Retail Therapy: Deal with it

Seed Gallery has released a card deck with an arty twist - 27 artists, from painters to printmakers to sculptors to photographers, were asked to interpret their current work into two card designs. The 54 unique art works have been turned into cards, with 200 boxed, limited edition decks available from the Newmarket gallery. The original artworks will also be on display and available to buy as part of the House of Cards exhibition from July 8-July 25. Seed Gallery, 23A Crowhurst St, Newmarket, Auckland, ph (09) 522 5360.

Miromoda winners

The Miromoda Fashion Design Awards were announced last week, with seven Maori fashion designers selected to show at New Zealand Fashion Week in September. The organisers and judges say they were blown away by the calibre of the winning entries. The overall winner was AUT graduate Blaire Archibald (Ngati Ruanui), who also won the emerging designer section with a standout menswear collection. He will showcase this range at Fashion Week, as well as winning return travel to Sydney's Rosemount Fashion Festival. Also acknowledged as winners were emerging designer runner-up Adrienne Whitewood (Rongowhakata), established winner Aroha Wikotu (Whakatohea-Tuhoe), haute couture winner Ana Hau (Ngapuhi/Te Rarawa), haute couture runner-up: Shona Tawhiao (Ngai Te Rangi), T-shirt placement winner Amber Bridgman (Kai Tahu, Ngati Mamoe and Waitaha) and T-shirt placement runner-up Kereama Taepa (Te Arawa/Te Ati Awa).

Into the darkness

The Darkroom is returning to Auckland this Friday, with heavily discounted pieces from Zambesi, NOM*D, Lonely Hearts, Deadly Ponies, Deborah Sweeney, Twenty-seven Names and Jimmy D. The ongoing collaboration between Auckland boutique Children of Vision, label Jimmy D and online store General Cucumber will also feature pieces by international labels including Bernhard Willhelm, Rad by Rad Hourani, Romance Was Born, TV and Gary Bigeni. The Darkroom is open for three days only at Shop 15, St Kevin's Arcade, 179-183 K Rd, Auckland (next to Children of Vision). Friday July 9, 10am-7pm; Saturday July 10, 10am-5pm; Sunday July 11, 11am-4pm, ph (09) 379 8930.

New direction

Top stylist Richard Kavanagh had to stop other hairdressers swiping his Redken Matte Sponge backstage at Australian Fashion Week. They'd heard the buzz about how the crack Redken international team the New Zealander is part of used the sponge at earlier shows in New York, Paris and Milan to create new, texturised looks. Its one of four innovative styling products, each priced at $38.50, arriving in salons this month. Woolshake which gives a matte finish and Gelatine are others.

Kavanagh has also been named Rodney Wayne's creative director. He will oversee seasonal trend collections for Rodney Wayne to give customers an insight into directional hair looks and help train staff on how to achieve these. The part-time role will allow Kavanagh to continue his editorial work and stints on international fashion and hair shows for Redken.

Arty charity

Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand is holding a charity art exhibition and silent auction featuring art donated by renowned and emerging artists. ARTicle 19 includes works from Nigel Brown, Otis Frizzell, Misery, Trust Me, Shane Hammond, Kelly Thompson, Luis Velloci, Tanya Blong, Cinzah Merkens and DRYPNZ, to celebrate "art, activism and human rights". Online bidding for the exhibition and auction opened on July 1 and continues open for seven days. To view the art and bid, visit article19.org.nz. Proceeds go to Amnesty International.