ShowTellShare One Hundred and Ninety-Five

Posted on May 20, 2013 by JGRuddock

Sunday: A beautiful autumn day in Sydney…

To have some fun, and celebrate my birthday…

Yesterday we spent part of the day checking out some fabulous art at the Art Gallery of NSW. Not surprisingly, I responded *well* to the more colourful works…

It’s like looking into a mirror…

These artworks photographed are by Ugo Rondinone.

Artwork by Sol LeWitt.

And *naturally* I was celebrating the day of my birth by wearing some new, vintage Ken Done. This 1980s shirt had found it’s way to Italy, when I then bought it back recently via eBay to its Sydney home, probably some 10 or 20 years later. I just love it! And, of course, I was also wearing some handmade work from Abuk at The Social Studio.

Tell: Handmade earrings, Uniqlo skivvy, Ken Done vintage 1980s shirt, brooch gifted, necklace gifted for my birthday, vintage belt from UK, Tatty Devine bracelet, handmade bracelet made by Abuk from The Social Studio, ‘Diamonds Ain’t a Girls Best Friend’ ring from UK, Sportsgirl skirt from op shop, Jonathan Aston stockings, Happy Socks, Fluevog boots, and Tatty Devine balloon leather necklace.

Artwork by Ugo Rondinone, adjusted here by the *spectacular* Hawaiian First Officer and me.

And then, because I’ve been a little ‘light on’ with outfit posts recently, here’s some from the last few days…

Saturday: An ongoing love with secondhand 1980s Escada…

Tell: Handmade earrings, Kmart skivvy, vintage Escada shirt, Anthea Crawford skirt from op shop, Jonathan Aston tights, tights underneath from Japan and Fluevog boots.

Friday:

Tell: Earrings from op shop, Saba skivvy, Leona Edmiston dress from op shop, Tatty Devine cat bangle as necklace, Estilio belt, Sportsgirl tights as gift, borrowed socks from the HFO, Fluevog shoes, Tatty Devine balloon bag, gifted ‘Frida Kahlo’ bag.

Just me enjoying my mis-matched, but still matching earrings!

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Ninety-Three

Posted on May 13, 2013 by JGRuddock

Show/Tell/Share: We planned, we participated, we produced… Yes, we held a pilot to show “The Social Outfit celebrates the skills and styles of our diverse cultures in Australia” …

On Friday evening last week we closed the pop-up store, but not before some of our wonderful volunteers, (left to right) Antonia, Kit and Traci, drew out our lucky door prize winner. Oooo, something exciting is coming in the mail for them!

And on Saturday it was time for us to say goodbye to our The Rocks Pop-up space, and pack up our shop selling so many *great* goodies from The Social Studio. Well worth remembering too that this pilot was made possible in the first place thanks to the support of the City of Sydney Council, Community Grants program.

Packing up the pilot, which really was a display of the *hope* we have to set up full-time in Sydney, wasn’t nearly as fun as setting up… especially peeling off decal letters individually!

But it’s just ‘bye-bye’ to the pilot, because me and the whole The Social Outfit team plan on working just as hard to take our next steps forward in our development. In fact, we’re holding more fashion-based arts workshops at the Asylum Seekers Centre in Newtown this week.

And that’s because, as always, we remain committed to making The Social Outfit an ongoing reality here in NSW. As ever, I just want to keep “doing good in a fashion” and celebrating the skills and talents of people from refugee backgrounds living in greater Sydney… xo

Poster image copyright belongs to The Social Studio.

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Eighty-Nine

Posted on April 22, 2013 by JGRuddock

Show: Here’s some of The Social Outfit‘s volunteers – Kit and Sharon – helping out at the Pop-Up Pilot on Sunday. As you can see, two very happy people making sales, showcasing the clothes, and waving goodbye to this particularly *gorgeous* The Social Studio pink shirt dress to a new customer. Apparently the new onwner is a “lovely woman with blonde hair” who follows this blog; so a *BIG* thank you for supporting us, (as yet, unnamed) dear reader! If you’re keen, we’d love to a photo of you wearing this shirt in your own style soon… xo

And here’s me on Sunday, having had a few hours off to catch up on sleep, and then get back into the world to see Sydney’s first ‘Cherchez La Femme‘ event… a great chance to hear some interesting feminist thoughts and ideas, and especially support fellow fashion-blogger, Frances Lockie of Corpulent.

Tell: Glasses from op shop, handmade beaded jewellery, Tatty Devine necklace, retail shirt, vintage 1980s Australian designer ‘Mary Shackman‘ skirt (worn as dress) which I found in a Randwick op shop, Saba sample belt, Black Milk leggings, Fluevog boots and Tatty Devine ‘leather balloon’ purse. Beaded bracelet from The Social Studio.

And now to get ready for the *fun* of this week; especially Nicole Barakat‘s eco-dyeing workshop we are hosting as a part of our pilot. Exciting!

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Eighty-Seven

Posted on April 12, 2013 by JGRuddock

Share: If at first you don’t succeed…

Some of you may recall in 2012 I made it to the top 10 of the Vodafone Foundation’s World of Difference Program. In the end, I didn’t win the funding, and so I kept working away voluntarily for the year part-time, doing my very best to keep us progressing. Well, the *wonderful* news this time for me and The Social Outfit, is that I’VE BEEN SUCCESSFUL in 2013! That’s right: The Vodafone Foundation is supporting me to take a year’s Paid Charity Leave, through the World of Difference Program! In real terms this means from May I’ll be going full time on The Social Outfit, and I’m going to keep working harder and harder to make us be the success we all dream we can be… Hooray!

Guess my elevator pitch turned out OK, and I think I’m going to have a lot of this kind of practice in the year ahead!!

*BIG* thanks to everyone who has been supportive so far, especially Grace at The Social Studio, The Social Outfit entourage, and you dear readers! It’s a team effort!

Show:

Tell: Tatty Devine earrings and necklace, The Social Studio silk dress, Black Milk ‘Woman in Red’ leggings, retail socks, Fluevog shoes.

But this is not a time for resting: we have a Pilot Program to get up and running! Here’s our space as part of The Rocks Pop-Up, and we open on Tuesday… *Exciting and EEEEK!*

Yes, we have a lot of work to do, but we’ll get there! xo

ShowTellShare one Hundred and Eighty-Six

Posted on April 7, 2013 by JGRuddock

Share: Meet Nina Maya, The Social Outfit‘s very own *new* board member!

We’re all really excited to have Nina involved; check out how amazing she is:

Nina Maya Skrzynski is one of Australia’s most outstanding designers renowned for creating collections with an emphasis on quality, silhouette and finishing. Since the launch of her Nina Maya label in 2006, she has developed a strong following from industry, celebrity and consumers alike. Completing a design degree, majoring in textiles at the College of Fine Arts Sydney, Nina has always held a strong penchant for fashion. Following this, she set off for London for an internship at a leading textile firm, before relocating to Italy where she worked for a luxury fashion house. Nina was honoured by an invitation to design her own range for the company, which was produced shortly after. Following her work abroad, Nina returned to Australia to establish her own business and further her self-titled label. Created with a style and design philosophy against the trend of disposable fashion, her focus on sustainability and a desire to create investment pieces have served as a solid foundation for the label’s success. Nina’s desire to push the envelope in design has seen her develop an artisan-like approach to her label.

In July 2009, the Nina Maya label was selected by MYER to be included in their stable of designer collections and is now stocked nationally. The brand has developed strong working relationships with a select group of celebrities, most notably creating one-off red carpet designs for Jennifer Hawkins, Rebecca Twigley and Delta Goodrem. The resulting recognition of this saw the introduction of the Nina Maya Bespoke service in which customers have the opportunity to have demi-couture designs created personally by Nina for a specific occasion or event.

Nina Maya has now extended the  application of her skills to launch Nina Maya Interiors. After returning from London to Sydney, Nina Maya Interiors was launched in early 2012. Since then, Nina Maya has completed residential and commercial interiors design projects in Sydney and Beijing, China.

In terms of philanthropic work, Nina is a Trustee of the Sky Foundation, a founding member of the ‘10 x 10 Project’ (aimed at engendering a culture of philanthropy and giving within the young professional and creative communities), and a member of the New Gen initiative at Philanthropy Australia.

Welcome Nina!

Show: And here’s some photos from last Friday, as a bunch of us were preparing and working hard at The Rocks Pop-Up spaces, in what will soon be The Social Outfit‘s new home whilst we run our pilot project…

There is a tonne of work to do: Eeeeek! But rest assured I’m making a real effort to make sure our creative workshops, exhibition space and ‘The Social Studio‘ pop-up store are *super interesting* for you to come and visit! For more details as we develop, check out here …

Tell: Earrings handmade, ‘Tokyo Kamen‘ brooch from Japan, ‘Promenade’ shirt from op shop, The Social Studio singlet, TS14+ dress, Black Milk leggings, Fluevog boots. All rings from Italy.

And this is today…

Tell: Wa-Nyika earrings, scarf from op shop, handmade necklace, dress from secondhand store, vintage leather belt from secondhand store, Spin Dance petticoat, retail tights and socks, Fluevog sandals. Vintage Australiana bag from secondhand store.

Check out also the First Hawaiian Officer’s *lovely* vintage shirt (below); we’re wearing matching retro-greens… And a BIG *thanks always* to the FHO for such great photos!

This mini-comic says it all, really …

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Eighty-Five

Posted on April 1, 2013 by JGRuddock

Show/Share: Taking today easy…

Tell: 1980s Ken Done glasses, earrings from op shop, handmade beaded necklace, ‘Simona Sport’ 1980s shirt from secondhand store, skirt from Kmart, retail tights, socks from Barcelona, Fluevog boots. Linda Jackson bag.

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ShowTellShare One Hundred and Eighty-Three

Posted on March 28, 2013 by JGRuddock

Share: Wow… The things I find myself doing in the pursuit of making The Social Outfit happen in Sydney. Take today for example…

In this outfit,

At one point, I was standing in an elevator, talking straight to a professional camera-man, pitching The Social Outfit concept in just 45 seconds. Do you know how quick that is?! “Hello, my name is Jackie, and I’d *love* The Social Outfit to happen…” and BAM! 45 seconds is up! Plus, talking to a camera is REALLY hard. And then, a person who works inside the building got in the lift with me too while we were recording live – I don’t think he had any idea why I was standing in a work elevator talking to a camera crew. Heaven knows what the video ended up looking like! One thing I do know: I sure did try my best.

You see, today was my Vodafone Foundation ‘World of Difference’ interview. I’m lucky enough to reach the Top 10 this year, and *FINGERS CROSSED* this time we get it. Honestly, what a ‘world of difference‘ this support would make! A BIG step closer to opening our doors.

Naturally, too, I was wearing The Social Studio for such an important event. And, does my dress look a little familiar perhaps? That’s right, this is the dress Hawanatu showcased in our November 2012 runway show…

This gem is made with vintage fabric, and I simply love the design of these The Social Studio dresses: so comfortable, so easy to wear. A worthwhile purchase for me!

Tell: Glasses from Japan, handmade earrings and necklace, The Social Studio dress, Fletcher Jones skirt from op shop, retail tights, Happy Socks, vintage 1980-90s Fluevog clog shoes.

And finally, look how we are developing with our The Social Outfit Pilot Project:

We had so many great people offer to be involved in our workshops, and I’m so pleased that we have on offer a great range of workshops of fashion-related fun. Thanks Nicole, Catharine and Soraya! And soon, we’ll all get to watch the genius-creativity of young people from refugee backgrounds… Exciting!

If you want to be kept up to date as the event develops, follow our Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/520967514627304/

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Eighty-Two

Posted on March 25, 2013 by JGRuddock

Show:

Tell: Green earrings gifted by Kirsten from China, Wa-Nyika pink earrings, handmade orange beaded necklace, vintage beaded necklace from Santa Barbara, The Social Studio silk dress, Estilio leather belt, 1980s ‘Maggie T‘ dress from second-hand store, retail tights and Fluevog boots.

Share: Today I met with some lovely staff within the Sydney Institute, TAFE NSW, to progress our working relationship. An important part of The Social Studio education model is the provision of TAFE-accredited, nationally-recognised training in the areas of fashion, retail and hospitality. At The Social Outfit in Sydney, we want to make sure we can also provide such integral support as well; so we’re all working hard to make it happen. Plus, I’m just a big believer in vocational and ‘on the job’ training as a key part of education and skills development here in Australia generally. So *hooray* TAFE! And in the meantime, we’ll keep progressing on our formal arrangements…

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Seventy-Eight

Posted on March 16, 2013 by JGRuddock

Share: You know, I often feel very lucky about the people I work with. It’s not just that I ask them time and time again to meet me, and help develop The Social Outfit with their great ideas and insights; it’s also then that I ask for a photo so I can show you all who’s involved. Photos, photos for everyone!

So here’s Paul Bide and myself having worked together this Friday. I met Paul recently through the School for Social Entrepreneurs and Social Ventures Australia connections. Paul is an ex-finance guy, and he’s being a champion by helping me with drafting The Social Outfit‘s ‘First 90 Day Plan’. There’s *a lot* of work involved, so I really appreciate the opportunity to work through the detail with someone like Paul, and hear his own suggestions. Nothing like a deadline with someone to encourage motivation! Eeeep!

Then here’s the *fabulous* group of Ajak, Kit and Chloe, who are working together on our City of Sydney pilot project:

We’re just securing some of the important big details, and then I’ll be able to announce all the *fun* we’re about have with it. And I’m hoping you’ll be a part of our plans too! More soon.

And now to some outfits…

Show: Friday…

Tell: Handmade necklaces and earrings, The Social Studio top, vintage dress from secondhand store in Tasmania, retail tights and sock, Fluevog shoes.

And this was Tuesday…

Tell: Tatty Devine bracelet as pendant, vintage Fiorucci vest from op shop, Oroton belt from op shop, The Social Studio silk skirt as dress, Jonathan Aston tights, Fluevog shoes.

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Seventy-Six

Posted on March 8, 2013 by JGRuddock

Share: The Social Outfit eBay auction-extravaganza is getting closer and closer every day… Bargains! Ken Done! Vintage! 1980s! Doing *good*! Helping The Social Outfit! So many points of exclamation!

The auctions start closing this Saturday… Good Luck and thanks for your support! All money raised (less eBay fees) goes directly to supporting The Social Outfit xo

Here’s Kit yesterday wearing her Mum’s vintage dress…

And last night The Social Outfit team had a board meeting. Check out Sarah… her dress is from a social enterprise working with African communities in France. Gorgeous! And *bless* the gang for always being willing for me to take photos; I just love showing you how many there of us involved and how hard we are working…

Tell: Lafont glasses, Wa-Nyika earrings, Tatty Devine necklace, handmade necklace, The Social Studio singlet, Diane Freis 1980s skirt from op shop (made into a dress by me), stockings from Japan, House of Holland socks, Fluevog boots.

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Seventy-Four

Posted on March 1, 2013 by JGRuddock

Showing My Ken Done Love as we launch our *Ken Done auctions for The Social Outfit!* Check out all the *goodies* set to find new, exciting homes! These pieces online are the last gems of Ken Done donated by enthusiasts during our What Ken Be Done year. Plus, we’ve added some *extra* fun vintage bits and pieces we hope you might like… All money raised will go to supporting The Social Outfit…

This was me on Wednesday night, off to see two spectacular films as a part of QueerScreen. The first was the premier of Aquaporko!, a documentary story of “Melbourne’s fat femme synchronized” swim team. And the film lived up to the description: it was SO *delightful*! The theatre was packed with supporters and nothing beats ‘wooping’ aloud in a cinema to show your appreciation. And then there was an older, brilliant documentary on the life of Leigh Bowery, whom I’ve loved for years. He was a dressing genius!

The timing of these events seemed quite serendipitous. Because apart from our own Ken Done auctions, I was also wearing Ken Done on Wednesday to pay my own tribute to the artwork of Kelli Jean Drinkwater, who is also the director of Aquaporko! Check out below the *stunning* art-piece Kelli Jean has produced of Ken Done appreciation…

Copyright, Kelli Jean Drinkwater (Australian artist, activist and filmmaker). Photo by Penelope Benton.

And titled here, by JGRuddock as, “One of the Most Fabulous Pieces of Artwork, EVER.” xo

So there you go. Happiness all round! And now while I skooch off again to keep at these funding deadlines, please help spread the word of our Ken Done and vintage auctions. All money raised (less auction fees) goes directly to The Social Outfit. And supporting us means *doing good in a fashion*… xo xo

Tell: Tatty Devine necklace, robot necklace from Young Bloods markets, Ken Done vintage t-shirt from eBay, Ken Done 1980s skirt from eBay, Jonathan Aston tights, retail socks, Fluevog boots, vintage Ken Done makeup case.

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Seventy-Three

Posted on February 27, 2013 by JGRuddock

Share: Time to keep moving! Three foundation grant applications all due very shortly (and there’s more we are working on too). This is me yesterday, juggling my university work, the grant applications, our other projects… and more. We’re heading into a busy time, and I’m so *pleased* to have the support of our many excellent volunteers at The Social Outfit helping me out. Everyone is really pitching in…

So back to work! To type out our dreams, and to fill in forms: all in the *hope* of making The Social Outfit a reality in Sydney… Please wish us luck as we give it a go! xo

Show:

Tell: Earrings from op shop, handmade necklaces, Saba t-shirt stolen from the First Hawaiian Officer, handmade skirt from op shop, retail tights and socks, Fluevog shoes on sale from Sole Devotion.

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Seventy-Two

Posted on February 24, 2013 by JGRuddock

Show: It’s wet weather… and I’m invited to a wedding celebration for my dear friend, Tim (visiting briefly from New York)… and I need to get to the North Shore…

Let’s. Do. This!

Tell: Ken Done umbrella, Ken Done glasses, Tatty Devine ‘watermelon’ earrings and necklace, fluro singlet from op shop, Spin Dance petticoat, The Social Studio silk dress gifted by Jo, Black Milk leggings, Fluevog shoes (from Sole Devotion), Linda Jackson vintage bag.

Share: I love a celebration, rain or shine! And a happy weekend to you, xo

Jackie Ruddock

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Category Archives: Fluevogs

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Eighty-Five