Tluxe Blog — books

If you love the quirky fashion of Dutch art duo Viktor & Rolf don’t miss the English version of their book, Fairytales, out this month. Stories reflecting the ideas behind some of their more fantastical fashion collections include hand-drawn characters such as the brilliantly pink-haired Candy Floss, a lonely disco hedgehog, and Giselle, a princess who had ten of everything. We love it.

And while we’re on the subject of fashion books, check out ex French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld’s new coffee table tome, Irreverant, which she launched just last week at a vampire-themed party during the Paris ready-to-wear shows. Overflowing with the sexiest of images from her career in styling, including her sure to be iconic stint working with Mario Testino for Tom Ford when he headed up Gucci, it’s a fashion lovers must-have. Check out Madame Roitfeld’s interview with the inimitable Suzy Menkes for a little background on the book and her own personal rock chic style, where she says: “My silhouette has not changed, my body stayed young. But you still have to change — there is nothing more vulgar than a woman who dresses inappropriately for her age.”

India Flint describes herself as an artisan and writer. Her inventive experiments with ecologically sustainable plant dyes made mostly from eucalyptus leaves have gained her worldwide attention, from European art galleries to legendary trend forecaster Li Edelkoort’s magazine, Bloom. 

Her new book, Second Skin is a must read for anyone interested in leading a simpler, more conscious life using fewer resources, specifically when it comes to clothing. Being a designer, India’s book is not only full of useful information it’s inspirational and beautiful to look at too, with photographs and illustrations by the author. What a talent. 

Shoestring Chic is a new book by Paris-based Australian illustrator and author, Kerrie Hess, who recently sketched for Chanel. Her tips on how to look like a million dollars on a budget include a smart guide for cash-strapped travellers to Paris, who want to stay somewhere chic without the five star price tag.

It’s inspired us here at Tluxe to look closer to home for our own ideas on little luxuries that won’t cost the earth but make life sparkle.

1. Picnic at a harbourside villa: Spring is on its way. Grab a bottle of champagne and some delights from your local deli and head down to Strickland House in Sydney’s Vaucluse. Its secluded, in-the-know location features million dollar harbourside views for little more than the cost of a sandwich.

2. Make Wednesday night your new Saturday night: There’s a whole new world of opportunity outside of weekends. Weekends are expensive - movies, gigs, restaurants are all more likely to have a higher price tag on weekends. So why not make Wednesday night out a routine? For Bondi locals especially, it’s the best night of the week.

3. Buy less but buy better quality: We love nice things. Instead of spending regularly on tee-shirts that instantly fall out of shape, buy one good dress or shirt every few months. Buying less means you can invest in quality. If you have particular things you really like, then saving up and buying a decent version of them is cheaper in the long run. And it will still be around to give you joy in years to come.