Cutting the pretence: Clash City Cuts

Wednesday 13 October 2010, 12:47 PM
By The Team | Posted in Places

Hair is a touchy subject among menfolk. Many fellows prefer to pretend their hair just magically happens, and the last time they thought about it, they were trying to get some chewing gum out of it in Year Seven. Blokes, if you want to keep up the cool and aloof vibe, and yet still get a decent head of hair happening – cut the pretence and go to Clash City Cuts.

They’ll get you sorted with a rockin’ hair style – while keeping your manliness well intact with rock music and a relaxed vibe. Trust us – we’ve checked out Kitty from Clash City Cuts and her credentials are rock (and roll) solid.

Kitty, how do you choose someone’s hair style – by their clothes or by their music collection?

They have three options: Morrissey circa 1985, Joe Strummer circa 1979 or Paul Weller circa 1977.

Where do you stand on fauxhawks?

Sooooooooo 2003.

What Melbourne bands do you play in the salon?

I have literally just moved to Melbourne from London, so I must admit it’s a bit Brit-centric in here right now. Feel free to bring in any Melbourne bands’ CDs and I will play them!

Where do you get your hair inspiration? Album covers or catwalks?

Definitely album covers!

When you’re not cutting hair, where would we find you?

Playing roller derby with the Victorian Roller Derby League!

Have you cut any rockstar’s hair? What was that like?

Does Jimmy Page walking past your salon and waving at you count?  Um… I did a guy’s hair when I worked in Soho in London, who was saying he was in a band, and I was thinking, ‘Yeah, yeah buddy, everyone’s in a band!’ He was saying he had a gig the night before, and when I asked where, he says: ‘Oh, Wembley Stadium. We supported Kaiser Chiefs.’ Turned out he was actually a dude called Esser who was the latest indie big thing. He has a pretty awesome quiff.

Does your cutting style change according to the music you’re listening to?

Sometimes it makes me smile when my snipping is in time to the beat.

What are the most common things a bloke will tell his haircutter?

What’s said in the chair – stays in the chair…

What would you say to a gentleman who is hesitant to try a new style?

You know what, my motto is: if it’s working for you, then don’t change it!

But at the same time, I like to think that my clients trust me not too do anything ridiculous to them….unless they ask for it, of course, and then I am more than happy to oblige!

Clash City Cuts is located at Shop 5 Capitol Arcade, 109-117 Swanston Street. Call for an appointment on (03) 9663 0042.

Melbourne Insider: Lucy McIntosh

Thursday 2 September 2010, 8:03 AM
By The Team | Posted in Events

Melbourne model Lucy McIntosh – and the face of this year’s Melbourne Spring Fashion Week – spilled some city secrets in today’s  City Weekly ‘Melbourne Insider’ column. Between parades and other fashion engagements, Lucy also found time to answer our questions on a subject she knows well: style.

Here’s what she told us.

Define Melbourne’s style. 

Melbourne’s style is unparalleled by any other city in the world. Its unique culture clash of urban chic, eclectic vintage and corporate couture is always bound to impress.

Who is the most stylish Melburnian you know?

Style comes in many different shapes and forms. The great thing about Melbourne is that it’s a place that allows you to express yourself!

If I had to nominate anyone, it would be my friend Bree, she has a natural sense if style with retro pieces and experiments with new styles all the time.

If I had to nominate anyone famous, I’d actually say Ruby Rose! She is this year’s ambassador to MSFW so I think everyone thinks the same thing. She is cool!

Favourite spot in the city to people watch?

I love Madame Brussels! Love the garden inspired ‘tea party’ set up and they have an amazing terrace overlooking the city. Beautiful!

Must have for spring in the city?

Always dress in a gorgeous flowing spring dress, comfortable clogs and sunglasses. Then you’re always prepared for a sunny afternoon reading a great book (Eat, Pray, Love is one of my faves at the moment) in one of Melbourne’s beautiful parks.

Best way to spend a spring evening in town?

Lounging on a rooftop bar, watching a movie and hanging with friends.

Favourite place in the city to shop?

The city! It has everything from high end designer labels to the funky little boutiques…I love mixing  eclectic and vintage styles with a more structured, high-end piece! 

 Most suave live music venue in the city?

In spring, I love live music festivals in the warm outdoors.

What is Melbourne’s best-kept style secret?

Melbournians are great at having such a cool style. So many people here have their own individual fashion styles – but pull it all together with ease.

 What would you pack in your handbag to prepare for a night out in the city?

The essentials – wallet, phone, house keys and lip gloss.

Five words to describe Melbourne?Stylish, trendy, chic, cultural and alternative!

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week finishes this Sunday 5 September. Lucy appears in each nightly Designer Series show. Some tickets still available – but be quick.

Hot Spots: handmade for you

Friday 13 August 2010, 2:42 PM
By The Team | Posted in People

You don’t need an international boarding pass to come by that hand-crafted woven ikat backpack or custom-fit pair of selvedge denim jeans. Melbourne is abundant with crafty artisans who know how to use their hands and keep their production local.

Here are a few of our favourite city-dwelling artisans.

J.S. Roberts: Handmade Footwear and Leather Goods

Fancy yourself a gentleman dandy or lady about town? Well, then, you’re going to need the shoes to match that devil-may-care swagger. James Roberts is just the man to shod you, hand-crafting bespoke footwear from his perch in manly haven Captains of Industry.  

Pony Bikes

If you don’t think bikes come under the artisanal umbrella, then you haven’t been to Pony Bikes. No-nonsense lady owner Sasha custom-builds small masterpieces for you to ride atop, as well as offering repair, paint, powdercoat, and restoration services. Visit her West Melbourne workshop for consultations and general hang-outs.

AD Jewellery

Master gold and silversmith Michaela Bruton has turned her hand to jewellery-making with a selection of earthen-inspired crystal necklaces and rings. She forges these gems from her studio in West Melbourne, and they are available exclusively for sale at Alice Euphemia.  

COUNTER at Craft Victoria

Craft Victoria’s retail hub COUNTER is the mothership of all things handmade and local. With everything from hand-moulded ceramics to hand-knitted egg cosies, it’s the perfect place to find a unique gift that special someone (or yourself, if you’ve been good).

Image credit: Elizabeth from Primoeza