DJ Mag Australia 001 - February 2014 | Page 20

FASHION KOMONO (WE ARE KOMONO) Our affections once again head to Manchester, for the second time this issue, as we give some warm applause and appreciation to Native Youth. After Recent entrants into the fashion world, Japanese accessories label Komono are so assured of themselves that they’ve already developed their own philosophy. Known to themselves only as “Komonoism”, they claim to “inject color into a grey world with retro-futuristic accessories that will tickle your senses. No Brave New World, no Big Brother, no mass production dystopia. They take fashion to the streets and culture to the clubs.” Well, quite. Put in a way that everyone will understand, they make dope watches at some of the most reasonable prices I’ve ever seen. Think Japanese quartz movement, brushed stainless steel casing and leather for around $100. If this doesn’t tickle your fancy, unique collections with printed straps and faces are also available. Think twice before splashing out on that Marc Jacobs everyone else has, and land your self something unique. Komonoism. Ok, I’ll bite. eing short-listed for Drapers’ Young Fashion Brand of the Year 2013, the momentum is set, and their forthcoming release is already hooked up at Asos. com and Urban Outfitters as well as at Beams in Japan. It’s all about acid-washed jerseys, Breton stripes, windbreakers, fisherman jackets and colour block t-shirts — soft as you like and easy on the eye, with tropical and floral inspirations. Their own space dye jersey takes centre stage and they’ve even dipped into a swimwear range. And it’s refreshing to see the models are tattoo-free for a change. In case you hadn’t gathered already, we’re rather smitten with NY. http://www.wearekomono.com/ PIGEON & WEASEL AROUND LESS IS MORE... Hand poured into glass beer bottles and using paraffin lead free wicks, the boys have not only formulated a distinctive style, but incredible scents including “Buddha’s Tears”, an oriental combination of Jasmine and Green Tea, along with childhood favourites such as Fresh Linen and even Red Frogs. Full bottle reed diffusers are also coming into the market, carrying the same scents for many months worth of no-fuss, no nonsense aromatherapy. Available for free shipping now at: http://www.pigeonandweasel.com/ CONNECTED ehind the brand B Previously notorious for making white joggers favoured by old men worldwide, New Balance have taken the sneaker world by storm in the last year with fresh drops of their old classics. BAGCEPTION… Herschel’s new packable collection of bags ensures you always have the opportunity to bag up your bag, should you ever find the need to such a thing. 28 February – 9 March 2014 COUNTRY Nike’s iconic Flyknit Lunar range now comes in a more casual chukka boot style, Pair with jeans or chinos for some stylish, comfy kicks with a performance edge. Those of the disposition to go for a few ‘brewskies’ around Glebe may see the beers of weekend’s past coming back to haunt them very soon. Hailing from a backyard somewhere around the area, Sydney local Pigeon & Weasel is rapidly becoming renowned for their unique take on home ware with their triple-scented soy wax candles. Byron Bay International Film Festival THE KNIT IT UP… A HEALTHY BALANCE… LIFESTYLE The eighth BBFF descends takes place in February amidst the World Heritage rainforest of Byron Bay’s subtropical environment. Witness the most exhilarating worldwide films of the last year during the event packed independent 10-day celebration of film. As Australia’s largest regional film festival, the BBFF covers themes from spirituality and relationships to social equality and the changing environment in its stimulating program. King Kong – Live On Stage Regent Theatre, Melbourne “This year we are looking forward to fabulous red carpet Opening and Closing Night gala parties, unique events that explore Byron’s way of life and an inspirational selection of panels and workshops”, says Festival Director, J’aimee Skippon-Volke. The sensational Melbourne musical production of King Kong has its closing night on 16 February. It is a modern legend of survival and love in New York city told by an entirely Australian lead cast with a line-up of supporting international artists. “I am so excited to have such distinctive and original artists joining us on this musical adventure – they represent our original vision for a score that would travel through genre and time in a way that is contemporary and, I hope, redefining,” says the CEO of the entertainment group ‘Global Creatures,’ Carmen Pavlovic. With the scores of films such as Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge to his credit, composer and arranger Marius de Vries has developed a musical journey incorporating 1930s Broadway classics and the songs of modern artists. SLIM AND EASY… Bellroy’s line of slim line wallets does what so many leather goods brands have tried and failed to do in the past. Great build quality, great storage, and no pocket bulge. Esther Hannaford plays the graceful yet powerful Ann Darrow, the only person truly to tame Kong, with Adam Lyon bringing the self-centred character of filmmaker Carl Denham to life, and Chris Ryan playing the opposing first mate Jack Driscoll. The physical centre of the spectacle, King Kong himself, is a gargantuan six-metre tall, one tonne silverback, operated by an incredible advanced combination of hydraulics, animatronics and manual manipulation. SMOOTH AS… When it comes to socks, current trends yell very loudly “go bold or go home”. Avoid pairs you see on every teen mongrel nowadays, and grab something fresh from Buttergoods. As a warm-up to the f