Retail therapy: New shoe

Limited edition Missoni for Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker ($250). Photo / Supplied

Arriving in store tomorrow is this new, limited edition Missoni for Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker ($250). Based on a shoe that Converse originally created for the United States military in the 1960s, Missoni's sneaker features their space-dyed woollen knit and leather detailing on the tongue and toe cap. The shoes come in unisex sizes, and are available exclusively from Area 51, 55 High St. Ph (09) 309 1922, or online.

VIP Viva

The seasonal fashion shows at The Department Store have become highlights of the fashion calendar, and this Friday night they are holding another, to showcase spring/summer collections from Karen Walker, Topshop, Topman and Black Box Boutique. We have two double passes to the show to give away - to enter, email your name, address and phone number to vipviva@nzherald.co.nz.

* One entry per person; entrants must be over 18 as there will be alcohol served at this event. Competition closes end of day October 6, winner notified morning of October 7.

Southside style

The finalists have been decided and tickets are on sale for this year's cult couture awards, to be held in Manukau on October 15.

The awards will be judged by Francis Hooper of World, Canvas fashion editor Dan Ahwa, Remix editor Tina Moore and model and director of N Model Management Ngahuia Williams.

The awards ceremony will feature performances from Ardijah, the Royal Family Dance Crew and more. With six prize categories, entrants have created one-off garments focusing on fashion, creativity and cultural interpretation; with the finalists' pieces on the runway on the night competing for the Supreme Award.

* Cult Couture, October 15, Telstraclear Pacific Events Centre, Manukau. Tickets from $20 from Ticket Direct or 0800 4TICKET.

Great dane

For those who like fashion with an interesting bent, Danish label Henrik Vibskov is now being stocked exclusively in Auckland at Children of Vision. Selected pieces have just arrived, including a one-size, striped "Nonchalant" dress ($440). Ph (09) 379 8930.

Ruby cleans up

Three cheers for 14-year-old cancer survivor Ruby Seeto, who has raised, incredibly, more than $100,000 for Starship Hospital from the sale of her special tea towel designs through Wallace Cotton. Ruby's initiative has been going for three years, and sees new designs for 2011 that feature tasty recipes.

A set of three teatowels costs $30, with $18 from the sale (profit after costs) going to Starship Children's Hospital. Seeto will be at Lunn Ave Farro Fresh market day this Saturday from 12-2pm, selling her latest design, which features a recipe for hokey pokey ice cream. (The teatowels are $10 each, with all proceeds going to the hospital).

All black

The country's fascination for black continues with a pop-up store with a focus on the dark hue opening in Parnell. Everything Black is a showcase of NZ crafted clothing and accessories, including designers Hailwood, Maaike, Meadowlark, Sabatini, Saben, Twenty-seven names, whywho and more. The House of Waiwera is behind the store, offering a free bottle of Waiwera Artesian Water with each purchase. 285 Parnell Rd, Parnell.

Orange crush

Add a bright burst of colour to your wardrobe with this vintage-inspired dress. It's $125 and from Topshop at The Department Store, and we suspect it will sell out quickly. Ph (09) 489 4229.