an old state house.
Nga Waiata precious stone & wood rings, local Christchurch artisans Jane Henry Merino scarves
For a comprehensive list of products and designers, visit Flock’s blog which is updated on a regular basis. Flock will soon be opening its store on-line to all those Christchurch people finding it difficult to venture far and wide due to the continuing earthquakes, and for those who live overseas and are looking for some hip New Zealand design!
Phone: +64 3 326 6841
Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm
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Another birthday, another year
Today is my birthday. The boy has outdone himself and spoilt me with a very lady-like bike; the Granturismo Donna complete with picnic basket! While I wait for it to arrive, I have treated myself to, well, a couple of other treats! I visited The National‘s pop-up exhibition on the weekend and saw many a beautiful objet d’art. While I was particularly enamored with a couple of interesting avant-garde pieces, I decided on a pair of Jane Dodd‘s eternally classic drop earrings which I’d be coveting for several months (I’ll post pics as soon as they are delivered to my doorstep!).
I’m very excited to be celebrating my birthday tonight with a trip to the theatre with friends at Riccarton Bush. I’ve heard great things about “The Importance of Being Earnest” from Scriptease Productions. Don’t the costumes look sublime?! The season has been extended by popular demand for two extra nights this Friday and Saturday, so call now to book your tickets on 332 0039. For more stunning stills from the promo shoot, check out super talented photographer Logan McMillan’s site Gorilla Pictures.
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ART & DESIGN: FREE SPIRIT
Bound not by convention, the free spirit marches to her own beat.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT 1 Wild Child digital illustration by Tabitha Emma Patterson from Etsy 2 Butterfly ceramic bowl by Jo Luping Design 3 Dedon Nestrest Hanging Chair by Daniel Pouzet and Fred Frety Available in Chalk (pictured) and Natural, from Domo 4 ”Undecorate: The No-Rules Approach to Interior Design” book by Christiane Lemieux and Rumaan Alam Available from Fishpond 5 Mr Sling Hobo Bag in deer skin Available in Jaguar (pictured), Black, Bone, Jaguar, Midnight Blue from Deadly Ponies 6 Studio Ditte Birdhouse Wallpaper from Paper Room 7 Fez embroidered pouffe from Le Souk 8 Jonathan Adler ceramic squirrel ring box from Askew 9 Bird Wing brooch by Julia DeVille from WORLD (the Deluxe and Ponsonby stores in Auckland, and the Captial store in Wellington)You May Also Like:
The National Emerges Triumphant from the rubble
Three months on since Christchurch’s devastating 6.3 earthquake on 22 February, and The National is making it’s comeback by way of the modern phenomenon of the Pop-Up Shop. For four days only between June 9-11 (that’s next Thursday!) The National presents Midden by Craig McIntosh and other contemporary jewellers. Gallery owner, Caroline Billing, has started a blog to keep fans and followers of The National in touch with exciting upcoming events since being forced to close its doors behind the ‘red zone’. Caroline now has a viewing room available for anyone keen to see items at close range from her diverse collection. Christchurch’s small businesses like The National deserve your support, so come along and show Caroline how much we’ve missed her friendly face and inspiring artists! For more information and your invitation to the opening night pop over to Caroline’s new blog here. Here is a sneak peak at some of Craig’s work (right) from his Midden exhibition!
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