It's A Small World

I was walking down Castlereagh Street this afternoon when I saw a girl who looked really familiar. I seemed to recognise not only her face but her clothes too, but I couldn't figure out where I could know her from...but then I suddenly remembered that I had seen her photo when she had been shot by the Sartorialist while he was here. How exciting! I didn't approach her as much as I wanted to...but it's interesting the way we can make a connection to a complete stranger through another complete stranger.

Sportsgirls Like

Sportsgirl held a party for the launch of its coming Spring/Summer collections for 09/10 last night. Unlike previous years, the fashion show was pre-recorded due to budget cuts, yet some collections created by talented Australian designers got me excited all the same. Sportsgirl has a long tradition of collaborating with several young Australian designers a year to do capsule collections exclusively for it. Always afforadable, always unique, always covetable. One of the most recent collaborations from last summer that caught my eye was by designers of the moment, Luke Sales and Anna Plunket of Romance was Born, which featured bright prints inspired by a combination of Bambi and the circus (as only Romance could) and their signature pom poms. The current and coming collections include those by Nicholas X Morley, who designed a couple dresses and tops as well as a range of accessories; Bec and Bridge, who have designed an edited version of their current collections; and Rachel Gilbert, who designed some showstopper frocks that are sure to sell in no time at all.

Photos courtesy of www.sportsgirl.com.au

Vogue Shopgirl Barbie

Kirstie Clements and Robert Best

Shopgirl Barbie

As I'm sure you have heard, 2009 is the 50th birthday of Barbie probably one of the greatest icons of all time. The Forever Barbie exhibition which was held in Melbourne's Federation Square and opened by Vogue Australia editor-in-chief Kirstie Clements and designer for Barbie Robert Best, hosted some 300 Barbies and demonstrated the sheer adoration girls and women everywhere have for this icon. If that wasn't enough this year happens to also be the 50th anniversary of Vogue Australia. To commemorate this occasion Vogue has collaborated with Barbie to design the perfect Voguette Barbie, described by Vogue.com.au as "a cross between Daphne Guiness, Cruella de Ville in her youth and a Parisienne Chanel addict. In short, she's chic." This collector's edition Shopgirl Barbie is valued at $119.95 but is free not only when you subscribe, but also if you choose to extend your subscription to Vogue!

Photos courtesy of www.vogue.com.au

Doilies and Pearls, Oysters and Shells

Clam Shell Smock Dress

Rock Lobster Dress

Clam Shell Dress

Ruffle Mermaid T-Shirt Dress

Silk Patrick Print Leggings

The much-anticipated collection from Romance was Born that caused pure tears of joy from Kirstie Clements - claiming that the designers deserve to show at Paris Fashion Week where they will truly be appreciated - is finally hitting stores. I was totally blown away when I saw the brilliant craftsmanship and exceptional creativity that went into each of these designs. I wanted to get my hands on one of the Clam Shell Smock Dresses (which is being re-designed with a longer hem length) but some of these pieces have already been sold out through pre-orders!

Photos courtesy of Romance Was Born

Release Your Inner Ballerina

These are some pieces from the coming Spring/Summer 09/10 collection from Camilla and Marc that I adore. They're called the Iris Skirt and Lotus Frock and both seem to be inspired by the traditional tutu with its use of net. I want them both! Love the model too, with the glasses she reminds me of Irina Lazareanu. I might be crazy but for some reason I keep picturing Minnie Mouse-like ears or a giant bow in the hair of the second shot!

Photos courtesy of Camilla and Marc