Today’s story is a slight deviation from our usual design-paved path, although I like to think of it as a related and relevant tangent. Leonard Mattis is a London-born, Sydney-based hairdresser and owner of his eponymous Surry Hills studio. Last year, Mattis celebrated 10 years in business, which saw him expand the premises to create a multi-purpose site that provides a rare fusion of local art and high-end styling. Whilst still functioning as a working salon, Leonard’s studio has become a sought after exhibition space by emerging talent, seeking to showcase their work outside of traditional gallery display…

I realise that Yellowtrace is not a music blog, so we shall leave Daft Punk’s brand new album “Random Access Memories” alone, while I draw your attention to something else. I’m talking about their recent slick photo shoot set in a famous modernist house in Los Angeles – Sheats Goldstein Residence, designed by celebrated American modernist architect John Lautner…

There is a lot to love about these interiors. From the interior branding point of view, they are a study in perfection. Not only do they embody Acne’s painfully stylish aesthetic, each store speaks a consistent visual language while maintaining individual sense of identity…

Although I don’t usually blog about fashion, and I certainly don’t consider myself to be an expert on the topic, I couldn’t help falling in love with the beauty of Dion Lee’s 2013 capsule collection. Dion was named an Australian winner of the prestigious International Woolmark Competition for which he designed this collection inspired by contemporary Australian identity. He uses sculptural, millinery shapes integrated into outerwear, referencing Australian Akubra style hats. Lee also drew inspiration from Jørn Utzon’s iconic Sydney Opera House, experimenting with construction of garments that echoed its sail-like architecture….

When I saw Alpha60 Autumn/ Winter 2013 collection, I was instantly compelled to turn a few of my favourite looks into ‘reverse mood-boards’. My eyes were immediately drawn to the beautiful colours – deep plums, royal blues, forest greens, pale creams and blacks. I was also really taken by the garments’ clean architectural shapes with a twist. So I began my process of gathering the images and channelling the Alpha60 vibe. The result is a series of mood boards that reinterpret Alpha60 signature aesthetic, and extend it to a complete design lifestyle – from architecture, interiors, furniture, lighting, graphics, art, even cars… Just like the name suggests – this is what it looks like when Alpha60 hangs out with Yellowtrace!