The Clothes Maiden A journal for the creative and fashionable minds
Edition 7. June/July 2012
Who would have thought that
The Clothes Maiden is one years old next month? July was an important month last year, not only did I create a magazine, I also graduated from university. I still remember that overpowering sense of unstability, worried what I’d do next. I feel like I’ve come a long, long way since 2011, let the good times keep coming! I’m very proud of all the issues so far, I’m badly excited to show you who we have discovered this time around. Take some time out, make a nice cool drink and stay for a while.
A journal for the fashionable and creative minds.
Contents
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Summer Crush
36 Nancy Mungcal
7 Summer Crush 10 Bowtieful
42 Rachel Loves Bob
16 Sanoii & Six
54 Grace Du Prez
46 Rianna Phillips
12 Pretty Things We Like
Dinosaur Toes
58 Miista
20 Dinosaur Toes
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66 Olivia Malone
22 Lu Flux
76 Lu La Loop
32 PebetaTeta
Rachel Loves Bob
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Editor: Stephanie Anderson
Contributors: Kellie Griffihs Collette Hagan
Illustrators:
Fiona Biddington Miriam Hull
Grace Du Prez
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Summer
Crush 6
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Summer Lovin’ French fashion and graphic designer Emilie Rousseau is the delightful creator of Summer Crush. Created in
2011, the label has developed a range of graphic printed T-shirts for us girls and the boys, which are truly lovely. Since 2002, Emilie has worked on a large range of projects such as designing collections for Noir Kennedy and Hells Bells as well as creating her very own line of clothing for Summer Crush. It was August 2011 that saw the launch of her own fashion blog and March this year saw the launch of the Summer Crush e-shop. Based in Paris, the style of the label is a mix of vintage and poetic spirit, with a splash of indie to make it the definition of perfection. The collection of T-shirts available online are inspired by the aesthetic of vintage science fiction movies as well as ancient vestiges. The prints become the focus of wild forest animals and futurist idols, combined with precious stones, minerals and geometric symbols. There is definite feel towards ‘a blast from the past’ in each design but it is a feeling that is intriguing and unique. There is a flawless line between modern and classic making Summer Crush the ultimate one stop shop for t-shirt prints this summer. Each T-shirt is designed and printed in France, with environmentally friendly inks making each an extra special buy. With each one priced at £30, it is clear you must have at least one in your wardrobe. By Kellie Griffiths
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Bowtieful
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eventeen year-old Daniëlle from Holland is the truly inspiring mind behind Bowtieful, a handcrafted bow tie label. Having being set up for 4 months now, Bowtieful has found a unique gap in the fashion market for custom-made bow ties. After becoming fed up of seeing the same old bow ties with straightforward and simple designs, Daniëlle wanted to create one of her own, with a completely original feel to it. The first one that she created was featured black leather complete with a silver stud detailing. So many people commented on it and were constantly enquiring where she had bought it. It was from this that she began starting making bow ties on request. As interest in her designs grew, she made more and began selling them on her own Tumblr site.
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Creating a bow tie into an everyday garment, Daniëlle has turned the usually formal accessory into a fashionable and daring item. Whether your style is preppy, casual or girly, Daniëlle has opened up a completely new world of statement accessories and we absolutely love it. From studs, chains and skulls, this label has it all to go with this season’s grunge trend. Bowtieful also make customer request ties, allowing you to choose your own print or colour ensuring it to be possible to have a bow tie for every single outfit! With her collection of ideas and designs still growing, Daniëlle is working on setting up her own online shop as well as getting her pieces into stores around the globe. Until then, you can access Daniëlle’s bow tie wonderland on her personal Tumblr page. By Kellie Griffiths
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Retro Typewriter Brooch
Pretty things we like
We found this hidden deep within the corners of Etsy, it was love at first sight. The designer Jacqueline Wagner produces some fab accessories, in the meantime this retro typewriter is totally doing it for us.
£7.00, wagner.de.com
Anchor Ring This delightful ring has been cross stitched by the talented Gemmer Cleaver who has been stitching away since she was a little girl. Her online shop is full of quirky, cute accessories all with a reasonable price tag - we love handmade bargains!
£6.00, www.yousewshould.com
Hawk Necklace After looking at A Alicia’s jewellery collection it only felt normal to include one of the beautiful handknitted accessories in this page. Anna Alicia only uses fairtrade organic cotton and vintage elements wherever possible. This Sea Foam green necklace is our favourite and it’s perfect for the summer months.
£35.00, www.aalicia.bigcartel.com
Lana Rose Garland Alice Band
Flower garlands are getting bigger and better, this oversized crown of flowers will sure to look dashing on anyones head. If you’re attending a festival this year - I think we have just found you the perfect accessory!
£16.00, www.somethingindie.co.uk
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Paul & Joe Matte Pressed Powder
We’re completely in love with this packaging, the cat theme is really doing it for us, big time! This gorgeous, fresh feeling powder is enclosed in an adorable cat design compact case, in honor of Paul & Joe’s 10th anniversary - the collection is inspired by Sophie Albou’s love of cats.
Marc Boutavant Secret Diary
Remember when you were little and you thought you were the bees knees because all your secrets were locked away inside a diary with a padlock? Pour your inner thoughts in to this colourful diary designed by artist, Marc Boutavant.
£15.00, www.fortyfourshop.co.uk
£28.00, www.candycandyjewellery.co.uk
Song Bird Purse Flower & Bird Trio Two rings for the price of one and this flower and bird trio would make any outfit complete. Whether you’re going to a craft fair with friends, or a meal with your family I’d like to think this accessory is the key to complete your outfit for any occasion.
£4.95, www.shopmozzypop.com
Pigeometry Triangle Earrings We have found you the perfect earrings by a nice label called Lovely Pigeon! These triangluar bad boys are sure to be noticed by just about anyone who’s in a 10 metre radius of you. Stand out from the crowd and pastel up this summer. £10.00, www.cowandco.co.uk
Daisy Chain Bracelet
If you’re thinking of buying a new purse or a new bag then Disaster Designs will have something for you. Born in the summer of 89 in a haze of tie dye and a tangle of dream catchers, Disaster has reinvented itself through the trends and fads of the last 20 years defining itself always as a lover of quirky and unusual thing
£15.00, www.disasterdesigns.co.uk
Glider Mug These adorable ceramic mugs are designed by Ridley & Dowser, this is known as a Glider mug. With two colours to choose from we are spoilt for choice. The mugs are specially made from Cornish clay in Cornwall. They have such a dreamy feel to them, perfect for basking in the sun and sipping your tea!
£7.50, www.ridleyanddowse.co.uk
Bear Canvas Tote
We’re pretty certain Junk Jewels is accessory heaven. Our favourite piece from the online collection is this Daisy Chain bracelet right here. It’s time to put those lovely tea party dresses on and accessorise like crazy!
£6.00, www.junkjewels.co.uk
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This is really something! Isn’t it? Have we possibly found you the cutest bag in the entire world? Well, if you’re fond of this bag, there are plenty more goodies over at Verónica de Arriba’s Etsy store. Her blog ‘depeapa’ is a massive inspiration, be warned! You will spend a good few hours flicking through page after page.
£13.92, www.depeapa.com
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Sanoii And Six By Kellie Griffiths
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anoii + Six are a small independent clothing label from deep down under, Australia. Creating both everyday pieces as well as swimwear, Sanoii and Six started out after the creative duo, Vienna Johnston and Samantha Wilson, decided to make a spontaneous move to another town and create an outlet for their ideas.
You are instantly hit with a sense of girlyness and romance when you browse their SS12 collection, titled ‘Chalk and Cheese’. Adding a range of weird and wonderful elements to their pieces, the girls have managed to create a beautiful array of garments perfect for any summer. Despite not being particularly feminine themselves, the clothes are still innocent, delicate and completely wearable for any occasion.
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Constantly designing with a classic aesthetic in mind, the two designers aim to ensure that their ideas never grow old by making sure they are
neither trend influenced or dated. This of course, isn’t an easy challenge as fashion is consistently bombarded with trends. However, it is something that Vienna and Samantha have achieved, and they have done so with complete effortlessness. Inspiration is taken from pieces that they do not have in their wardrobes. Most of the garments in the collections are pieces that they have dreamt of having but just haven’t found and they have filled that gap with their own ideas.
Adding to the sheer uniqueness of their product, each garment is made on the sunny coast in very small numbers, making them completely one of kind once you have got your hands on it. Peter pan collars and pretty floral patterns instantly put a smile on your face with this label. I think it’s fair to say once you have discovered Sanoii + Six, you are made to realise why you are head over heels in love with fashion to begin with.
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By Collette Hagan
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inosaur Toes, a name you have never really said out loud before but it sounds imaginative and cute doesn’t it? Now add jewellery design to that and you come up with the image of fossil-type jewellery, but what is exceptional about this, is that you don’t discover these cute pieces in any shop, not even stalls by the seaside.
Minimal but elegant jewellery suited to wear with any outfit, Dinosaur Toes has it sussed. There is a versatile choice of materials, such as brass, leather, pyrite and sterling silver on long chain necklaces, miniscule earrings or the bold larger earrings with an unusual quartet shape. Some pieces are more daring than others so if you’re feeling particularly audacious opt for the leather and stone spike necklace. It actually looks like what a person would imagine a dinosaur’s toe to be. The bold black beads compliment the fossil like spikes, working in opposing forces to create a design that, without a lot of thought behind would otherwise look just unusual, but instead this necklace can be described as eccentric with its own little air of quirkiness. The best news follows, as prices are as low as £7.32, and you’re paying for exclusivity because every piece is handmade therefore completely different from the next. Stocked on Etsy, it would be a good idea to get your kicks now before we hit the ‘buy all’ button and before you know it, they’re out of stock.
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Lu Flux Lu Flux trademark is focusing on combining traditional techniques with modern designs and plays on British eccentricity. Amazingly, behind each design is the triple labour of complex pleating, knitting and patch-working and this can only mean one thing, Lu Flux is tremendously talented. Following these techniques there is the wonderful output of luxurious garments ‘that celebrate the romance of the rare “one-off”’. The mix of modern shapes with patterns that you would associate with femininity and delicacy present themselves as sophisticated and colourful pieces. The Spring/Summer 2012 collection is cleverly based on the expectation of a tropical British summer but then we meet the reality of it. As all we Britons know, the summer here is never dictionary definition. This is defined in Lu Flux’s collection of candy colours and Hawaiian imagery, even the name “A-Lu-Ha” expresses the inspiration of the versatile weather. The trademark of patchwork is manageable incorporated into this collection, including a dress uniquely created from silk vintage scarves with fabric gathered as circles and sewn together at the edges, like a grass skirt but edgier and Lu Flux’s very own, individual take on it. Dresses are not the only wonderful clothing in this collection, amongst pieces there are raincoats which demonstrates just how playful Lu Flux label really is. No matter what the weather, Lu Flux has got you covered.
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By Collette Hagan
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PebetaTeta P
ebetaTeta sounds like something you sing on one of those days you are the most happiest, so it is an enchanting name for a jewellery label. In actual fact, the word itself is its very own mini project; it is a word game which is reminiscent of tango, femininity and humour. There are certainly too many brands that take women’s jewellery too seriously, and we are pleased to note that this is not one of those. There is a playful spirit and atmosphere surrounding this label itself and the name. The magical tale began in 2007; the aim was to transform everyday life into fantasy whilst portraying the image of sweet femininity, humour and sophistication. This certainly works well with the jewel-
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lery, allowing the pieces to compliment every-day to evening wear outfits.
The necklaces tell a story of their own whilst the earrings whisper sweet silent compliments to each other and the brooches keep our bags and clothes company.
Within five years, PebetaTeta have had their wonderful Argentine designs selling to the rest of the world, including their local market, then expanding to USA, Japan as well as many other European countries, and you will be pleased to know this includes London. If you’re feeling playful like we often are, and you want a change from those high street store earrings then PebetaTeta will fulfil your needs any time of the day.
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pretty little thieves
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ancy Mungcal is the talented face behind Pretty Little Thieves, where this label can be found on Etsy; offering cute prints, plates and many other handmade designs. Whilst coming across this online delight, it felt like a creative stick had just hit us hard in the face. Our favourite pieces are the ‘girls in graphite’ and the plates that are hand painted with such fine detail. We’re so envious of your skills, Nancy.
She tells us more about herself and the things closest to her heart.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself outside of Pretty Little Thieves? My name is Nancy. I draw, paint and make things. I have been fortunate to have my work exhibited in galleries in the United States, Canada, Spain and at South Korea's Art Daegu. I love music, art, travel especially road trips, vintage hunting and collecting as well as believing you can never have too many books.
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How did you got into the creative field? I have always been drawing and making things my whole life. Getting into the creative field has been part loosely planned and mostly giant leaps of faith.
We would love to know more about your illustration work? My illustration work has appeared in magazines such as Frankie and Foam. I count myself lucky and am really grateful for the opportunities to share my work.
Where are you currently based?
Who close to you inspires you?
I am currently based in the southern part of California in the United States. I live in a small quiet city by the mountains.
I am inspired by the girls I know and the artwork of my niece and nephew especially.
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Where do you see yourself in the future? As for the future, I’d like to keep making things and doing what I love perhaps someplace where it rains more often and surrounded by lots of trees.
What situations influence your work? Sadness and heartache.
Who in your life are your main influences? The people in my life, my family and my friends.
What music are you listening to at the minute? Avett Brothers, Mazzy Star, Lone Justice, Zoe Strauss, and Margaret Kilgallen to name a few!
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Physically, what inspires you? I often observe nature, the woods and the animals that inhabit them, mountains, road trips and music.
"My name is Rebecca and I am a London based designer selling under the alias of ''Rachel Loves Bob'' a homage to my sister Rachel's beloved cat Bob who is sadly no longer with us.� 41
handmade Jewellery and cat prints Behind this name is a cute but sad story, Rebecca the London based designer has called her label this, to pay homage to her sister’s beloved cat, Bob who is sadly no longer with us.
After teaching Art & Design for nearly 10 years, Rebecca has taken the courageous step to follow her dream and pursue a solo career, (you go girl!). Having experience and skills ranging from textiles to the graphic arts, this has given Rebecca an advantage in her designs and she is able to play around with pieces regarding the colours and prints.
To create versatility in her work, Rebecca contrasts simple and elegant geometric forms with colour and prints to make each piece wearable whether you are going out casually or for that important evening meal. Each piece is lovingly handmade so are the super cool cat prints, if you’re ever feeling down, or not, here is your fix.
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Rianna Phillips began pursuing her career in creating accessories after gradu-
Rianna Phillips
ating from Manchester School of Art last July. Producing a set of accessories for her final year collection is what kick - started the inspiration to follow her dream further.
After Rianna finished designing an embellished tote bag and digitally printed scarves for her University collection, interest in her work came in waves of friends and family requesting particularly types and colours. This lead further afield into her online store after people began to purchase designs as gifts for their friends.
What is really gratifying about the designs of Rianna Phillips is the details, describing it herself as ‘a labour of love’ it is clear that she is incredibly passionate about her accessories, with each one created for its own sole purpose. One of the accessories, the large portfolio bags were inspired by London Fashion Week when Rianna tells us that she noticed people did not seem to have the correct shaped bag which was flat enough to keep their iPads and MacBooks in, not to mention those fashion show tickets.
The latest collection, Shades of Suffusion has a range of bright, pastel and bold colours accessories to match any outfit. Not only thinking of the aesthetic of her designs but also the practical side; just goes to demonstrate that Rianna is set for big things. The collection offers all different shapes of bags, large clutch bags for that important office meeting, or a large tote bag that totally knocks the cat out of any other totes bag when it comes to how unique it is in shape.
Meet the bag of your dreams...
If you’re not keen on the largeness of the bags, then not to worry, fold over clutch bags are also available. Honestly, you need one of these in your life; we are lusting over these bags like you wouldn’t believe. Personally, we would go for the large portfolio clutch bag, because on a daily basis we acquire the universe into one bag, we don’t know how that is even possible but Rianna seems to understand the need for largeness everywhere, which we are entirely grateful for.
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If statement jewellery is what you’re after, Grace Du Prez is exactly what you need. Both a de-
signer and maker of trinkets and pieces; Grace is all about creating statements through exploring the qualities of materials and putting them into the making of jewellery. Using a textile led method and an experimental approach to design, Grace uses digital embroidery and material manipulation in order to produce completely unique accessories.
In July 2010, Grace graduated from the Royal College of Art and since has been able to contribute to various projects for Mint, an interior design shop as well as three art based pop up shops for Guts For Garters. It all started for Grace after being noticed for some of the interior pieces she made for her final college collection. Taking a liking to making these particular pieces, she started to sell her work at different markets and exhibitions. It was these places that provided her with a platform for her work. The success she has gained in the past 12 months has allowed her to create several distinctive collections as well as becoming a part of The Clothes Show and Secret Emporium Events for both Lovebox and Bestival. Geo:Neo is Grace Du Prez’s latest collection. Based upon geometric shapes with bold neon colours and glow in the dark elements, the designs add another exciting element to wearing jewellery. The pieces are made from hairy cowhide that has been digitally embroidered and put together with hair fringing as well as solid and chunky brass chains. Inspiration for Geo:Neo has been taken from dancewear and is intended to be seen under Ultra Violet lighting making it perfect to mix and match with this season’s latest trends. The future for this fascinating label is looking towards the festival season. We will be seeing lots of bright colours combined with flowers and ribbon as well as braided hair for a collection inspired by village fates, words can’t describe how excited we all are!
By Kellie Griffiths
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et me introduce you to Miista, the fashion forward footwear line based in Hackney, East London. Founder and designer Laura Villasenin is hugely inspired by British street style. The footwear line offers scrupulously crafted full bodied shoes with distinctive stylishness. The designs of these shoes are so eclectic and crazy, colours and materials that look like they would completely repel each other, in fact do the opposite and the end result is unusually beautiful shoes that are adaptable to almost any outfit. It is so rare to come across anything like this that here at The Clothes Maiden we just need every pair to place on our already over-crowded shoe rack. What’s more is each shoe is uniquely handmade and Miista focuses on high-quality materials and original designs, this is the secret recipe behind these beauties. The Spring/ Summer 2012 Collection, Live Free, Ride Hard is no exception to the use of opposites, and creates shoes out of this world. The influences for this collection are between the Wild West and Inca, demonstrating bold colours of hot pinks, vivid bright blues and hot oranges, not to mention the rest. Every single pair of shoes is entirely different from the next and you never know what you are going to get from this look book. It is like a lucky dip but better still, as you always get lucky.
Convention? This word is totally unrelatable when attempting to describe these shoes; the designs are something you cannot compare to a pair of shoes in a typical high street store. Whether flat shoes are your thing, or daring high heels or subtle wedges, Live Free, Ride Hard collection has it all. From cute kitsch patterned shoes to daring warrior but still uniquely feminine, every pair is mind blowing. You can hide your toes away or you can paint them and choose the pair you fall in love with.
The lookbook is the most colourful thing in life since rapeseed fields. Remarkable photographer Saga Sig has helped Miista create this masterpiece and it just completely encapsulates what this footwear label is about. Even on a rainy day you have an excuse to smile and put sunglasses on when checking out this latest collection.
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we love you...Olivia Malone 66
Born and raised on the East side of Los Angeles, Olivia Malone received her BFA in Photography and Imaging in 2004, graduating from NYU Tisch School of the Arts.
Magically, Olivia’s photography explores that transition we are all familiar with, the time between youth and adulthood. Her images place an emphasis on the period where freedom and independence defines the essence of youth’s brazen appeal. We all find ourselves jealous at our younger, much careless, less worried self. That is for sure. What is special and unique about Olivia is the way she handpicks subjects from her own personal life and makes use of locations that are symbolic to her, as well as real people in order to express the concepts that signify her own experiences.
Heart-warmingly, here at The Clothes Maiden, we are delighted to know that something so special and close to somebody’s heart, with all the passion they have put into it, has paid off, because Olivia’s work has been exhibited in group shows in Edinburgh, New York, Los Angeles and Austin. Travelling back and forth from Los Angeles, here is where Olivia has taken up an extended “muse” project which she has been working hard on for the past couple of years. This involves photographing a sweet girl called Sid in different locations with diverse inspirations.
Olivia herself tells us: “Sid is very special to me as she is a family friend, she is also the youngest of my muses. She was scouted by Hedi Slimane at Coachella around the same time I started shooting her. Besides having the most amazing face ever, she is incredibly cool and wise beyond her age. Sid is a surfer and has great personal style and taste in music and art for her age but I also feel certain nostalgia for my own youth when I hang out with her.” Just by this project, we can tell Olivia Malone is going to be a big name with such infatuation between youth and adulthood that is exposed so vividly in her captivating photography.
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Lu La Loop L
u La Loop, well it says it all in the name! Lucy Eggleton describes her knitwear label as a curious and loopy land; this instantly made our receptors eager to crave more knowledge about this eccentric independent label. The knitwear is designed purposefully for performance, stage, style and movement, so this is one subtle hint as to why the designs are so loopy and extravagantly exciting. With clothing, you just have to love it. If you don’t, you’re never going to establish that relationship you once had with that T-shirt your mother threw out last year, you know the one. The one you absolutely loved and really wanted to never take it off your back but personal hygiene always has to come first. Lu La Loop have found a gap in the market, clothing for busily active people, often actors, dancers, even random people who are just so hyper and on the move. What Lu La Loop is saying here is, listen don’t put yourself in some old sweats when you’re danc-
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ing, or some tight fit plain leggings because that is all what’s comfortable and acceptable, no! Wear playful and experimental clothes, that help you stay confident and look utterly out of this world, so far out of the world if you were in a show that night the audience would probably think you were an Avatar. If you’re not an actor, or a dancer fear not, these clothes are versatile for everybody, even the least daring of us. The white furry iridescent ghost top is so hot it beats the sun right now, specially designed for Grimes to wear during her 2012 tour. Then there is the loopy dress which has been worn by singer, Sharliza Jelita. Lu La Loop’s designs allow you to stand out from the crowd, to perform wherever you may be, in whichever situation you happen to be in. All of us, at one point are fed up with our wardrobes or even our lives so buy something new and be whoever you want to be.
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Oh My! We are one in July! To celebrate keep your eyes peeled for a super cool, super awesome giveaway on our blog.
www.theclothesmaiden.com @clothesmaiden
1) Iron & Wine Boy With A Coin
2) Radiation City Find It Of Use 3) Missy Higgins Stuff & Nonsense
6) Dia Frampton Trapeze
4) Boy Eats Drum Machine Hoop + Wire
7) SantigoldDisparate Youth
5) Typhoon White Liars
8) Niki & The Dove The Fox 9) Karin Park Restless
10) Princess Chelsea The Cigarette Duet
11) Poppy & The Jezebels ‘Sign In, Dream On, Drop Out!’ 12) Tu Fawning Anchor 13) Anna Calvi Blackout
14) My Goodness C’mon Doll 15) Cold Specks Holland
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