DIALECT MINI COLLECTION AT TAYLOR BOUTIQUE BRITOMART

Words by Steven Fernandez.

Taylor Boutique has always been about nurturing individual creativity and experimentation with wearable garments for women. Now nearly fifteen years after designer Vicki Taylor launched the leading New Zealand boutique brand, that ethos still rings true. The presentation of the Dialect mini collection, by upcoming designer Julia Campbell, at the Taylor Britomart boutique between Thursday 16th and Monday 20th May shows the brand's ongoing support of young talent. Remix spoke to designer Julia Campbell about this incredible opportunity and the inspiration behind her debut Dialect collection, A/W 2013 'say one thing mean another'.

Tell us how you came up with the name Dialect and how it represents what your label is about?

I came up with the name Dialect when I was traveling through India and Europe last year. I was fascinated by the dialects that form out of a single language, how they develop and what they represent. It just fitted with what I wanted to do and my vision that clothing can become a dialect.  

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Give us a rundown of your path to where you are today with Dialect. Did you study or learn your craft through experience?        

I always wanted to do something creative. I was very interested in painting and photography at school. I inevitably went to art school and after my first year decided to major in fashion. I can't really remember why, but it just felt like the right thing. From that point onward, making clothes became an addiction. After graduating I did lots of different things - I worked as a wardrobe assistant on a film and did various jobs for New Zealand fashion labels. I always new I wanted to have my own label but I didn't know how or when. I believe all good things happen organically.

What was the inspiration behind your debut collection, Autumn/Winter 2013? What did you set out to achieve?

The collection ‘say one thing mean another’ explores what it means to be an outsider. I aim to express the strong sense of individualism that develops when you live in an isolated place. I also wanted to explore my love of sportswear.

What other designers and labels out there do you really admire and take inspiration from? Locally and internationally? Why?

I really love Rick Owens because he’s always doing crazy things, experimenting with simple ideas that change the way I think about clothes. His pieces are also very wearable. I also really love what Vicki Taylor does, she knows how to make people look and feel great. Her clothes are always clever and she is passionate about manufacturing in New Zealand. 

How did you become associated with Taylor and the opportunity to have your capsule collection sold in their Britomart store?

I currently work at Taylor boutique. They are fantastic people to work for and have been extremely supportive of me. Vicki saw what I was doing and offered me the opportunity to put my mini collection in store from Thursday 16th to Monday 20th May, which is really exciting. She is really supportive of young talent and designers and encourages me to work on my own collection, which is amazing.

How have people responded to Dialect so far?

Really well, I feel like people have been very encouraging.

Do you have a Spring/Summer 2014 collection in the works?

I do. I'm also working on Dialect ‘reconstruct’, which involves pulling apart vintage clothes and giving them a second life. It’s so much fun! I can spot something with potential and then completely transform it.

Get down to the Taylor Boutique Britomart store between Thursday 16th and Monday 20th May to check out the Dialect mini collection alongside the full Taylor range. You can also head over to www.taylorboutique.co.nz for all things Taylor or visit www.facebook.com/dialectclothing for more information on Dialect.

Dialect images by Jamie Pettigrew Photography.

LATINAOTEAROA DEBUT ALBUM

By Claudia Innes

From Auckland's favourite live Latin trio comes Sonido de Latinaotearoa. Latinaotearoa's debut album is a collection of salsa, bossa and soul influenced tunes with an impressive line-up of guests from jazz legend Nathan Haines to award-winning hip hop artist Tom Scott of Homebrew.

Latinaotearoa was born from the concept of blending local flavours with the colourful culture of South America. Popular Auckland DJ Bobby Brazuka brought together Venezuelan songstress Jennifer Zea and multi-talented musician and producer Isaac Aesili to create a unique live performance. Bobby's Latin influenced soul-funk and hip-hop selections were layered with Jennifer's ravishing vocals and Isaac's explosive percussion. 

With a Latin jazz and soul background, Jennifer's live vocals over recognised contemporary tracks blend so seamlessly they pass as originals. One particular fan favourite, a Spanish spin of Ladi 6's soul number, Walk Right Up, is delivered so exceptionally that the artist permitted an official LatinAotearoa version to be made. This collaborative approach to creating new music became the catalyst for producing an exciting and original debut album.

Influences from salsa composer Tito Puento and bossa nova singer Astrud Gilberto to more modern artists such Nickodemus, Fania All Stars and Quantic can be heard throughout. From melodic ballad La Procesion to the simmering Latin dancehall track and first single ‘Something About You’ with Tom Scott from Homebrew and reggae singer Jah Red Lion, this is an array of varying tempos that flow elegantly as an album. With its fresh and unique sound Sonido de LatinAotearoa is much more than an album – it's a watershed moment for Latin music in Aotearoa.

Sonido de Latinaotearoa is out May 3rd 2013, via Rhythmethod.

May Tour Dates:

May 3rd - Auckland - Goldfinch

May 4th - Wellington - Havana Bar

May 5th - Cadillac Bar - Queenstown

May 11th - Monday Room - Christchurch

May 17th - Blue Beat - Sydney

May 19th - Section 8 - Melbourne

May 25th - Aroha & Friends - Napier

LIAM WINTER 2013 COLLECTION LAUNCH

This Friday 19^th April the Liam nine-piece 60’s inspired winter collection will be dropping into all RUBY stores. Designer Emily Miller-Sharma delivers a selection of modern essentials, featuring a bold graphic paisley jacquard and an oversized spot print.

To celebrate the new collection and the wintery months that are nearly upon us, Liam has collaborated with Eleanor Ozich from Petite Kitchen to create a recipe journal containing seven warming recipes, designed to be shared with good friends.

Liam designer Emily Miller-Sharma explains of the collaboration: ‘getting dressed and cooking are one of life’s daily rituals that can bring such joy. I really appreciate Eleanor’s approach to food - combining nutritious ingredients in a simple and playful way.’

The first 150 in store Liam purchases nationwide on Friday 19^th April will receive the Liam x Petite Kitchen Winter 2013 Journal.

Although the collection officially arrives in stores on Friday 19^th, it will also be available online at 4pm today for those who are super keen to get their hands on the coveted new range. Head to shop.rubynz.com to snap it up before it goes! 

 

By Claudia Innes

Platypus opens its doors!

By Sarah McKenzie

After conquering Australia, with 31 stores nationwide, Platypus sneaker store is set to open its doors on Queen Street this weekend. The streetwear retailer, which is home to a tonne of global sneaker brands; Vans, Converse, Nike, Adidas, Dr. Martens and more, will carry over 500 different styles, making it one of the biggest and greatest shoe stores Queen Street has ever seen. Solving your quest for the perfect shoe, Platypus will be stocking accessories by popular Swedish brand WeSC, launching footwear giant Timberland, plus offering a free in-house magazine ShoeShine. Head online to platypusshoes.co.nz for the chance to win a $500 ‘Sneaker Spree’ on opening day for you and a friend.

Tiki Taane and Jayson Norris Acoustic Tour

By Will Seal

When you’re after a musical experience more personal than a concert, there’s nothing to beat a live acoustic session. Hence - the excellent opportunity that is hitting NZ this month with local favourite Tiki Taane and recent returner Jayson Norris.

Tiki will be playing everything from his hit single 'Always On My Mind' to material off his upcoming acoustic album, due for release later this year. As mentioned, the show also marks the return of Jayson Norris to New Zealand. Back in the country for the first time following a relentless touring schedule in the UK, he has made a name for himself both at home and abroad and has opened for acts including Andrea Bocelli, INXS and Sneaky Sound System, as well as being member of multi-platinum collaboration Fly My Pretties.

To mark this occasion, I caught up with both of the boys to ask a few questions and hear a bit more about what’s going on.

Jayson Norris…

This is your first time back in the NZ following a two-year hiatus in the UK, what have been your highlights over that period? 

Musically - supporting bands like Blue King Brown, Katchafire, Sneaky Sound System, Kora, I Am Giant, Tiki and being part of Fly My Pretties. Personally - having a 2nd child, getting an invitation from the Queen and meeting Prince Charles and moving to the countryside in Essex. Being part of Homelanz Festival in London was also up there.

What are you looking forward to most about returning to NZ? 

I'm looking forward to catching up with old friends. Playing some tunes with Tiki and Jess Harlen. Seeing my folks and eating as much seafood as I possibly can. Oh yeah, and seeing the sun.

Do you also have any new material coming up? Will we be hearing some of it on the tour? 

My single Closer To You is out at the moment plus a collaboration with DJ Gainsford with a track called Everything I Need. We hope to release this track regardless of winning the 1st place with a video to match. You will be hearing quite a few new tunes on this tour plus a couple of older ones, which seem to never die!

When can we expect a new album? 

An EP in August is coming at ya!!!

Tiki…

You’ll be previewing new material off your forthcoming album on the tour, what can fans expect?

A heavily tattooed brown dude playing the ass out of his acoustic guitar!  

Do you get nervous performing new material for the first time?

Yup for sure! I still get nervous performing the old shit.

How did you hook up with Jayson and Jess and will you be doing any on-stage collaborations?

I met Jayson years ago at Homegrown in Wellington. From there we stayed in touch & when I toured the UK & EU last year I asked if Jayson would support me at my London show. We kicked London's ass that night so we decided to bring it back to New Zealand and add Jess Harlen to the line up. I met Jess properly at the Maori Waiata Awards and since then we've been talking about making some music together, so I'm sure we will all be ready to jam together onstage at the end of my set. 

What do you look forward to most about being on tour?

Seeing the country, seeing old friends, making new ones, jamming together onstage, when the crowd goes off, the after parties & the good times!

Tickets are available now from Dash Tickets, so don’t miss your chance to see the boys at the following dates and locations:

Tiki Taane / Jayson Norris Acoustic tour

April 11th -- Imbibe - Tauranga

April 12th - Diggers Back Bar - Hamilton

April 13th - Collards - Kaitaia

April 18th - Juice Bar - Auckland

April 19th - Bodega - Wellington

April 20th - Dux Live – Christchurch