Thurley Dream Dress

I am so in love with this silk and lace Thurley dress. The lace sleeves and scalloping detail around the neckline is divine. The second photo unfortunately does not do this dress any justice.

Photo (top) courtesy of www.thurley.com.au

Photo (bottom) courtesy of Shop Til You Drop August 2009

Mysterious...luminous...sparkling...

Starry Night - Vincent Van Gogh (1889)

Courtesy of www.vangoghgallery.com

It was Vincent Van Gogh who said "I often think that the night is more alive and more richly coloured than the day." Van Gogh painted many scenes featuring night skies with glowing stars hanging above a serene landscape; one of the most famous being Starry Night. The sky has recently been a source of inspiration to some designers especially in print design - which I throughly encourage because what better way is there to brighten up a gloomy and rainy winter's day than with a fun, colourful and very unique dress.

Here are some dresses inspired by the night sky to bring the vivacity and brilliance of the night into the more modest day.

Photos courtesy of www.zimmermannwear.com and www.frockaholics.com

Easy Breezy Beautiful Cover Girl

She is my ultimate style icon so I had to post every image in this spread. The clothes don't exactly feel like her natural style but I love the shots anyway. Love love love her!

This issue also featured a photo of my favourite male lead Jim Sturgess so I had to post this too!

Images are from Harpers Bazaar UK May 2009

Alexa Chung in Lover

Alexa Chung in Lover on Wednesday of her MTV show 'It's On With Alexa Chung'. One of my favourite girls in one of my favourite labels...what could be better?

Photo courtesy of www.mtv.com

Coco Avant Chanel Premiere

Sarah Murdoch

Genevieve Clay

Bianca Spender

Yesterday was the Australian premiere of Coco Avant Chanel, the film starring Audrey Tautou as a young Gabrielle Chanel. The event was held at the State Theatre and jointly hosted by Chanel and Harpers Bazaar. The event was attended by a mixture of television presenters, models, designers and even political personalities; some included on the guestlist were Sarah Murdoch, Kirrily Johnston, Bianca Spender, Nicola Finetti and Luke Sales, some wearing Chanel.

Photos courtesy of www.zimbio.com

Emma Watson for Burberry Fall 2009

Emma Watson is the fall 2009 face of Burberry, shot by uber-photographer Mario Testino. Unlike previous campaigns where several models (Lily Donaldson being a favourite) are used in shots to represent the brand, the label took a new direction in casting a celebrity. Christopher Bailey has always been a fan of Watson, who recently worked with her for a Harpers Bazaar shoot. The look is classic Burberry and very British with Watson in trench coats and accessories with the label's iconic check print. With messy, tousled hair and smoky eyes, she's a combination of chic and rock 'n' roll cool, and most of all she's grown up and growing out of her on-screen counterpart.

Photos courtesy of www.thedailymail.co.uk

Oxfam Shoot

Oxfam is currently working on publishing a mini-magazine devoted to environmental issues and ideas about sustainability. I helped out on the shoot today, assisting the stylist with all manner of things. The theme was eco-fashion encouraging awareness of ecological issues not only in regards to fashion, but with all aspects of our lives. Oxfam will be publishing this magazine and distributing 20,000 copies through Avant Card, which will be available at your local cafes and other public outlets. The entire copy will also be published online for those who aren't able to grab one.

The shoot turned out great except for several mishaps in dealing with the weather; eternal cloud cover and lack of sunlight, constantly raining on and off and the prospect of the looming sunset. Our initial plan to shoot at Centennial Park went downhill with intent to shoot at specific sites; the entire team was so disappointed particularly because we wanted to shoot at this beautiful flight of stairs that never made it to film. Eventually changing locations and shooting undercover (and outside when the weather permitted) we finished the day.

Here are some of the shots I took of what was going on.

Vogue Paris March 09

I bought this issue of Vogue Paris (which unfortunately I can barely read a word of) which is dedicated to Chanel. There are some amazing editorials in here which fortunately don't need any translation. Love this shoot with Daria Werbowy!

Images are from Vogue March 2009

Hail Christophe Decarnin

It was only today that I realised how much we owe Christophe Decarnin. I was always aware that Balmain had such a huge impact on current fashion trends but it was only now that I realised to what extent. I went to Fashion Weekend today and I was suddenly aware that so much that was on sale and so much of what people were wearing have been influenced by the innovation and style of Decarnin's collection. I went to Fashion Weekend today and recognised that a lot of current fashion trends have been heavily inspired by the international runways, which is slightly disappointing because Australia is known for its unique take on fashion. My sister picked up a pair of denim shorts at one of the stores at the event which has rows of square studs on them reminiscent of the black leather pants from Givenchy A/W 08 collection. Harem pants are also another key item that Decarnin pioneered into a mass global trend. This item has filtered down eventually arriving in every chain store and are prominent everywhere, just take a look.

British Vogue March 09

This issue of British Vogue features two standout editorials. The first is titled 'The Snow Queen', an ethereal and exquisite shoot, and recounts the mythological tale of the Three Graces. 'Chock's Away!' is a spring shoot that was influenced by Forties glamour and elegance, inspired by a story of a loved one's safe return from war. Lily Donaldson has the perfect "classic beauty" features that is required for this shoot.

Images are from British Vogue March 2009

Shine On

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Sass & Bide, the dynamic duo have asked ten of their celebrity friends to "let their creativity shine" through works to auction off to benefit the lives of ten children. Under the title of 'The Shine Collective', the collection features pieces by various artists, actors, models and musicians and a piece by the designers as well. I particularly like the photograph "Sun-shine" by Sam Taylor Wood and the "Project Shine!" lamp by Mischa Barton.

Images are from Vogue Australia June 2009

Karen Walker Believers

Believers Sweetheart Dress in Spiderflower Print

Bishop Sleeve Dress in Paisley Mosaic Print

Short Sleeve Shirt Dress in Ivory Sheer Silk Floral

Some dresses on my wishlist from Karen Walker's Believers Collection.

Photos courtesy of www.karenwalker.com

MET Ball 2009

Kate Moss and Marc Jacobs

Marion Cotillard and John Galliano

Lou Doillon and Olivier Theyskens

Helena Christensen and Zac Posen

Isabeli Fontana and Francisco Costa

Alek Wek

Catherine McNeil and Roland Mouret

Leighton Meester

The annual Costume Institute Gala is probably one of the most exciting events of the year, merely eclipsed by awards season. The ball is held annually by US Vogue and is always an extravagant affair. The theme of the night was 'The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion', and was hosted by uber designer and model Marc Jacobs and Kate Moss. Some fashion favourites were Marion Cotillard and Lou Doillon in Nina Ricci - the French do it best. Other fashion hits were Alek Wek who wore Emanuel Ungaro - the fuchsia set off her skin tone perfectly, and Kate Bosworth who went gothic in a lace Stella McCartney and red lipstick. I really did not understand Leighton Meester's outfit by Louis Vuitton. I appreciate that she wanted to be a little different, but there was just too much going on. Some looks work solely on runway or even on print but I don't think they necessarily translate otherwise...maybe if she lost the tights. Hit or miss?

Photos courtesy of www.style.com

Manning Cartell Tickerbell Dress

How pretty is this Manning Cartell dress from their Autumn/Winter 09 collection! I noticed it a little late considering the summer collections have just shown but I don't usually shop there...but maybe I should more often! It's called the Black Tickerbell Dress (why not Tinkerbell?) and retails for $599. The repeated scallop pattern with beading on each edge makes it look like it was taken right out of the 20s! All that's needed is a string of pearls and a feather in the hair for the look to be complete!

Photo courtesy of www.manningcartell.com.au