There are so many different ways a shopping fiend like Closet Case can find to to engage these days- online on an ipad, laptop, phone, desktop computer (what is that again?), “irl” at a market, mall, boutique, warehouse sale or garage sale. As Closet Case has pondered our shopping habits this week, which range from weekend treks to designer studio sales to sneaky ASOS browsing under the covers before bed, we have realised that we are basically shopping in some form or another 24/7!
We are constantly bombarded with so many images and options, we find that it is becoming hard to shock, or delight us these days. So when something arises that truly excites our senses and sensibilities, we get oh so excited! Below are a creative cohort who are re-envisioning how we interact with the spaces, both physical and virtual in which we shop;
By Bianca Healey.
With the rise of what style.com has dubbed ‘video fashion week,’ in which the public can now become immersed in the ins and outs of a fashion show via live streams, twitter and instagram, as well as even more intimate innovations like “model cam,” it seems no surprise that designers are translating this interactivity to the daily machinations of their brand.
Designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler have always been the cheeky teenagers of the new wave of New York designers, and their website re-launch on Monday this week is a tumblr-tastic visual feast. The site combines collections and online shopping with a showcase of the artistic collaborations for which they are infamous, such as a wacky viral Youtube video by Harmony Korine and video game-inspired art film ‘Desert Tide.’
The high point of the re-launch, however, was the Spring ’13 Collection video, directed by David Sims with music by Eddie the Wheel. It is a hyper-coloured whirlpool of languid models overlaid with sumptuous imagery and dreamy colours. The website is more than merely a platform for their collection, but a beautiful extension of the brand’s aesthetic and a celebration of creativity.
Check it out here:
The minds behind Glue Store have launched a new version of the Glue Store; a ‘Glue Store 2.0’, if you will. Named Super Glue Store, the space opened to the public on the 14th of March at Highpoint Melbourne and dominates 1000 square metres of space. The concept store features 13 concept areas, including a coffee bar, music station and a Miss Selfridge concept store, the first of its kind for the iconic UK high street giant.
Another intimate feature is an inbuilt tailored atelier for a bespoke jean tailoring service, a personalized experience for the customer that ensures that the cut and fit of your denim can be perfected at the source. The Super Glue Store also introduces a slew of new local and international brands including Scotch and Soda, Bec and Bridge, Jac and Jack, Senso, Current Elliott, Ray Bans, Pointer, Paige Denim, Kahlo and Antipodium.
Reminiscent of spaces such as gallery/retail store Dover Street Market in London, or the Opening Ceremony installation art spaces in New York and Tokyo, the store promises a new kind of sensory experience for the shopper where exploration lies in the hands of well, the explorer (you!)
The newest shopping innovation is Stalkthis.com, a project that allows even greater efficiency and ease for our inner bargain-hunter. For Closet Case’s aforementioned 24 hour shopping proclivity, it is the ultimate way to keep tabs on that dream bag that is just too exorbidant to consider, or fantasy coat that is perfect except for the fact that its purchase is 3 pay packets into the future.
Basically, when you find such an item on your favourite online store, you can ‘stalk’ it using this site. When and if the product goes on sale, Stalkthis will let you know, like a good friend who calls you at 8:55pm during Thursday night shopping when they discover that the shoes you’ve had your eye on are now discounted.
Trending in a big way in the US right now, with a write-up in the New York Times, Stalkthis is the first online social retail website of its kind available in Australia. The site is so useful because your shopping wishlist can be saved in one place, at hand to manage as circumstances (and prices!) change. Described by Chloe Morello–Australia’s No 2 beauty blogger, as “just like Pinterest–only it’s for shoppers,” this is the new means of managing your shopping wish list, and bank balance! So exciting!
Check it out here:
When one of our favourite Sydney boutique makes it easier than ever to shop from their store, Closet Case cannot help but be excited! Having showcased a distinct mix of local and interational designer labels to the Australian public for more than 30 years, the Robby Ingham online store at www.robbyingham.com quickly became a port of call for the globally-minded style set.
Robby Ingham‘s partnership with wantitnow.com.au, Australia’s only express delivery shopping portal makes it incredibly easy to shop the boutique’s exquisite luxury brands and get the fashion fix (close to) immediately. The boutique now offers three hour, twilight and timeslot delivery options across Sydney.
Check it out here:
