Wild things...

Being a city slicker from day dot, my appreciation for Australian wildlife solely relied on the old episodes of Skippy that were on after school and Crocodile Dundee. You could almost put my knowledge of Australian native animals in a similar category to the one that explores most international views of Australia – that we get around in the pouch of a Kangaroo and all wear a Swag-Mans hat… even in winter mate?

Walking in between high rise buildings from day to day, rather than Eucalyptus trees can quickly make you forget that we co-exist with many Australian native animals, big and small.

Wildlife Victoria dedicates time and resources to current events and issues that are affecting wildlife survival. They’re keeping an eye out for the little fellas that we sometimes only pay attention too when we aimlessly flick through the channels and land on a news report on the effects of environmental concerns.

The association endeavor to facilitate community awareness on matters relating to Australian wildlife, which is one of the most important steps towards rehabilitating our injured or endangered fury or four-legged friends.

Not so long ago, Wildlife Victoria organised a linen drive. Naturally Bear & Duck were eager to help out, linen is our specialty! Some of you Bear & Duck members that have been part of the team way back when we were Vilain Boutique might remember the linen drive that we contributed too. It seems Old sheets, towels and pillow cases work well as makeshift pouches to help transport injured animals or to keep them warm and cozy in the shelters.



Wildlife Victoria has been at the forefront of animal care since 1989 and provides assistance 24/7 through the appropriately named information and rescue phone line – Wildline. If you would like to donate to the association or find out more information, visit: www.wildlifevictoria.org.au
To celebrate Wildlife Victoria’s good work and dedication, the team at Bear & Duck is throwing them a little boat shed bash. This weekend, Saturday the 1st of September is the “Aussie Wildlife Fur Ever” cocktail party held at the Melbourne University boat sheds. All proceeds go directly to Wildlife Victoria. It promises to be a night jam packed with food, drinks and live entertainment. For more information and to get your ticket to the wildest event this spring has to offer, check out: www.bearandduck.com/aussiewildlife

We're living in a material world...

It seems celebrities are no longer content with their contribution to the music scene, the silver screen or the playing field. It appears having a face widely recognised for pioneering massive sunglasses or diamond encrusted teeth, makes you an authority on environmental issues, your right to vote and the War in Iraq.

A celebrity putting their two cents in on social concerns is not the only business they want to stick their $15,000 nose into. You would think having young girls modeling their fashion sense on the latest picture of you in Who Weekly would be enough for most high profile stars. They also want their face and name on absolutely everything that you can purchase for a small fortune. Well I suppose, we are living in a material world and… well, you know the rest.

Hillary Duff has a range of children clothing, Sarah Jessica Parker has perfumes and Jeniffer Lopez has taken it up a notch and even branded wildlife with fur items featuring in her fashion line. (Which we don’t endorse - faux fur all the way.) You can pretty much cover yourself head to toe with celebrity branded clothes and accessories and become a walking trademark on par with the Beckhams. Victoria pulls off the short hair style so well don’t you think?

Now, your bathrooms, living rooms and bedrooms can enjoy a bit of super star status. The pop star most widely recognised for her bottom rather than her musical assets is now introducing a new line of home wares.



Yep, spinning around in short shorts just doesn’t seem to cut it anymore for Kylie. To date, Australia’s biggest pop export has developed an underwear line and beach ware clothing range that is available in lingerie shops and department stores. And now, Kylie has been negotiating a home furnishings line through the British Department stores Debenhams and John Lewis. An article in The Age on the 23rd of July briefly explains that Kylie is in the process of designing bed linen, towels and curtains with friend and stylist – William Baker. The new home ware products aim to be available in stores next year.

We knew it wouldn’t be long until everyone caught on to the benefits of top notch bed and bathroom accessories. Let’s hope Kylie takes a leaf out of the Bear & Duck book of linen etiquette and indulges in some Egyptian cotton.