Bold coloured gowns in red, gold, white, metallic silver, black, navy dominated the red carpet!

New age [...]]]> Elegant understatement won the Academy Award in my book and here are my picks for best dressed…Charlize Theron, Jessica Chastain, Sandra Bullock and Naomi Watts dazzled in metallic. Georgio Armani owned the red carpet with ‘Most Impressive Appearances’!

Bold coloured gowns in red, gold, white, metallic silver, black, navy dominated the red carpet!

New age sharp, clean sci- fi lines vs 40′s glamour was the inspiration for Oscar.

‘Mermaidesque’  fish tail hemlines were still featured inspite of this slightly ‘showgirl’ and not very flattering line. Please end this amphibious fixation asap! NB. Daryl you can still make a splash if you want.

Most talked about was Anne Hathaways bustline. Fake nipple enhanced bodaces have been around since the 50′s, famously on Marilyn Monroe and more recently on Madonna..I for one don’t see what all the fuss was about. And just because you asked.. I prefer Anne with ‘love and other drugs’ long curly hair. Charlize Theron and Anne Hathaway both sported pixie cuts for the big event.

In 2012 Angelina Jolie made a mockery of the super high split and that was enough really. Sad to see them back in 2013, lets get the splits down to something a little more PG13 thanks.

The Jennifer Lawerence ‘fall shot’ went viral and created a faux Dior campaign within hours that set tongues wagging. This just shows the immediacy of social media in the modern age. Well played JL and Ps. best speech ever “I just had a shot” killed me.

The men that had my attention were those whom broke with tradition, wearing more fashionable navy blue thank you Daniel Day-Lewis and velvet slippers Eddie Redmayne.

And there you have it, another year passes and as per usual plenty of controversy. Overall a beautifully fashionable Oscars.

JLx

Vibrant big nails were a major feature this year, with designers recognising the role of nails as a [...]]]> OPI – the stylish woman’s lacquer of choice – strutted the catwalk at Mercedes Benz Australian Fashion Week and the pre-shows, featuring on hand and toes at 21 designer shows in mainly white and sorbet pastel shades. 

Vibrant big nails were a major feature this year, with designers recognising the role of nails as a fashion accessory.

‘Chartreuse’ (halfway between yellow and green) was the signature colour featured throughout the week, alongside peplum detail, pencil skirts, sequins and sophisticated athletic inspired outfits.

The most popular vibrant yellow/green chartreuse, OPI’s Did it On Em, was admired by many and chosen by Manning Cartell and Aurellio Costella.

White lacquer shades were also popular with many designers choosing OPI’s Alpine Snow or Don’t Touch My Tutu (OPI’s new sheer white) as it complemented their predominantly white on white collection, including; Carla Zampatti, Zimmerman, Bec & Bridge, Manning Cartell (on toes).

The elegant and sophisticated reverse moon nail extensions featured at both Maticevski and Johanna Johnson.

Another new nail trend featured at MBFW was the ‘reverse’ French Manicure, nude or white nails with coloured tips, as seen at Carla Zampatti and Lisa Ho.

A few designers also chose an exclusive ‘nail-art’ style with gold tips and gold flames as their inspiration.  AJE nails, referred to as disheveled elegance, had a bronzed base (OPI’s Cosmo Not Tonight Honey) with a V-shaped chevron at the tip (OPI’s DS Glow) littered with gold dust glitter on the tips.  Whilst Watson X Watson’s nails featured a golden hand-painted flame on the tip of the nails.

However the most colourful assortment of nails was seen at Camilla celebrating ‘gypsy meets jetsetter’, where we were taken on a journey visiting 7 different destinations, each with matching nails (Australia, Africa, Brazil, Asia, Peru, India and Navaho).

www.opi.net.au

Images copyright, courtesy of Raynard Tan 2012.

On the streets we spotted blokes in cropped pants, brights, elbow patches, “Hogans” and L.A. trainers, chunky ‘brogued’ boots and [...]]]> Later in October, we headed south to Italy and enjoyed three weeks eating and shopping our way through Rome, Florence and the Amalfi. I particularly loved the posers’ parade, strolling up and down the corsos.

On the streets we spotted blokes in cropped pants, brights, elbow patches, “Hogans” and L.A. trainers, chunky ‘brogued’ boots and coloured dessert boots. A standout was a beige single-breasted suit, white shirt and bright red loafers.

Man bags were also prevalent including a red brief case, which grabbed my attention on the Corso in Rome. In the stores bow ties are massive – there’s a new designer making them set in “pasta” (not edible but ingenious all the same ), in porcelain and also silk clip-ons. The craziest trend spotted is the very short tie, just 15 cm long. Not sure how that will take off!

Dropped crotch pants were also still around with “carrot styles” prevailing. Coloured belts were slimmed down featured interesting treatments like rubber from used bicycle tyres. Some standout menswear retailers included David Mayer Naman  and Super, Paolo Pecora and Flow Store (located via dei vecchietti, 22r in Florence).

For the ladies, wedges were the footwear of choice, much like Paris. There is a lot of short masculine haircuts on girls in Italy, that I guess would be marginalised over here in Australia. The guys tend to wear their hair longer, and even in the business context, long hair and groomed beards are acceptable.

We also enjoyed incredible vintage shopping, better than anything we see here in Australia. I picked up two pre-loved D&G jackets (velvet and cord) and a cool manbag for an absolutely steal – so word of advice, make sure vintage is on your list when shopping the capitals of Europe!

Colours on the streets and in-store included: forest green, beige and raspberry, chocolate brown, grey and navy.

It’s an experience that can easily [...]]]> In May each year, Australia’s fashion industry descends on Sydney’s  Overseas Passenger Terminal for the showing of upcoming Spring/Summer collections. More than 50+ shows draw thousands in attendance from the retail, wholesale, media, design and styling industries as well as celebs, paparazzi, and an army of passionate volunteers.

It’s an experience that can easily be compared to the childhood excitement of Christmas. Put simply, the opportunity to get a glimpse of what lies ahead in fashion is much like peeking at your presents before the big day! Whilst the primary audience is definitely the highly influential buyers who stock what we see and love in the store, the opportunity for a stylist to get an insider’s look is not only incredibly inspiring, but also ensures that clients are kept abreast of what’s hot for the season ahead.

I Heart GB

Silk jersey dresses draped-to-perfection are Gary Bigeni’s signature and he didn’t let us down this year, employing incredibly strong rust through to feminine beige and aqua. Structured separates including cropped pants and leather shorts, paired back with blazers and knits. Can be worn from the office through to your favourite restaurant. Precise music changes for each textile during the show matched the feminine sophistication of this powerful collection. Make up  by M.A.C. and nails by O.P.I. Can’t wait to see this in store!

Little Joe Woman: Most Wearable

From Australian summer to European vacation, pack light, pack sexy. This incredibly wearable “gypset” (jet-setting gypsy) collection was opened by Gail Elliot’s bestie, the stunning Yasmin Le Bon. Pretty silk florals across all pieces – shorts, pants, skirts, dresses, tops – had a real 70′s flavour. These relaxed looks were accessorised with cowboy booties and flat sandals. A Rolling Stones re-mix on the catwalk captured the mood and fun of this collection. My pick of the collection is the denim jumpsuit.

Spectacular Spetic

Karla Spetic brought a luscious Granny Smith apple green to life with retro wallpaper graphics on sharp lines, double front splits and colour blocking. Prints back with blocks cut a striking tailored look for work or play. Watch this girl, she’s going places!

Above the clouds with Lo Sordo

Flowing sheer white dresses with cut out trains were a standout in Michael Lo Sordo’s breathtaking monocramatic collection. His original “smoke swirl” digital print motif added depth and character.

Other highlights included Lisa Maree’s 70′s garden of Eden inspired swimwear collection; and emerging talent Brisbane based Josh Scacheri and his menswear highlights with Subfusco.

RAFW S/S 2010

Perhaps it’s the endless summer weather we seem to be enjoying here in Sydney, but many of the hits from RAFW we could and should be wearing right now:

• Kate Sylvester (for her alternate urban country signature),
• Annah Stretton (one dress styled in ten different looks),
• Gary Bigeni (incredible palate and oozing feminine),
• Song by Tang (new age but wearable, look out for it) and
• newcomers Lucette (for bringing back Mad Max)!

Also expect to see lots of light leather, pastels and neutral colours such as peach and cream.Sexy tailored cropped pants for the ladies. Some amazing and very fashion forward swimwear concepts. Plus loads of party frocks in time for Spring racing and the Christmas party circuit.

5 looks in 5 days during RAFW 2010:

MONDAY. Black on black on black to start the week chic… Matthew Lawrence bespoke jacket, Danielle Wallace polka dot shirt, skinny jeans from Neuw, G&L bespoke shoes

TUESDAY. 1940’s paperboy mash-up… Matthew Lawrence bespoke 40’s dark blue high waisted baggy pants, thrift-shop braces purchased in Rome (hung low), check shirt from Witcheryman, dusty old flat cap purchased in NYC, Lacoste sneakers

WEDNESDAY. Alternate look… smart Kate Silvester crumple knit shirt in blue/green, G&L shoes, tailored skinny check trousers from Oxford

THURSDAY. Double denim… Dr Denim shirt and Pace jeans from Blu Bird, with Paul Smith olive coloured velvet jacket, G&L shoes

FRIDAY. “Pony boy” was the bespoke outfit day with “bespoke by Ganton” white shirt and signature Matthew Lawrence pony velvet jacket, Neuw jeans, G&L shoes

This iconic collection is designed for a refined, cultured woman; yet exudes a youthful energy with a revisitation of bold 70’s fashion colours (peacock, topaz, bronze, amber, pale pink) and stunning snake skin finishes, all very [...]]]> Mediterranean myths and legends come alive in BVLGARI’s Autumn/Winter accessories collection, adorned with Iions, serpents and antique coin embellishments.

This iconic collection is designed for a refined, cultured woman; yet exudes a youthful energy with a revisitation of bold 70’s fashion colours (peacock, topaz, bronze, amber, pale pink) and stunning snake skin finishes, all very much “of the moment”.

Isabella Rossellini

A timeless luxury piece, like its namesake, both aspirational and iconic. This season, choose from limited edition designs in patterned leather, canvas, or pony skin, characterised by elegant twist-lock closures (agate, quartz, onyx).

Serpenti (Italian for snake)

Symbol of eternity, knowledge, vitality and seduction – these sophisticated and minimalist shoulder bags make for elegant statement pieces in karung (snake) skin.

Leoni (Italian for lion)

Handcrafted in wrinkled lamb leather and karung skin, choose from champagne-gray and pink-blush tones.

The beauty of the full-flavoured bold reds and greens is that they can be paired back with so many different looks and instead of the classic “matching bags and shoes”, look to these bold pieces to compliment your outfit. Or better still – make the bag the hero and keep your outfits muted in greys or black.

Available now in-store from May/June 2011 – make an appointment with Jeff today to see the collection:

Bulgari Sydney, 64‐68 Castlereagh Street

Bulgari Melbourne, 123 Collins Street

Bulgari Brisbane, David Jones Queens Plaza

www.bulgari.com

Designed as a ‘glittering jewel box’, furnished with diamond shaped banquettes and constellations of mirrors [...]]]> DIANE von FURSTENBERG, one of the premier names in American fashion, has finally arrived down under! The first DVF flagship boutique in Australia is located in the recently opened premier shopping destination, Westfield Sydney (Pitt & Market Sts, Sydney).

Designed as a ‘glittering jewel box’, furnished with diamond shaped banquettes and constellations of mirrors that spiral across the ceiling, the store is a slice of New York glamour!

Jeff recently spoke to DVF Australia Managing Director, Geraldine Dielenberg, about the highly anticipated opening and the legend behind the brand.

What’s the brand philosophy? Empowering women, designed and manufactured for real women.

Is it all just about the Wrap Dress? Not so! We recently welcomed a new designer (ex-Gucci) Yvan Mispelaere who has brought a bold new energy that matches beautifully with DVF’s contemporary designs.

What sizes do you carry? US 2-14 (just add ‘4’ to get Aussie sizes), so 6-18.

What’s new? Bold tones contrasting block colours together so that dresses can appear as two pieces. Look out for dress shorts in the Spring collection which is due in-store now (February). There are new monthly drops so always fresh and interesting arrivals not seen before!

Founded in 1972 and headquartered in New York City, DVF Sydney will carry the full range of DVF collections, including ready-to-wear, accessories, shoes, handbags, eyewear, books and small leather goods.

In this age of super slick mass manufacturing, no other brand [...]]]> Youthful, bright and colourful… the sexy global jean brand is back yet again pushing the limits of advertising with its Spring/Summer 2010 “Sex Sells…Unfortunately We Sell Jeans” campaign, taking inspiration from flirtatious “fire” and “water” elements used in both its washes and treatments.

In this age of super slick mass manufacturing, no other brand is engineering “abrasion” denim quite like Diesel – hand abrasions, bleach, resin and spray treatments, squeezing, scrubbing, stone washing and sandblasting – delivering the highest quality of craftsmanship and expertise.

Featuring 40 styles for men (in 80 washes) and 20 women’s styles (in 40 washes) in the latest Australian collection,  “fire” denim features a “charred” and “toasted” treatment, recalling distressed jeans worn by fire fighters.

“Water” denim features hand-painted splashes and droplets in shades ranging from dark indigo to hard bleached denim.

There is also a lot of relaxed-fit 90’s style denim in the collection including “carrot” and “baggy” shapes reminiscent of street wear style from Keppers and 26Red (cue RUN DMC).

With this new collection, Diesel is back in a big way appealing to a broader audience with designer denim from just $200. Celebrity fans include Elle MacPherson, David Beckham, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Katy Perry, and Lou Doillon to name a few.

Did you know?

Australia was the first market to carry Diesel denim back in 1975 when Diesel founder Renzo Rosso met Mark Keighery (founder of Marcs brand) at a Paris fashion show and the line was carried through Marcs stores before widening its wholesale presence.

www.diesel.com

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