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Fans of her cult bogan-meets-high-fashion label will have to make do with what they've got for the next few seasons - the Mala Brajkovic label is taking a year's sabbatical as the designer takes time off to look after her brand new daughter, Mickey. A few side projects may be coming up, Brajkovic says, and dedicated followers who can't bear to be without should keep checking out Brajkovic's website for further updates: www.malabrajkovic.com
Use your head
When the owners of Takapuna hair salon Morgan & Morgan asked customers what they liked most about a visit to the hairdresser, many said "the head massage at the basin". So, in line with international trends that are seeing the local salon look more and more like a beauty spa, Morgan & Morgan have included six individual treatment booths in their new interiors. Now when you start moaning with pleasure during your head massage, no one else will hear you! For information: www.morganandmorgan.co.nz, or call (09) 486 9772.
Balancing act
It's amazing somebody didn't think of it earlier - and especially pertinent as the nights get colder. The aptly named Peacetogether duvet allows you to add or subtract layers of duvet so that if your beloved gets hot and you get cold, you can make one side warm and the other cooler. The duvets are filled with either wool or fibre, start at around $170 for a queen-size duvet filled with fibre and go up to $320 for a woolly king-size. But then that's cheap for a good night's sleep and a bit of marital bliss. From selected Harvey Norman and Bed, Bath and Beyond stores. Ph (09) 232 0282 for more information.
Clean sweep
If you've been disconsolately sponging at your beaded ballgown or wringing out your hand-sewn silks with extreme caution, then step away from the wash basin. Regal Drycleaners, a regular fashion industry favourite, is launching a special Couture Care service. It will involve gentle cleaning cycles, removal of individual stains, and hand pressing. Which means your bridal frocks, ballgowns and best suits are safe from harm. Prices start at $22. For further information call Regal in Newmarket (09) 520 6040 or Kohimarama (09) 521 6066.
Rei of sunshine
Strange but true, legendary experimental designer Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons is putting together a mainstream collection for Swedish chain, Hennes & Mauritz (H&M). Avant garde Kawakubo, often credited with being one of the inventors of the deconstructed look, will design a range for women, men and children and contribute a special unisex fragrance and various accessories. In the past H&M have collaborated with the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf and Roberto Cavalli. The Comme des Garcons collection is released in November.
WIN IT
It can be difficult knowing what to get mum for Mother's Day year after year. Problem solved. We have two limited edition bottles of Viktor & Rolf's unabashed floral fragrance Flowerbomb to give away. To enter, write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and send to: Viktor & Rolf competition, Viva, NZ Herald, PO Box 3290, Auckland. Entries close May 14. It'll be like the Mother's Day sequel for the winners' mothers, with two gifts in a single month.
