What Ken Be Done?

Done? Well, not quite Done as it turns out...

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 22:45:00 +0000

Eight months later now, and as you can see I haven't quite kicked the bug of collecting Ken Done... turns out, it's a passion I can't ignore! But more than that, it also turns out that I just keep on *loving* The Social Studio too. And I'm not alone; Ken Done himself says: "The Social Studio celebrates the best of Australia: a commitment to creativity and an opportunity for us all. I wish them every success..."

So now I'm trying to bring The Social Studio to Sydney. I've started a new blog to chart this journey. ShowTellShare: doing good in a fashion (www.showtellshare.com). Please join this stage of our new challenge together. I can assure you, there will be more *colourful* fashion, more of The Social Studio's ethical fashion, and yes, even occasionally, more Ken Done too! xo xo

Ken Done jacket from eBay, The Social Studio silk skirt, glasses from op shop, earrings from Japan, Jessica Dance necklace, Fluevogs.

The Social Studio fifth runway collection showed at Penthouse Mouse as a part of L'Oreal Fashion Week. Here we are last night, supporting the collection! Please go to www.showtellshare.com for more photos of the night...

All Done.

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 06:35:00 +0000

What Ken Be Done? is Done.

And behind me, and a Ken Done outfit every day for 365 days, was a legion of *good* people. Here’s how people have helped to make What Ken Be Done? a success…

THE FASHION…

... 139 Ken Done fashion items donated

... 13 Ken Done items lent to the project (of course I fully understand the wish to not let go of Done gold!)

... Supporters of the project made 17 items for me out of Ken Done fabric

... With these donations, plus my own collection of Done, I was able to feature a different piece of Done for 365 days

... Donated items were, and are still being auctioned off on eBay, with all money raised going directly to The Social Studio

... We paid tribute to two other key 1980s Australian designers who loved colour in their own way; Linda Jackson and Jenny Kee

... About 40 vintage snaps, contemporary photos and ‘live spotting’ of Ken Done fashion were sent in…

THE SUPPORT…

In total we’ve raised over $25,000 for The Social Studio.

An amazing THANK YOU to each and every single person involved in raising this money!

If you want to stay in touch with The Social Studio, then click here and add your email address to subscribe to their updates.

THE PEOPLE …

What Ken Be Done? is a project that was a success because of the support of many, many people, affectionately called the Done-Nuts. Every single time a person has become involved in this project I’m grateful.

KEN DONE AND HIS FAMILY…

I met with Ken Done four times!

Ken Done, his family, and his wonderful staff also helped in these amazing ways…

… he and his wife Judy Done, and his cousin Christine donated many, many Ken Done fashion items for me to showcase…

… he created my WKBD Christmas card…

… he painted my most unique outfit…

… he hosted the final night celebration party…

And a special thanks to Ken Done for having a name that provided endless fun with word-plays!

WITHOUT THESE PEOPLE WKBD WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED…

Meredith Turnbull (a.k.a the Live in Photographer), Charles Ruddock, Hamish Redd, Jo Taylor, Courtney Collins, Antonia Ruffell, Jane D’abbs, Seth Godin, The Uniform Project, and Grace McQuilten.

THESE PEOPLE MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE SUCCESS OF WKBD …

Lyndel Walker, Raquel Ormella (a.k.a Birdmonkey), Susan and James Ruddock, Sally Bruce, Bec Lever, David Moutou, David Hardie, Raphael Kilpatrick, Anna Loughnane, Nicole, Iain Kaan, Bridget Bolitho, The Whole Ruddock Family, Genelle Nicholls, David Cohen, Anonymous, Kate Richardson, Kevin Robbie, Briana Kish, Sebert and Sofie Ruddock, Ali Benton, The WA Turnbull-Williams Family, Lisa Rose, Tori Spooner, Marc Carra, Romina, Sarah and Jo from Yoga To Go, Peter and Arthur from Molly Coddle Café.

I CAN’T SAY IT BETTER THAN ‘THAT’ SWAN LAGER AD …

In 1985 Ken Done starred in a Swan Lager ad.

The ad begins with the line, ‘They said you’d never make it with your colourful ideas…”

My thanks to you all for the past 365 days for helping me make my colourful, hopeful dream come true, and by association The Social Studio. xo

Closing Party at The Ken Done Gallery!

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 07:16:00 +0000

What a night we had! What a truly spectacular way to finish up the year! Ken and Judy Done, and their family hosted our party at The Ken Done Gallery down at The Rocks. They really did so much for the event, including this picture-wall featuring each day of my Ken Done year (thanks Kyoko!).

And you know what? The support for The Social Studio just keeps coming! All our friends and supporters donated on the evening and showed solidarity for our *good* purpose.

And you know what else? Even more! The *amazing* news of the evening is that What Ken Be Done is the inaugural grantee from The Slingsby Foundation. They've donated $6,000!! SUPER THANKS to the Foundation, and to David xo xo

Our total has been bumped up and up. We're now so close to being able to support The Social Studio to lease a retail space in which to train more than 15 young refugees in fashion design and retailing. So if you've still been meaning to donate - then please do - every dollar raised will be put to *good* use, I can promise you!

Here also is a bit of a showcase of images from the evening... Please enjoy!

The wall-poster by Kyoko from the Ken Done Gallery...

So we meet again... The Fan and The Guru.

Here's Nicole from The Social Studio up for the party. She's the *genius* that made my skirt, and I was truly so pleased she could come and celebrate!

The champagne bottles were made by The Done Gallery to mark the evening and the end of the project... Gee, how great, *more* photos of me in that Ken Done t-shirt!! ;-) xo

The Ken Done Gals.
(L to R): Janet (KD skirt), Courtney (KD jumpsuit), Susan (KD Dress), The Guru, Me, Raquel a.k.a. Birdmonkey (KD jumper and necklace), Bec (KD dress) and Sally (KD scarf).

Ken Zone Boys

(L to R): Adrik (KD t-shirt and Australis scarf), Iain (KD rugby shirt), The Man, Evan (KD t-shirt), Rob (KD shirt and bag).

My brother, James (KD tie), Susan my sister-in-law, my step-Mum, Sofie (KD scarf) and my Dad (KD scarf).

Alex and Anna from The Social Studio. Woo hoo!!

Carl (KD shirt and scarf), Mr Done, Adrik (KD t-shirt).

Vesna, Janet, Iain, Evan and David (KD hoodie).

Cousin Christine (KD scarf and jewellery), me and Peter (KD tie). We *love* Cousin Christine!

Susan and me in front a photo of *the* painting day, which the Done's generously framed for the party.

James and Bec in matching Ken Done print.

Me and Courtney. Courtney's Ken Done jumpsuit caused quite the *stir* of the evening. Unseen, classic 1980s Ken Done *gold*!!

Rob sporting a Ken Done shirt and satchel. It's truly Sydney business-men style!

The *wonderful* Judy and Ken Done. A BIG thanks to them and their family, as well as all the kind staff for their support xo

Dearest Grace, the founder of The Social Studio. Grace made a lovely speech on the night. She's wearing a Social Studio headscarf and classic Ken Done shirt. We *love* The Social Studio!

Ken also said some *lovely* words on the evening...

Yep, it was a bloody *good* time all round!!

So, dearest fans this is just about your final fix of What Ken Be Done?

There will be just one last post to share the credits of all the many, many people involved in this 365-day dream. So many of you have been involved that I need some time to get it all sorted!! So check back in with us for the final time on next Monday 4 July...

Don't forget either, our WKBD eBay charity sales continue. Your chance to own part of the memories!

xo xo xo
Oh, and of course, Happy Birthday today Ken Done!!

Day 365/365: They said you'd never make it, with your colourful ideas...

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 04:13:00 +0000

Crimped hair by David at Bedrock! Ken Done glasses, earrings from Japan,Uniqlo skivvy, Pumpkin Patch bolero from op shop with Howard Arkley brooches, Ken Done fabric into *amazing* necklace by Birdmonkey, Estilio belt, The Social Studio ra-ra skirt from Ken Done curtains, pillowcases and other fabric, Ken Done socks donated by Cousin Christine, my new Fluevogs, NY ring from Iain, vintage bangles, and Ken Done tote donated by Cousin Christine.

Gasp! Gush! Eeek! I've made it! You've helped me!

Look at how much *GOOD* work we have Done!

Presenting The Mother of All Ra-Ra skirts made by the *amazing* Nicole and Anna at The Social Studio. Here's what it looked like in the making:

And here's the SPECTACULAR detail:

I. Love. This. Skirt. I. Love. The. Social. Studio.

Now check out too, this *wonderful* handmade necklace by Birdmonkey. Is there anything this artist can't do?!

The socks because they make me happy...
The Tote, because we are 'Done'.

And finally, my genuine Ken Done $1 dollar coin. My Dad gave this to me. And see my smile? That's because look to your right just how much you've helped me to raise!!

Take a bow, dear readers, I owe you all a HUGE amount of thanks xo xo

Last photos tomorrow of our celebration party being hosted by Mr Ken Done himself this evening...

On our LAST day:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

How *good* !

Day 364/365: This is the stuff of dreams...

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 22:03:00 +0000

Glasses from Japan, Ken Done earrings and matching necklace (WKBD Collection), immaculate condition 1980s vintage Ken Done winter dress, Juicy Couture shoes.

Whenever people have asked me about my Ken Done collection, this is always the dress that pops first to mind.

The LiP's brother, Matt and his partner, Bec were travelling Australia in early 2009. One day I get home to find a package addressed to me. Inside is this dress. They'd found it in an op shop in regional South Australia. It's in *perfect* condition; in fact I think it's never been worn. This truly is the stuff of op-shop dreams!

I think the moment that I received this dress was when I first really knew it was going to be worth trying to wear Ken Done for 365 days. This kind of fashion glory just had to shared!

I also can't believe I've been able to wait until the second-last day of What Ken Be Done to share it with you! But I've wanted to make sure you got to see Ken Done *gold* all the way until the end. And let's not also forget how much of a 1980s fashion doozy this dress is in itself: drop waist, thick PolyCotton, and side pockets. So phenomenal is hurts!

And it's truly my pleasure to share this second-last-day-post with Birdmonkey's Canberra friends. I present for your pleasure a picture-story called:

The Story of the Ken Done Red Size 10 High-Waisted Pants

Ruby brought around a bag of fabric to a Canberra Craft night and said that she had an actual Ken Done item in itself: a pair of red size 10 high-waisted thick cords.

Ruby had used the fabric from the ankle for another sewing project but we all thought they looked kinda cool with one shorter leg. Nadege is the usual recipient of anything size 10, but she took one look at them and said, “Ah, these are a

vintage 1980s size 10” i.e. size 8.

Luckily Merrin is exactly that size so they are now in her wardrobe. I have seen her wear them to school, that shorter leg is perfect for showing off cool socks!

And Ruby keeps pondering what she did with the missing ankle fabric…

With only ONE day to go:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store (Ken Done items uploaded everyday until we end)...

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

Share the news, and tell all your friends about our aim to raise $15,000 to secure 10 new traineeships for young refugees. How *good* !

Day 363/365: Building a bridge to your heart**

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 02:44:00 +0000

Tatty Devine necklace, Ken Done jacket (WKBD Collection), Jaxon Dee vintage dress, socks from Japan, Fluevogs.

Last night at Aurora was wonderful! People were very supportive of my speech, and many people came up to me afterwards and said how much they *loved* what we are doing in this project. It's a truly lovely feeling to have people excited about creative philanthropy in Australia.

Speaking of excitement, check out this *spectacular* Ken Done jacket. It even has shoulder pads (gush!). And sorry people, this Ken Done baby is going to stay with me! :-)

** 1987 song greatness.

With only 2 days to go:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store (Ken Done items uploaded everyday until we end)...

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

Share the news, and tell all your friends about our aim to raise $15,000 to secure 10 new traineeships for young refugees. How *good* !

Day 362-2/365: Gay Paris at the Sydney Harbour...

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 07:39:00 +0000

Vintage hat (I wore a pink version at Trivia, this is my second, white one!), Ken Done glasses, Tatty Devine harlequin necklace, Sue Bookallil 1980s bolero from op shop, Ken Done doona dress made by Jo, Oroton belt from op shop, vintage petticoat, Jonathan Aston tights, Fluevogs, Ken Done handbag donated by Ken & Judy Done.

I'm off to Gay Paris tonight! It's a charity black tie function for the wonderful Aurora Group Foundation, and I have the honour of being their key note speaker. I have to tell you, Ken Done butterflies are dancing around my stomach madly! How lucky am I to get the chance to talk to people like the Governor of NSW, the Lord Mayor of Sydney and a bunch of other *good* people about What Ken Be Done?!

It certainly helps then to have this *stunning* handmade dress, made by Jo. She's taken a 1980s Ken Done doona and sewn it into a classic 1980s sun dress. I commissioned this piece, because I've always had my eye on a 1980s dress with a heart-shape neckline. With only three days left, I wanted to make sure my own wardrobe keeps a few Ken Done *gems*... I can't just give up on The Guru!

Another treat to keep me in the vintage party mode in this 1970s ring gifted to me by the Live In Photographer's (LiP) Mum, Pam. Check out this fabulous shot of her going out one night to a fancy do in the 70s wearing the ring. Her own Mum made her dress - purple crepe - which would have matched the ring like a dream. And what else can I say really, but LOVE THE HAIR, PAM!!

Have a wonderful evening, everyone xo

With only 3 days to go:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store (Ken Done items uploaded everyday until we end)...

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

Share the news, and tell all your friends about our aim to raise $15,000 to secure 10 new traineeships for young refugees. How *good* !

Day 362/365: First comical post of the day...

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 01:16:00 +0000

Ken Done for Canteen scarf as headband, vintage Sunski glasses, Ken Done for Canteen scarf, Ken Done 'Down Under' sweatshirt from Cousin Christine, Ken Done jacket (WKBD Collection), skirt from op shop, Black Milk 'Sick of Men' leggings, retro Puma high-top sneakers borrowed from the LiP.

This is a kind of interim post, as I'm running around today getting ready for a gala event I've been invited to tonight. Black Tie Ken Done - I can hardly wait! So please come back this evening and see the *very special* outfit I've got ready - handmade by a What Ken Be Done supporter no less...

Still, in the meantime, I wanted to give some KD love to begin your weekend, and so I've teamed up this vintage 1980s 'Down Under' sweatshirt donated by Cousin Christine, with my new comic leggings. As you'll remember, this year I finally finished my Masters research thesis on comics... so when I saw these babies, I was sold. Yes, I love comics as much as Ken Done!

See you later today... :-)

With only 3 days to go:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store (Ken Done items uploaded everyday until we end)...

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

Share the news, and tell all your friends about our aim to raise $15,000 to secure 10 new traineeships for young refugees. How *good* !

Day 361/365: 1980s Aussie Japara!

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:40:00 +0000

Glasses from Japan, 'Sandra Fainthorne Design' japara jacket for Morrisons Australia, Ken Done wool shirt donated by Birdmonkey, Miss Shop dress from op shop, Uniqlo leggings, Fluevogs, Ken Done tote.

Even I can hardly believe I'm wearing this japara! Talk about authentic Australiana kitsch! This jacket was sold to me as genuine Ken Done, but unfortunately it's not. I think you can see why the person sold it as Ken Done though; all that colour on a quintessential Aussie bush-ranger-type fashion item is just about shorthand for The Guru's kind of style... and what a Bleeding Eyes High Point for my last-ever Ken Done Inspiration Friday...

Also, because we were in the area, we stopped by 17 Thurlow Street, Redfern. It's the old Ken Done warehouse where the empire was run from for years. I think you can see Ken's hand has been here with the yellow number.

Now because we're so close to the end, I just had to make sure I still gave you some new Ken Done today as well. So here is the beloved collection of Miranda. She recently got in touch with me, and here's her story, which as you'll see, works very well for closing our *inspiring* Fridays:

I live in Perth and started working for Ken Done back in the 1990's. I have always found him to be extremely inspirational so I am not at all surprised that it has been this Australian Artist who has been your inspiration!

I used to own copious amounts of KD gear as it was part of our uniform. I think I would have worn something 'Done' for at least 5 out of 7 days a week for about 9 years! And when I read your blog there are so many items that you wear that I used to own!

I wanted to share with you my favourite items that I still own. I still wear the 'Sydney' socks and the 'Portraits' silk shirt. Haven't worn the 'Cabin' jacket for years but cannot part with it!

Thanks Miranda for sharing. I too completely understand all to well the difficultly there is in parting with Ken Done *gold* !

With only 4 days to go:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store (Ken Done items uploaded everyday until we end)...

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

Share the news, and tell all your friends about our aim to raise $15,000 to secure 10 new traineeships for young refugees. How *good* !

Day 360/365

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:44:00 +0000

Ken Done glasses, Tatty Devine necklace, Laura Ashley 1980s shirt from op shop, vintage belt from UK, Ken Done skirt (WKBD Collection), Fluevogs.

There's so much going on at the moment, least of all with my outfit!
Ken Done really has gone all out with the detail on this skirt: genius!

With only 5 days to go:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store (Ken Done items uploaded everyday until we end)...

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

Share the news, and tell all your friends about our aim to raise $15,000 to secure 10 new traineeships for young refugees. How *good* !

Day 359/365

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:02:00 +0000

Hat with button decoration by me, Sussan skivvy from op shop, Diane Fries skirt as dress, Estilo belt, Ken Done fireworks scarf (WKBD Collection), Ken Done leggings donated by Cousin Christine (worn here), Lacoste boots, ring from Iain.

This evening I'm off to the city to have a bit of a chat about What Ken Be Done with some creative advertising people. Given that I'm going to a work address basically under the Harbour Bridge, I thought I'd bring my own map in the form of this Ken Done scarf. It seems pretty straight forward to me: just follow the fireworks!

And speaking of fireworks and all things partying, check out the photos below of Louise and a certain familiar Ken Done t-shirt.

Yep, this Ken Done gem has now been worn FOUR times by me, Sarah's Dad, Susan and then Louise. Apparently Susan's own Ken Done collection is growing in knowledge down in Melbourne, so Louise asked for a borrow! Thanks Louise, and thanks Susan! xo

Like the look of the scarf? Well the silk version is up on WKBD charity eBay site tonight for our cause!

And let a lesson be learned in seeing this last photo: Being possessed by the power of Ken Done is not a myth, it happens to all of us who don on The Done!

With only 6 days to go:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store (Ken Done items uploaded everyday until we end)...

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

Share the news, and tell all your friends about our aim to raise $15,000 to secure 10 new traineeships for young refugees. How *good* !

Day 358/365: Time is running out; only one week left!

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:58:00 +0000

Glasses from Japan, handmade earrings, Ken Done coaster-clock-necklace donated by the fabulous Iain, Uniqlo skivvy, Ken Done fabric donated by birdmonkey and made into a winter pencil skirt by me, Fluevogs. Second photo: Ken Done jacket donated by Anastasia (thanks to Sally for asking Anastasia to support What Ken Be Done)

Tick, tock, tick, tock.

Iain, I love the Ken Done coaster, turned into clock, turned into necklace. And yes, I really will wear it at work today!

Here's Anastasia below. She runs a stall at the markets in Newtown opposite the station. WKBD supporter Sally spotted her and asked her if she'd donate her coat to the cause. Bless Anastasia, she agreed! She even let Sally take her own phone and take this photo of her, and then she texted it to Sally. What people will do for *fun* and charity: just ace!! Thanks, Anastasia. xo

Finally, below see Ken Done fleecy fabric, never worn, and turned into a skirt. Thanks birdmonkey for finding the fabric in op-shop haven Penrith!

And now the same Ken Done fabric (smaller print) completely loved into vintage condition, from Anastasia's jacket... Wonderful!

With only 7 days to go:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store (Ken Done items uploaded everyday until we end)...

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

Share the news, and tell all your friends about our aim to raise $15,000 to secure 10 new traineeships for young refugees. How *good* !

Day 357/365

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 21:51:00 +0000

Ken Done glasses, Rob Paynter for Ken Done hand knit jumper (WKBD Collection), vintage handmade skirt, stockings from Japan, Juicy Couture boots, Ken Done bag donated by Susan.

Presenting 'The Girl from Oz!' xo

And given yesterday's summer-style Ken Done bike pants, here's a more wintery 1980s look. Cousin Christine gave me these brochures as part of her ongoing support of What Ken Be Done? She's such a winner, and aren't fashion brochures just *gold*?!

With only 8 days to go:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store (Ken Done items uploaded everyday until we end)...

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

Share the news, and tell all your friends about our aim to raise $15,000 to secure 10 new traineeships for young refugees. How *good* !

Day 356/365: The last bike pants... (sniff, sob)...

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 02:58:00 +0000

Glasses from Japan, Ken Done cardigan donated by Cousin Christine (first worn Day 314/365), Ken Done bike pants donated by Cousin Christine, Birkenstocks.

It's with a certain sadness that I share the last Ken Done bike pants donated so generously by Cousin Christine. I could, quite seriously, happily wear more of The Guru's 1980s bike pants for years and years and years... especially if I could keep matching the Ken Done patterns too!

But from sadness to *deep* joy: a big shout out to everyone in these final few days for showing your support financially to What Ken Be Done? I hope you, dear reader, are seeing that our total every day is creeping closer and closer to $15,000. Amazing! Every dollar you donate is getting us there, and I'm so *grateful* for your support to The Social Studio xo

And to make your own Sunday even that little bit better, check out below the Ken Done bike pants models from his 'Summer 1988' Collection. My heroes...

With only 9 days to go:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store (Ken Done items uploaded everyday until we end)... First round of the auctions finish tonight!

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

Share the news, and tell all your friends about our aim to raise $15,000 to secure 10 new traineeships for young refugees. How *good* !

Day 355/365: Kids in Australia

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 03:05:00 +0000

(Truth be told, I was dancing around the house to Kim Wilde's Kids in America for the photos today...)

Ken Done glasses, earrings from US, vintage H. Frisch Sydney top from op shop, *wonderful* 1980s skirt made by Ruby out of a Ken Done sheet, Leona Edmiston stockings, Happy Socks, Fluevogs, Ken Done 'Down Under' purse.

I'm feeling pretty damn excited to be in this *rad* home-made 1980s skirt made by Ruby. It was formerly a sheet, and now it's *pure fun*! Ruby, Ally and Birdmonkey: Saturday Cheering for you! xo xo

Birdmonkey helps to explain the *great, great* pictures below:

Ruby also found a Ken Done sheet at a garage sale in Canberra...

Ally is also modelling the skirt made by Ruby and necklace made by birdmonkey. I am so please to see they have heeded my OHS nagging and are wearing closed in shoes!

Ruby in shot with the white skirt is also wearing a t-shirt by Pauline Clack Designs; a designer based in Alice Springs.

I think this signature might be in the running for the prize of the smallest Ken Done signature...

With only 10 days to go:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store (Ken Done items uploaded everyday until we end - I promise more up tonight!) ...

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

Share the news, and tell all your friends about our aim to raise $15,000 to secure 10 new traineeships for young refugees. How *good* !

Day 354/365

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:17:00 +0000

Lafont glasses, Ken Done earrings (clip-on, of course!) and necklace, Anthea Crawford 1980s jacket from op shop with Ken Done scarf detail, Ben Sherman shirt, Oroton belt from op shop, Trent Nathan Gallery silk skirt from op sop, Fluevogs, and Ken Done purse (WKBD Collection).

How I *love* a 1980s short-sleeved power jacket! I'm in the office today, so my Friday Inspiration outfit comes from those consistent Australian 1980s fashion greats: Anthea Crawford and Trent Nathan (with a *good* splash of Ken Done, of course!).

With my shoulders a full inch higher, I just know it's going to be a productive day!

From Vogue Australia, September 1986. Now why on earth would this outfit only be produced in Limited Edition?!

With only 11 days to go:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store (Ken Done items uploaded everyday until we end)...

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

Share the news, and tell all your friends about our aim to raise $15,000 to secure 10 new traineeships for young refugees. How *good* !

Day 353/365

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:52:00 +0000

Glasses from Japan, vintage leather hoops, vintage dress from Paul's Mum (given to me over 15 years ago!), Estilo leather belt, Ken Done vest and necklace donated by Ruby and birdmonkey, Ken Done tote (WKBD Collection), Fluevogs.

The joy continues!

Check out this re-purposed-Done ensemble, made by the *supremely talented* birdmonkey and Ruby. Here's the 4-1-1 from birdmonkey herself:

Ruby found a couple of Ken Done items at a garage sale in Canberra, including a set of six place mats, so we decided to turn them into a few things. Ruby made the little bolero jacket and I made the necklace. When Ruby finished we had a little bit of a dress-up 'show and tell' in the studio. Sue and Ally wanted to get in on the act; after all who can refuse a bit of Ken Done dress-ups?!

Ruby wears the bolero with a KD dress bought from a What Ken Be Done eBay sale (if A. Fan still acting on his pledge, that's another $10), and a string of painted gum nuts and beads by the Tangetyerre Artists from central Australia.

As the ladies were posing in Sue's studio (in front on an unfinished drawing), Sue decided she wanted to add some Advanced Style and try on the pieces too!

Thanks to these *great* art ladies for supporting What Ken Be Done? xo x

Oh, and should you want to see how some other women reacted to yesterday's outfit, check out this page: Skin Tight! A heartfelt thanks to all of you for your wonderful comments yesterday xo

Ruby:

Ally:

Sue:

What Ken Done stars these wonderful women are!

With only 12 days to go:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store (Ken Done items uploaded everyday until we end)...

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

Share the news, and tell all your friends about our aim to raise $15,000 to secure 10 new traineeships for young refugees. How *good* !

Day 352/365: Art to wear by Ken Done

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:05:00 +0000

*good fashion for good*

Indeed!

Thanks, Ken Done.

Special thanks to Ritchie too for being there to take the photos! xo

Day 351/365: Is that Austria or Australia?

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 22:04:00 +0000

Ken Done glasses, Uniqlo skivvy, Ken Done wool shirt from Raquel (found in those *fantastic* Penrith op shops!), Austrian Dirndl, stockings from Japan, op shop vintage boots. Pewter Koala brooch from op shop.

One Done shirt + one Dirndl dress = Jackie's outfit for today!

Thanks to birdmonkey for the *super* find of this wool Ken Done shirt xo

And make sure you come back here tomorrow later in the day: have I got a *good* surprise for you! Eeek!

With only 14 days to go:

Help raise money by visiting the What Ken Be Done charity eBay store (Ken Done items uploaded everyday until we end)...

Securely Donate money to support The Social Studio here

Share the news, and tell all your friends about our aim to raise $15,000 to secure 10 new traineeships for young refugees. How *good* !

Day 350/365: Suburbia to hang, or suburbia to wear...

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 03:42:00 +0000

Glasses from Japan, Uniqlo skivvy, Ken Done t-shirt donated from Cousin Christine, handmade brooch from architecture models, Amalfi jumpsuit from op shop, vintage belt from op shop, Fluevogs.

When Cousin Christine donated this t-shirt to me for What Ken Be Done I was immediately struck at how similar it is to a painting that the LiP owns, by Australian artist and friend David Lever. As you can see, both pieces show the tightly packed rooftops of suburbia. So how could I not put these two pieces together and recall that famous statement on 1980s Ken Done clothing tags that read, "You can hang a Done on the wall, or on yourself" - just like with these two pieces - I can, and I will, do both!

Speaking of 'Art' in its many forms, check out my friend Lucas below who very kindly modelled for us what he claims is a Ken Done towel. Actually, we all know it's really a Jenny Kee design; but he's made such an effort all the way over there in New York that it deserves a celebration today. Thanks Lucas! We love Jenny Kee too!

And I hope you're all relaxing back on this grey old Monday too. In fact, whilst you're kicking back, please check out the WKBD charity eBay sales... so much Ken Done *gold* to be shared! All money from sales goes directly to The Social Studio. What an opportunity!!

Day 349/365: Who says it's too cold?!

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 04:31:00 +0000

Vintage swimming cap from UK, Ken Done glasses, handmade earrings, silk opera coat from the op shop, 1980s Ken Done bathers (WKBD Collection), vintage fan from op shop, tights from Japan, Pedro Garcia sandals.

I'm not going to let something like the fact that it's winter get in the way of me sharing my *love* of these Ken Done 1980s swimmers (still with original sales tags) plus my vintage swimming cap with you, dear Done-nuts. With only 16 days to go, now's not the time to be shy either!!

Day 348/365: On the day I was a ruler...

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 03:20:00 +0000

Ken Done canteen scarf, handmade earrings, Ken Done silk scarf (WKBD Collection), Ken Done cardigan donated by Cousin Christine, Ken Done ruler worn as belt, vintage Rockmans shorts from op shop, Fluevogs.

Nothing quite says 1980s Australian winter more than fluorescent green shorts and a Punk Koala! Really, what else is there to say??!! (Although, I do think the Ken Done koala might have liked this 1986 classic ruler song!)

Thanks to Bridget and Taeko for the donation. I certainly got some smiles in the city this morning!

Day 347/365: Life's a Beach...

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 05:44:00 +0000

Ken Done glasses, hand-kint scarf made by my grandmother, Emu 1980s dress as jacket, Ken Done scarves x 4!!, Miss Shop dress from op shop, Uniqlo leggings, Juicy Couture boots.

Oh, how I *love* a drop-waist 1980s dress at the beach! What inspiration today from 1980s Australian fashion label, 'Emu'. How *perfectly* the 1980s ochre hues of the jacket matches the Ken Done earthy-tone scarves... Here's to a Fun Friday into The Long Weekend for us all (living nearby Bondi Beach, that is)... xo

Day 346/365: Does big hair keep you warmer?

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:50:00 +0000

Ken Done glasses, Ken Done scarf donated by Margie, Ken Done scarf (WKBD Collection), Ken Done kaftan donated by Cousin Christine, belt from op shop, skirt from op shop, Jonathan Aston stockings, Fluevogs, vintage rings.

I've got quite a bit of Ken Done layering going on as the chill hits Sydney. I've also done a Double-Done-scarf-look today. I wish I could say that the inspiration came from the fantastically titled Magic of Scarf Fashion book recently gifted to me by Lyndel in Melbourne... but the truth is I spent the night *loving* the illustrations of the women with their 1980s hairdo's so much, that this morning I couldn't quite recall the book's sage advice on scarf tying!

Today's scarf donated by Margie from Tawoomba (it's silk):

Thanks Margie - how lovely of you! xo

And a similar, but different scarf first worn all the WAY back on Day 13/365 (the polyester kind):

Day 345/365: Celebrate with me for another 20 days!

noreply@blogger.com (What Ken Be Done?) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 22:53:00 +0000

I Heart Ken Done. (You know, even after 345 days, I really do!)

Glasses from Japan, H&M earrings, vintage 1980s Peter Metchev skirt suit from op shop, Ken Done t-shirt donated by Cousin Christine, Fluevogs.