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Newness on the floor from Vanishing Elephant, Cheap Monday, Handsom and Kahlo. We hope you love the new arrivals as much as we do. You can now simply click the image for more information on the garments x
Recently we asked Bri Cheeseman and Andrew Prince to tell us a little more about their label. Kindly, they obliged and told us about how they found themselves creating the beautiful garments of Secret South, formerly Secret Squirrel.
LO Howdy Bri & Andrew. How are you both?
We’re good! It’s cold in Sydney today and in the studio as well – lots of couriers arriving with fabrics and everyone keeps leaving the doors open! Looking forward to the arrival of spring, the humidity and the heavy scent of jasmine.
LO Can you tell us a little about what you do?
We make simple, beautiful, modern clothing women love to wear. We place a big emphasis on print, colour and quiet details to make pieces that are wardrobe essentials.
LO How did you two get started?
We started at the markets. We made and printed everything ourselves to begin with and the label grew organically from there.
LO What’s the most interesting thing about your work?
We love collaborating with other creatives and find it’s the most interesting part of running the label. Whether it be on textiles, photo shoots or campaign films, that process of collaboration is very rewarding.
LO Who or what inspires your work?
Music is probably our main source of inspiration, we are always listening to new and classic artists and whole collections can be dreamed up just from listening to an album. We’ve just discovered Rdio and an instrumental release of The Herbaliser.
LO How old were you when you decided to take this path?
26 (Bri) and 31 (Andrew)
LO What is/are your favourite achievement(s) so far in your career?
There’s too many to choose! We like to celebrate all the achievements we’ve made along the way, both huge ones and also tiny little ones only we would notice. Probably the best so far has been getting to the point where the label is our full time occupation.
LO What do you dream about?
I dream about luxurious tropical holidays, lying on beaches and Andrew dreams about roughing it camping. Sometimes the two don’t match up but we always make sure we get a bit of both.
LO What other labels do you admire?
I admire anyone who has the passion, creativity and determination to start their own label. Hats off to all of us!
LO We hear there’s a big change in store for the label. Can you tell us about the new direction?
This season we’ve changed our name to Secret South. It’s been in the pipeline for a while now behind the scenes but we felt this season was the perfect time to do it. The label has really evolved over the years to be all about simple, modern, covetable pieces that are all about print and quality and for us Secret South really encapsulates this.
LO What inspired the change?
Every girl has wanted to change her name at some point in her life, right? While we loved the cute nostalgia of our old name, Secret South feels fresh and modern and a little more grown up. It captures the essence of what the label has become over the years.
LO We love the new direction. A little more sophisticated, and the prints are so eye catching. Thanks for your time & keep up the great work!
Pleasure.
LO‘s picks from the first collection from Secret South:
This season features the aztec influenced kilim print exclusive to Secret South. We’ve chosen a beautiful shirt dress with button through detail and long tail back. We can see this working perfectly from day to night. The orange kilim print has returned in a familiar but slightly edited shape. For those who have loved the silk dresses from last season you’ll find this number is slightly longer with a stunning keyhole back (or as L would say – A surprise back!) Each of the prints has also been worked across a series of scarves and purses which look fantastic teamed back with a neutral outfit for the coming Spring. We hope you like as much as we do xx
All Secret South items are available for pre order via the website or by phoning the store.
A few weeks back we had a visit from a lovely Westbourne Grammar School mother, Emma to see if we would like to participate in the their Mother’s Day Luncheon. The lunch was a fashion fundraiser supported by local west side shops. Of course we were more than happy to be involved and the models strutted their stuff in the Handsom Susie Buckle Coat, Secret Squirel Maximal Top, Snapshot Skirt & Rittenhouse Babysteps Blouse. Here are some of the snaps of the mums working it!
20% off all your favourite winter items from Vanishing Elephant, Secret Squirrel, Kahlo, Friend of Mine, Cheap Monday and more!
You may or may not be aware of the terrarium craze sweeping the gardening world, but if you’ve spent anywhere between a minute and an hour on Pinterest you will have undoubtedly been exposed to these little glasshouse gems.
There is something about terrariums that evokes childhood memories of ships in glass jars and magical fairy worlds…sure maybe we’re getting a little lost in a fantasy world.
So we’re going to jump on board the craze and try our hand at building a mossy paradise or mini succulent garden. Stay tuned to see how they turn out or not turn out as it may be.
Check out more terrariums and other green treats on our Pinterest boards here & here.
We love Samantha Harris and this photoshoot, shot by Sam Hodge does everything to showcase her raw and natural beauty. This campaign for David Jones is another notch in the belt for the acclaimed photographer, and a tantalising treat for the eyes. Enjoy x
Take a look behind the scenes of the Handsom Winter 2012 photoshoot. Handsom is the newest brand to be welcomed into the Lo & Behold stable. We fell in love with the beautiful silhouettes, thoughtful detailing and quality fabrics. Our pick from this collection has to be the navy Susie Buckle Coat, a stunning tailored winter coat that will stand the test of time. Handom will arrive in store March 2012. We can’t wait!
The very talented Andrew Gough & Jane Roberts created this beautiful album Lo & Behold Life xx
Dear Betty,
It saddens me that you have moved on, and the distress you have suffered – the words you have spoken. The truth of the matter is that I was kidnapped in a cruel twisted marketing campaign. They tied me up, I tried to yell out to you but my woody mouth was muzzled.
Forget about Gerard, Manny Mop Bucket, there’s only one man for you. Oh Betty, how I missed you!
Please, let’s work this out?
Posted 2011 Nov by Lo and Behold
Have you seen this man?
Name: Don
Age: 31 Height: 185cm Weight: 60kg
Features: Tall, lean, woody complexion and not much hair.
Last seen at Lo & Behold.
Reward: $1000 worth of rewards offered for information. We know he’s in the local area. Where, we just don’t know. Like our Facebook page and follow the Lo & Behold blog for further updates.
Don’s girlfriend Betty is extremely worried and eager for his return.
Well, this is awkward. You may have noticed that the perennial car crash known as ‘Betty’ has been on a particularly public downward spiral of late. The departure of her once beloved soul mate has caused quite a bit of distress for everyone. After periods of sadness, fury, self-loathing and even a spot of intoxication, Betty is finally looking up. Betty would like to introduce a new friend of hers: meet Manny Mop Bucket. I’m not sure that it will last, but with that lean body and thick head of hair, as far as rebound guys go, she could do a lot worse.
It was day six in the window without Don when my therapist said things would get easier. The good news is, she was right. They have.
Initially I couldn’t stop thinking about how all Don had left me with was a few good memories and a whole lot of pain. And then it hit me – He also left me with his whiskey collection. He always had a few good bottles lying around for special occasions. I guess this is one of those occasions.
I’m a few bottles deep now, I don’t exact know how many, and it doesn’t even matter. The point is, its helping. I don’t feel the pain anymore. In fact, I don’t feel anything. Nothing at all. I’m empty.
I know where this is heading. I’ve been here before. When the whiskey wears off, I’ll need something harder. I know what I need and where I can get it. The only question is, just how far can I push it?
This is all your fault Don. See you in hell.
Dear Don,
How dare you. How. Dare. You. I still can’t believe you’ve thrown away what we had. You’re too self-absorbed to even realise it was special. And now you’re gone.
My therapist advised me that it would be ‘healthy’ to write you a letter, even though you’ll never see it. Writing about how I feel is supposed to help me confront my ‘inner emotions’ and ‘nurture the healing process’. But I can’t feel anything except disdain. Is disdain even an emotion?
I can’t believe I’m the one left here by myself. Me. The pretty one. Alone. If I’m being honest, I always thought I could do better. I stuck with you though, Don, despite your glaring shortcomings because I thought I could help you grow as a person. I thought I could turn that immature little boy who’s favourite food was ‘cake’, who thought The Sopranos was a documentary, and didn’t know the meaning of responsibility, into a caring, grown man. My friends warned me, but I saw something in you Don, a little sparkle in your eye. Now I think I imagined it. I wanted to see something behind your wooden selfish face.
It should really come as no surprise to me that you’ve left without even a word. Men leaving their loved ones sound familiar Don? Congratulations, you’ve just become your father.
Maybe I’ll give your friend Gerard a call. Perhaps he can offer me a comforting shoulder in these difficult times. How does that feel Don?
Rot in hell
Betty
Poor old Betty is not coping. Please forward through any details on Don’s whereabouts. Information will be rewarded.
A message from Betty:
So it’s been 24 hours since I’ve seen Don, maybe I’m over reacting but I’m worried! We have only been together for a few months but he’s never left for this long before. He went to the pub with his mates and never came back. Please, anyone with clues to his whereabouts come forward. Information will be rewarded.
Where is Don?
Yes Ladies & Gentlemen we are now open!
Thank you to all the lovely people who have stopped by, and the friendly faces of the village.
Check out the photos from our opening night.
Photography Andrew Gough Photo
www.andrewgoughphoto.com
