Journal
It's Apricot Season - Introducing Our New Limited Edition Styles
The Faye Dress is a confident and sensual occasion dress featuring a high draped cowl neckline balanced with a very low back suspended by a fine halter neck strap. Falling to mid length, the dress is bias cut from a demi satin luxe blend of 70% Organic Hemp with 30% Silk. The Faye Dress is a very Limited Edition Arnsdorf piece making it even more of a special addition to your wardrobe.
Update Your Work Wardrobe With Our New Classic Shirt in Espresso
Our Classic Shirt in White is an Arnsdorf favourite. Wear it with tailored trousers or a suit for work or dinner. Wear it oversized with shorts or jeans for the weekend. Borrowing its styling from traditional menswear, we've added a dash of drama with extended cuffs and then an Arnsdorf twist with an inverted front pocket.
Are you Apollo Bay or Little Cove?
We wanted our latest Mint colour way to cool you down like you have just dived in to the waters of your favourite beach. Is it Turquoise Bay on the Coral Coast of WA? Is it Shelly Beach on the Nambucca Coast of NSW? Maybe it's Boat Harbour Beach on the north west coast of Tasmania or Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria? How about Little Cove at Noosa Heads? Wherever you are, we hope you are getting some free time.
Our Dazzling New Ivory Summer Suit ✨ + Calder Jeans Back in Stock!
With December on fast forward, many of you have been shopping for event pieces. Let's face it- it's so nice to dress up and wear lipstick again! Meet the new colour way of our chic Christine pant suit - Ivory Patch. Crafted from a mid weight blend of organic hemp and silk, we have spliced the pieces into half lustrous and half matt giving them even more of a day to night persona.
Karinda styles Thelma Plum and Lets Loose to Beauty and the Beats
Ella McCabe Barton wears the Ivy Dress with the Sonia Sandal in Seafoam by Nelson Made. Styled by Simone McIvor and photographed by Elena Breuer
Jerri wears the Merino Rib Funnel Neck Skivvy in Black Combo
Back in stock!
You asked and our wonderful cutter and machinists hopped to it and answered your call.
Our Merino Rib Funnel Neck Skivvy in Black Combo is currently back in stock in all sizes here.
We make each piece in our Ethical Clothing Australia certified factory located in Melbourne. Each garment is sewn by one of our incredible machinists that have over 20 years industry experience.
We've reached out to women in the Arnsdorf community to reveal their personal tips for staying healthy, sane and engaged during this interesting time...
Karinda wears the Inez Shirt and the Tailored Shorts in Tan Stripe
What is your name and and what do you do?
My name is Karinda Mutabazi and I'm a Stylist and Creative Director.
What is your connection to Arnsdorf?
I am an adoring fan first and foremost! I also have the pleasure of dressing and introducing clients to Arnsdorf for photoshoots, film clips and events. I am fortunate enough to have become acquainted with many of the Arnsdorf team over the years, which is an absolute delight. It is a rare privilege to get to know the people who make and design your clothing. It makes wearing the garments more special.
Karinda photographed by Katie Fergus for VAMFF Streetstyle in the Benedict Blazer and the Pleated Trousers in Purple Gingham.
Are you still working from home or are you back at it?
I am mostly working from home at the moment, although I don’t find this to be so bad. I have a home office anyway, so would be working from here usually (unless I am sourcing or on location). I do feel luck to have dedicated space already set up though.
I have actually used the time at home to clean and sort my office. It has been on my to-do list for ages! Got to take the wins where you can.
Karinda wears the Caroline Jacket in Plaid , the Inez Shirt in Tan Stripe and the Calder Jeans in Indigo
What are you doing to stay active?
I live near a range of walking trails, so I have been exploring my local area which has been really nice.
All of my Pilates and Yoga classes are now online, which is perfect for me because of my random and ever-changing schedule. It makes it so much easier for me to actually get to a class, and as a result I have been exercising more than usual.
I have also been doing afro beats dance classes run by my friend and all round awesome human, Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore. The class is online and it's called ‘Booty and The Beats’. It's great music and excellent moves. It's been a fun way to keep fit and challenge myself to learn choreography.
Are you reading a great book or do you have a favourite podcast?
This is the first time in a long time I have read a book. I loved ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ by Gail Honeyman.
I am on the last few chapters of Emma Cline’s ‘The Girls’ which is loosely inspired by the Manson Family story. Strangely enough just as I started reading ‘The Girls’ a friend recommended the Joe Rogan interview with Tom O’Neil. He is a journalist who delved into the Manson story after the fact. I have never really had any interest in Manson before but both the podcast and the book have been fascinating.
I just listened to the audiobook of Emma Gannon’s ‘The Multi-Hyphen Life’ and I found it affirming and inspiring. I would highly recommend it if you are a freelancer or someone wanting to start a side hustle.
A few of my favourite podcasts are: CtrlAltDel, 99%Invisible, Wardrobe Crisis, SongExploder, Adam Buxton and TightFortyFive which is a new one my brother-in-law has started where he is chatting with musicians and creatives in Melbourne.
Mairead McGovern wears the Greta Blouse in Tan Stripe. Styled by Karinda Mutabazi photographed by Anthony Tosello.
What about food. Are you cooking or are you addicted to a particular snack at the moment?
I have discovered an amazing carrot cake recipe which has been on heavy rotation. It’s from ‘The Beauty Chef’ Cookbook by Clara Oates. A friend sent the recipe as a request to bring to our first post-iso dinner. It’s a healthy one that is also actually delicious.
I have an addiction to Harvest Snaps Pea Chips, the original flavour - they are so moreish, and because they are made of peas they are good for you….Right?
Are you motivated to 'dress' for the day or are you repeating outfits? What are your go-to pieces?
I love changing up options, and always dress according to my mood on the day. If I am just going for a walk or to the supermarket I try to wear something I feel good in.
I have to say, my Arnsdorf Merino Rib Funnel Neck has been on heavy rotation as a layering piece since the cold weather kicked in. My partner always refers to me as “Theranos” (referring to Elizabeth Holmes - The Dropout Podcast) whenever I put it on. If a black turtle neck works for Steve Jobs…..
Thelma Plum styled by Karinda Mutabazi backstage on her Better in Blak album tour, wears the Pearl Top and the Palazzo Pant in Black Velvet.
Have you been pleasantly surprised by engaging in something you normally wouldn't?
I’ve been learning how to use Quickbooks, which I have found surprisingly satisfying. I never thought in a million years that I would gain any joy from doing anything numbers related.
What songs are you feeling right now?
Some of these artists I have had the pleasure of working with and others I admire from afar.
Stay well from all of us at Arnsdorf X
Take on the World in our Fresh, New Seafoam Styles
Take on the World in our Fresh, New Seafoam Styles
The Ivy Dress is the perfect modern romantic piece to break free from your WFH blues. Feel the positive energy of our beautiful Seafoam colourway.
It's elegant but not too ostentatious. A comfortable shape that can be worn day or night. The dress features soft double puffed sleeves, a deep squared neckline and falls slightly A-line to a mid length.
The Ivy is cut from a very soft and fine Japanese Cotton/Linen blend and lined in 100% Cotton. The fabric has a lightly crinkled texture and a subtle grey stripe.
This dress also looks amazing layered over our Merino Funnel Neck Skivvy in Seafoam :)
We love this new shape! The Faye top channels the 90s in this fresh and flattering statement top. Bias cut in our Japanese Seafoam Cotton/Linen with a cowl neckline and sexy square back. The Fay slips on without any fastenings making it a very comfortable, easy wear piece.
We have shown it here with our Tailored Trousers in Black but this style also works well with our Vanessa Pant in Sand our Calder Jeans in Indigo and with our Calder Jeans in Chalk.
It makes a great feature under a jacket - picture our Celeste or our Vanessa.
It also looks spectacular layered over our Merino Funnel Neck Skivvy in Seafoam.
Both the Ivy Dress and Fay Top are available in store and online now.
We make each piece in our Ethical Clothing Australia certified factory located in Melbourne. The Ivy Dress and Fay Top are lovingly sewn by one of our incredible machinists that have over 20 years industry experience.
Living on Stolen Land is a new release book written by Ambelin Kwaymullina who is a prolific Palyku novelist, illustrator, and assistant professor of law at the University of Western Australia.
Ambelin also created the cover artwork and the illustrations throughout the book which is written in prose style. The work is described as the first of it's kind to address and educate about the colonial contextual history of Australia in an accessible way.
The opening words read:
“This story begins
with the tree on the cover
which shows futures
The roots go deep
down into the ground
because just futures
must be grounded in respectful relationships
with Indigenous peoples
Indigenous homelands
Indigenous sovereignties“
You can read more about Living on Stolen Land or purchase here
Arts Centre Melbourne have kindly shared a recorded performance on-line of Jack Charles V The Crown by the Ilbijerri Theatre Company.
Uncle Jack as he is endearingly known is from the stolen generation and tells the story of his life through the lows of crime and addiction to the highs through his incredible journey in theatre and film.
Watch the performance here
Jack was also the subject of the fantastic 2008 award winning documentary called Bastardy by Australian director Amiel Courtin-Wilson.
Watch the film here.
Our Fitzroy Store is Still Open
We are still welcoming clients to our Fitzroy Boutique but consciously during this difficult time.
To ensure physical distancing we are limiting entry to 3 clients at a time.
We are doing regular cleaning and sanitising at touch points and ask that you please wear a mask and use the hand sanitiser available on entry.
For those of you who wish to shop from home, we can offer Virtual Appointments plus our online store is always open at arnsdorf.com.au
Please feel free to call our experienced stylists for any questions you may have on fits or fabrics etc on 1300269406.
Our current store hours are:
Sunday to Tuesday 11-5
Wednesday to Saturday 10-5
Stay well from all of us at Arnsdorf X
Channel the 90's Minimalist Glamour of Carolyn Bessett-Kennedy
Carolyn Bessette started her career in fashion retail for Calvin Klein, working her way up to the Publicity Department where she was the Director of Public Relations and then the Director of Show Productions until 1996.
She married John F Kennedy Jnr in 1996 and they both tragically died in a plane crash in 1999. WWD say that Carolyn "cemented her fashion icon status with her minimalist sophisticated aesthetic with sleek black dresses and casual button down shirts that many consider as a signifier of Nineties' style".
We have just restocked our classic Carolyn Shirt in sizes 4 to 16.
Cut from 100% Organic Cotton, the shirt wraps at the front with an internal tie. You can wear it tucked in to something mid to high waist as is, or over something using it's complimentary tie or even a contrast belt.
It has a strong collar and even stronger cuffs that you can wear down for a fashion moment or fold back, for getting down to business!
Team this shirt with our Slim Trousers or our Suit Trousers for a more tailored look.
For a sophisticated lounge look, team it with our Palazzo Pants in Check or Black Velvet with some leather slippers or slides.
For a more easy look, try it with our Calder Jeans in Indigo or our Wide Leg Jean in Pale Blue.
We lovingly make the Carolyn Shirt in our Ethical Clothing Australia certified factory located in Melbourne. Each garment is sewn by one of our incredible machinists that have over 20 years industry experience.
Monster Theatres Exhibition at Art Gallery of South Australia Re-Opens July 8
Grotesquerie by Brent Harris at the AGSA. Photo by Saul Steed courtesy of Tolarno Galleries and Robert Heald Gallery.
Bay of Sick by Mikala Dwyer. Photo by Saul Steed, courtesy of Anna Schwartz Gallery.
This incredible exhibition Monster Theatres at the Art Gallery of South Australia only had the briefest moment of 'real time' before lock down. Created as part of the Adelaide Biennial, the gallery has announced that it will be open for visitors again from the 8th of June and this exhibition will continue until August the 2nd.
Tales of Enchantment by Judith Wright. Photo courtesy of AGSA and Sophie Gannon Gallery.
Curator Leigh Robb says 'Monster Theatres proposes an arena of speculation, a circus of the unorthodox and the absurd, a shadow play between truth and fiction. The title is inspired by a group of provocative Australian artists. Their urgent works of art are warnings made manifest. These theatres are theirs.’
Morph by Polly Borland. Photo by Saul Steed courtesy of Sullivan Strumpf.
Including the incredible work of pictured artists Brent Harris, Mikala Dwyer, Judith Wright and Polly Borland, the show also contains powerful installations by important Australian contemporary artists David Noonan, Michael Candy, Megan Cope and Mike Parr.
For more details or virtual tours click here.
Bunny by Polly Borland
Bunny by Polly Borland through Other Criteria Books
Speaking of Polly Borland, the Australian born, LA based artist has released a book of her break through Bunny series limited to only 200 editions.
The book arrives stitched inside a pair of ballet tights which you have to rip open to get to. Lip my stocking?!
The tights reflect Polly's work in this series as well as her unique and thought provoking Morph series.
Gwen as Bunny by Polly Borland, 2003
The hard cover contains a signed and numbered print by Polly Borland of one of the images in the publication, an eccentric modern fairytale by British writer Will Self plus a seductive short poem by one of Polly's oldest friends Nick Cave from The Birthday Party/ Bad Seeds fame.
More details through Other Criteria Books here.
Our Fitzroy boutique is now open. We can't wait to see you!
See our opening times here.
Stay well, from all of us at Arnsdorf X