GOOD AS GOLD BLOG

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GAG’s Picks ~ Love Songs

We’re pretty opinionated about Valentines Day at GAG but we all agree music is a good messenger for all kinds of heartfelt sentiments ~ these are our fav love songs <3

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A Conversation With: Zayyar Win Thein of Newspread

Cover of November16, Newspread So first of all tell us who you are and what is Newspread?

My name is Zayyar Win Thein, I’m 21 years old and I am the founder of Newspread. I also work freelance as a photographer and brand consultant in Wellington. Newspread right now is a monthly curated PDF publication that touches on areas of fashion, music, movies and culture among other things. The sole purpose of Newspread is that the content comes to you rather than the other way round. Sometimes we spend so long looking for good content to read, see and immerse ourselves in. This is my take on that problem where our PDF arrives directly to your email inbox or alternatively you can directly download it to your computer. The idea is that the content stays with you rather than in a bookmarks folder.

We also push self initiated projects as well as collaborate with other creatives and people globally for original content to use.

How did the idea for the sending out a PDF come about?

I was doing a lot of freelance photography work at one stage and would send countless PDF moodboards to clients then I started sending these to friends to check out and most of them said ‘send us more!’ and that’s when a lightbulb clicked in my head. At first I didn’t really know how I would do it but I knew I wanted it to be something vastly different from a ‘blog’ or ‘website’ so the full focus of Newspread is not just the best sourced content but is the delivery, the function, the curation and the idea - I wanted it to be an experience.

Page 5 of November16, Newspread What makes the PDF so different to say a website or a blog like Hypebeast, Highsnobiety etc. or even a physical printed magazine?

I think the PDF is the perfect middle ground of print and blog posts. It’s a digital form of magazine, it is easy to distribute and is something that you can keep rather than just saving bookmarks and URL’s, you also don’t need to worry about the clutter of magazines in your room. Content wise we have a bit more flexibility with putting two and two together, on one page I could feature a photography legend and on the same page I could include the next upcoming photographer from Auckland. We can put ideas together on a page and create a relationship.

How do you come across content? The content is so varied in Newspread. There’s interviews, goods, music etc. how do you keep up with all of it?

To be honest I don’t really keep up, I just find what I naturally gravitate towards to. There are websites I pay attention to and others I don’t but it’s important to have variety. Newspread isn’t about the latest and greatest things all the time, it’s about finding that little niche thing hence why I could feature a relevant article from 2012, an interview with Steve Jobs or the latest song from an underground rapper. Recently a lot of my friends send me links and things to look at so it is really a collaborative process.

Page 3 of November16, Newspread

Why is collaboration so important to you and to Newspread?

It helps me grow as well as Newspread, it is imperative to everything I do because you learn so much from doing it. I am fortunate enough to be surrounded and affiliated with such talented and creative people that can help push Newspread and vice versa so it becomes a platform for them.

Okay now let's do a few quick fire questions… What album are you listening to right now? Top 3 clothing brands? Favourite movie of 2016? Who would you most want Newspread to be read by?

Roy Woods’ new EP ‘Nocturnal’ and Kid Cudi’s new album ‘Passion, Pain and Demon Slayin’

Acne Studios, Gubb and Mackie and Our Legacy.

Hmm this is hard… it would be a tie between Rogue One and La La Land.

Anyone that shares it with their friends and peers. I want people to create conversations and push the content onwards.

What further plans do you have for the publication and the Newspread brand itself?

In terms of the publication I’m just trying to make each issue better than the last so that has been my main focus. I’m also looking at other variations of the publication like at the moment I’m working on ‘Giftspread’ which is full gift guide of things to buy for yourself, a bit late for Christmas but it is meant to be relevant all year round as well as in 5 years time. I wouldn’t mind doing a physical copy at some stage too.

On top of that I would like to brand Newspread into different fields, I think we have a lot more to offer than just our PDF and have some ideas on direction, branding etc. so we shall see what we can do with that.

Thanks heaps for your time Zayyar! No worries! Thank you! Make sure to check out Newspread and download both issues that are out right now as well as keeping up to date on their Instagram! Also check out Zayyar’s personal portfolio and Instagram too.

Japan by Leland Sutton from December16, Newspread

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Cult Japanese Footwear ~ Suicoke

Japanese brand Suicoke originally set out by creating accessories endemic to their culture as well as hand painted Russian dolls and apparel. With increased creative freedom and a fresh direction over recent years, Suicoke has since become known for its wide selection of performance sandals. Originally only available to the Japanese market, Suicoke has since expanded the availability of their sandals, positioning themselves amongst designers, niche brands and European distributors that have stemmed from their market--first work with Italian enterprise, Vibram®. Notable collaborative capsules from designer Robert Geller, form the simple appeal of Suicoke's distinct yet utilitarian designs. Their creative partnerships with Copenhagen's Norse Projects, London's Foot Patrol, Milan's Slam Jam and Newcastle's END have further broached the appearance of the uniquely strapped sandals from the catwalks to the the sidewalks. Combining classic Japanese inspired footwear with the best materials in the world it's no wonder Suicoke has gained global attention and recognition.

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A Super Good Thing

Good Thing is a New York based manufacturer of small objects and household accessories. Founded by industrial designer Jamie Wolfond in 2014, the company has quickly gained international attention for creating well-considered objects that are universally accessible. Continuing in the tradition of designers like Charles and Ray Eames, Good Thing aims to create thoughtful objects that can be enjoyed by everyone. To make this vision a reality, they collaborate with some of the best and brightest artists and designers from around the world. Each design studio that they work with shares our love of manufacturing and curiosity about process, while offering an entirely unique perspective.

Enjoy these amazing shots of the new Good Thing gears shot by Charlie Schuick or check out their Blog, Gram and Pinterest accounts for more piccys.

Shop Good Thing

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Cape Town To NZ ~ Quorts

Introducing Quorts to Good As Gold! Founded in 2015 by a good friend of ours Bevin Paye, the name Quorts comes from an area in South Africa he grew up in. This is Paye’s second collection which focuses on work wear, culture and comfortability. All garments are designed and made right here in NZ using sustainably sourced fabrics included up-cycled cottons, wools and military uniforms. A large portion of the collection is unisex :)

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Ethical clothing with Natalie Procter

The end of the university year has approached and for most design orientated graduates it marks their final pieces of work to showcase. We caught up with one Massey fashion graduate, Natalie Procter who is a firm believer in ethical production and based her final collection on the subject. Check out what she had to say below, along with a short film. Describe yourself in 3 words.  Conscious and compassionate. Let’s start with you telling us a little bit about yourself.  My name is Natalie, I’m originally from Auckland but moved down to Wellington to study Fashion Design at Massey. I have just finished my Fashion degree a couple of weeks ago so I’m currently an unemployed design graduate haha. I’ve always loved design, especially photography and film but i think fashion has really resonated with me. I’ve been travelling since I was a young girl and I think those experiences have really influenced how I see a lot of things especially within design and ethical production. We were all impressed here at GAG with your recent graduate collection ‘The Good People’ and it really resonated with how ethical clothing is made and interpreted. How important do you think this is in a modern day context?  I think ethical and sustainable production is extremely important today and for the future of fashion. Here in New Zealand people feel so far removed from the people who make our clothing and where it was made, that they actually struggle to relate to these problems we are having around ethical production and exploitation of garment workers. Thats why I thought ’The Good People’ film is so important to the collection, that people will create a more personal connection with the clothing and understand the story and the people behind the collection.

While we’re on the topic of the film, can you tell us what that process was like and how you went about getting the film complete?  I wanted the film to be as honest and authentic as I could and also be something that was educational and beautiful at the same time. I didn’t want to talk about our current fashion system, instead I wanted to celebrate an ethical system - I wanted to show the whole journey, from the farmer who shears the sheep, to all the hands that touch our clothing along the way. I made a strong decision at the beginning of the year that I wanted the collection to be as sustainable and ethical as possible, which meant fabric sourcing and fabric dyeing was extremely important to the collection. I worked with an amazing lady Bonnie De Gros to naturally and sustainably dye my fabrics using avocado skins, tea leaves and onion skins. I worked with an amazing bunch of people who all carry similar values as I do towards ethical production so I was really proud of the amount of true Kiwi authenticity to the film.

Who are some of the people or designers that influenced your collection My biggest inspiration for my collection was Rick Owens’ Fall 2016 Ready to Wear collection. It was his response to fast fashion where he put himself in a room and draped his entire collection. His silhouettes were amazing and the overall collection was soft and beautiful yet full of craziness. I wanted my collection to embody the hands and the people who make our clothing so I did the same and draped lots of my collection so it was personal and meant it cannot be replicated exactly the same. Other designers I was inspired by were Celeste Tesoriero, Ellery and The Row. So what’s next for you? I would love to go out and get some experience working under a brand that shares similar ethical values as I do. I’m also really excited about the stories and ideas behind brands and would love to contribute my ideas and thoughts around ethical production. The future plan is to move to New York at the end of next year and settle down there for a while and see what opportunities are there for me. Be sure to check out Natalie’s website here and her short film ‘The Good People’ above. Photography: Bonny Stewart MacDonald Make-up: Elise MacMillan Model: Maddy Mossman Hogg from KBM Styling: Natalie Procter, Bonny Stewart MacDonald Natural Dyer: Bonnie De Gros Shoes: I Love Paris

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Introducing: Stan Ray

In 1927, Earl Beard, a father of four was made redundant from his work, Kalman Machine Co. In his final days he purchased a number of sewing machines and launched his own workwear company, Stan Ray (named after his youngest son). In just twelve months he took over his former employer’s factory and built a mass following while also supply military uniforms up until the 1980’s. Drawing heavy inspiration from their military archives and the American working class Earl’s painter and fatigue pants were a huge hit, some were sold as far as Japan. Today Stan Ray stays true to their origins by creating durable American made product while adapting to modern silhouettes. Stan Ray is exclusive to Good as Gold in New Zealand.

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We have a job available here at GAG for a full time Sales Rep extraordinaire beginning mid to late Jan ~  this role is the main face of sales for Good As Gold Distribution. We need a sales superstar who is bubbly, confident and loves selling. The applicant will be representing and selling our brands to both our existing and potential customers all around NZ.

If this sounds like you check out more details here.

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Anyone Can Wear Sex

Hailing from the UK, Sex Skateboards is skateboarding and everything you don’t know about skateboarding. Helmed by multidisciplinary artist and skateboarder Louis Slater, it began in 2015 sort of by itself. Evolving on it's own from Slater spray painting the logo onto his own t-shirt. It’s output is infused with the natural DNA of skateboarding – that, which has made independent skateboarding indefinable for all this time. Influences come and go, equal parts music, attitude, seeing the world’s architecture with different eyes, late night sessions on sweltering concrete and always watching out for friends who are willing to play the next prank on you. Creating clothes for the millennials, Sex Skateboards is a wearable voice for the rebellious minds that don't conform to societies expectations. Slater says " I don't have a specific target consumer, because anyone can wear Sex. There's no boundaries and no rules". It’s not meant to be defined as anything but for what it is: A creative outlet and home to those who understand that skating is that much more than landing a trick, yet sometimes that is all it is. Slater boasts a killer insta feed worth a hoon or for a peep at the artist himself check out this vid.

Shop the new Sex Skateboards gears at GAG.

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Staff Picks ~ Brento

Hey I'm Brent, full-time store trapper and @27Mollys maker......

Shark Week blowie for flexing on the beach with my friendzzzz. Defs free balling in those Patagonia shorts because they have boxer's inside them and a great colour.

And repping @cbdbloodz with the Parra hat and Puma Creepers.

SHOP BRENT’S OUTFIT or CHECK OUT MORE staff picks.

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15% off store wide including sale items ~ excludes gift cards ~ no loyalty can be used or gained ~ sale ends 9am NZT 16.11.16

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GAG x Imogen Wilson

We caught up with a long time friend Imogen Wilson to have a yarn and take some snaps, enjoy!

Describe yourself in 3 words. I am Immy! Firstly lets start off with something cliche yet necessary. How did you find photography or how did photography find you? I started taking photos just over a year ago, I had been working as a stylist for a couple of years and started taking photos of my friends in their bedrooms. Nobody in NZ was really shooting super low-fi candid photos, especially for features and portraits - so I just decided to do it myself. DIY! How would you describe your personal style? My photo style is super undone and unpolished - it’s fuelled by alternative casting and the personality of my hand-picked subject. I would say my personal style is both boyish and cute. I don’t dress up much. I wear sneakers and a backpack everyday. I’m a sucker for old school streetwear graphics and prints, so I have a big collection of special tees and hoodies. Along with some baggy pants and some cute jewellery this is pretty much my everyday uniform. When was the first time you came into Good as Gold and what were your first impressions? I grew up in Wellington, and I remember GAG opening when I was like 15… It was cool. It was the first store of it’s kind in Wellington, friendly staff and fun clothes! What are some of your favourite brands in and out of Good as Gold? I mainly wear mens clothes so i’d definitely say X-Large, Brain Dead, Pelvis & P.A.M. I do love something cute and girly on occasion, so Lazy Oaf is also a favourite. Where do you find inspiration? In the kids I cast and the young designers I work with. Outside of that I really admire Tyrone Lebon for his photographs and casting choices, in particular what he does for Stussy and Supreme. Ashley Williams and Emma Mulholland are my favourite womenswear designers and always get it right. Old streetwear catalogues, fashion ads and magazines from 90’s/2000’s are always great. Check out the lookbook Immy shot for us or hoon her insta for more rad pics!

Yohanis wears tee by X Large, jewellery is models own.

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Win $1000 of NB

In collaboration with New Balance, GAG are giving away a $1000 shopping spree... ENTER HERE

ENTER HERE or ENTER HERE or ENTER HERE

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Staff Picks ~ Ashleigh

Heya I’m Ashleigh, Auckland store full-timer. Here are my staff picks!

The new Maharishi camo pants worn high wasted are super comfy with an effortless Destiny’s Child vibe. Since the pants are reversible you can wear them inside out with the normal charcoal colour instead of the camo ~ if you’re in the mood to be seen!!

A nice white singlet is a staple in my opinion. Rollas always get it so right with basics. I’m spicing it up with some Meadowlark hoops! Bringing a bit of J-Lo into it. Wear the outfit during the day, then chuck on some hoops and you’re in for a wild night.

The velcro Veja shoes are perfect for the lazy beach goer, slip em on and off in just a few secs! They also look dope. Sick of the sun in your eyes but also wanna show off your new frosted tips your mate did for you last night? The Patagonia sun visor... Convenient yet stylish is the way to go.

SHOP ASHLEIGH’S OUTFIT or CHECK OUT MORE staff picks!

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We had a rad time celebrating the launch of Disney x Lazy Oaf ~ check out the piccys from the event here ~ big thanks to Mr Whippy for stopping by, Tomboy for the yum cupcakes and Lion for the booze!

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Staff Picks ~ Zayyar

Hey, I’m Zayyar - online guy and resident sneaker head. These are my picks…

A good denim jacket to me is like how gentlemen feel about suits. It’s my staple and my armour, it works with anything - hoodie t-shirt, shirt, you name it. As well as this Levi’s is the greatest of all time period.

I teamed it up with this new t-shirt from Darylstudio, an awesome graphic tee that is simple enough. I’ve gone with Dr Denim black jeans for bottoms, kinda rocker I guess... Attached to the jeans is the Reality Studio key fob so I don’t lose em.

Brain Dead make some amazing stuff so I gotta go with that red tote bag and Henrik Vibskov socks are just the shit. Last but not least Vans Sk8 Hi’s top it off. One of the best sneakers in the world and only look better beaten up and dragged through hell.

Shop Zayyar’s outfit or check out more staff picks!

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Staff Picks ~ Alex

Hey I’m Alex, Aucks Store Manager. This is my staff pick...

I am all about that comfort life and Champion has had it right since wayyyy back. Nothing say’s fresh like a crisp white Champion crew neck.

Teamed with a pair of cropped boot cut Rollas and you have got the perfect pair. No need to undo the top bottom after a large meal, these are comfy as helllll!

I am in love with these shoes and if you’re afraid of colour then wear colour on your feet! These red Gazelles go with everything, even Kate Moss agrees. I’ve never been a handbag girl so this P.A.M tote is ideal to carry my day’s goods in.

Shop Alex’s outfit or check out more staff picks!