ReLOVED: ReVAMPED

I've been busily designing, thrifting, collating and stitching up a gorgeous little fashion collection of one-off pieces for the catwalk fashion event coming up at the end of this month, Re-Loved Re-Vamped, formed by dynamic fashionista duo Hanny and Lee Dewar.

I just can't wait to show you what I've been up to, here's just a sneaky peek at something from some of the 5 local designers in the show...

Above: Tango & James


HannyD Creations


Chris Murray


Tamara Russell

Zoe Turketo

This event, hosted at Craft ACT, showcases sustainable and recycled fashion to the people of Canberra. Each designer has been given a brief to deconstruct, re-work and re-imagine existing clothing and materials into new creations, promoting a sustainable fashion culture.

"Re-Loved:Re-Vamped" will be held on Thursday 30 September in the gallery space of Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre in Canberra city. Doors open 6pm for pre-show drinks and nibbles. Admission is FREE! Come and join our fabulous designers who have worked so hard to create their fab collections.

Be there! Love Nina x

Designer furniture in the park

If you spotted this at the beautiful Glebe park in the middle of the city, you may have been wondering...

It's Zenith Interiors (formerly Cite Office Design), celebrating spring with Canberra's Interior designer crowd, and a chance to show off their fabulous outdoor furniture collection at a delectable picnic lunch.

Each day a different design firm met the Zenith team in their local park and were greeted by the latest new “outdoor collection” from EMU, Enea, Allermuir chairs as they feted on a picnic lunch around the new Zenith Stiletto tables. A nice way to breathe some fresh air and sample some great new furniture!

Gorgeous!!! Personally, I'm DEEPLY in love with the Re-Trouve collection available here in Canberra at Zenith... better start saving up! Sigh...

Re-loved: re-fashion

Designers and avid recyclers Hanny Dewar and daughter Lee have once again joined forces under the project name Re-Loved Creations to host Re-Loved 2.

Highlighting the innovative concepts of recycling fabrics for fashion, Re-Loved 2 will showcase Spring/Summer 2009 collections from Hayley Wandelt-Smith (Hayley Caroline), Polly Stokes (Polbymade), Karen Lee (The Renlee Label), Georgina Edwards (George), Hanny Dewar (handmade by hanny), Lee Dewar (Craftilee).

Re-Loved Creations was formed after an overwhelming amount of positive feedback following the first Re-Loved parade held at designspace@CIT in March 2009 (images above). Hanny and Lee decided this was something that should be done more regularly, and started work for the next showing in time for Spring/Summer 2009. All designers involved in this current Re-Loved venture were given a brief to deconstruct, re work or re-imagine existing clothing and materials into new creations to promote a sustainable fashion culture.

Re-Loved 2 is on Thursday 22 October 2009 at 6.30 pm at Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, London Cct, Civic.

I can't wait! Love Nina x

On show: Imaginary Fairytales

Loving the looks of this upcoming exhibition featuring Claire Cimbora of Schmooks (I blogged about here) with Lisa Falzon and Marion Jones...

Above: "Around her finger" by Lisa Falzon; "The Garden Chair" by Schmooks

Imaginary Fairytales opens on Thursday October 8 at The Front Gallery in Lyneham. Gorgeous!

Standing ovation: Viktoria Novak's official launch

Viktoria Novak showed us all how it's done when she officially launched her divine spring collection last week. Ahead of the spring racing season, Miss Novak has inspired Canberra's glamourati to rock the fascinator and hatinator (not quite a hat you know) with incredible style and sass.

Entirely styled by Novak, the looks were completed with her own amazing collection of vintage and fab retro wardrobe, showing us that she has an amazing eye for detail and colour - confirming her as a star on the rise.

L.O.V.E it too much! Check out Viktoria Novak Designs online for detailed images of her amazing handmade work... you go girl!!!

{sigh} Love Nina x

What's new pussy cat: Tango & James

Well, things have been quiet at Canberra's Got Style, and it's all to to with a few new goodies I've been creating especially to reveal at Handmade Market on this Saturday September 12th. New to my Tango & James collection are a range of new sassy jewellery pieces in colours set for spring and summer fun...

Dress up your casual best with some quirky fashion accessories in hot shades of pink yellow and green - wood filigree and sculptured ribbon jewels like you've never seen anywhere before.

For the home Tango & James is serving up unique clocks, cushions and re-vamped furniture pieces ready to add a splash of colour and zest to your fabulous nest. Everything is limited edition and handmade for you right here by me, and this collection will only be seen at Handmade Market this Spring, so don't miss out!

It's noice, it's unusual... so don't miss out!
Come and say hello to me - I'll be in the "Ball room" at the Yarralumla Woolshed 10-4 on Saturday September 12th, along with over 100 of Canberra's finest designers, makers and foodies for an awesome day of music, food and shop, shop, shopping! Oh yeah.

Find out more at Handmade Market's website and see you there,

Love Nina x

Designer Trunk show: Glamour time

For three days only, Canberrans will be able to meet with the designer, Carl Kapp and his team of experts over drinks, and have the exclusive opportunity to be styled by the Sydney designer.

During the Trunk Shows, attendees will have a unique insight into the designer, and his inspiration behind the collection, and be able to purchase items sized 6-14.

Canberrans can join the ranks of Carl Kapp wearers such as Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Rose Byrne, and Rachael Taylor, and acquire pieces from the collection which are not available anywhere else in Canberra. Trans-seasonal pieces from the Winter Collection will also be available on the day.

"Since launcing the brand in 2005 we've had a growing number of Canberra-based customers. As our tailored suiting has a very strong following, I feel this is a very important demographic for us as we offer jackets classic enough to wear to the office or parliament but different enough to make it a must-have addition to any wardrobe.."

Canberra's fashinistas can expect beautiful silks and summer wools in a palette including Black, Ink, Putty and White with striking accents of Jungle, Hot Pink, Nightshade Blue and the softest metallic Italian leather. Perfect evening dresses and tops, stunning jackets and great layering pieces.

This is the perfect opportunity for Canberrans to select the next special items to add to their wardrobes.

Event details: Carl Kapp - Spring/Summer 2010 Trunk Showing
Dates and Times: Thursday 17th September 5-9pm. Friday 18th & Saturday 19th September: 9am – 12.30pm, 2 - 5pm, 6.30 – 9.30pm
Location: Hotel Realm, 18 National Circuit, Barton, ACT, 2600
RSVP for attendance by appointment to Weihan, phone 02 9331 5325 or 0418 290 230.

Hot hot HOT,

Love Nina x

Handmade Market: in monochrome

Here are a few more of my favourite things coming up at Handmade Market...

1. Sinead Buckney Felt Brooch 2. Prim & Pretty Zipper brooch

3. Klei (from Melbourne) collar 4. Tango & James Bow Tie necklaces
5. I Heart Bella jewels 6. Sinead Buckney acrylic laser cut cuff
9. Tango & James fan earrings 10. Klei two-faced rings


Handmade Market Saturday September 12th from 10-4
at the Yarralumla Woolshed

Handmade: In Bloom

Handmade Market is on again soon... and now in a fabulous new location. Following the recent surprise closure of Albert Hall (presumably for restoration), the next installment of Handmade will be bigger and better at the Yarralumla Woolshed - a fabulous rustic space with room to move.

Handmade: In Bloom will be brimming with our ever talented Handmade favourites (including yours truly) and many more emerging Canberran artists, designers, crafters and foodies and makers to bring you the best of Canberra... and some pretty spring things...

1. Mooza wall art 2. The Owls Are Hunting table lamp
3. Tango & James Flutter Mobile 4. Look Mamma Gift Card
5. Annie Pritchard Wren original painting 6.Grace Designs flower brooch
7. Tango & James Table lamps 8. Tango & James printed cushion
9. Flat Bird blossom wall decal 10. Prim & Pretty brooch

6-9pm Friday Sept 11 (50 sellers) twilight market
10-4 Saturday Sept 12th (100+ sellers) in full bloom
Now at Yarralumla Woolshed
off Cotter Road, near Lady Denman Drive, kinda near the zoo and gorgeous Government House