173 people lost their lives in the devastating bushfires that ravaged 51 townships. Over 5,000 homes, schools and businesses were destroyed. Up to 400 fires were recorded on that Saturday, a day now known as Black Saturday.

As the dying embers turned to ash, photographer Billy Law visited the affected areas between Marysville and Kinglake, equipped with a camera, a helium gas tank and a handful of red balloons. Over 5 days, Billy witnessed first-hand the extent of the bushfire damage. He also spent time with locals, finding the people behind the ashes, listening to their stories, and inspired by their bravery in the distress situation.

By reviving the charcoal and desolate landscapes with a single red balloon, Billy hopes this collection of medium format photographs capture the impact of the tragedy, and also convey the overriding sense of hope amidst the scenes of blackened ruin.

The red balloon is a poignant symbol of dreams, hope and courage. This photographic exhibition is a tribute to those who lost their lives in the bushfires.

The Red Balloon is Billy’s first solo photographic exhibition.

Be sure not to miss a special Q&A Session with artists Billy Law and Anna Warr at 1pm Sunday 21 June.

16-27 June 2009
The Depot Gallery II
2 Danks Street Gallery
Waterloo

Whether you like it or not, Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) has chosen Jimmy Choo, the British shoemaker, as the latest luxury brand to design a cheap collection. Interestingly also is that H&M has been slowly moving up the foodchain with the latest announcement coinciding with the news that it will start selling Jimmy Choo’s range of shoes, bags and accessories in 200 of its 1,800 stores worldwide from mid November.

Jimmy Choo

The latest Q-pot offering is a series full of sweet honey and bees. Available as necklaces or rings.
Limited stock instore.

The latest VA offering presents more of the same homeware, collectible toys, jewelleries, art books and zines VA has become known for as well as specially selected fashion labels from Japan including Cosmic Wonder, 20,000,000 fragments, Mikio Sakabe and TO&CO. Selected local labels, such as Rittenhouse, are also on the line up.

VA Flagship
Shop 3, 285A Crown Street Surry Hills
Opening hours:
Mon-Wed, Fri 11am-7pm
Thu 11am-9pm
Sat 10am-6pm
Sun 10am-5pm

One of VA’s favourite design groups, FriendsWithYou, has been commissioned to create new sculptures for an exhibition at the Art Gallery of Western Australia for a show titled “THING beware the material world”. The show features their newest inflatable sculptures “Rising Spirit” and “Phantom Mid Flight”. “THING beware the material world” brings together a range of works that challenge common perceptions of what design can be, and celebrates the human impulse to shape and re-shape the world around us. Read the interview with artist Samuel Albert Borkson, one half of FriendsWithYou.

Be sure to check it out if you are in Perth (or visiting Perth!)
Art Gallery of Western Australia
18 April - 5 July 2009

And he is taking lots of cool photos of Sydney-siders during fashion week. Prior to his Sydney stop, he was in Melbourne so be sure to check some street snaps he took south of the border.

We’ve always been a fan of The Satorialist blog as his keen eye for style and candid snaps capture the time and care each individual takes to show off their uniqueness, whether it be subtle details or loud colours. After seeing his many snaps around Europe and the US, it’s wonderful to have him in town - we hope he likes what he sees!

If you are fascinated by the Hokusai Tatebanko paper diorama, then fix your eyes over Chris Jordan’s take on the classic masterpiece. Instead of paint, the colours are composed for 2.4 million pieces of plastic!

Read the whole article at Inhabitat.

Welcome to the smaller but equally fascinating world of Via Alley at VA Select.

The petite VA Select store features some of the very-best small objects and accessories Via Alley has to offer. As well, VA Select provides a unique retail experience with personalised service and a distinct interior designed by Sydney-based newcomer Lenny Wong.

P.S. the bigger and fuller Via Alley will open on Crown Street, Surry Hills in May. We will keep you posted!

VA SELECT

Shop RG26A, The Galeries Victoria (TGV)

500 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Australia

After an awesome collaboration with Louis Vuitton, Comme des Garcons did it again with its new exclusive collaboration with Medicom Toys (or more precisely, be@rbricks) in its two-months pop-up store, Comme des Garcons Black in Aoyama (same place as the CdG x LV store).

There was no point taking a photo of its store front this time because it is pure black, ie you cannot see what is inside the store unless you go in. Once inside, you will be hooked by all the CdG x Be@rbrick goodies, from shirts, to t-shirts, to accessories. Pictured is my purchase of the CdG x Be@rbricks chain bracelet.

Can’t wait to see what CdG comes up with next!

@Comme des Garcons Black, Aoyama.

Important shipping notice for orders until 30 April

During this period, all orders will be dispatched once a week, that is, any orders placed by Sunday will be dispatched the following Tuesday. Unfortunately we cannot access the warehouse regularly during our shop transition so please bear this in mind before you place your order. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we transition between stores.