Kings & Quinns is, in a nutshell, a fashion blog. Musings, discussions and rants centre on the vast and beautiful – for lack of a more appropriate word – world of fashion culture, from Haute Couture to more accessible street fashion. What makes this blog interesting and perhaps different to other fashion blogs – though I must say I am no aficionado in that respect – is the fresh perspective brought by the author. Katherine is a student (with all the monetary “perks” pertaining thereto) living in Canberra, Australia (somewhat of a fashion anticlimax) and yet she manages to deliver poignant observations, and with unabashed flair.

Contained within the walls of Miss Quinn’s website are interviews with local designers, idiosyncratic observations on popular fashion culture, thought-provoking discussions on the social implications of the industry, some pretty hilarious anecdotes, and most of her posts are riddled with eye candy on which to feast. The writing style is oh-s0-smooth – intellectual yet unassuming, flamboyant yet succinct, witty yet accessible. All of this is to say that each post in itself is a joy to read, but the article that really got me hooked was Model Guidelines for Models which talks about the issue of body image from a practical point of view. Possibly at the heavier end of the spectrum, it is an article that lends a different perspective to an always-topical issue.

As a designer it’s important to keep abreast of the visual zeitgeist in all its glorious forms, from print to web to fashion, et cetera, ad infinitum. I am by no means an old hand when it comes to fashion but through Kings & Quinns I’m starting to learn – and I must say I am thoroughly enjoying it. Please Miss Q, do not stop writing.

This post actually has nothing to do with thirst, but everything to do with me popping my t-shirt-making cherry, so to speak. Last night after finishing up with a work project, I realised that I was faced with three options:

1. Begin another work project, thus spending all day on the grind.
2. Abandon all productive endeavours in pursuit of some serious couch-surfing.
3. Combine productivity and relaxation by being creative.

It was obvious to me which I would pick – mostly because I didn’t want to spend all day working, and second-mostly because I was able to watch TV shows AND be creative at the same time.

Alas, I digress (as seems to be the fashion on this website). I have long had a desire to make my own t-shirts, since retail tshirts are either too commonplace, too popular or too expensive. Last night, after much deliberation, I took hold of that desire and made myself a fashion garment. Here are some photos from the momentous occasion.

If anyone has any cool ideas for more t-shirts, let me know – I’m always on the hunt for design ideas. Now, ’tis time for me to go outside and enjoy what’s left of this gorgeous day!

- Juanito Bandolero