Carolyn Enting
Nourishing as well as colouring Chromatics by Redken is being hailed as a next generation hair treatment. Inoa by L’Oreal, of which I’m already a fan, shares the same oil delivery system and like Chromatics is ammonia free. Chromatics also contains protein extract technology which protects and nourishes the hair at the same time it’s been coloured. The cuticle is enveloped within a layer of protective oil before the oil delivery system propels permanent dyes and “fortifying” proteins into every strand, while delivering 100 per cent grey coverage. Because it’s ammonia free it doesn’t smell, which means it’s pleasant for your hairdresser as well as you. I tried it out for myself last week and was impressed, as I’m a big Inoa fan and love the Inoa experience at Haight Ashbury where they mix up the colour in front of you, like a cocktail. It’s a ritual. But Inoa does itch a little on the scalp and Chromatics didn’t on me which was interesting. While I’m prepared to put up with a little itch for ammonia free and the amazing massage that follows, Chromatics has same colour result and no itch which gets a massive tick. Chromatics is available at Redken salons including Bamba Zonke (Wellington) and Blaze (Newmarket, Auckland).

Nourishing as well as colouring

Chromatics by Redken is being hailed as a next generation hair treatment.

Inoa by L’Oreal, of which I’m already a fan, shares the same oil delivery system and like Chromatics is ammonia free.

Chromatics also contains protein extract technology which protects and nourishes the hair at the same time it’s been coloured.

The cuticle is enveloped within a layer of protective oil before the oil delivery system propels permanent dyes and “fortifying” proteins into every strand, while delivering 100 per cent grey coverage.

Because it’s ammonia free it doesn’t smell, which means it’s pleasant for your hairdresser as well as you.

I tried it out for myself last week and was impressed, as I’m a big Inoa fan and love the Inoa experience at Haight Ashbury where they mix up the colour in front of you, like a cocktail. It’s a ritual.

But Inoa does itch a little on the scalp and Chromatics didn’t on me which was interesting. While I’m prepared to put up with a little itch for ammonia free and the amazing massage that follows, Chromatics has same colour result and no itch which gets a massive tick.

Chromatics is available at Redken salons including Bamba Zonke (Wellington) and Blaze (Newmarket, Auckland).

Alexandra Owen fans are saddened by the news of her closure and none more so than Rosie Dawson-Hewes. Earlier today we were commiserating and Rosie’s words resonated. I asked her permission to share them with you as I felt they spoke for a lot of people. “I actually feel a bit like I’m in mourning. I’m probably over-reacting, but she was one of the first Kiwi designers who I really felt a connection to. You know, when I discovered her stuff, I felt like she’d gone into my dreams and created what she saw! That really sculptural, dark quality, but still lady-like and impeccably tailored - that’s my aesthetic. That’s what I love to wear. And I just feel like now there’s a big gaping hole in both my heart and my wardrobe!! Sob.”

Alexandra Owen fans are saddened by the news of her closure and none more so than Rosie Dawson-Hewes. Earlier today we were commiserating and Rosie’s words resonated. I asked her permission to share them with you as I felt they spoke for a lot of people.

“I actually feel a bit like I’m in mourning. I’m probably over-reacting, but she was one of the first Kiwi designers who I really felt a connection to. You know, when I discovered her stuff, I felt like she’d gone into my dreams and created what she saw! That really sculptural, dark quality, but still lady-like and impeccably tailored - that’s my aesthetic. That’s what I love to wear. And I just feel like now there’s a big gaping hole in both my heart and my wardrobe!! Sob.”

Alexandra Owen - a tribute

New Zealand will lose one of its greatest design talents when Alexandra Owen closes the doors of her flagship Wellington store next month and heads offshore.

The discontinuation of her celebrated label is something to cry over. I shed a tear and I know I’m not the only one.

Former Mayor Kerry Prendergast, a vocal champion of Owen’s talent, cried “OH NO!” when I called her for her reaction. “I’m wearing an Alexandra Owen jacket and skirt right now,” she admitted. “It’s devastating”.

Dominion Post editor Bernadette Courtney is wearing an Alexandra Owen jacket today in support of the designer. The front page of today’s paper carries the news of Owen’s decision to shut shop and how difficult it is for independent designers in the current economic climate.

Starfish designer Laurie Foon was also rocked by the news. “Alexandra set a precendent for us and an astounding recognition for her craft and silhouette. It’s a devastating blow for the Wellington fashion community. Her presence will be missed. We wish her well for the future,” Foon says.

As for the future, Owen “has her feelers out”. She has her eye on the main fashion centres (New York, Milan, Paris, London) and is looking to add value to an overseas fashion brand at a design level. It won’t be long before she is snapped up!

Owen is proud of what she has achieved and says she wouldn’t have made it this far without the incredible support of so many people. “That’s what makes it the hardest. We will be really sad to leave those people behind,” she says.

The only silver lining about this is that she will go into sale next week. Aside from being gorgeous items to wear her garments are now set to become collector’s pieces.

Alexandra Owen’s shock announcement Sob, Alexandra Owen is closing her flagship store, discontinuing her label and moving offshore. http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/7015911/Top-Wellington-designer-to-quit-capital Read more in tomorrow’s Dominion Post

Alexandra Owen’s shock announcement

Sob, Alexandra Owen is closing her flagship store, discontinuing her label and moving offshore.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/7015911/Top-Wellington-designer-to-quit-capital

Read more in tomorrow’s Dominion Post

Tiki time

Tiny tiki, flying tiki and cheeky cartoonish characters - the hei tiki has evolved beyond kitsch plastic pendants of the 60s and 70s and found a place in fashion and popular culture.

Read my story in today’s Dominion Post by following this link: http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/fashion/7011638/Mystery-of-the-classic-tiki

Champagne anyone? There is now another very good reason to visit Museum Art Hotel in Wellington aside from the fabulous food. A Champagne trolley is the latest service addition to its French restaurant, Hippopotamus. It’s believed to be the only restaurant in New Zealand to have one and offers diners an elegant, unique level of service. The trolley was specifically handcrafted by Thorndon-based Sebastian Bissinger of Splinters & Pixels workshop which designs and crafts furniture. It’s made from Elmwood sourced from Hawke’s Bay. Elmwood was often used to make Champagne trolley’s in Europe hundreds of years ago. Hmm, think I need to examine the fine workmanship of this trolley over a glass of bubbles. www.hippopotamus.co.nz

Champagne anyone?

There is now another very good reason to visit Museum Art Hotel in Wellington aside from the fabulous food. A Champagne trolley is the latest service addition to its French restaurant, Hippopotamus. It’s believed to be the only restaurant in New Zealand to have one and offers diners an elegant, unique level of service. The trolley was specifically handcrafted by Thorndon-based Sebastian Bissinger of Splinters & Pixels workshop which designs and crafts furniture. It’s made from Elmwood sourced from Hawke’s Bay. Elmwood was often used to make Champagne trolley’s in Europe hundreds of years ago. Hmm, think I need to examine the fine workmanship of this trolley over a glass of bubbles. www.hippopotamus.co.nz

Gok’s style tips Gok Wan is finally in NZ after having to postpone his earlier tour. He’s here to give three free seminars tonight, tomorrow and Thursday at Westfield centres in Auckland. I’ll be talking to him tomorrow about his Body Shape Calculator that he is launching but before then, here are some style tips from him. Gok Wan Style Tips 1.        Accessories can draw the eye to your favourite feature, and are a simple way of updating your wardrobe with this season’s trends. I never met some sparkle I didn’t love! 2.        Hello, Lady Luxe! A tuxedo jacket is always a classy and flattering addition to a wardrobe. Throw one on and you’re ready for a night on the town. 3.        When it comes to layering, a great belt is your new BFF – it’ll keep everything together and give you a fab silhouette. 4.        Ladies, it’s a wrap! Go for a sexy trench, a man-style coat, a cool duffle, or lighten things up with colour. There are so many ways this season to stay warm but still look sizzling hot! 5.        A full skirt is a godsend for rectangle body shapes, it can add some gorgeous curves to a boyish frame. 6.        If you’re an hourglass lady, a pencil skirt will hug you in all the right places. Divine! 7.        If it’s all happening upstairs try a pretty A-line skirt to balance out your inverted-triangle figure. 8.        A wrap dress will show off your drop-dead figure, and will cling in all the right places. Then, add accessories like scarves, belts and shoes to emphasize your favourite bits! 9.        When it comes to your wardrobe, you wear the pants. Trousers are making a comeback for after-five wear. Go sleek and black for something slimming, or work a busy print to add some drama. And match them to your shoes for extra inches! 10.    A pretty blouse will add a shot of ladylike loveliness to your wardrobe. Clever detailing can be perfect for pear shapes as they draw the eye up towards the neckline. Alternatively, patterns and textures can fill it out. There’s something for every foxy figure! 11.    Prints, prints, prints: one word, so many options! Swathe yourself in clashing patterns to stay on trend, and show your wild side. They’re also great if you want to add some oomph to your top or bottom half. 12.    If you’re on the busty side (and you know I love those bangers!) but want to look a bit more svelte, a V-neck top slims your top half.   13.    Be a gem, and dip into this season’s treasure trove of bright, jewel tones and sparkle your night away! 14.    A ’60s shift is wonderful for rectangular figures. It’s retro and right on the money. Step back in time, you sexy thing. 15.    Cardigans work wonders with layering. Add a belt, but leave it open a fraction to show a column of what lies beneath, and keep ‘em guessing girls! 16.    As well as being seriously chic, a cropped jacket works well for pears or rectangles, as it adds a bit more shape to your bust. Now there’s some Fairy Gokmother magic!      17.    A blazer streamlines any look, and can take you from day to night in super style. And if it’s fitted, it’s a subtle way to enhance your curves just a touch. 18.    Choose a cropped jacket to emphasize your sexy legs, and also complement this season’s high waists. 19.    Ahhh…boots. A winter classic that never goes out of style. Find a pair which flatter your legs and get ready for a long and happy relationship! 20.    Black is any girl’s best friend, it makes any silhouette sleek. Wrap a cardi, fitted knit or trench over the top to define your sexy shape. 21.    Horizontal stripes are everywhere right now. Embrace them especially if you’re a rectangle or inverted triangle. They scream chic darling! View Gok’s Body Shape Calcuator at www.westfield.co.nz

Gok’s style tips

Gok Wan is finally in NZ after having to postpone his earlier tour. He’s here to give three free seminars tonight, tomorrow and Thursday at Westfield centres in Auckland.

I’ll be talking to him tomorrow about his Body Shape Calculator that he is launching but before then, here are some style tips from him.

Gok Wan Style Tips

1.        Accessories can draw the eye to your favourite feature, and are a simple way of updating your wardrobe with this season’s trends. I never met some sparkle I didn’t love!

2.        Hello, Lady Luxe! A tuxedo jacket is always a classy and flattering addition to a wardrobe. Throw one on and you’re ready for a night on the town.

3.        When it comes to layering, a great belt is your new BFF – it’ll keep everything together and give you a fab silhouette.

4.        Ladies, it’s a wrap! Go for a sexy trench, a man-style coat, a cool duffle, or lighten things up with colour. There are so many ways this season to stay warm but still look sizzling hot!

5.        A full skirt is a godsend for rectangle body shapes, it can add some gorgeous curves to a boyish frame.

6.        If you’re an hourglass lady, a pencil skirt will hug you in all the right places. Divine!

7.        If it’s all happening upstairs try a pretty A-line skirt to balance out your inverted-triangle figure.

8.        A wrap dress will show off your drop-dead figure, and will cling in all the right places. Then, add accessories like scarves, belts and shoes to emphasize your favourite bits!

9.        When it comes to your wardrobe, you wear the pants. Trousers are making a comeback for after-five wear. Go sleek and black for something slimming, or work a busy print to add some drama. And match them to your shoes for extra inches!

10.    A pretty blouse will add a shot of ladylike loveliness to your wardrobe. Clever detailing can be perfect for pear shapes as they draw the eye up towards the neckline. Alternatively, patterns and textures can fill it out. There’s something for every foxy figure!

11.    Prints, prints, prints: one word, so many options! Swathe yourself in clashing patterns to stay on trend, and show your wild side. They’re also great if you want to add some oomph to your top or bottom half.

12.    If you’re on the busty side (and you know I love those bangers!) but want to look a bit more svelte, a V-neck top slims your top half.  

13.    Be a gem, and dip into this season’s treasure trove of bright, jewel tones and sparkle your night away!

14.    A ’60s shift is wonderful for rectangular figures. It’s retro and right on the money. Step back in time, you sexy thing.

15.    Cardigans work wonders with layering. Add a belt, but leave it open a fraction to show a column of what lies beneath, and keep ‘em guessing girls!

16.    As well as being seriously chic, a cropped jacket works well for pears or rectangles, as it adds a bit more shape to your bust. Now there’s some Fairy Gokmother magic!     

17.    A blazer streamlines any look, and can take you from day to night in super style. And if it’s fitted, it’s a subtle way to enhance your curves just a touch.

18.    Choose a cropped jacket to emphasize your sexy legs, and also complement this season’s high waists.

19.    Ahhh…boots. A winter classic that never goes out of style. Find a pair which flatter your legs and get ready for a long and happy relationship!

20.    Black is any girl’s best friend, it makes any silhouette sleek. Wrap a cardi, fitted knit or trench over the top to define your sexy shape.

21.    Horizontal stripes are everywhere right now. Embrace them especially if you’re a rectangle or inverted triangle. They scream chic darling!

View Gok’s Body Shape Calcuator at www.westfield.co.nz

I've been blogged by Julie Roulston of Fashionnz

Congratulations to newly crowned NZ Rose of Tralee Alana Marshall of Taranaki flanked, from left, by fellow contestant Louise Thomas of Otago, outgoing NZ Rose of Tralee Ailbhe Ryan and Wellington Rose, Jess Segal (far right).

Congratulations to newly crowned NZ Rose of Tralee Alana Marshall of Taranaki flanked, from left, by fellow contestant Louise Thomas of Otago, outgoing NZ Rose of Tralee Ailbhe Ryan and Wellington Rose, Jess Segal (far right).

Polka dots with purpose Check out Beth Ditto’s collaboration with M.A.C! The hero product of the just launched limited edition range is Powder to the People - a singular product that gives you the ability to create different looks with just one product. Wear each colour individually on the eyes or layer them up. Use the pink section to dust the cheeks. Ditto was inspired by polka dots and loves colour and says she and her “best friend sit and look at Pantone books for fun”. It costs NZ$105 and is available now.

Polka dots with purpose

Check out Beth Ditto’s collaboration with M.A.C! The hero product of the just launched limited edition range is Powder to the People - a singular product that gives you the ability to create different looks with just one product. Wear each colour individually on the eyes or layer them up. Use the pink section to dust the cheeks. Ditto was inspired by polka dots and loves colour and says she and her “best friend sit and look at Pantone books for fun”. It costs NZ$105 and is available now.