a dose of cirematology: December 2011

12.12.11

9.12.11

CHE Xmas Party

Haka dance. Drag queen. Booze. Gourmet canapes. Booze. Crazy people. Crazy dance!

Best Xmas Party ever! I think the video and the pictures speak for itself!

8.12.11

In the past few years, the retro phenomenon seems to be getting bigger and bigger. Personally, I think it was cool when it first started, when everything was still reasonably priced. Shopping at second hand stores used to be cheap. NOT ANYMORE!

The craze has certainly jacked up the prices on everything retro. An old retro or vintage (a good way of saying old) chair might cost up to $200. A dining table (made out of timber from old farm houses) can cost up to $6,000.

Not only people dress and live retro, now you can have a retro haircut or an old school shave too. For example, a thing that used to be something for old guys and shunned by hip youngsters, going to the barber is now a cool thing (apparently). It is now run by retroed-up guys (in Richmond or Fitroy), with their too-cool-to-care fashion, pin up tattoos and Rayban glasses.

Cue Dr. Folicle. I was there yesterday, during lunch, just wanting a trim. When I walked in, first thing I saw was this giant of a man with long beard and long hair. He was busy showing his skills with the clippers to someone I assumed to be his apprentice. A second guy greeted me, sat me down then asked me if I wanted a beer. Seems like everyone who is getting a haircut gets a free beer too. Good touch I thought.

As I waited for my turn, I couldn't help but notice how this place is decorated. It is funky in a not-so-subtle kind of way. The shop owner (the giant, I assume) must be into taxidermy. Yeah, of course. This whole taxidermy thing goes pretty well with the retro style... so I'm not surprised.

I only have to wait for about 15 minutes before my turn. I was asked how I'd like my hair cut and if I want the whole she-bang (shave and ear cleaned). Do you want to guess what I said?

10 minutes later, I was done. $25 dollar poorer but content with the experience. I think I will be back. Next time, I might try and pinch the wolf head. :)

2.12.11

Project Barnstormer

Howdy all. It has been a while since I write anything. There's actually no particular reason, just lazy and there isn't much to write about, till now.

As some (well, most) of you know, I'm currently building my first home. The building process has been going on for a while now. Even though we are so far ahead of schedule (was given a 20 week build time but now we are almost done in less than 14 weeks!) it still feel like a long time. I just can't wait till it's all done and thats when the fun begins. The fun of hunting down the right furniture, designing a dream space, experimenting with different ideas and experimenting with non-conventional materials on walls.

Even though it will be a few more weeks before moving in, the mission to hunt down every affordable/unique pieces of furniture, lights (fittings) and artwork online and in stores has started. So far, I've found too many things I like, some insanely expensive, for example a dining table costing $6,000, love it but can't afford it :(.

The style will be somewhat industrial/retro/contemporary. I'm planning to play with all kinds of textures on the walls ie wallpapers, felt coverings, wood and concrete. A lot of these are just ideas for now, whether it happens or not depends on the cost of either getting them done by professionals or DIY. This is gonna be fun!

Anyway, these are what's been purchased so far... and there are a few more on the list!