Whilst online shopping has expanded in earnest, from its humble beginnings (Natalie Massenet once reckoned people called her the ‘crazy lady’, with the internet idea) to its now seemingly limitless heights, it’s sometimes easy to forget there are several independents striving to survive within a market dominated by the majors.
One such boutique, The Unconventional, has just recently launched and I’m hoping it’ll garner enough support to continue its curation of well-crafted, slightly off-kilter but not unwearably so, clothing and accessories from some of fashion’s most exciting but largely unheard names – Finnish label and LENS collaborator Dusty, dropcrotch-tastic I Love Ugly, and accessories label Virr, that’s got me a little bit in love.
Established in 2009 by Sydney-based designer J.W. Neate, this Oz label prides itself on its crafting accessories that embody what they seem to call a cross-class aesthetic (the luxurious finish associated with the garb of the rich, and the worn and rugged edge that connotes the not so rich), and the range runs the gamut from footwear to bags and briefcases.
The label’s premier collection gleans its inspiration from Englishman Samuel Johnson’s poem, The Vanity of Human Wishes, and includes several pieces in an array of leathers and finishes. Below are a few of my lookbook faves…
Thinking the laptop envelope would make a worthwhile purchase, no? After all, it’s easily justified, essential for Uni etc. etc. etc.
Another wonderfully informative post. You do manage to dig up some absolute (and previously unheard of) gems. -Stephen http://www.stitchesfabricandsoul.com
I love it and want it!!