Crazy Sexy Cool

Image courtesy of MONA

I've been vacationing in Tasmania.  It was my very first visit to the island state and there were a few things on the list...

The highlight for me? MONA, which I'd been dying to visit since the doors opened in January.  It's the brainchild of filthy rich eccentric David Walsh, thus a truly spectacular display (being a private collection - no holds barred!). 

The Monanism exhibition has been extended past July, if you're in or about the Southern Hemisphere, I'd highly recommend a look in.  mb

North of the North Island

Back to Auckland today, farewell Wellington!  This is the souvenir I picked up from Karen Walker, a narrow engraved acrylic cuff in 'smog'. mb

We Heart Christchurch

Walking through the streets of Wellington I'm taken by the local support for Christchurch.  It's warming and I wanted to share these quick snaps with you...

What can we do to help? Make a donation to the New Zealand Red Cross. Thinking of you Chch, mb

Smother Me

Blanket Protection by Victoria McIntosh

Welcome to Wellington!  Time for a long weekend catching up with old friends, wining, dining and indulging in a few NZ Fringe Festival events.

First on the list:  Smother, an exhibition of fibre based art by Dunedin jeweler Victoria McIntosh.  mb

Call Waiting

The Gaugin Gown Jo Torr 2001

I remember the 1995 opening of the Auckland Art Gallery's NEW Gallery, an exciting time with space dedicated to contemporary art.  Not to mention the flash new much-talked-about restaurant below: Paramount.

Fast forward 16 years and it's time to reflect.  What better way to do so than visiting the gallery's retrospective exhibition Call Waiting: A Celebration of the NEW Gallery 1995-2011.  Time for a trip down memory lane... mb

Not So Distant Shores

Karen Walker Pussy Bow Cotton Blouse & Marle Boat Pants

I'm home in New Zealand for couple of very good reasons: my Mum's 60th birthday and my nephew's 4th birthday.  It's celebration time all round!

Not to mention the impending 'change of season', we all know what that means... change of fashion.  Oh, yes.

My wish list?  It's just begun, but I'm thinking good quality fitted knits, 60's style stovepipe pants and some new boots in order.  For now, beginning to browse and where better to start that Karen Walker's A/W11 Southern Hemisphere collection.  mb