The New Frontier: Sydney’s Collection Bar Revolutionises Shopping
On the 30th of May, waiting around for clothing from an online store only to discover that it didn’t fit officially became a thing of the past.
The big deal? The Collection Bar at Broadway Shopping Centre, which allows online shoppers to come pick up parcels they’ve ordered online – and then try them on and return them if they don’t fit.
It’s designed to eradicate the most niggling problems of online shopping: ordering the wrong size, missing a delivery and the difficulties of picking up your post.
It’s a collaboration between Broadway, theICONIC (which has already sped up Aussie online shopping with its famous 3-hour shipping time) and ParcelPoint, who say the current model just doesn’t work. They’ve discovered that being home to receive a delivery safely can be massively tricky, and that people absolutely hate coming in to discover a ‘missed you’ courier card.
Fair enough.
TheICONIC says it’s all about wanting their customers to “live inspired, hassle-free lives”, and made a particularly invitation to students at the nearby University of Sydney to pop over.
One problem? The Collection Bar operates as a kind of checking point for impulse buyers, but it won’t give you other options or sizes: if what you’ve ordered doesn’t fit, you can’t exchange it for something that can. Unless you meet somebody with a similar problem in the changing rooms, that is.
What’s your online shopping horror story – and would the Collection Bar solve it?
Image: The Collection Bar, Broadway.
LIFEwithBIRD Goes Artistic With Ernesto Artillo
Into combining your art with your fashion? The new cutting-edge collaboration from LIFEwithBIRD will push all your buttons.
The kooky Melbourne label has commissioned some unique artworks from Spanish artist Ernesto Artillo, who specialises in collages.
The dreamy, other-worldly prints combine photos taken by the design duo Bridget McCall and Nicholas Van Messner and covered by Artillo in brushstrokes, startling primary colours and pop-art style cut-outs.
It’s all in line with fashion’s current love affair with art. Matisse’s new exhibition of paper cut-outs in London has seen a flood of Vogue editors and fashionistas, and the Met Museum in New York has just opened a new wing named after Anna Wintour herself.
The prints by LIFEwithBIRD and Ernesto Artillo aren’t to wear, unfortunately – but if you like collecting bits of fashion design with a gorgeous artistic edge, these prints, which will be 33x48cm and sold exclusively through LIFEwithBIRD’s website, might be your ideal present.
How far away is Christmas, again?
Image: Ernesto Artillo for LIFEwithBIRD.
Spain’s New First Lady Of Fashion: Introducing Queen-to-be Letizia
Her husband is, or shortly will be, the newest king of Spain – but Princess Letizia, the diminutive ex-news commentator with fabulous hair, is getting all the attention.
Why? Her famous (and controversial) sense of style.
So, in preparation for some truly epic coronation jewels and gowns (we can’t wait!), here’s a primer to Letizia’s fashion sense and how to get her sleek, European-chic look. Duchess Kate who?
Fashion background: Letizia was a news anchor before she married Prince Felipe, and still carries the air of a very polished professional who occasionally has to unbend and take bouquets from small children.
Key style pieces: Pencil skirts, classic Burberry trenches, subtle court shoes, silk tops and very little jewellery. Big jewels are gauche, darling, unless they’re tiaras for weddings and other such royal events. She’s also been known to break out a leather jacket or pants on occasion – though never together.
Favourite designers: She supports local Spanish designers – including Zara, Felipe Varela and Mango – but is also a fan of Loewe for handbags and shoes.
Invest in: A well-cut pants suit. Letizia causes mild scandal by regularly wearing them to royal audiences: Spanish royals are usually a bit more flashy.
Signature accessory: Fabulous hair.
Are you waiting with bated breath to see what she wears for the festivities? We are.
Image: Princess Letizia.
