Z

HELLO

2011-11-08T14:46:00.001+11:00

http://dannikazen.tumblr.com/

A/W Sample Sale

2011-08-24T08:57:00.002+10:00

Further Markdowns at our online store =)

2011-08-06T12:02:00.005+10:00

Last chance to own a special unique piece. Limited sizes left! Get it here.

The Weekender.

2011-07-01T11:12:00.003+10:00

Sartorial Sounds.

2011-06-23T09:14:00.002+10:00

Sorry for not updating as of late.. we've been super busy working on our new pieces and preparing for our new showroom! Stay tuned..

In the meantime...

No.11

2011-04-19T16:47:00.003+10:00

Our products are now exclusively stocked at the Eleven concept store in Bali - make sure you make a visit to this beautiful boutique located at the front entrance of Potato Head Beach Club.

Eleven Boutique

Potato Head Beach Club Bali

Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak 80361 Bali, Indonesia

no11store@gmail.com

From Australia to Indonesia...

2011-04-19T16:34:00.005+10:00

Our products will soon be available in beautiful Bali.. bridging the link to our second home. =)

photo by Richard Olsen

Lean mean machine.

2011-03-30T10:39:00.004+11:00

Inspiration: Sara Eileen on her customised Triumph Bobber.

sources 1 & 2.

Captured.

2011-03-29T18:05:00.004+11:00

Moments captured during our online store shoot at an art studio.

I love when fashion is so unpredictable at times, we had planned on using different white and grey backgrounds but, during a test shot in front of the ageing white walls and floorboards we went with this more raw aesthetic that made us even more excited to show you whats coming up for winter... and one word: Sofia. =)

The Road Boots

2011-03-24T09:11:00.004+11:00

The Road Boots drop now available exclusively in Joanie Loves ChaChi Sydney and Melbourne stores!

Grab yourselves a pair before they sell out - you will live in them this winter! xx

http://joanieloveschachithelabel.blogspot.com/

History.

2011-02-25T18:58:00.006+11:00

Early pictures of one of our Italian leather tailors.

Circa 1960s - 1980s shot in Florence, Milano, Brussels and Australia.

Serving in the Italian army, he was a military explosives expert who then became an mechanical engineer before migrating to Australia as a leather tailor building his own leather machinery, working for many well known Motorcycle wear companies such as Dainese.

The Dutch East Indies.

2011-02-08T20:10:00.002+11:00

The old Cafe Batavia in Old Town Jakarta, the center of European Dutch commerce in the 16th century.

Can't escape from...

2011-02-08T18:27:00.003+11:00

Welcome to our new Facebook page.

Click the following link and like our page for regular updates on news, products, events and promotions!

Dannika Zen on Facebook

Places.

2011-01-06T21:56:00.009+11:00

An inspiring place we stumbled upon in the old town of Jakarta. Destruction can emanate new and beautiful beginnings.

The Season.

2010-12-26T23:58:00.002+11:00

Wishing you all Happy Holidays... X

The Prenzlauer Bag.

2010-12-10T18:58:00.002+11:00

The Prenzlauer Satchel Bags:

These limited edition satchels are back in stock online Monday 13th December...

Available in Sky and Black:

100% Texturised Cowhide Leather with antique brass hardware - $320.00

Email us with your details for the (ever-growing) waiting list! X

We Love Russh Magazine!

2010-12-10T18:37:00.003+11:00

Our beautiful Cropped Leather Bustier is featured in Russh Mag's Icons Issue Jan 2011. Very Vivienne... X

Shop Online...

2010-12-10T18:26:00.003+11:00

Now open! Visit our virtual store here.

Watch this.

2010-11-30T16:35:00.009+11:00

The Brother's Bloom. Fantastic imagery, storyline, set design and costumes. Rian Johnson, one of my favourite directors who also did 2005's darkly humorous Brick. Perfect inspiration for the upcoming range. Highly recommended.

2011 Preview.

2010-11-25T15:39:00.001+11:00

Stay tuned. xx

Sunday 7th November

2010-11-23T22:14:00.013+11:00

My crochet specialist has finished with the second samples and we make final detail changes to the measurements and fit and she takes on a new design I’m very excited for. Today, we move our headquarters to the area of Sukawati. I hire a 4WD and we head to the mountains again with the iPhone vs Blackberry GPS. It’s my first time driving in Indonesia and its great fun with manual off-road driving as the villa is located in quite a secluded region that looks over lush green hills and the valley river.

On Monday, I wake up to find a hornet’s nest outside my bedroom door. One sting, and you’ll have a painful gigantic welt for weeks. I discover so many more exotic creatures in the most unwanted places that share the outdoor living space of the villa. I have to meet my knitters again for a second sample approval and we drive back down to Denpasar while being greeted by local kids strewn across the streets on the way. At my leather supplier, I hand pick all the skins ready for the new bag designs in various washed out colourways.

photos courtesy of Richard Olsen

Thursday 4th November

2010-11-23T21:26:00.007+11:00

In the morning, we travel to Jimbaran south of Sanur to visit another shoemaker for one more boot design. At 1200 we take a long drive up the mountain to Ubud, home to many different craftsman in the art district of Bali. I meet one of my leather bag makers who has been in the industry for over 20 years now. I was very pleased with the work he had done for me in the past. Just before it starts raining again, we arrive at Warung Muri’s to feast on their famous Nasi Campur with an amazing view of the gully and riverbank. Later that evening, we were invited by friends to see the amazing Les Nubians at Word of Mouth in Seminyak where I met the beautiful Célia Faussart, one half of the duo. It was definitely a treat to catch them live and end the day with such positive music.

photos courtesy of Richard Olsen

Wednesday 3rd November

2010-11-23T20:39:00.015+11:00

After a refreshing early morning swim, we head to the knitters to see the first samples. I spend some time there discussing new measurements, changes to finishes and comparing yarn qualities. We have lunch of Masakan Padang and there are images of Mt Merapi erupting again on television, now affecting the regions of Yogyakarta. We had planned on going there earlier for sourcing materials. Back home to Sanur where I will meet my crochet specialist and we discuss designs and motif details.

Friday 29th October

2010-11-11T15:19:00.017+11:00

Today I realised that GPS still works internationally on my iPhone which could have saved us a huge amount of time yesterday. Raining quite heavily, we travel to the fabric district and walk around to all the small wholesale fabric stores dotted along the road. After lunch of Soto Bandung, we go to a special shoemaker that has been making leather shoes and bags for over 50 years. I discuss designs with them and leave them with the samples before visiting one of my favourite little boutiques called Happy Go Lucky and have a delicious meal of traditional Sundanese food.

Photos courtesy of Richard Olsen

Thursday 28th October

2010-11-04T19:12:00.007+11:00

At 0800 we begin the 3 hour drive to Bandung, we are blessed with no traffic delays today and we make it there ahead of schedule, although we did make a few wrong turns in town due to a bought map that didn’t have the road names written on it. We fuel ourselves with traditional Bandung food at Cabe Rawit before getting lost again to meet my tshirt maker in the south-west of Bandung. We discuss the samples and make changes to my patterns for a few hours. When we leave, the road is so busy I’m literally directing all sorts of traffic in the middle of the road so the car can reverse out! Bandung is much more mountainous than Jakarta, and the city has specatular views once we reach the top for dinner at Cloud 9.

Wednesday 27th October

2010-11-04T18:52:00.006+11:00

Today we meet with my bag and shoe maker in Jakarta. He’s renowned for his beautiful attention to detail with the stitching of each piece and has an eye for selecting only the best skins. We discuss the specs in detail and I select the leathers for the samples. Afterwards , we visit the Yuzm Gallery where Li Hui has the most intriguing and surprising installations on exhibit. For dinner we go to Social House which has the best truffle pasta in Jakarta. Night in tonight, as we prep for our road trip to Bandung which is the central city for leather and dressmakers.

Tuesday 26th October

2010-11-01T13:21:00.009+11:00

An early start and its off to meet my knitwear specialist in Denpasar. After the initial fitting and discussing the specifications, we travel to my fabric supplier to choose some jerseys for the basics range.

For lunch my driver and I tucked into a delicious meal of Masakan Padang in a local restaurant. Afterwards, I spent some time at my leather supplier, carefully choosing each skin for the first samples.

Richard, my Jakarta correspondant has set up a meeting with an important maker for shoes and bags in the country’s capital city tomorrow morning. I quickly made a booking for the 2215 flight that leaves in just a few hours! It’s important to take into account weather conditions and the possible event of natural disasters occurring into schedule. Richard tells me that he was stuck in a mall in Kemang from 8pm to almost 2 in the morning due to a 1- 1.5m deep flash flooding in the fashionable district, causing extensive traffic throughout the city for days. To make things worse, flights were heavily delayed as Mt. Merapi has started spitting out lava and the heavy smoke has congested the skies around West Java. I am stuck in the airport filled with people smoking ciggarettes, one could have easily mistaken it for volcano smoke that had seeped in through the windows.

In the morning, we meet with Michelle - a fellow fashion designer in Jakarta who takes us to the fashion suppliers district where I source trims and hardware for the new bag designs. For dinner, we meet with my good friend Lisa who owns one of the best clothing boutiques in Indonesia called Fj'L stocking Parisian and Australian designers.

Indonesia Expedition.

2010-10-25T14:50:00.007+11:00

24^th October 2010

It was by chance I was able to come to Indonesia specifically for sourcing materials and to investigate production factories. In Bali they are renown for their artisan handicraft work in leather goods and shoes for many years. Upon arrival at 6pm, I am greeted by Badrun and Sri and driven back to the villa where Sri has prepared a simple Indonesian dish of Kangkung vegetables, tempe and ayam goreng for dinner. The villa has no wifi and I’m sitting in the French restaurant next door, organising the schedule for the week while being surrounded by foreigners on honeymoon and the sound of live Gamelan throughout the restaurant. It is indeed a surreal contrast from our cold and dreary springtime in Sydney. After prepping the samples, quick night swim and turn in early to hit the ground running tomorrow morning.

Many thanks to Yoan for the heftily discounted flight, which I would not have been able afford without!

Below: Denpasar and SUV country, villa in Sanur.

En route.

2010-10-21T12:05:00.005+11:00

Only 2 days to go for the Indonesia Expedition. We will be undergoing sourcing and development for some new products. We will be documenting our journey.

Stay tuned for updates.

Love vintage.

2010-10-17T20:48:00.006+11:00

One hour was definitely not enough time to have a good trawl through the Annual Vintage Clothing and Jewellery Exhibition.. I love to hear the stories about each piece and how tiny dates are handwritten on their swing tags. That 1940's Scottish single-breasted frock coat is for a military drummer, there is a small hook on the back where he once attached his drum to play for ceremonial marches.

Beautiful People.

2010-10-14T19:25:00.001+11:00

Freja in Dossier Journal.

Looks I love.

2010-10-14T19:01:00.004+11:00

via source.

secrets and love letters.

2010-10-13T17:21:00.008+11:00

After fleeing the turmoil of WW11, the grand daughter of Marthe de Florian a beautiful French actress, locked up her Parisian apartment for over 70 years. Only now has the untouched flat been opened upon her passing and a rare Giovanni Boldini painting of his muse Marthe has been discovered amongst many other works and love letters from the famous painter. I can only imagine what secrets, love affairs and mysteries that apartment must have housed...

Marthe.

via here and here.

Beautiful People.

2010-10-09T23:23:00.002+11:00

This has got to be my favourite shot during Paris Fashion Week...

via Jak&jil

Russh Magazine.

2010-10-02T18:42:00.003+10:00

Our Stone Leather/Lambsfur Moto Jacket featured in RUSSH magazine's debut online shopping guide this month. =)

D∆NNIK∆ ZEN & Désordre

2010-09-23T17:15:00.025+10:00

Moments in time at our first exhibition: 15th September 2010.

Lifelounge.

2010-09-22T12:01:00.005+10:00

Some cheeky snaps from our event! Thanks Ritchie and Lifelounge =)

more images here.

Désordre.

2010-09-17T21:50:00.007+10:00

Thank you all for an amazing launch night at the Désordre store! Stay tuned for the photo aftermath!

Our products are now available in store!

If you're in Sydney, stop by and say hello to the beautiful girls =)

323 South Dowling St, Darlinghurst 2010

The cut.

2010-09-14T09:57:00.001+10:00

Menswear tailoring at its finest.

A visit to the antiques warehouse.

2010-09-08T10:54:00.004+10:00

Our first exhibition...

2010-09-08T10:49:00.000+10:00

The Rose Seidler House.

2010-08-29T19:38:00.017+10:00

A rare Sunday outing to the Annual Fifties Fair at the all important Rose Seidler House, Wahroonga. A surprising array of well made vintage 50's attire, accessories and objects for the home - something that is always hard to come by when living in Australia, considering our country was virtually made up of convicts in the beginning. It is truly a great excitement when I come across some amazing pieces.

The Animal Orchestra.

2010-08-21T23:14:00.004+10:00

Many thanks to Nadia Bailey for featuring me on her beautifully dark blog.

Click here for our mini interview!

much love to u! xo

Style icons.

2010-08-06T08:30:00.009+10:00

Serge Gainsbourg, Jane Birkin, Bob Dylan, Jean Seberg, Nico, Charlotte Gainsbourg.

via sources 1 and 2 and unknown

2010-08-03T23:24:00.004+10:00

180° South.

2010-07-26T21:09:00.004+10:00

I love adventure films and documentaries, from Bear Grylls to Into the Wild. I have this fascination about the journey to a wilderness so far away from where I'm used to and I'm sure there's great inspiration for outerwear in this film too.

In the production room.

2010-07-26T20:02:00.008+10:00

Each leather garment is handmade one by one by skilled workers taking the time for each cut, every stitch and the seam pressed not leaving any detail astray, continuing a long legacy of specialised leather craftsmanship

Berlin reminiscence.

2010-07-18T23:02:00.002+10:00

The Prenzlauer Berg Bag...

Art Today

2010-07-12T23:04:00.003+10:00

An intriguing documentary on how money now overpowers the value of art and changes the way we think about an artwork and how its made, which may in turn have the power to alter its original meaning.Hughes' makes an interesting comparison from the flood of '66 in Florence that destroyed many important pieces in the Uffizi, with the destruction of value in art today through power, greed and money.

Beautiful People.

2010-07-12T22:43:00.004+10:00

Daria: Classic.

You can order our own Original Leather Blazer online now. Email for details.

Live.

2010-07-12T21:59:00.004+10:00

Our website is now live.

Infinite thank you's to Jeremy (Dotman), Jeff Yiu, Case, Lahuta, Georgia and Tully for helping to make this all possible. Love to you x

http://www.dannikazen.com/

The First Shoot.

2010-06-26T03:52:00.004+10:00

In preparation for our first shoot on location at the studio.

How beautiful is our model Lahuta... Such a natural and soft look with eyes like a sparrow and full of mystery, couldn't have asked for anything more.

Pythagoras.

2010-06-12T20:06:00.001+10:00

via Julia

Beautiful People: Vintage Kate.

2010-06-11T01:51:00.003+10:00

via thosedamncitykids

Supreme hustle.

2010-06-11T01:17:00.002+10:00

via -333

Interiors.

2010-06-10T00:57:00.000+10:00

unknown source.

Preview.

2010-06-10T00:08:00.002+10:00

I'm extremely excited to do the photoshoot with the talented Jeff Yiu next week.
Temperature has dropped and its time to rug up. Here's a sneak preview of whats to come!

Pieces of you.

2010-06-01T23:32:00.007+10:00

Jewellery available soon...

Another Universe.

2010-06-01T23:18:00.007+10:00

Moments in time from my trip to Bali in May 2010, for a good friend's wedding and sourcing materials...

Liu Wen.

2010-04-29T17:40:00.005+10:00

From Paris to Shanghai, Elle China.
via source.

Interiors.

2010-04-29T16:54:00.005+10:00

in the archive...

via sources 1 and 2.

Beautiful People: James Dean

2010-04-28T16:13:00.007+10:00

via www and source.

Still Life.

2010-04-28T15:44:00.007+10:00

Vanitas Stilleben mit Globus, Buechern, Glaesern, Sanduhr, und toten Voegeln
- Petrus Schotanus Leeuwarden

♪ ♫

Currently listening to Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C#minor (op.3, no.2). Download here.

I am love.

2010-04-28T15:23:00.003+10:00

Australian release dates always seem to be last for the best films...

Handmade.

2010-04-19T17:07:00.006+10:00

In the studio, preparing the skins.

beautiful people.

2010-04-16T00:09:00.002+10:00

photography by Camilla Akrans

another bed post.

2010-04-16T00:01:00.000+10:00

unknown. goodnight.

New York Times.

2010-04-13T22:39:00.012+10:00

I was in NYC during Fall Fashion Week in March '09, when I was working with German labels Macqua and Unrath & Strano. There were so many beautiful people
out and about during the week of course, models and the most fashionable of crowds, however I was much more intrigued with the streets, lower east side locals and the rather large population of the homeless.

Favourite NYC moments.

2010-04-13T00:32:00.014+10:00

Tompkins Square Park, Lower East Side
Mar 2009

looks I love...

2010-04-06T17:46:00.002+10:00

model of the moment: Karmen Pedaru
via fuckyeahkarmen

another bed post.

2010-04-06T17:43:00.003+10:00

via jjjjound

looks I love...

2010-04-05T23:52:00.005+10:00

Illustrated simplicity and the perfect shade of grey.
via jak&jil

looks I love...

2010-03-30T18:19:00.002+11:00

The perfect balance of hardware, fur and military.
Lily Donaldson via Bloom

The Alchemist.

2010-03-29T22:55:00.003+11:00

a still from The Holy Mountain 1973, Jodorowsky is a constant source of inspiration who really changed my perceptions on spirituality and its effects on human nature.

Unknown

2010-03-25T16:46:00.002+11:00

Apologies to the artist... I can't, for the life of me remember your name... but how I love work...

looks I love...

2010-03-23T00:50:00.010+11:00

via milkatmidnight

The art of selling rainbow monsters and neon apocalypse.

2010-03-22T18:49:00.023+11:00

Tokyo: Part II; At Starbucks in Shibuya, Gonpachi (Space Tower), Cherry Blossom jelly sushi, penthouse view at The Granbell Hotel, Japanese fish breakfast every morning =), somewhere in Aoyama, Elliott's dorm in Meijiro which he tell me was Murakami's dorm in the 80's and had inspired Norwegian Wood, random local ramen house, random street shot that reminds me of the art of manga artist Taiyō Matsumoto.

Tokyo: Part I

2010-03-16T16:16:00.018+11:00

Travelling to Japan with old pal Jesse...
The excess: from high end streetwear to copious amounts of colour, clothing, alcohol and energy drinks.

Nippon.

2010-03-10T20:34:00.004+11:00

I have just returned from a week long trip to Tokyo. Pictures tomorrow. right now - sleep!

via a passing feeling

Gold.

2010-03-02T00:32:00.004+11:00

via Miss Bonaparte

Goodnight.

2010-02-23T00:50:00.002+11:00

On rotation.

2010-02-22T00:10:00.003+11:00

Productive Sunday: another jacket pattern finished.

25th February.

2010-02-21T18:56:00.004+11:00

Reminding you all to keep this date in mind for the Australia release date of Tom Ford's directorial debut A Single Man. Palace Verona is the place to be.
If the sartorically beautiful and nostalgic cinematography echoing Ford's distinct styling didn't get you excited enough, one of my musical favourites Shigeru Umebayashi has provided the score. You may recognise his name for his work with Wong Kar Wai, including In the Mood for Love, which was key in my photographic inspirations and made me look at Still Life in a new light.

Brainstorming...

2010-02-21T01:08:00.015+11:00

...Or the 'art' of procrastination - currently contemplating ideas for the collection... here are some of my favourites doing the same: Woody Allen, Christophe Decarnin, Peter Saville and David Lynch.

The Crux.

2010-02-21T00:49:00.006+11:00

Seeing this motif everywhere...
From Daniel Rozin's "X by Y" exhibition at the Bitforms Gallery in NYC, Pia Wallen's brilliant wool blanket (available at Mjolk) to The XX's vinyl cover.

At the last stroke.

2010-02-21T00:27:00.005+11:00

Welcome to my studio... one could wish.
The Ultimate loft for those time conscientious... and holding an easy record price of US$25M up their sleeve. All 4 clocks are electronically synchronized to show exactly the same time in this 2300sq/ft clocktower penthouse apartment.
Location: Dumbo, Brooklyn NY by David Walentas
(via The New York Times)

Well, I may not be moving into this particular abode, but my studio will be up and running again on the 15th March, hence the recent fascination for interiors and much inspiration for a whole new look to my place. Tomorrow, I will be about the city scouting objects for the space - including one very important item of vanity - a giant antique mirror for Alice to stumble upon.
Pictures soon!

dressing the world.

2010-02-11T20:45:00.006+11:00

the eight mounted monarchs on the upper border represent different countries of Europe, distinguished by notable differences in military uniform and hints of local dress each to their own.

Nova totius terrarum orbis geographica ac hydrographica tabula - Jans Jansson
C1632. Lipperheide Kostume Bibliothek

Your words will always be in my goddamm heart.

2010-01-29T18:28:00.004+11:00

J.D Salinger

1 January 1919 - 27 January 2010

Preview.

2010-01-25T14:40:00.001+11:00

Muse.

2010-01-24T21:37:00.000+11:00

"There is no solution because there is no problem." - M. Duchamp

2010-01-19T23:23:00.005+11:00

The Unmade Bed (1957) - Imogen Cunningham

Through the looking glass.

2009-12-25T16:53:00.011+11:00

Here is a peek into my leather maker's studio. In the heart of Sydney, he's been located in this dusty old building for almost 40 years now after immigrating from Sicily. Some things never change. I've been working with him for 4 years now, starting off as an apprentice to the master and learning European techniques in leather and tailoring. Everything I know about leather comes from this man. He's been a tailor for as long as he can remember, specialising in motorcycle jackets and handbags. He would help me during my days at East Sydney, staying up and finishing strict deadlines while he'd calmly tell me stories behind the beautiful Italian operas we would listen to for hours. Soon he will retire. He is probably one of the last original craftsman of this industry.

Escape.

2009-12-24T15:34:00.001+11:00

Diaphonous.

2009-12-24T15:24:00.001+11:00

Pulvis et Umbra

2009-12-21T17:25:00.002+11:00

we are but dust and shadow...

Bucherstilleben
Spanien c1630
Gemaeldegalerie, Berlin Deutschland

Liberae sunt nostrae cogitationes

2009-12-21T11:14:00.001+11:00

"Our thoughts are free" - Cicero
During my research trip to Europe, I discovered a gem in the city of Berlin. The Lipperheide Kostume Bibliothek consisting of over 35,000 volumes and magazines of costume history and over 70,000 prints, photographs, graphics and manuscripts dating back as early as the 16th century. Everyday for almost 2 weeks, I travelled to the library located in Potsdamer Platz nestled between the Philharmonie Concert Hall and Mies van der Rohe's Neue National Galerie (my favourite building in the city). After several attempts in understanding their incredibly strict German system and dealing with the merciless attendants in actually obtaining these rare books, I was constantly searching and studying for hours focussing on the roots of C15th costume. It was easy to be detoured off the subject, being surrounded by such an array of information and inspiration from their in-depth collections of everything to do with dress and costume over humankind. My self study on general Latin, thankfully was put into good use at the library as they were traditionally catalogued accordingly at times when my German had failed me.
I was particularly interested in finding old patternmaking and tailoring books, detailing the cut and construction of the High Renaissance dress, including collars, ruffs and doublets, thinking how I might fuse the little details into my modern collection. This place is truly special and really is where ideas and creativity can be endless.

Melancholic Monday

2009-12-01T14:23:00.001+11:00

Land of Talk - It's okay.
I am so glad I stumbled upon this one.

In the beginning...

2009-11-13T02:41:00.001+11:00

An inspirational journal of thoughts, sounds, images and an insight into the production processes of creating the womenswear label Dannika Zen, conceived in Sydney, Australia. Constantly moving around the globe where ideas stem, in order to gain new techniques and sourcing unique materials of the utmost quality. The label's primary focus is to create a product that returns to the pure basics of vestis: simplicity, versatility, functionality and timeless beauty.

www.dannikazen.com

Dust series by Ujin Lee x Tom Edwards