Retail Therapy: To market to market

Huffer T-shirt. Photo / Supplied

A new market with a twist is set to launch in Auckland in the first week of June - and organisers are putting the call out to fashion designers, artisans, food producers and interior homeware designers to take part. Epiphanydesignstore@Sale St is set to be a weekend market based within the popular Sale Street bar, and will feature live music and tapas to keep you entertained while you shop. The organisers are Brendon Poole and Travis Standen, partners in the online Epiphany Design Store. Space will be limited to only 20, so if you're interested, visit Epiphanydesignstore.co.nz for more information or contact brendon@epiphanydesignstore.co.nz.

New things

Miss Crabb's latest collection is in store now at her Ponsonby Rd boutique. The winter collection, called Collection 5, features more of Miss Crabb's signature pieces, including new denim and re-cut black and white leggings. Miss Crabb, 41 Ponsonby Rd, (09) 361 3322.

Call for entries!

Entries are now open for the Westfield Style Pasifika New Zealand Fashion Awards 2009. This is the 16th year of the awards, which encourages designers of all experience levels to create unique fashion inspired by the melting pot of Pasifika. This year there are 10 categories, and judges include designers Denise L'Estrange-Corbet and Frances Hooper of World, Liz Mitchell and Ashley Fogel. The awards night will take place at Auckland's Vector Arena on September 4, and tickets are available from Tickemaster now. And if you think you have what it takes to win a Westfield Style Pasifika prize, you can fill out an entry form at Westfield malls, Resene outlets, or download one at www.stylepasifika.co.nz. All forms must be received by July 10 2009, with garments to follow on July 30 2009.

Shoe mecca

Good news, shoe lovers: Newmarket footwear boutique Runway Shoes & Accessories have recently launched a new website, so now you can browse the racks without leaving your desk. www.runwayshoes.co.nz.

Huffer helps out

Huffer has joined forces with the Westpac Chopper Appeal for the fourth year and designed a beanie, hoodie and 100 per cent cotton T-shirt to help raise funds and awareness for the Westpac Chopper Appeal. The range will be available for the month of May from Huffer's online store - www.hufferstore.com - or from the Chopper appeal website at www.haveapart.co.nz. Tees will be priced at $50, with $20 from each sale going towards the rescue helicopters, hoodies are $120 with a $30 donation, and beanies $40 with a $10 donation. You can also donate to the appeal throughout the month of May at any Westpac branch or by phoning 0900 4 CHOPPER.

King of fashion

Fashion has a serious case of Balmainia right now, with fashion editors to celebrities swooning over Christophe Decarnin's sexy collections for the French house. Decarnin is a key player in the return of 80s flash - especially the over-the-top shoulders that are appearing everywhere. The Balmain sparkled, frogged jackets and crystal-embellished dresses in a recent collection are very much inspired by Michael Jackson's 80s wardrobe - and now the King of Pop has been photographed wearing a Balmain crystal zebra tee. This has made fashion insiders very happy - many are hoping that Decarnin will provide Jackson with costumes for his upcoming comeback tour.

Snuggle up

Ecostore have released a new fabric softener that's perfect for making knits soft and snuggly for cold winter days. The tallow-free fabric softener is skin-friendly and suitable for people who are prone to allergies, skin irritations or asthma. Get it now from all good supermarkets, or online from ecostore's e-site, www.ecostoredirect.co.nz.