Mi Nah Follow Trend. Mi Set The Standard!

This morning I felt like wearing something feminine and upbeat colourwise. It was going to be a hard day but I was running late so decided to not overthink things and simply wear an outfit I'd worn just over a week ago but with different accessories. I had a DHL depot guy to pacify to ensure the fast processing and delivery of an important package to the other side of the city so my OOTD was the least of my concerns. My ensemble by Desert Designs, a little-known Australian brand, had me foolishly ignoring the weatherman and shimming out of my apartment listening to Set The Standard by Mr Williamz. I was ready to melt DHL hearts.

Eleven months ago, I'd never heard of Mr Williamz but after a friend showed me a short video of him on BBC 1Extra Robbo Ranx's show, I was hooked. If only he knew the night I heard "We nah follow trend. We set the standard." was the night my outlook on a lot of things changed and his lyrics became one of my fashion related mantras. 

I thought I'd share a shortened version of the video I watched months ago. Listen carefully from 0.58 to 2.00mins. You'll hear the lyrics that had me whiling out this morning thinking "Aboriginal artwork printed on silk is not in fashion but mi nah follow trend. Mi set the standard".

 

I thought I'd also share the outfit that got people on the street beaming at me last week but today giving me the most awkward looks. 

Last Thursday

  Today

Top and skirt - both Desert Designs

Thursday's bag - (not pictured)

Today's bag - Donna Karan

Thursday shoes - Charles and Keith

Today's shoes - Miu Miu

Thursday's sunglasses - Ray-Ban

Thursday's jewellery - Chanel vintage earrings + BVLGARI ring

Today's jewellery - all BVLGARI

Psssssst -----> OPI The Thrill of Brazil nail polish 

I remember trying on the two garments in FAT, a Melbourne boutique that picks up bits and pieces from both emerging and established edgier designers, and thinking wearing them together was a little too much. Yes too much for work but perfect for birthdays, engagements, break-up dinners with my girls and more casual industry events. I'd planned to leave empty handed and give it a few days before deciding what to do but half an hour later I was back at FAT picking up both pieces. Je ne regrette rien!

Christine Centenera, Vogue Australia's Senior Fashion Editor, has women all over this country and beyond searching high and low for those sculptural shapes and scuba inspired tops. Not me. I'm looking for well-priced Australian and non-Australian brands whose prints not only tell a story but move me. Desert Designs' prints do just that. 

xxx