KEY POINTS:
Fashion is not all glamour and selfish shopping excursions, you know. The industry can do good, too, and in the case of the "I See Red" celebrity fashion show, the benefits will go to the Auckland City Mission.
At the event, local celebrities including Lana Coc-Kroft, Angela Bloomfield and Hilary Timmins will parade in red outfits from some of the country's top labels such as Zambesi, Carlson and Jane Rhodes. John Campbell will host the event, which will also feature a fashionable feast and bands. The event is on July 5 at the Hyatt Regency. For more details see www.internationalevents.co.nz.
Long-distance sparkle
Those who know call them "10 table diamonds". "Because you can see them from 10 tables away," explains Vikki George, who with her mother, runs the two Rocabella Diamond Bars. The diamonds George is talking about are known as Hearts on Fire diamonds, exclusive to their slick, modern jewellery store.
They are guaranteed conflict free, are cut in a way that makes them sparkle more than other diamonds. Their other claim to fame is that they supplied the stones for that Victoria's Secret diamond bra, worth more than US$10 million ($13.7 million). For something a little less dramatic and costly, visit the newly opened Auckland Roccabella Diamond Bar on Lorne St.
Tie-dye it on
The Saturday Shop - on K Rd and only open on Saturdays - is now stocking rather different, rather gorgeous, hand-tie-dyed T-shirts by young designer Che Blomfield.
Note this
One of Viva's favourite stores is opening another branch on Queen St today. The kikki.K stationery boutique, already in Newmarket, with its stylish notepads, giant pencils and unique stickers, is an excellent place for a therapeutic retail treat. You can spend $10 on pretty paper without even trying and it's a bonus for anyone wanting cool party invitations or other stationery. We're particularly keen on these Fashion Sticky Notes ($3.95 for three pads). kikki.K is at 105 Queen St.
Verge of a breakthrough
Over the past few years at New Zealand Fashion Week, the well-established Verge label has sponsored a number of up-and coming-designers into their own group show. It's not something designed for students but for young labels that already have a serious business plan and a stockist or two. Past participants include Cybele, Lonely Hearts Club and Widdess. Once again this year, the folks at Verge are looking for designers to take part in their group show and if you're interested, visit www.nzfashionweek.com and click on the Verge Breakthrough Designers Expression of Interest form.
Smell and smile
A French beauty company claims to have come up with the first anti-depressant perfume, a scent that will make you smile. The cunningly named Smiley brand includes perfumes, deodorant, bathing products and fake tan. Packaged in charming yellow and white bottles and with a traditional smiley face for a mascot, the range is available at the Myer department stores in Australia or online at www.happytherapy.com
French leave
Last week several New Zealand beauty companies were lugging their coals to Newcastle as they touted their wares at the New Zealand ambassador's residence in Paris. Representatives from Trilogy, Skinfood, Art a Face, Living Nature and Antipodes were hoping to impress French beauty editors and retailers with this country's environmentally friendly beauty products. After the invitation-only breakfast meeting in Paris, the manufacturers went on a fact-finding mission in France's so-called "Cosmetic Valley" where some of the world's biggest brands manufacture, before heading to Valencia where they'll take part in another promotional event in the America's Cup Village.
Shoes ashore
Devoted admirers of Costume National's beautifully made footwear will be lining up outside Ponsonby Rd boutique, Wunderkammer, shortly. A new, well chosen shipment of shoes from the Italian label is due to arrive in approximately a week.
Now we are 10
The Huffer streetwear label has officially been around for 10 years this month. To celebrate, the label is commissioning 10 artworks that will hang in the SOCA gallery in Newton from next Saturday as well as putting together a limited edition, commemorative book. Of course, being Huffer there will also be a party, held first at the gallery, then at the Kings Arms with bands and DJs.
Web of beauty
Cosmetics junkies will have heard of Hong Kong-based website, Strawberrynet.com. It offers discounted lines from the world's top beauty and skincare brands on a no-frills style website. The New Zealand equivalent may well be the Hawkes Bay-based Mantrap.co.nz which offers around 10,000 different products from brands as diverse as Agent Provocateur and Elizabeth Arden. You can pay by internet banking as well as by credit card, and everything comes via New Zealand Post.
