They say to follow your heart, which in Brinkley Davies’ case has led her to big things – the oceans, for one. A marine biologist and environmental conservationist, Brinkley devotes her days to making the earth a healthier place through her foundation Balu Blue and her everyday eco-friendly habits. Our kinda girl. Read our interview and get inspired below. 見出し2はこの感じ 見出し3はこの感じ リスト1 リスト2 リスト3 Tell us about growing up near the ocean. I was lucky enough to grow up in coastal South Australia with endless empty beaches, so much marine life and perfect waves with my friends and family. Growing up near the ocean was something that inspired me on many levels – it was my playground as a kid, as a teenager, and now as an adult. I always wanted to learn more about it and do what I can to protect it. When did you know you wanted to study Marine Biology? Actually really early on. I remember writing Marine Biologist as my career goals on a piece of paper when I just started school. It became more and more clear to me as I grew up that the path I wanted was studying the ocean, and conserving it, which leads me to now. You recently started the Balu Blue Foundation. What motivated you to take the big step? I reached a point in my life where I was here, there and everywhere volunteering, diving, doing research trips, filming, and also involved in many different parts of advocacy in marine conservation – and I thought, why don’t I start something of my own? A really big influence in this was my pup Balu. He was a beautiful rescue pup we had for just under a year. He loved the ocean, he loved other animals and he had such a kind heart – he was family. Unfortunately, we lost Balu just short of his first birthday to the horrific 1080 bait that is used by national parks and farmers here in South Australia. It saddened me greatly and angered me that our society is uneducated in their conservation methods, and it inspired me to start my own organisation. I figured if someone doesn’t do something about this, then it will never change – I decided to start the foundation then. A big inspiration, was also our rescue Kangaroo, Bunji, she came into our lives not long after all this happened with Balu, and it all started from there. What is the foundation currently focused on? As we have raised our little girl Bunji, we partnered with local landowners to support their property as a rescue sanctuary for orphan native wildlife. It was a slow transition for our little girl from our place up to the property. I slept up there with her and she got to know it as home. There are four other rescue kangaroos at the sanctuary and I am up there every second day to spend time with Bunji and help keep her shelter neat and tidy. Aside from the wildlife rescue project, we also have our ongoing Marine Debris project #ClearTIdes. Last year we hosted and co-hosted a few beach clean-ups and also spoke at some schools. We aim daily to spread the message to collect marine debris off beaches and out of the ocean, and also to reduce your use of plastic, especially single-use plastics. We have a few other projects up our sleeve for 2018 and are really excited about it. People don’t often notice the role fashion plays in environmental consciousness. What’s your take? No, you’re right. It surprises me how people can be so removed from where a product comes from, which is the biggest thing for me with anything I purchase – clothing should be no different. I think it's very naïve to buy something that in a third world country a young girl is slaving away for next to nothing to make. Fast fashion is called fast for a reason – it's designed not to last, they use products which are cheap, easy and often not biodegradable. There are so many beautiful brands out there supporting ethical fashion, whether it’s local or you’re supporting women overseas that are getting paid fairly and can earn a good living. You just feel better wearing it. What do you look for in a piece of clothing? To be honest, comfort. I’m one of those people that if I’m not comfy, I’m not happy. Living in South Australia, I am very much an oversize knit and cut-off jeans kind of person. As I travel a lot, I also love to have things that are light, easy to pack, comfortable and still stylish. I am a BIG fan of linen, only the struggle to keep it without creases is a real struggle. Haha. Growing up I was very much a tomboy, but as I have gotten older I have come to love beautiful dresses. My favourite colours are always blue, followed by earthy tones. I also don’t think you can ever have too many pairs of overalls. What are the little things you do each day to live an eco-friendly lifestyle? First of all, I am completely vegan and have been for nine years. This cuts out so much crap in your daily routine that is harmful to the planet. Did you know animal agriculture does more harm to our atmosphere than the entire transport industry? Those statistics blew my mind when I first went vegan. Also, I do my best to not use plastics – especially the single-use stuff that is so ridiculously used and wasted everyday, like plastic straws, coffee cups, plastic water bottles, plastic bags, you name it. I use a Keep Cup, I carry a stainless steel straw in my handbag and my steel water bottle! I also use a skincare range which is 100% Australian and organic. A lot of people don’t realise but what you use to wash your hair and skin can be really harmful to the planet. Microbeads are the devil! They get washed down the drain and end up in our waterways and oceans and in the stomachs of beautiful marine life. They’re one of the many microplastics we cannot see that does the most harm. Whose work is currently inspiring you? Hmmm, that’s a hard one, I am inspired by many people daily and it’s always changing. Two big inspirations that I have are Jane Goodall and David Attenborough, who are both incredible in their areas and have inspired a generation of people who care for the planet. More recently, I am so inspired by Leonardo DiCaprio. I love it when people use their fame and their brains to stand up for real issues. I think that “Before The Flood” was a huge movement that opened up the eyes of millions to what we are doing to the planet and how you can change that. 

What’s your role at Auguste the Label? I’m Head of Marketing & eCommerce. This means… I’m constantly jumping between different sides of my brain – analytical & creative, every single hour. How does Auguste connect with your personal style? I’m a skirt & dress gal – no one has ever seen me in a pair of pants or anything shorter than my knees, so naturally, Auguste ticks that box. Also, when I’m not in black, white or khaki, I’m in a vintage print. Our design team are so onto it with prints, every season I fall in love with another. What in your closet brings you the most joy? So much of it does! The (faux) fur jacket that belonged to my mum in her teens that I now get the pleasure of owning – it comes out on two occasions a year (because it never gets that cold in Byron!) and that’s Splendour or when I head south for a weekend over the winter months. I’m totally obsessed with hats, and my ‘Rancher’ (in the pics) is an absolute fave – I have it in three colours. We’re at your favourite spot in Byron Bay. What makes it so special? Wategos! My god, what doesn’t make the spot special!? From passing it each time I walk the lighthouse, or spending entire days down here in summer watching dolphins frolic mere metres from you, or the longggg sunset vino’s sitting at Rae’s. I never get sick of the beauty here. One thing you love about working in Byron… The fact that we can finish work and head home via a dip in the ocean! I work a very high pressure, busy job but as soon as I walk outside the doors of the office I feel totally balanced – it’s a special place! What can’t you get enough of right now? Barre at Bende (new studio out here in the Industrial Estate). The only reason I don’t go daily is because I wouldn’t be able to move, the classes SMASH you! Totally obsessed. What’s your go-to office tune? At the moment, Winston Surfshirt is ruling my work playlist. Jaimi wears the Valentina Fiesta Wrap Maxi Dress from our Francesca collection. Written by Sarah Bridwell

日本人の生活に深く根付いている日本酒 Sake’s deep ties to the Japanese way of life 日本酒が他のお酒と違うのは、昔から冠婚葬祭や神事など日本人の行事に深く関わってきただけでなく、現在でも変わらず慣習のなかに日本酒が存在している点です。日本人の多くは自らを無宗教だと思っていますが、知らず知らずのうちに「神道」の精神と、「仏教」の感覚が浸透しています。「お天道様（太陽）が見ているから悪いことはできないよ」と小さい頃から、親に叱られたり、自然やあらゆる物を神とする、という感覚が根付いています。多くの日本人は、それを「宗教」だとは思っていません。伝統や習慣に近い感覚です。 Many alcoholic drinks around the world have ancient or historic links to religion, ceremony, and ritual. Sake is different in that it has a presence in many modern traditions, too. Most Japanese consider themselves religionless, even though Shinto and Buddhist sensibilities are (usually unconsciously) a part of their lives. Young children are warned by their parents: “be good or else; the sun is watching you!” – an example of the Shinto belief that kami (gods) reside in all things in nature. However, most Japanese people don’t consider this “religion” – rather it is more of a tradition or habit.   そんな日本人の生活に「日本酒」は、欠かせない存在です。稲は、古代神話に登場する最も重要な神から授かった神聖な植物とされ、この稲からなる米を発酵してつくられる日本酒は、神様へ捧げる特別な飲み物とされてきました。 どんな場面で日本酒が出てくるのか、見ていきましょう！ Sake is an indispensable part of the life of the Japanese.   結婚式 Weddings 結婚式や会社の開業、店の開店、新幹線の開通などお祝いの場で「鏡開き」をします。酒蔵で、酒樽の上蓋のことを鏡と呼んでいたことに由来します。新たな出発に際して健康や幸福などを祈願し、その成就を願う意味が込められています。   神前の結婚式のときにも、「三々九度（さんさんくど）」という新郎新婦がお酒を酌み交わす儀式をおこないます。現在過去未来を表す大きさの違う三つの杯を使って、三回で注ぎ三回で飲み、新郎新婦合わせて合計九回神酒を飲むというもの。それぞれの数は奇数で、２で割り切れないことから、結婚する2人の固い絆を結び一生苦楽を共にする、という誓いを意味しているそうです。   葬儀 Funerals 日本では故人を火葬する葬儀の前夜に、夜通し灯りを消さずに、ご遺体を見守る「通夜」という儀式があります。親族や親しい友人などゆかりの深い人々が集まって、故人の冥福を祈り、別れを惜しみます。遺族は夜通し灯明と線香の火を絶やさないようにします。そこでも故人の家族からてなされるのが「日本酒」です。もちろん御礼の意味も兼ねているため、現代の嗜好にあわせてビールやウイスキーなども揃えられますが、「日本酒」であることにはちゃんと大切な意味があります。   700年代に書かれた書物でも、現代に通じる記録が残されています。 殯（もがり）と言って、人が亡くなってもすぐに埋葬せず、小屋のようなものを作って、死者が骨化するまでの1～3年もの間遺体を安置しました。その間、死者の霊を慰めるため食事を供え、死者の霊を呼び戻すために小屋のかたわらで酒を飲み歌ったり踊ったり宴会が行われていました。当時、死者の霊は災厄をもたらすと信じられていて、災厄から逃れるために魂が亡骸から離れていくのを防ぐ、あるいは死者の魂を呼び戻すためだったといわれています。   日本では米が生命力の源泉と考えられていて、米から作る酒には死がもたらす災いを遠ざけるとされてきました。とくに葬送儀礼では、生命の源である米や米からつくられた日本酒を取り込めば、災難を遠ざけると思われていました。   地鎮祭 Groundbreakings 家を建てる前には「地鎮祭」といって、土地の神様に「無事家が建ちますように」「家が建った後も家族を守ってくれますように」と祈りを込める儀式がおこなわれます。祭壇にはしめ縄、榊が施され、米、日本酒、塩、水などが供えられると決められています。   祭り Festivals 祭りは稲を植える前には、五穀豊穣を祈り、収穫後には感謝を込めて神を山に送る、という儀式が祭りの原型でした。この稲からなる米を発酵してつくられる日本酒は、神様へ捧げる特別な飲み物なのです。 神に供えた後は人々が飲みますが、日本酒を飲むと酔います。かつて科学が解明されていない時代には「酔う」という現象が理解できないものでした。いつもおとなしいひとが陽気になったり、おかしなことを言い始めたり、記憶がなくなったり・・・。そのため昔の人たちは、酔っている人を神と近付いている状態だと理解したのです。それから同じ甕や盃の酒を仲間とともに飲むことで、一体感を高めていました。現在でも祭りには、その地域の日本酒がふるまわれ、みんなで飲み交わすことが多いです。    初詣 Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the new year) 初詣や厄除けなどで神社に訪れた際にいただくこと日本酒は、御神酒（おみき）と呼ばれます。御神酒は、神様にお供えする日本酒のことで、神社や神棚にお供えする神饌（しんせん）のひとつです。神饌とは、神前に供えるお酒や食べ物の総称で、お餅や魚、野菜や塩などがあり、大変神聖なものとされています。 大昔は神社や氏子（地域の住人で、その土地の神社にいる氏神様におまつりをする人）が御神酒を造っていましたが、現在は酒税法によって免許がなければ酒づくりができないため、地域の酒蔵がつくった日本酒が奉納されます。ただし伊勢神宮や大神神社など一部の神社や神宮は清酒醸造免許を持っているため、今でも自分たちで御神酒を造って、供えています。   御神酒を飲むときには、マナーがあります。地域により異なるマナーがある場合もあります。神社の人の言うことをよく聞き、正しく守りましょう。   正月 New Year’s Day 正月には「屠蘇（とそ）」というものを飲みます。もとは中国から伝わった文化で、一年間の疾病を払い、長寿を願うものとされてきました。山椒・細辛・防風・肉桂・乾姜・白朮・桔梗の薬を合わせた屠蘇散がつくられ、それらを日本酒や味醂（みりん）に浸し置いてから、正月に飲みます。「一人これを飲めば一家疾なく、一家これを飲めば一里病なし」と言われていました。スパイスの内容を見ても、正月の疲れた胃腸に優しい内容になっており、実用的です。 現在では一般家庭で、正式な屠蘇と作り飲む人は減りましたが、ドラッグストアなどで「屠蘇散」が売っているのでそれを使って飲む人や、簡略化して日本酒をそのまま飲む人もいます。   それから日本全国にはたくさんの地域に根差した日本酒が存在します。そこで、風習とは別に実家に帰省する際に、今住む場所の日本酒をお土産に買って帰ったり、親戚宅への手土産にする、逆に地元に帰ってくる我が子や孫、甥、姪のためにおもてなしの日本酒を用意しておくことも多いものです。古くからの文化のなごりとプレゼントが融合して、年末年始に日本酒を飲む人は多いのです。   まとめ In Conclusion 日本酒と日本人との強い結びつきは、稲作がはじまり、酒をつくるようになってから現代に至るまで長い歴史があります。年々なくなっていく文化もありますが、今もまだ生活に深く根付き、いろいろなところで日本酒は大切にされ、他のお酒とは別格の扱いをされています。   物事のすべてに意味があり、科学で解明され説明ができる、と考えると、人は傲慢になり、他人を責めやすくなり、お互いすこし窮屈な思いをします。万物に神様が宿り大切にしなければならない、と思う時、事象の前で人はみんな平等になります。日本人の思想は、優しい気持ちで日々を生活するための知恵だったのかもしれません。そんな名残ともいえる、日本酒にまつわる文化。これからも大切にしていきたいものです。