Sunday, December 18, 2011

WHAT MAKES A MAN?


Its always an interesting debate. What makes a man?
Men should be strong, chivalrous, protectors, some say muscular, some say it doesn't matter, they prefer lean. Some say emotional, sensitive, some say not. I think men get a harder time over this then women. And mostly, it comes down to what they wear. God forbid anyone might think your gay by what you wear. But even if, your still a man.
I find the fashion debate on this topic very interesting. When people say to me "thats so gay", I think "what do gay clothes look like?" Apparently pink shorts and florals are gay - but I see more straight guys wearing them then gay guys. Abercrombe and Fitch to me is gay, its like the gay uniform, they even have go go dancers in the shops! But people dont say - "thats gay" when they look at Abercrombe and Fitch cargo shorts.
So how do "real men" dress? I cant answer that. All I can do is make what I make and see who wears it.
When I design, I always look at fashion history. I love looking at the fashions of yesteryear that in the time were essential for the modern man. Pocket squares, tie pins, bow ties, top hats, bowler hats, trilbies, monocles, cigarette holders, snuff boxes, cuff links, gloves, spats, sock garters the list goes on. I find this all so fascinating and inspirational.
This season for EDEN i've touched on the motif of the carnation, in its day an essential accessory for a well to do mans evening suit. I hope my carnation jumper is an essential in todays mans wardrobe.
...next season who knows...again the list is endless.

WHAT IS EDEN?










Tuesday, December 13, 2011

EDEN

Things are full steam ahead at MICHAEL HOCKEY headquarters. The new season sees the addition of MANY exciting new things...
As well as the aforementioned clothing and jewellery, we are also introducing SWIM and accessories. You and every man you know will be kit head to toe by MICHAEL HOCKEY...
The collection is called EDEN. It is everything you need for paradise....and whatever you perceive paradise to be....

Thursday, November 24, 2011

NEW COLLECTION

Big news this season. MICHAEL HOCKEY is branching out!
The new season sees a mens clothing collection and fantastic jewellery. We are super excited, and am sure you'll love it too....
A sneak peek at the new season huaruche and yummy jewellery...

Sunday, October 30, 2011

SIBLINGS TO LONDON

My folks recently went to London and popped into Wolf & Badger to see MICHAEL HOCKEY in store...Dad is very supportive and donned his Spring Summer MICHAEL HOCKEY Compass and Navigate tee too. HEART.




Saturday, October 15, 2011

NOT JUST A LABEL

Very happy to announce MICHAEL HOCKEY styles PICASSO and JR are now available on leading website www.notjustalabel.com if you dont know it - you should! Exposing the world to an enclave of young hipster fashion brands from around the world, allowing them to upload their lookbook for the world to see. Of the 6000 or so brands registered a select few are invited to sell also, MICHAEL HOCKEY being one of them....we've not been up 1 week yet and already sold the PICASSO in ruby. A fantastic loafer update, with a stylish low cut and heel - think a velvet slipper with a heel. The ruby colourway is perforated patent leather with a tan trim. Very fun and very wearable.
All shoes are handmade for individual orders, so you are guaranteed these are made exclusively for you!! Check it out and order today!
PICASSO IN RUBY....
The current MICHAEL HOCKEY collection is inspired by artists. What the artist might have worn while painting, what the characters might be wearing in the artwork. The PICASSO is what I imagined picasso wearing while painting. On the back heel two cut pieces interlock when the heels are closed together, indicative of the faces in some of his paintings...

Thursday, September 29, 2011

HEATH TOWNSEND

One of my all time favourite male models is without a doubt Australian born GOD, Heath Townsend.
Born in Queensland in 1973, Heath is 6'15 feet of total deliciousness. Discovered in NYC in 1999 by Steven Meisel no less, he was an instant supermodel securing the face of many a campaign including Calvin Klein and Louis Vuitton.
I remember seeing him once at the supermarket in Bondi Junction and stalking him at the check out - he was then with a little blond girl of whom I was insanely jealous.
He returned to Australia in 2007 to begin work as a real estate agent. He's since married with a kid and now has returned as the first male spokes model for David Jones. Not as divine as he was in his former glory, I was hoping for more of a Kristen McMenemy comeback....oh well, i'll remember him as he use to be.....

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Lanvin Fall 2011 Campaign Movie

I couldn't love this anymore then if it was my own.
Alber Elbaz I HEART YOU!
Raquel Zimmerman I HEART YOU!
Karen Elson I HEART YOU!
2 boys it goes without saying......

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

SHOES STATUE

So, i went on a little trip and found a funny statue tribute to shoes - which I loved!
On the same journey I saw this Louis Vuitton store display which I though was great, creative and different...very Marc J....speaking of which Marc Jacobs at Dior - what do we think???? I think lets get some new blood! But Pheobe Philo at Louis Vuitton...very nice choice me thinks... then at Celine? Josh Goot - bold I know, but could work...

Sunday, September 4, 2011

FUNNY FEET

I was thinking about doing shoes with toes bumps...aka Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Camel toe aka Martin Margiela, and came across some other versions. I think my idea has passed but thought these deserved a showing...

Westwood classics

Margiela's Camel toe
comme des garcon

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Wolf & Badger


Michael Hockey now available at Wolf and Badger online!!! Check it out!! Family and friends, strangers and stockists, dogs and cats please show your support....

Monday, August 22, 2011

COLOUR COLOUR COLOUR

I'm all about colour at the moment. I dont know if its because I'm living on a tropical island or whether my mood has lightened - probably both. Also clashing patterns - hawaiian print on hawaiian print is a current favourite.

Living in a place that has such beautifully spirited people certainly makes you look at things differently. Here are a few snaps from around the traps that are make Summer 12 look bright, bright, bright!!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

MICHAEL HOCKEY IN LONDON!!!

So excited that MICHAEL HOCKEY is now available in the amazing Wolf & Badger Nottinghill store in London. Voted by Vogue as the no.1 fashion boutique last year - we are honored to be the ONLY international label in store. (the store specializes in up and coming London designers) But they saw the MICHAEL HOCKEY range and had to have it!! And we are super glad they did! Show your support for both MICHAEL HOCKEY and Wolf & Badger and pick up your new summer mens shoe goodness today!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

LEATHER ENGRAVING

My latest obsession is LEATHER ENGRAVING. Often associated with very daggy comb pockets, key wallets and grandpa's book mark. The trend ebbs and flows in and out of fashion in the form of hand bags mostly. Not really picked off the run way but more sought after vintage 60's and 70's bags for music festivals. Well I see a re-invention immanent...
I have purchase tools to begin my own experimentation and take my hat off to the folks who do it - its not easy...I can not wait to share mine with the world....