Eclectic Tasmanian Designs

What would travelling be without a lil’ bit of shopping, hey fashionista?!!! One common thing that both my Mom and I enjoy during travelling is finding new and unique fashion creations by local designers. In this era where everyone could look like twins due to the commonalities of fashion pieces created by leading well known designers from old school fashion magnates, I think it is time for fashionista to discover creative talents who have one-of-a-kind design.

In a recent trip to Hobart, Mom and I filled our fashion hunger with a visit to a few local fashion houses.

First stop that we made in the famous Salamanca Place, the shopping and dining road in Hobart, was to the notable boutique aptly titled Made in Tasmania (http://www.madeintasmania.co/). Judging from its name, any item that is offered in the shop is genuinely Tasmanian made.

As soon as we entered the shop, we were head over heels with the Tasmanian super fine merino and mohair wool shawls and throws. The shawls come in plain and printed pattern. At a glimpse they look very thin and light, however when they are worn they instantly warm up the wearer.

Our eyes then turned to Tasmanian wool toys that depict the famous and protected species of Tasmanian devils, as well as the now extinct Tasmanian tigers. We thought this would be a nice and genuine souvenir from Tassie, (how Tasmania is being nicknamed by Australians).

Those who fancy fridge magnets would immediately go ga ga over the shop’s Tasmanian made unique pieces crafted from real wood.

 Look at this must have Tasmanian super fine merino shawls and throws! Every piece is a signature one.

 Super cute enviro-friendly woolie animals, from Tassie Devil to Tassie Tiger.

 Tasmanian made wooden magnets depicting the geography of the island, and the famous Tassie Tigers and Devils.

Afterwards, we walked to a nice boutique in the trendy part of the city. Pitbull Mansion (http://www.pitbullmansion.com/) in Criterion Street is the haunt for Hobart’s trendy fashionistas as the shop carries many Australian leading designers’s items.

We were warmly welcomed by Rosy, a pretty shop assistant, who then introduced local creations to us. As our eyes began to observe the beautiful leather bags and clutches by St. Agni, we also touched the suppleness of the leather (http://www.st-agni.com.au/).

Lara Bluett, the head designer of St. Agni, is a Tasmanian who currently resides in Byron Bay. Some of the leather pieces are designed in Australia and manufactured in Indonesia. This fact has made us more interested to St. Agni’s creations.

Mom had her heart set on the vintage tan tote bag, I was simply in awe with the black cowhide clutch which one side has leather and the other a cowhide. Simply perfect for a sunny winter day strolling down the beach, mall or library. Can’t you see that I am already making up a reason to get this pretty clutch? ;P

St. Agni black cowhide leather cluth.

St. Agni vintage tan tote bag.

Then, the third stop that we made was to Red Parka (http://redparka.com.au/). Unlike the previous two boutiques which are located in the shopping street in Hobart CBD, this shop is not precisely in the shopping area of CBD. In fact we found this shop on our way back from St Joseph’s Church which is located nearby.

Mom and I stopped in front of the shop because we were attracted to the tea towel and tote bag in the shop windows. Both the tea towel and tote were written “Famous Tasmanians” and has the faces of Tassie celebrities from Hollywood legend Errol Flynn to Mary, the Crown Princess of Denmark.

Enough said. Let’s just say that when my parents and I left Sydney to Hobart, we were quite influenced by our families and friends who, knowing that we are true Jakartans at heart, think that we would be bored by the city.

The truth is my parents and I will forever keep Tasmania in our heart because of its friendly people, amazing nature, good seafood, and surely one-of-a-kind and eclectic fashion!

Visit and shop in Tasmania, fashionista! You can also do it online, mate! ;)

Fashionista, add JET’s instagram account (@jetjakarta) and Facebook page (JET Fashion Diplomacy) for rare and previously unpublished photos of his fashionable adventures!

 “Famous Tasmanians” tote bag by Red Parka.

 “Greetings from Tasmania” custom card by Red Parka.

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