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WEDNESDAY 6th at 7pm.
CHRISTCHURCH ART GALLERY
TICKETS $20 – tel: (03) 941-7382

Be in quick to get your tickets for an exclusive modelled show of the Starfish Winter 2009 collection, Heirloom. This pays homage to Rita Angus’s legacy and was inspired by her unique palette and incredible interpretation of New Zealand landscapes.

Finish the evening with a private guided tour of Rita Angus: Life & Vision. Ticket price includes complementary champagne on arrival. Cash bar available.

http://www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz/Events/May/

Being a Top 12 supporter of the radio station RDU-98.5FM in Christchurch, November was our Month of Glory where we got to run a competition of our choice and give away prizes. We thought that this sounded like a good opportunity to get some tips on how to lesson our impact on the planet, so we asked listeners to ring in with their most innovative, interesting or extreme eco-solution. Thanks to all who participated – the response was great!

Below are the solutions from our winners – Celeste, Miles, Bee and Toby. Congratulations and keep on pushing the agenda.

Recycling/Sustainability Solution – “Rather than constantly buying new stuff, I organise book and clothing swap parties with my friends. It’s free and social” (Celeste).

Fair-trade Solution – “Buy fair-trade underpants and keep the sweat out of your knickers” (Miles).

Alternative Energy Sources Solution – “I put my hand into the compost bin – it was hot! I used this ‘heat energy’ to create a smell-proof compost mattress base that heats up my mattress during frosty winter nights” (Bee).

Pollution Solution – “Carboys that leave McDs and KFC rubbish on the side of the road should be summarily executed at 12 noon every Sunday in the Square. One in the temple!” (Toby).

…yep, well I guess sometimes extreme measures are necessary.

Starfish continued to explore ways to lessen their impact on the environment at this year’s Air New Zealand Fashion Week by using goodie bags made out of recycled Meridian billboard skin, which Meridian save in the hope that they can use them again for a purpose such as this.

The bags were then filled with supporters product that share sustainable business practices including Living Nature make-up, Grove Mill wine, Trilogy skin-care, Celcius coffee, Eco Store laundry powder, Trade Aid chocolate and Dharma hair products – showing that living sustainably doesn’t have to mean going without the things we love.

The Dominion Post – Carolyn Enting

Wellington labels STARFISH and LAURIE FOON returned to the catwalk at Fashion Week with a strong statement on style and sustainability. It has been four years since Laurie Foon and co-designer Carleen Schollum last showed at Fashion Week. Their winter 09 collection – HEIRLOOM – was partly inspired by the Rita Angus: Life and Vision exhibition at Te Papa and Angus’ desire to create something unique and lasting.

 The pair doubled their workload sourcing fabrics from New Zealand suppliers. 65% of the garments in the show were made from locally produced and sustainable fabrics, including fine gauge merino grown and milled in the South Island and woven in Timaru; merino silk possum scarves knitted in the Manawatu; and knits from the Bay of Plenty.

But now it is all over, Foon and Schollum are understandably a little anxious. They needn’t be. The collection is effortlessly wearable and fashionable. My picks are the superbly cut, killer LAURIE FOON ‘Socialite’ pants and the STARFISH organic denim ‘Dowry’ coat and high waist skirt.

Sustainable and gorgeous.

Runway Reporter – Chloe de Ridder

For her return to Air New Zealand Fashion Week for the first time in years, Laurie Foon sent models down a bronze metallic runway, with eyeshadow to match. Starfish’s sporty luxe look was particularly successful – the casual look matched the casual vibe of the show.

Titled HEIRLOOM, the range is inspired by all things precious and unthinkable to lose. This means lots of pieces made from natural fabrics which are designed to last. The influence of Rita Angus shows through the vibrant colours – amber, lots of grey and a seasonal print which resembles brush strokes on a canvas.

The collection is sure to become precious to New Zealanders, with stand-out pieces including a pink puffer jacket, the hoodies and anything plaid.