KEY POINTS:
Say goodbye to the old flagship store on High St and hello to an improved designer pad on Ponsonby Rd. Modus Operandi, the store you could barely move in for all those mannequins, is going against the mass-market grain by creating an intimate store that will give customers a feeling of discovery, respect, privilege and transformation. Penthouse 301, 70 Ponsonby Rd. Go to www.lovemodus.com
DIY challenge
Now's your chance to find out if you really can make your own designer clothing at a fraction of the price. Workshop and Helen Cherry are having a sale of exclusive European fabrics, all priced under $20 a metre, at the Workshop outlet store. Follow the signs at the corner of Wellesley and Nelson Sts. From tomorrow until Sunday, 10am to 4pm, Ph (09) 303 9290.
Cut and thrust
People don't often talk about cutting-edge gloves but that's exactly what Julia deVille has created. Fingerless leather ones, to be precise. The gloves are part of an Addams Family-style concept that includes jewellery, fur accessories and taxidermy. "I use the symbols of death throughout my work because I think it is important to identify with the concept that we are in fact mortal creatures," says deVille, now living in Melbourne. The gloves cost $270 to $390 from World, ph (09) 366 1559.
Team spirit
Were you going for Team Aniston or Team Jolie when Brad Pitt changed sides? Either way, the brand behind those T-shirts is finally coming to New Zealand. Kitson has found favour among wayward Hollywood starlets, such as Lindsay and Paris, who have been snapped at the LA store. If you don't consider that a recommendation, you can see for yourself what the hype is about in spring when the brand's edgy shoes arrive in New Zealand shops. For more information or to go on a waiting list, ph (09) 373 1460.
Old campaigners
John Galliano broke out the superannuated models for Dior's couture show at Versailles last week. Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista, no less. They've been striding the catwalk long before some of the Eastern bloc lovelies were born.
Just wonderful
The little girls' wonderland that is Trelise Cooper Kids store has won the Supreme Award in the NZRIA Design Awards. The judges agreed that the Nuffield St store provides an outstanding and lasting impression.
"It confirms my belief that retail stores can be about experiential design that connects with the customer, whether it's a child or grandparent," says Trelise Cooper. "It's about attraction. Today, a retail store is a theatre of dreams. It's about being aspirational and having those aspirations fulfilled once someone steps inside the store."
Straight talk
Architect Toni Brandso and graphic designer Miles Langley are doing T-shirts that tell it like it is. They are having an exhibition and launch tomorrow at Whitecliffe Gallery, so if you're in the market for a T-shirt that tells the world "Ooh I Love It", or "Fame is Lame", get along. You can order the T-shirts at $55 apiece or $50 for more than one. Whitecliffe Gallery, Randolph St, from 7pm. Otherwise, Butterfly Net and Eon stock them.
