IM // UR | HIYA // Emma Mulholland

We swear this isn't an ironic listening. We love Beyoncé and 4. OK, we might unironically skip straight to track 5, 'Party', produced by Kanye West and with rap by Andre3000, because we ain't no stay-home-mums that need all those ballads about being broken hearted and finding the right person. But, after that, the album turns into a beautiful compilation of classic r'n'b, soul and a bit of sweat-inducing booty tracks - not too many though - that sound surprisingly courageous considering the actual state of pop music. And for that, we bow down and hail Queen B. P.S. Get the deluxe version, for those extra couple of amazing tracks.

WE // R \\ WEARING

The name of this label has been interpreted in many ways; from 'bass-seekey' to 'base-ike', but the correct way describes exactly what this label is about: BASIC. Bassike delivers easily breezily cut staples with an interesting little twist that keeps them from being your run of the mill. For those that live in climates like that of Australia (where Bassike hails from) or Brazil, you'll know how easy it is to make fashion faux pas when the weather gets hot and the prospect of wearing anything but a bathing suit becomes slightly unappealing; Bassike is all and everything you need.

WE // R \\ WATCHING

Before watching HBO's Game of Thrones, I assumed the series would tend a bit more towards the blood-dripping Danish movie Valhalla Rising rather than fairy-tale stories a lá 'Lord of the Rings'; and for that I didn't really like the series at the beginning. But slowly, I found myself submitting to tales of bad kings, midget juggernauts, savage warriors and... dragons. And that happened probably because there aren't exactly good guys and bad guys here, like there are in Tolkien stories - and that is, of course, a simplification of his work. Another reason I relented to this series is because of the intriguing political backstage element that leads to the ever-happening dance of thrones. Oh, and did I mention the gratuitous nekkid-ness?

WE // R \\ GOING

Of the slew of new spots having opened up in Sydney in the last six months, The Norfolk on Cleveland St in Surry Hills has been one fated with success. Owned by some of the same kids that have brought The Flinders back to life (and currently, it's incredibly quick onset of 'The Norms'), you'll undoubtedly find The Norfolk rammed with all kinds, vying for a bite, a beer and a spot in the garden out back. The aim of the game is to cultivate Aussie pub culture at it's best; and it's doing a pretty decent job so far - if only you could get a table!

WE // R \\ READING

Super Sad True Love Story is the third book from the writer of the best selling Absurdistan, Gary Shteyngart. Incidentally, I read him name dropped in Flavorpill's Ultimate Hipster Reading list and in the same sentence as James Franco (they're buds, apaprently) just before I finished his latest offering. Don't let any of that put you off, or take away any of the sad scary brilliance of Super Sad True Love Story; written from the perspective of one 39 year old Lenny Abramov, son of Russian immigrants and in love with the impossibly cute and cruel Eunice Park. A satire that cuts to the bone, Super Sad True Love Story is exactly it's title. And it's good.

HIYA // Emma Mulholland

Thursday // May 26, 2011 at 13:24 // filed under Fashion

Say hiya to the mermaid queen, Emma Mulholland! Freshly graduated from Sydney's TAFE (from which a big chunk of Australian design talent emerge from aaand - here's a tidbit for you - where I dropped out from after 3 months due to extenuating circumstances), Mulholland showed her collection at Fashion Week last month to much fanfare. A favourite from the new generation collections, Mulholland's aesthetic follows in the footsteps of Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett's legendary label, Romance Was Born (with whom she has interned with) in the fact that it's bright, outlandish and not a little bit brilliantly mad. Besides her own work, Mulholland juggles work with doing special custom work with cult streetwear label Ksubi.

Before I slam you with the lookbook for her SS 11/12 collection, check this cool teaser film she made featuring her model muse and Australian fashion favourite, Rachel Rutt. The soundtrack is written by the talented Nicky of Van She fame, who turned out a track that I think is absolutely killer - a crying shame that it only lasts 1 minute and 51 seconds.

Queen Aurelia

Her work is very distinct from the usual fare shown at Australian Fashion Week, an incredibly refreshing collection from someone who obviously enjoys tripping out the fantastic in their designs. Balinese friendship bracelets, Aztec prints and references to the unique and rich cultures of the Samburu tribe of Africa as well as the people of Papua New Guinea inform her collection. Though none of that will really describe the very serious fun of her aesthetic, which simultaneously manages to be quite mature and very wearable in it's shapes. Here are some of my favourite looks/pieces, but definitely check out the full gallery below those, because Emma Mulholla-back-girl is one to watch!