From covetable classics to clever innovators. This week we celebrate the innate quality of timeless design, and Australians who are perpetually testing the boundaries with fresh ideas. We took a look at UNIQLO‘s classic pieces, and now we can barely wait for their Australian debut! Quirky swimwear label We Are Handsome collaborated with Isson to create summer shades, and we discover Australian jewellery label Kitte.
By Bianca Healey.
UNIQLO are coming to Aus
Here at RESCU, we have been practically squealing with excitement ever since the announcement in October that Japanese retailer UNIQLO were setting up shop in Australia early next year. Japan’s biggest retailer won’t win any awards for ground breaking innovation, but what they do well- simple, high quality basics with a quirky edge, they do better than anyone else. With stores around the world, including Paris, New York and Singapore, it was high time UNIQLO expanded it’s Asian market with the inclusion of our sandy shores.
UNIQLO will open in Melbourne early next year, followed by Sydney shortly afterwards.
Rescu. took a peek at the collections set to launch along with the stores, and we certainly liked what we saw. So, what do we have to look forward to with the arrival of UNIQLO?
Anti-fast fashion:
Although UNIQLO’s prices match those on the high street, their garment’s quality is unparalleled. This is because the company is in control of the entire process, from sourcing raw materials, to quality control in factories, to design. The result is covetable products that unite quality and affordability. UNIQLO’s reputation is built on their exceptional cashmere, silk and denim for both men and women, and the looks we saw previewed did not disappoint. Rescu. Loves:
Silk Shirts:
In a multitude of colours, UNIQLO’s silk collared shirts rival those made ubiquitous by Equipment, for a fraction of the price. The ‘Silk Project’ strips back extraneous detailing, resulting in a sharp, sleek silhouette that exudes everyday luxury.
Denim:
Soft, lightweight denim; the ultimate ‘must have’ wardrobe staple. Produced in Japan, which is famed for its denim fabric mills and weaving processes, the ‘Denim Project’ focusses on updating the classic denim shirt for all walks of life. With simple, utilitarian forms, along with more feminine shapes and simply cut shirt dresses.
Cashmere:
We feel that there’s nothing more delectable than a simply cut 100% cashmere sweater. UNIQLO are able to sell gorgeous cashmere on the high street by sourcing high quality raw cashmere, washing spinning and dying it themselves, resulting in very affordable cashmere in a multitude of colours and cuts.
We are looking forward to updating our staples without having to plan an overseas trip!
Follow UNIQLO’s journey to Australia on instagram by following the hashtag: #uniqloau
We Are Handsome x Isson
We Are Handsome are digital swimwear pioneers, having burst onto the Australian swimwear scene several years ago with their innovative wildlife prints, and eclectic landscape scenes. An instant hit, beaches have become runways for those among us daring enough to sport a roaring lion, or herd of wild stallions on our lycra.
This summer, We Are Handsome have collaborated with Australian eyewear label Isson to create a range of digitally printed eyewear, and the results are a lush, playful and completely original.
After months of design development in new processes and shapes, the label has brought to life three of their favourite prints: a dreamy turquoise sky, the edgy, yet retro “tech” collage, and the moody paintbrush pattern.
The result? A luscious nine piece eyewear collection that captures We Are Handsome’s distinct design blueprint, along with Isson’s refined production of premium materials, Italian acetate and French lenses.
Rescu. Loves: The Maya Hideway sunglasses. Combining a classic wayfarer shape with the a punchy turquoise print, we can picture these shades complementing a classic white shirt as perfectly as a girly summer print.
The shades will retail for $319.
Available now from
Storm NZ x Kitte
Storm is a New Zealand-based store that bridges the gap between the high street and boutiques. Though there is one store in Melbourne, it’s not a label familiar to most Australians. We have recently taken another glance, however, because costume jewellery label Kitte is now being stocked, and the glamorous pieces blend seamlessly between daywear and nightwear. Designer Kitte Dickie began her label with a humble market stall in 1998 and is now one of the Australian fashion industry’s most respected labels. Used at Australian fashion week, the stunning designs are stocked at Storm stores, as well as online e-tailers like The Iconic.
So what’s caught our eye?
The geometric drama of the Kitte ‘First Landing’ necklace (pictured) would be the ideal accompaniment to a simple summer maxi dress, and we adore the mixture of warm rose gold and cool metallic tones. We also can’t get enough of the ‘Darkstar’ cuff, which uses leather tassels and exquisite diamante embellishments to lift the humble cuff to another level.
Though Kitte’s designs capture the glamour and opulence of another age, they always feel current and fresh. The dramatic elements are executed with an effortlessness that allows you to imagine pairing these pieces with a chic summer ensemble, as well as a sultry evening look.
Take a look at the collection now and shop online at