Whilst down in Mexico for the Aust F1 GP took in the frnkly 'kin awesome exhibition that is:

Sneakers Classics to Customs
16 December 2006 to 8 July 2007

Myer Fashion and Textiles Gallery

At the ( I've always thought presumptuously named) National Gallery of Victoria.

Maybe they are hinting at a succession from the Federation?

The selection was excellent with about 300 pairs spanning the last 20 years. It wasn't done as a spot the ridiculously rare (although there was plenty of much lusted kicks) but more of an accessible look at no end of straight fire. the blurb sums it up nicely:

Sneakers are one of the most exciting and fast-changing phenomena in youth fashion today. Sneakers: Classics to Customs features many of the most coveted examples that have become emblems of style over the past three decades. As Sneakers: The Complete Collector’s Guide declares ‘The sneaker has moved out from the sports arena and exploded into popular culture, a fashion staple that transcends race and class yet defines who you are in today’s urban tribes’.

Sneakers explores a number of themes which reflect the evolution of sneakers from functional sportswear to cult fashion. Beginning with the Classics - sports shoes that have become enduring styles - such as the Converse All Star, Adidas Superstar and Nike Air Jordan. Followed by a series of limited editions - special releases aimed at the serious wearer and collector - that have been produced by the major brands. Another aspect of limited editions, is the collaboration between sports shoe companies and designers working in other fields such as Peter Saville and Adidas, Marc Newson and Nike and Philippe Starck with Puma.
Fame and celebrity is another of the many ways that the once humble sneaker has been elevated to cult status. Finally, the involvement of artists and designers in customising sneakers has extended the creative possibilities of the form.

The exhibition displays over 300 pairs of the most style worthy sneakers. All works are sourced from private loans, mostly Melbourne and Sydney collectors. Music and animation will be an important component of the exhibition and will highlight some of the music, dance and sports subcultures that are linked to particular sneaker fads.

Definately worth checking out.

Sniffin'

I've been a long term fan of english car industry pisstake wwww.sniffpetrol.com

The guy who writes it (who i think has a top gear script connection) really does have that Pommy mix of wit & fart humour down. Check through their archives for some gold, the work of used car expert Carcoat Damphands is especially tidy. I present a series of car ads crudely stolen and passed off as original content. enjoy.

I climbed Mt Druitt

Checked out this exhibition the Penrith regional gallery on the weekend. Had not ventured there before, a tidy little gallery on the banks of the increasingly Gold Coast Lite Nepean River.

The blurb:

Featuring Harold David's one hundred photographic portraits and fifty one garments, including the Australian Olympic Team tracktop worn by Peter Norman during the 'Black Power Salute' protest of the Mexico '68 Olympic Games. The exhibition revolves around the people of the Sydney suburb of St Marys and VIPs of sport, dance and music. It explores the tracksuit as a symbol of both action and inaction - as the emblematic costume of many subcultures, as well as a high end global fashion garment and a mass produced utilitarian clothing option.

There really was some great portraits, definitely not just taking the piss out of bogans, and the accompanying tracksuit sheathed mannequins were schmick. Highly recommended, on for another month.

Photo and text from Penrith regional gallery.

November 2005, April 2006, Right Now

Big shout out to Mrs Carthology. Agreeing to and then marrying me was one thing, but having a baby is just well beyond the call of duty.