RAFW Day 1

I've been a bit behind on my RAFW blogging, we're already on the third day and as I write the combined triple bill of White Sands, Kini Bikini and April Marie Swimwear is about to open in half an hour.

Balmain S/S 09

Camilla and Marc S/S 09/10

Camilla and Marc had the honour of opening at 10 am on Monday. The collection stuck to a palette of neutrals: white, grey, soft pink, and black. The garments featured a combination of the structural and the soft and feminine, and an effective amalgamation of fabrics (which allowed for the varying looks). I feel like there was a lot of imitation from the international runways, particularly label-du-jour Balmain, which is evident in the exaggerated shoulders. But nevertheless the clothes were wearable and I'm sure will be successful; the relaxed look is a very Australian aesthetic.

Friedrich Gray's collection was mostly black - an unusual (or innovative?) idea for a Spring/Summer collection, especially in Australia. It makes me wonder if this is at all influenced by the economic climate: black is a failsafe colour. I liked the contrasting fabrics in the garments, particularly the use of leather. The silhouettes were quite average and the designs had minimal embellishments - mainly zippers and seams appeared to be an important feature. But the fact that he showed in an industrial space indicated the pared-back look of the collection.

I hope to catch up with reviewing the rest of the collections soon!

Photos courtesy of www.vogue.com.au

Walk This Way

Scott Schuman is officially in Sydney and spent yesterday hunting down the best of street style in the city. There is a very haunting shot of a man with a very dark background behind him, so much that the photo draws you in to him. I wonder where he'll be today...

Armoury Silk Dress

My Sretsis Armoury Silk Dress arrived today! I literally ran to the mailbox when I heard the postman arrive. The dress is from the Spring/Summer 09 School of Rebellious Sweethearts collection, which is easily my favourite collection to date. I love everything about this dress: from the shape, fabric, the flutter sleeves and ESPECIALLY the print, which is exclusive to Sretsis. The print features whimsical patterns including the logo girl, SRS which stands for the collection's name, flowers, brooches, pearls, an owl, a pony and lots of ribbons. There's something extraordinarily nostalgic about it. I'm dreaming of places to wear this already.

First photo courtesy of www.sretsis.com

Brits Rule

I want this Superfine tee. It only makes sense to buy a t-shirt like this from a British label.

Willow Antique Japanese Beaded Tulle Dress

This Willow dress from her Spring/Summer 09 collection called Sacred Trace, is so phenomenally beautiful. The design evokes 20s glamour and sophistication, from the elegant draping to the delicate beading, while extravagant is actually very subtle. The gold beading also accents the blush tone of the dress very nicely. I like the simplicity of the styling for the shoot with the tousled hair and minimal makeup, but I think this dress demands attention (in an implied, unassuming way).

First image courtesy of www.willowltd.com

Second and third image courtesy of www.frockaholics.com

I Can Rock A Frock

I loved this shoot of Jethro Cave in the March/April edition of Russh. It took me a while to post this because I couldn't be bothered to scan the pages. I actually can't figure out if the clothes are womens- or menswear, which makes it even more interesting; I'm guessing it's a combination of the two. Only a guy 100% comfortable with his masculinity can admit - and demonstrate - that he can "rock a frock". Hedi Slimane shot Jethro in January for his Fashion Diary which exhibited a slightly feminine edge to him - a shoot you would either love or hate. He absolutely personifies the Slimane ideal. I don't know much about male models but I do know I love Jethro Cave.

Images are from Russh Australia March/April 2009

M by MJ Moccasin Pumps

The shoes I've wanted for a really long time now from Marc by Marc Jacobs that I originally saw on Net-A-Porter, are currently being sold on The Outnet. I held off buying them because I bought a similar style from the same collection - and I still haven't worn them yet. I would buy this pair in a heartbeat now that they're on sale but they don't have my size! I can't figure if that's a good thing or not.

Photo courtesy of www.net-a-porter.com

Strummer

I came across this new Sydney-based label called Strummer which I love already...I wonder if their name has any connection to Joe? Anyway some current season stock that I'm coveting are the Sargeant P's Jacket and the Traveller Heels which I really want but can't seem to find my size.

Photos courtesy of www.strummer.com.au

Old Hollywood in Beverly Hills

I was walking home today and I saw an old couple driving around in a vintage maroon convertible. Normally I very much dislike convertibles for their pretension, their lack of sophistication, and the fact they scream mid-life crisis, but somehow it works very nicely for vintage cars. It looked like a scene from an old Hollywood film; the man was wearing a British driving hat and the woman a scarf around her head. She reminded me so much of Audrey Hepburn in Charade.

McNeil and Kershaw

Two Aussie models, Catherine McNeil and Abbey Lee Kershaw who are both previous Girlfriend model comp winners - 2003 and 2004 respectively, have scored perfume contracts. Kershaw has both a print ad and commercial for Flora by Gucci, whilst McNeil represents Essence by Narciso Rodriguez.

Littledoe

I recently came across this label called Little Doe, who make adorable and whimsical headpieces inspired by nature. Each piece is handmade and made to order. I really want the hippie-ish daisy chain headpiece. The photography is amazing too.

Photos courtesy of www.littledoeislove.com

One photographer that consistently inspires me is currently visiting Australia. Scott Schuman is visiting Melbourne and Sydney and I'm guessing he's covering Rosemount Australian Fashion Week which begins on April 27th until May 1st. I can't wait to see what he gets.

Coachella 09

I saw this photo on style.com of a girl at Coachella. I love the sunglasses and the scarf on her, she reminds me of a modern Jenny Kee.

I like Kate's outfits at the festival. Simple, understated, cool.

Photos courtesy of www.style.com and www.celebrity-gossip.net

Clémence for Chloé

I love Clémence Poésy. She absolutely embodies the Chloé girl. 

Miss Dior Cherie

I love everything about this ad - from the bicycle, the rows and rows of iced cakes and the winged 50s sunglasses. The face is Maryna Linchuk who is perfect for the ad, but unfortunately replaces my favourite model for the fragrance, Lily Donaldson. The song is called Moi Je Joue by Brigitte Bardot. The commercial was directed by Sophia Coppola and has her signature stamped all over it - it even reminds me a little of Marie Antoinette: the colour palette, and the idea of a life of leisure, excess and frivolity. The quote for the Lily Donaldson print ad was "The luxury of freedom". That sums it up quite nicely.

I Love Lucy

I came across Lucy Folk's jewellery in an issue of Vogue a while back and there was a small feature on some of her pieces that are inspired by (or rather representations of) food, including everything from popcorn, corn chips, burger rings, pretzels and pasta. I think I remember there was a farfalle pasta necklace that I thought was adorable because it slightly resembled a bow tie. The rigatoni necklace is inspired by childhood nostalgia; I think everybody has at some point made a necklace out of pasta, or put burger rings on their fingers and ate them one by one. I know I have! She has also collaborated with Arabella Ramsay for a couple seasons; one of the standout pieces being the knitted anthurium flower necklace. The jewellery is both kitsch and cute, and will have everybody asking where you got that.

Photos courtesy of www.lucyfolk.com

English Rose

I'll be the first to admit I'm not a Keira Knightley fan so it is a rare occasion that I speak of her with praise. I saw her on the cover of next month's Marie Claire and she looks absolutely stunning. Ironically, the cover quote is "I've never been a girly-girl". Her makeup is both considered and effortless, flawless and beautiful, the soft pink blush accents her porcelain skin – the epitome of "English Rose", a persona she easily embodies. I can imagine that this look would be used by Christopher Bailey or Stella McCartney to launch a Spring/Summer collection, reminiscent of the blooming English countryside. The contrasting dark, tangled tresses remind us that every rose has its thorns, but regardless, never detract from the rose itself.

Image from Marie Claire Australia May 2009

Gloria

I sketched my teacher when I finished my Italian exam early...I hope this doesn't mean I tanked it.

Attention: Recessionistas

In times of economic recession I think every fashionista in the world has been looking forward to the launch of The Outnet (I've actually heard the word 'recessionista' thrown around here and there). The site went live as of yesterday evening and was founded by Natalie Massenet, of Net-A-Porter fame. I checked it out this morning and half the stock had already been sold out I can't even contemplate what this would have been like if it were a physical store, something akin to Kate Moss for Topshop I'd imagine. The stock is all from previous seasons and are heavily discounted, some of the items I actually would have bought had already been gone so get in early. Check out The Outnet now at http://www.theoutnet.com. Happy shopping!

Flashdance Flashback

The global financial crisis is definitely something to fear, yet another crisis that has swept the globe is equally (ish) terrifying – the notion that leggings are an acceptable form of pants. Now don’t get me wrong the 80s were a treat, I mean who doesn’t love frizzy over-enthusiastically permed hair, leotards and Olivia Newton John videos. But the leggings – unfortunately infamously iconic and mass produced – are dominating the retail market. The items themselves aren’t really that horrible, but I must be very clear on something: leggings are not an appropriate substitute for pants. I mean I’ve actually seen them as faux denim, and in fluoro and ghastly prints, and occasionally both. Enough said!

Online Lover

The day we've all been waiting for has finally arrived, Lover has launched their online store! I've been checking their site practically every day for the past couple months to see whether it has and to see what they've got in stock. There isn't that much online yet, but there's definitely enough to make you drool. The stock is mainly from their current collection Sacred Hearts College. There's some signature chambray denim, cream or black body suits and tailored pants, and a really cute wool shift with a peter pan collar that I could picture Mia Farrow wearing in the 60s. The letterman jacket is so cool and kinda reminds me of their sloppy joe dress from their Altamont collection but unfortunately isn't available on the online store (yet?), but I've had my eye on their black College Cropped Blazer for a while now and I also plan to get a few t-shirts just to wear every day as well. Surrender to the Black Rose Army.

Photos courtesy of www.loverthelabel.com

Lucette

I've been very excited about the new Lucette boutique in Paddington and it's finally open as of last week! I can't wait to check it out. I am loving this Autumn/Winter 09 collection aptly titled 'Russian Princess'. The collection is exotic, eclectic, totally wearable and affordable. I've had my eye on the navy Armour Ring Jacket for months now, and they would look perfect with the Slim Jim Riding Pant. Check out their new store on 23 William Street, Paddington.

Photo courtesy of lucette.com.au

Chloé Sally Purse

I am absolutely in love with the new Chloé Sally purse. It is so elegant and understated and I can see it being carried everywhere from desk to dinner. It's a shoulder bag and is not overly complex in detail or design, in fact the attention to detail is in its simplicity and clean lines. I actually gasped when I picked it up! It's one of those purses you want in every colour imaginable because it is just the perfect fusion of fashion and function.

Photos courtesy of www.chloé.com

Hello!

Hi, It's Lil and I've decided to start a blog. Here, I will post anything from art, design, fashion, literature, food and music. I may have heaps of posts over the next couple days because I've been so busy lately with uni and have written all my future posts on scraps of paper. Feel free to comment on my posts, enjoy!