IM // UR | RAFW SS 2010 // Phos Phoro

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.

RAFW SS 2010 // Phos Phoro

Monday // May 17, 2010 at 14:03 // filed under Fashion

Hiya Spencer

all photographs by yours truly

2007 saw four talented lads (Christopher Esbers, Guy Hastie, Dion Lee and Spencer Webber) graduate from the Sydney Institute of Technology to be chosen to show their student collections. In a cool twist of fate, these same four lads also showed at this year's RAFW collection shows. Christopher Esbers who, after cancelling last year, came back this season to bated breaths and debuted with an incredibly well received showing; and of course Dion Lee who re-re-confirmed everyone's hopes and expectations with a stellar collection. And a third; with a much quieter but no less confident debut was Spencer Webber with his label, Phos Phoro.

Sheer spots and cleverly layered stripes were the winners in this collection, evoking some quaint little European town where I might imagine a modern day Belle (a la Beauty and the Beast) might hail from - albeit a more rich, sophisticated version; much worldly wise even than that 'poor, provincial' Belle of the film.

Beauty and the Beast

[WHAT IS IT WITH ME AND DISNEY LATELY?!]

Quite in love with this sheer pleated spot skirt:

Some rather witty sheer striped culottes layered over striped shorts to create a check.

A lovely rich red moment - despite it looking rather blood-orange below was actually a *true* red - contributed to my longing to add a true red moment to my own sartorial repertoire.