Wednesday, 16 September 2015

Collaborate. Make. Repeat.



A collaboration is working with others to complete a task and achieve shared goals. It is more than an intersection of common goals but a deep, collective determination to reach a homogeneous outcome.

The last few weeks I have been collaborating with a designer from the other side of the continent. Kind of like the frantic group projects at school, or the weekly Wednesday boardroom meeting prior to product launch. 

Our geographical differences result in our meetings taking on an nontraditional form. Our boardroom is Pinterest. Our Wednesday meeting is any day of the week, at any time of day (or night). We don't have a person to take minutes, we have our Smartphones. 

Once our worlds were small because distances are so great. Now our worlds are small because distance is irrelevant. None of this East Coast / West Coast nonsense.

The message is nothing new but one that is deeply pertinent. The collection evokes the notion of casting aside labels and thumbing judgement based on out dated societal views. "It is about women being their most feminine, confident selves, celebrating their value, personality and all the traits that make them an unforgettable woman." (Karolina, Karolina Couture Lingerie)

Karolina sews her tale through lingerie. I sculpt my message in shoes. We have collaborated to communicate our message at Telstra Perth Fashion Festival (PFF) and with a little tenacity, hopefully much further.

If you would like to see what we have been working on, simply click herehere, or here.  :)





Monday, 27 April 2015

Hustle On


I have a little secret that I must share. It is not one of those earth shattering secrets that draws a sharp intake of breath. Nor is it tawdry enough to render a reader to blush. Its nature is inconsequential. It is the type of secret that solicits the response "really?" But here goes...

I really like Canberra.

Seriously, I really do. Canberra is fun, clean, organised and wonderfully creative. It has spectacular mountain ranges, quaffable wines, quality local produce and enough expendable income to encourage developing artists. 

@Hustle&Scout

Many, many moons ago I resided in Canberra, I had a blast. However, being a Coastie at heart the 150 km trek to the beach stretched the boundaries of love too far. Alas, the ACT was simply not destined to develop into a long term, live in relationship. Nevertheless, my interlude did nurture some beautiful friendships that lure me back for weekends. 

Top 3 things I like (a lot) about Canberra

1. Asian Noodle House Dickson. They dish out the best Laksa, full stop. The coconut milk is hot but not burnt and you will never find carrot lurking behind the al dente Hokkien noodles.

2. Hustle&Scout Twilight Market and not just because I exhibited there. The market showcases Independent Australian Fashion labels, pumping live music, DJs (real ones, not the kind that mix on their iPhone) and delicious food. 

3. The Parliamentary Triangle (for the boffin within).





Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Make your very own sandals!


Adapt a range of simple designs to create a stylish pair of sandals that you can take home on the day. This workshop will teach you how to fit and create using basic leather working skills and construction techniques.


Sandal Making Dates:
  • Saturday 20th June





Location: 53 Ridge Street North Sydney
Time:       9am - 5pm. It is a big day!
Includes: Morning Tea and all materials required to make a basic pair of strappy sandals.
Cost:       $220.00

Sunday, 21 December 2014

Snippets of a Sandal Maker

Last Saturday saw my final Sandal Making Course for 2014. It was a blast. I love showing shoe addicts how to make their very own footwear. So, a big THANK YOU to all those ladies that have made my sandal course so much fun.

With course dates for January full, 2015 is shaping up to be yet another Sandal Making Frenzy. Do not fret, as I have the following dates available (with more to come):

Saturday February 7, 2015 - Full
Saturday February 21, 2015


Location: 53 Ridge Street North Sydney
Time: 9am - 5pm. It is a big day!
Includes: A light lunch and every thing required to make a basic pair of strappy sandals.
Cost: $220.00

Saturday, 6 December 2014

One Day Sandal Making Course - New Dates

Learn how to make a basic pair of strappy sandals.

Venue - Shiny 2 Gallery: 53 Ridge Street North Sydney. Time: 10am - 4pm

Dates:
22nd November 2014 - full.
6th December 2014 - full
20th December 2014 - 3 seats available
10th January 2015 - full
7th February 2015 - 4 seats available
21st February 2015 - 4 seats available

Cost: $220 includes a light lunch.

For more information or to register your interest in this unique course
please Contact me at victoriachu.com.au


Sunday, 23 November 2014

The Truth Behind Leather

Whilst willing away insomnia induced idleness I came across a video on Gizmodo. It covers the process of making leather. It emphasises the environmental/health reasons about why we ought to purchase quality leather and conversely the implications of penny pinching on our leather goods. 

As blogger Casey Chan says "Leather is beautiful, luxurious and natural and one of the great materials of the world. However, it is absolutely gross to make." So, let this be a warning, the video linked below is not for the faint hearted, the vegan (there is no animal cruelty), nor those on time constraints (12 mins). 



Saturday, 8 November 2014

Shoe Making Event

 'One Day Sandal Making Course'
Venue - Shiny 2 Gallery: 53 Ridge Street North Sydney. Time: 10am - 4pm

Dates:
22nd November 2014 - full.
6th December 2014 - full
20th December 2014 - 3 seats available
10th January 2015 - 1 seat available


Cost: $220 includes a light lunch.

For more information or to register your interest in this unique course
please Contact me at victoriachu.com.au