Grunge & Romance

So what do you say?

2011-11-25T01:36:00.005+10:00

I know I know, we are bad, BAD bloggers. We don't post frequently enough, and we don't keep our promises (yea, about those wardrobe traumatize moments..). But hey! here I am, posting random pictures that I pull from the amusing cyber space, and here you are, still reading this post which actually doesn't mean anything. It can't be THAT bad right??

OH, and another thing which makes us BAD bloggers is that, we don't quite talk about ourselves in this blog. I can't speak for S, but the thing is, I am a true believer of 'an image speaks a thousand words', and I'd much rather show you pictures than write about it, I am sure you wouldn't want to see a 1000-word essay here.

AND I am a terrible terrible photographer.
Most of the time I am just so indulge in the moment that I completely threw the idea of sharing out of the window.

AND generally I just don't think you are really interested to know what is happening in my tiny little world (tell me if I am wrong).

But do tell me, what would you like to see in here?

Undress Brisbane Rooftop Runway | 15th October 2011

2011-10-13T01:09:00.003+10:00

Do you love fashion? Will you be in Brisbane this Saturday, the 15th of October? Are you 18 and above? If you've nodded and checked all the boxes, this event is for you.

Undress Brisbane will be having not one, not two, but THREE runway shows. (I'm excited as I know it's organised by the lovely ladies who were behind last year's FROCK It.)

EMERGING DESIGNERS

Anna Lisa | Emma Price | Angela Leggett | Harriette Hill | Mary-Claire

VINTAGE

RA RA Superstar | My Grandmas Wardrobe | Bang Doll Vintage

ESTABLISHED DESIGNERS

'Sustainability' is the name of the game as Undress Brisbane aims to demonstrate how we can all have a positive impact in our environment in an everyday action of deciding on what to wear. It starts at 7pm at 31 Duncan Street, Fortitude Valley on the rooftop of Wilson Parking Chinatown.

Don sustainable garments, grab your friends along and enjoy this splendid spring starry night. Free tickets are available if you register here (otherwise tickets are $10 at the door).

http://www.undressbrisbane.com.au

Details - Chanel

2011-10-08T17:54:00.002+10:00

Things I love in the Chanel S/S 12 collection.

Autumn mood board

2011-09-12T23:36:00.003+10:00

About me

2011-09-09T01:19:00.009+10:00

Apologies for the MIA, but I have finally wrapped up my golden study years and head to the professional world, in Hong Kong. Yes people, I have left the land of great Australia and move back to my home city. The departure with Australia was bittersweet. I hate to leave a place where so many talented and individual designers are appreciated, but I am excited to step into the hub where Eastern and Western fashion blend so well together in. I truly am blessed.

Now that I am officially a working young woman, I have to start another bittersweet and complicated relationship, with my work wardrobe. The good news is, I am still in the fashion industry, where I am allowed to have a little fun with my wardrobe. The bad news is, I really have to start planning my expenses (and my diet) more carefully. From now on, like it or not, I will start rambling about my wardrobe crisis here. If you love to read about people's traumatize moments, you are in for a treat.

100 years ago

2011-09-02T14:58:00.003+10:00

100 Years, Style of East London by Westfield Stratford

Scotch and Soda

2011-08-05T23:45:00.002+10:00

Scotch and Soda Maison Scotch Collection - my future Autumn/Winter wardrobe

We Live Like This

2011-07-18T13:42:00.006+10:00

An old friend came visit from Melbourne last week, so I took her to Paddington, one of my favourite places in Brisbane. When we found out that the cafe which serves the best cuppacino in town was closing for the day, I wiped my tear and walked into the boutique next door (which I thought belongs to the same owner all along), We live like this.

Mekalie is one of the most enthusiastic shop owner I've met. She gave us the warmest welcome and naturally, we started chatting about the shop, the garments, and fashion. You can tell she has such a passion for local designs and art work by the way she talks about them. I like to see people who love what they do, they go to work everyday with a smile on their face.

It was a pity that I didn't go prepared, or I would have shown you more pictures of the garments and the shop. But you all know the best way to explore a shop is to go see it yourself.

special thanks to Yuky for the pictures

Summer of Rock

2011-07-04T12:37:00.004+10:00

I am always curious about other people's summer wardrobe because tank top and denim shorts are basically what I live in during Summer in Australia (or Hong Kong). The temperature is just unbearable to think of wearing anything else. This editorial from Elle France featuring Erin Wasson might give you one tip or two of how to evolve your summer wardrobe if you are sick of tank tops and denim shorts like me.

It Takes Two to Tango

2011-06-20T16:55:00.010+10:00

Pitti Uomo Men
images from here

My way of living

2011-06-14T14:03:00.005+10:00

This is how you reduce carbon footprint and get fit legs.

Missoni Resort 2012

2011-06-08T13:29:00.005+10:00

When I think of resort collection, I think of Missoni. Colours and prints have been Missoni's signature, and the label has done it so well. In a gloomy and cold day in Australia, seeing this collection helps lighten me up a bit.

Now I want to book a trip to Morocco.

JJ.S. Lee

2011-06-02T22:41:00.006+10:00

Discovered this resort collection '12 from Korean designer JJ.S. Lee the other day when I cruised around the world wide web. Fell for her details and pleated wide leg trousers.

Recent Crush - Josh Goot

2011-06-01T18:34:00.006+10:00

A few looks from the 2011 S/S lookbook that I adore.

See full lookbook here

Him and Her

2011-05-22T21:26:00.006+10:00

If I ask you to name a label for the above 2 lookbooks, what would you have said? Yes ladies and gentlemen, they are H&M's FW 2011 lookbook. I didn't get it right when I first saw it as well. Looks like the Swedish fashion house is looking for some repositioning. I am actually quite happy to see that as long as they are still affordable (can't price the products too low, think about the poor factory workers in India!).

I absolutely drool over the mens collection this season. That dark green checker blazer would be a perfect birthday present for my brother. And I'll subtly hint him about my Christmas present too. This is what siblings are for, right?

View his full lookbook here
View her ful lookbook here

Summer Feet

2011-05-21T13:43:00.007+10:00

A lesson I learnt from my dad is that when it comes to footwear, it's always better to invest in a good pair. Because they are the ones who will take you to all the wonderful places. Yes, you probably have to cancel that spa session you booked or that hair treatment planned. But think about it, when would be a better time to show off your gorgeous pendicure while everyone is in shorts and dresses?

Advice? Make your choice wisely, summer is a long season.

1. Pierre Hardy| 2. Alexander Wang| 3. Rag & bone| 4. Chloé

Madewell Fall 2011

2011-05-18T12:33:00.006+10:00

Madewell knows well about being stylish, practical and fun. With their newest 2011 Fall lookbook, they sure know how to mix and match too. I really want to meet the stylist/creative director for this collection, if I do, I will invite him/her to lunch, then we'll talk, and talk, and talk... and talk. I am sure we'll be bff in no time. I mean, if you can relate to a person's style and aethestic so much, it gotta mean something right?! I picked my favourite 5 looks (oh boy you have no idea how hard it was, I want everything from there). And now I am going to check their website to see if they do international shipping. Bisou.

see full lookbook here.

Must Watch!

2011-05-17T11:54:00.006+10:00

Bill Cunningham is probably the most adorable old gentleman in New York fashion industry. Maybe I shouldn't use the word 'old', but with his down to earth sense of humour, i don't think he minds. I have subscribed to his New York Times website for quite some time now, and it was always joyful to hear his voice describing all the style he took and admired. It was like listening to grandpa telling a bedtime story. Now people, mark this film in your 2011 must watch movie list before I start nagging.

If I had all the money in the world...

2011-04-29T18:43:00.001+10:00

Balenciaga Cutout Boot

Girl Crush

2011-04-27T12:50:00.002+10:00

Kiko Mizuhara

Prints

2011-04-25T14:04:00.003+10:00

While the rest of the world are feeling spring, Australians are feeling autumn. Either way, I, as the citizen in the nation of fashion, am definitely feeling prints. Tribal, floral, poka dots... you name it! This season (SS or FW, who cares?), I am going to test my mix and match skills and just have some fun with fashion!

cardigan from Antik Batik| scarf from Missoni|shoes from Marc by Marc Jacobs|top from Topshop|pants from Etro

Dolce & Gabbana

2011-02-28T18:21:00.002+10:00

Proenza Schouler

2011-02-18T13:21:00.003+10:00

Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez keep doing what they do best, prints and patterns.

That black suede shirt casually tucked into an asymmetrical pencil skirt is definitely my favourite look.

If I had all the money in the world...

2011-02-15T12:40:00.008+10:00

Prada, Prada, Prada.

What I would like my man to wear

2011-01-23T13:48:00.008+10:00

I probably like prints on men better than on women. That's why this Junya Watanabe's men collection made me drool all over my laptop. The mix of colours and prints and texture are just incredibly inspiring and yet accessible. For guys (or girls, in my case) who cannot afford Junya Watanabe, I can't see why they can't find something similar in a vintage or even thrift shop down the street and start layering away.

Wishlust

2011-01-21T14:47:00.003+10:00

Feeling the brown
bag from proenza schouler|sunglasses from karen walker eyewear|shoe from jeffrey campbell|lingerie from cheap monday|dress from topshop

Give me some of that

2011-01-18T15:26:00.002+10:00

Stella McCartney Fre Fall 2011

Tom Ford

2011-01-05T18:41:00.004+10:00

The movie A Single Man and his latest exclusive and secretive 2011 S/S fashion show both proved that Tom Ford didn't fail his title as the Fashion Perfectionist. From the clothes and the people in them, the music to the door men, you can't seem to find a single flaw in the man's work. Total glamour would be the closest phrase but yet to be enough to describe what you see and feel. Maybe you think he is quite stuck up and pretentious, but admit it, the minute you receive the invitation to his parties, you'll be looking into your wardrobe searching for what to wear.

Shoe Crave

2010-12-23T16:55:00.003+10:00

Dr Martens 2011 spring collection

It's nothing, really, I am just saying, you know, maybe, there is an extra 101st item on that Christmas wishlist.

Happy Holidays! Bisou!

Threaded: Universal Store fashion show 18th December

2010-12-14T09:51:00.005+10:00

Queenslander, hooah!

If I had all the money in the world...

2010-12-02T23:52:00.001+10:00

Yummers. Alex's done it again :)

Fashion Degustation: QUT Fashion Graduate Show 2010 (Part 2)

2010-12-02T12:18:00.003+10:00

Fashion Degustation: QUT Fashion Graduate Show 2010 (Part 1)

2010-11-24T10:34:00.003+10:00

King George Square, Brisbane

2010-11-21T18:45:00.003+10:00

Love the unexpected gold nails!

Lanvin hearts H&M

2010-11-03T08:56:00.005+10:00

Lanvin for H&M fashion video.

Runaway

2010-10-26T08:00:00.001+10:00

Runaway has left me intrigued and stringing theories for the yays and nays of Kanye's latest creative production. Released to the public last Saturday, Runaway is a 35 minute film featuring former Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks, and music from his upcoming album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (out November 22).

Phoenix falls to Earth, boy meets phoenix, boy falls in love but phoenix leaves Earth when attempts to integrate into an unaccepting society ends with a mega-fail. He's got some other interesting references embedded too - a tribute to Michael Jackson, the KKK, and a party pooping poultry being served for dinner? (read: West vs. Taylor Swift at the VMAs?)

Now for the highlights: (1) Cute animals in the backyard. (2) Choreography + ballerinas. (3) Fierce feathery frockage by Phillip Lim being equally distracting as Ebanks' amazing body!

Did you really think that this post would be unrelated to fashion?! :P What are your thoughts on Runaway?

Nitrolicious

FROCK it. - Subfusco, George Wu, The Fleet Store

2010-10-19T15:28:00.002+10:00

The lovely Emma from Frock Paper Scissors whom I was sat next to. Looking forward to the magazine launch in November!

We were invited to attend FROCK it. fashion party last friday which showcased fashion, music and art from Brisbane. Unfortunately, V's still in Canada frolicking with snowmen, yetis and beavers so I pulled a go go gadet and summoned a couple of dear friends to Lightspace that night. Stunning pieces by Subfusco, George Wu and QUT designers from The Fleet Store were sent down the runway. Remember to drop by Wintergarden before The Fleet Store closes at the end of October! Thanks for having us at this amazing event.

Photos from the runway can be viewed here.

Burberry Acoustic

2010-10-16T11:40:00.001+10:00

Chief Creative Director of Burberry Christopher Bailey spotlights emerging musicians in the latest Burberry Acoustic music videos launched alongside Burberry's S/S 2011 menswear show. I think it's a brilliant collaboration platform having young talents being impeccably dressed up to the nines in the iconic trench coat and tailored pieces, together with the raw honest sounds from acoustic instruments. I'm definitely being sucked in with Burberry's gen Y targeted campaigns, examples such as the Art of the Trench comprised of streetstyle photos of people in their Burberry trenches and print ads of Emma Watson as their new face spamming the first few pages of fashion magazines across the globe.

Maybe it's my love for acoustic tunes, how the unexpected musical arrangements keeps me in awe, how the vibrations off strings gives me goosebumps and accents the origins of the song.

The McQueen Fantasia

2010-10-13T11:33:00.006+10:00

I think of Shakespeare's Mid Summer Night's Dream.

Wishlust

2010-10-10T14:54:00.003+10:00

Looking at fashion weeks candidates just gives me so much inspirations on A/W wear (but we are stepping into summer..hmm).

shoes and clutch from ZARA| hat and sweater from Monki| jeans from Topshop

Balenciaga S/S 2011

2010-10-06T17:21:00.003+10:00

I like what Nicolas Ghesquière did with the shirt collar. It is just a tiny detail and yet it makes the whole outfit so unique.

Burberry Prorsum S/S 2011

2010-09-23T11:39:00.003+10:00

Leather biker jackets crossover with trench coat. Can it get any better?!

Marc Jacobs S/S 2011

2010-09-16T11:55:00.006+10:00

I always how Marc Jacobs can pull together 3 completely different collections each season for his major labels, and they all happen to be completely fabulous. Where do his inspirations come from?
This season Mr Jacobs once again manage to rock the fashion world with 70s resort glam. Long dresses in silk and chiffon, jumpsuits in gauzes, shorts in satin, big straw hats and wide tied leather belt.

Mr Jacobs, we are ready to put flowers in our hair this summer!

Alexander Wang S/S 2011

2010-09-14T12:15:00.005+10:00

As you all should know, it's the fashion week season! Don't you get excited seeing all the newest spring summer designs when summer is knocking on our doors?

The first review that I bring to you is of course, my favourite Alex Wang. His F/W collection wasn't exactly pleasing the fashion critics (but I love him anyway, now that's true love). This season, he surprises us by ditching his signature black and goes into the arms of white and prints. Overalls are seen in constantly in this collection, with suspender loosely hanging at the back. Duct tape and doodle print are the new tool for Wang, which is inspired by his moving to his new apartment and expansion of the studio.

Well ladies and gentlemen, I am loving the new Alex, what about you?

Pile it on, Nomad.

2010-09-09T22:45:00.005+10:00

Brilliant! I'm in awe and thought I'd share this. Concept? A woman who travels the world and wears her souvenirs on her sleeves. Totally blown away by details of mammoth proportions (like my oxymoron? lol).

Photographer - Mark Segal
Stylist - David Vandewal

The New York Times Style Magazine

Fleet mini lookbook shoot

2010-09-09T11:30:00.003+10:00

On Monday I went into the Fleet Store for a mini lookbook shoot. Cass is the store manager of Fleet and is such a lovely, warm girl. She is wearing a necklace as a hair piece in the picture and it looked awesome on her. Cass is also a designer and her label is called Cassandra Talyor, her garments are in a boutique at James Street (I seriously forgot the name of the shop, I'll find out what the shop is called and put it here).

P.S. S is doing the deisgn of the lookbook, can't wait to see!

Bonne journée!

i-D

2010-09-03T15:03:00.005+10:00

It's i-D's 30th Birthday! These 3 covers got me tingle on my back, but this time, I won't have to decide which cover to get. Then, Now and Next all comes out at different time. I AM JUST GETTING ALL OF THEM. Easy.

Fleet

2010-09-02T22:42:00.004+10:00

If you have not been hiding in a hole for the past 3 months you should probably have heard of the Fleet Store. It is a pop up store in Wintergarden shopping mall in Brisbane City launched by QUT fashion discipline and Creative Enterprise of Australia.

To be completely honest (and not just because I am helping with their PR..), I think the Fleet Store is a kick ass project run mainly by students. From the garments to the layout of the shop, you can tell everything has been well planned and thought of, and not to mention most of the students organising the shop study full time and have a graduate collection to deal with (really, who are you people!?).

I went in today and had a browse around, and as you may have guessed, I didn't walk out empty handed.

When I first saw it, I thought "it will look perfect with my old levis cut-off! It is coming home with ME". And there it is, hanging beautifully in my closet along with her new boyfriend, Mr Levis.

Wishlust

2010-08-26T18:47:00.003+10:00

shirt from Acne, shorts from Topshop, socks from forever21, shoes from Jeffrey Campbell, trench cape from Lover

J.Crew 2010 fall lookbook

2010-08-24T01:23:00.007+10:00

I remember it was about 3 years back when I first laid eyes upon a spring/summer J.Crew lookbook and fell immensely in love. Something about the preppy, clean, crisp and presentable just blackhole-vacuum sucked me right in... Thought I'd share some of my favourite looks from their 2010 fall lookbook. Pulled a few pieces together for a J.Crew inspired outfit the other day for a friend's launch event - Design Institute of Australia Queensland Tarmac student program. Do check it out if you're a design student - be it graphic, industrial, interior, fashion or architectural!

And oh, Grunge & Romance just got a Facebook page! Add us up on Twitter too. Thank you readers for your on-going support! xx

Style.com

Motonari Ono

2010-08-18T20:15:00.004+10:00

photos from Peny Lane

Japan is a place where fashion is crazy and people can truly dress exactly how they love. I adore the country and its fashion uniqueness but I don't know much about it, so I thought Japan fashion week will be a good place to start.

I cannot say Motonari Ono is my favourite Japanese label, but I certainly like what he is doing. I like the cutting and the flow of his dresses and tops (and the models' hair), especially the white ruffle top on the forth look. The downfall is that the collection is a bit too safe, maybe some crazy shoes or accessories can be added to spice things up.

Zara in Brisbane?

2010-08-17T00:40:00.009+10:00

Excitement and relief only comes naturally to an advocate and life-long patron of Spanish retail brand, Zara, after learning it's set to hit Australia in 2011. There were rumours about having the first store in Melbourne, but the latest news leans towards Sydney - in either Westfield Bondi Junction or in the new Westfield in Sydney Central. I personally think Zara will offer a wider range of fashion-forward pieces than predicted competitors Witchery and Country Road. Now my close friends might have a chance to experience buying from Zara! They might finally stop giving me the deathstare when I say, "Oh, I bought this in Zara while I was in Singapore..." (coughAcough). Question is, when will Zara open in Brisbane?

Refinery29 | Fashionising1 | Fashionising2 | The Vine | The Australian

To be continued..

2010-08-14T11:28:00.009+10:00

We are preparing our first photo shoot for one of our friend's instore magazine. The model we've got is amazing and looks so much like Daria Werbowy.

The pictures from the shoot will go up here soon.

Have a good weekend! Bisou.

Alex Wang

2010-08-12T15:18:00.005+10:00

Alexander Wang Fall 2010 ad campaign

If I am not mistaken, it's Abbey Lee who is featured in the ad, again. Seriously she must be a billionaire by now with all the ad campaigns and editorials these few years. Don't get me wrong, I love her and all, but maybe she should start to be careful about the amount of exposure. You know fashion people, we got over something twice as quickly as others...

Paddington, Brisbane

2010-08-03T09:15:00.000+10:00

Grunge & Romance's very own V!

Paddington, Brisbane

2010-08-03T09:00:00.001+10:00

Girl Crush

2010-08-02T11:51:00.001+10:00

Dree Hemingway

Magazines

2010-07-09T22:46:00.001+10:00

I have probably spent too many afternoons and money on coffees with fashion magazines during the holidays. When all your friends are out of the countries either enjoying a summer vacation or visiting families, and you are so sick of your lap top screen that you have to hide it under your bed, books and magazines are the way to get you through your days.

Some time earlier, a friend of mine asked me to write for a newly launched free fashion/trend magazine in Hong Kong (yes I can read and write Chinese). I don't know what the local fashion magazines have in content and what the readers want, so I asked my friend who went back for holidays to get me copies of all the fashion magazines she could find. I ended up spending a few more afternoons with them and finally getting to have some ideas of what I am going to write. Now I am off to write some drafts for the feature articles for the future Vogue Hong Kong!

P.S. S is coming back from Singapore today (finally!). Hope we can get the street snap shots back on soon. Bisou.

Men Not In Black

2010-06-23T16:38:00.002+10:00

Every now and then, I got asked which label do I like for its menswear. I always take a long pause before naming a label, looking like I have given serious considerations on the subject. But most of the time, it is simply because I don't really pay attention to menswear (but at the same time I am reluctant to show my lack of knowledge in men's fashion). You'll have to admit, menswear is less changable than women's (you can tell from the fact that still there are very few men dare to wear skirts as part of a normal outfit).

This spring, attention is paid to the Milan Pitti Uomo, menswear fashion week. The reason behind might just be the ability to give a sincere and decent answer to the above question (and my boredom during the rainy days of my semester break). After some serious observations, I can now proudly say "I like the Prada 2010 spring menswear".

The bright colour details are so well planned and matched. They stand out but they are not too loud. An orange-red blazer with a black shirt and khakis would just be perfect. Guys, do you still have second thoughts on bright colours?

Proenza Schouler

2010-06-19T13:20:00.001+10:00

Proenza Schouler's 2011 resort collection. This label is finding its way to get to my mind lately, and so far it has made its success. Proenza Schouler has always been fun with their collections, fun but practical. I don't know how they get the print so right, but they are exactly what I want to put on right now.

Think Spring

2010-06-11T00:56:00.001+10:00

Looks like the coming spring is surrounded by vintage designs and candy colours. The tone makes the whole fashion scene one big garden/beach party, and we all know fashionistas party like no others (if you have by any chance watched the Chanel short movie 'Remember Now' by Karl Lagerfeld, you should see what I mean).
Now i need to snuggle into my warm quilt and get some sleep, got work tomorrow!
Goodnight my friends.

*Above are Dior, Chanel and Marc Jacobs' Spring collection

Abbey Lee

2010-06-05T14:59:00.000+10:00

Abbey Lee is the kind of models that I don't find her absolutely stunning or incredibly gorgeous, but she can be shaped into anything. From glamorous diva to the innocent girl next door to the sci-fi warriors, you won't find one slightly bit out of place or over the top no matter what she wears. I think that's why she is loved by all the magazines editors and photographers.

Abbey Lee Kershaw by Angelo Pennett in Vogue Nipon
photos from fashion gone rogue

Paddington, Brisbane

2010-05-18T08:30:00.000+10:00

Bang Doll Vintage

2010-05-15T07:30:00.000+10:00

Located on 163 Boundary Street in West End, Bang Doll Vintage is the brainchild of founders Sonia and David. Hailing from humble beginnings at the back of a van parked every Saturday morning at the West End markets, and a little shop in Toogan; Sonia and David decided it was time to relocate and set up a more permanent shopfront - that was 3 years ago when they made that decision and haven't looked back eversince.

Bang Doll Vintage is the perfect place to go source for anything imaginable from the 50s - 80s. Be it leather jackets, fur vests or suede gloves, you'll surely find your perfect match. Invest in timeless pieces, as "trends change rapidly, so people tend to go back to the old stuff" reasons Sonia.

When V and I first stepped into BDV, I thought we'd stepped into OCD heaven. Every piece is handled and treated with the respect they deserve - every piece dry cleaned, mended, fumigated and comes with a declaration of hazmat clearance... Ok, you get my drift. You know you'll be getting your money's worth, without needing to worry if you'll smell of roadkill, or having an umcomfortably sticky situation (pun so intended).

New stocks come in flocks of 20 - 30 pieces every Saturday, with t-shirts mainly from Canada, military styled items from the Soviet Union and Cowboy boots from LA to name a few.

So, students, why not hop into BDV and take the full advantage of your 10% discount? You might just bump into the boys from Evermore or Cut Copy if they're in town and back to visit this little gem of a shop.

Images look familiar? They're for the Movember 2009 campaign, by Damien Bredberg Photography. Cool and awesome retro styling? Where did they get the pieces to put these looks together? You guessed it right - Bang Doll Vintage!

100 stars for customer service and entertainment value. Sonia and David, you guys are such an inspiration for putting aside your past jobs to go after your passion. I skidaddled out of BDV wanting to do a Hairspray or Grease number through West End.

Paddington, Sydney

2010-05-14T16:24:00.000+10:00

I didn't realise the picture was out of focus until I got home and put it in the computer (well my photography skills is, let's just say, still under development). My apology to this lovely girl and all the readers here.

Surfer

2010-05-10T12:02:00.002+10:00

Heat Seeker

2010-05-08T11:18:00.001+10:00

Motor bike, earthy tone and army green always get me (and those shoes!). I am that easy.

Carmen Kass by Mark Pillai in Harper's Bazaar UK
photos from fashion gone rogue

Day 5

2010-05-07T17:07:00.001+10:00

Quoting RAFW guest blogger Matty Paroz: DAY 5... You always get to the end of fashion week not quite sure of it's gone quickly or slowly, whether you can't wait for the madness to end or think you're gonna miss it when it's gone. But you are certain that the fashion week flu--a result of sleep and food depravation--is on the way

That has just concluded my day. Now I am off to deal with my 'fashion week flu'.
Big kisses.

Day 4

2010-05-06T19:06:00.002+10:00

I don't know how the front/back stage crew deal with the 16 hours per day fashion week schedule, I really don't. I just see the front stage manager Ben down 2 cans (or maybe more) of red bull every day and assumingly a lot of cigarettes. Fashion week is hectic.

It's Day 4, Kirrily Johnston, TAFE desginers and Lui Hon were in the picture. Kirrily Johnston delievered the collection to my heart, tribal print, loud neck pieces and wearable yet fashion forward dresses. Saw Christine Centenera again at Lui Hon in her signature brown Celine leather biker jacket, should have taken a picture of her.

Rumour has it that Alexa Chung was going to be in RAFW, just so you know, she is never here. I think the photographers would go nuts if she actually showed up. I wonder who would sit next to her.

Day 3

2010-05-06T01:02:00.002+10:00

Didn't get to go to Romance Was Born, sad face. But Konstantina Mittlas had live music and her clothes are a-m-a-z-i-n-g. Would die to go to Dion Lee's show tomorrow morning.

P.S. Sydney is getting cold, time to get our leather and faux fur out.

Big kisses.

Day 2

2010-05-05T00:42:00.002+10:00

It's only day 2 and I am already tired. I am telling you, 8 hours of sitting down, standing up, walking around and bending down is not easy. Fashion is pain, even though I am in sneakers all day. Didn't take many pictures today because 1. the lights inside the hall were so bright that all the outfits taken with my camera phone are plain white light bulbs 2. the Nicola Finetti show was so packed that I couldn't move my feet and I had to hold on to the bars so I don't fall on people 3. I was simply too tired and bothered to take pictures, the professional photographers are definitely better at their jobs than I am. I did took couple of videos but I will have to edit them when I go back to Brisbane.

The highlight of the day is seeing Christine Centenera at Nicola Finetti's show, she is truly amazing and stylish. Jennifer Hawkins showed up to the show too. She had her photos taken right in front of me, all the flash lights hurt my eyes, errgh.

Right now, I desparately need some sleep since I don't even know what I am typing. Bisou.

Day 1

2010-05-03T23:47:00.001+10:00

My first day of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week:
16:00 Rachel Gilbert. Lots of sequins, tailoring and waists. Plastic transparent 6 inches heels, models nearly tripped over. Ouch.
18:30 Aurelio Costarella. Assigned to be a 'plastic', which is those people who tear the giant plastic sheet off the catwalk right before the show. The whole procedure had to be done in 20 seconds, no kidding, I was literally wrapped by the plastic sheet. Fur, nude colours, ruffles for the collection. Gorgeous evening gowns. The non-stop camera shutters sounded like rain.
20:30 Christopher Esber. Saw Mr Scott Schumann and Ms Garance Dore's name tag on the front row, didn't think they had come though. So crowded inside the hall, didn't even have a place to stand. Susie Lau, a.k.a. Ms Style Bubble sat right next to me, had to control myself not to touch her so that I knew I was not looking at a laptop screen. Absolutely stunning designs. Very minimalistic, very celine. Fell in love with the leather sleeveless dress.

Didn't eat for 10 hours straight, now I know why fashion people are so skinny. Totally worth it but make me type really short sentences and use a lot of full stops for no reason. Can't wait for my second day. Now I am off to bed. Bisou.

P.S. Photos taken with my little camera phone, apologies for the poor quality.

Hello Sydney!

2010-05-02T20:52:00.006+10:00

After been through all those packing drama, I arrived in Sydney.
Apparently I have over packed for my trip (i had a sore arm carrying my bag around) due to my 'just in case' theory.

My first Sydney day schedule:
12:00 enjoying delicious seafood under the sun at the Fish Market and spending some great time with my old friends.
14:15 Headed to the fashion week briefing at Overseas Passenger Terminal in the afternoon. Met a lot fashionistas, I should have taken so many pictures but my camera decided to fail on me by going out of battery.
15:30 Went to Paddington for coffee and window shopping with some friends.
19:30 Ended my day with homemade sushi.
Ain't that the perfect Sunday?

My first shift at the RAFW starts at 14:00 tomorrow. Extremely excited. But first I have to make a quick run to the shops to get a black top tomorrow. Stay tune for my next update.

Big kisses.

6 hours before..

2010-05-01T14:14:00.003+10:00

OK, I am panicing, I have 10 days of outfits to decide (including my day functioning wear and night partying wear), approximately 5 days of trip to plan, and 8 emails to write. 6 and a half hours to go till my flight to Sydney.

I have been in Brisbane for almost 2 years, and this is my first time to Sydney. After hearing all the good things/bad things about it, you can probably imagine how excited I am when I know that I am going to Rosemount Sydney Fashion Week, and how panic I am right now not putting a single thing in my luggage.

I actually find myself spend more time day dreaming what it would be like during the fashion week than actually doing the stuff that I need to do. Not good. More panicing now. And now I completely forgot my purpose of writing this post, shit.

Before I develop this post into a thousand word essay repeating the same line. I am letting you know that I will be keeping you update about my trip in Sydney. If you are expecting the Sartorialist kind of pictures here I am sorry I'll have to let you down, because Es who owns and knows how to use a proper camera is not coming with me (damn you Es!)

However, I will try my best with my crappy camera and my poor photography techniques to take you with me to the shows. I am off to pack my bags!

Big kisses.

Wishlist lust

2010-04-20T11:04:00.001+10:00

What's on your head?

2010-04-17T14:35:00.002+10:00

I once was told that during the 40s', women were considered to be rude if they leave home without a hat and a pair of gloves. Hats were not just accessories but a symbol of decency.
I was surprised that Bisbane is first city to showcase 'Hats, an Anthology by Stephen Jones'. But I take it as a good sign, a VERY GOOD sign indeed, that Brisbane is slowly emerging in the fashion/art scene.

So I went in The Queensland Art Gallery one friday afternoon after my fashion class, to embrace myself in the artistic atmosphere (and try to look artsy and all).
The exhibition is absolutely fabulous, beautiful and mind-blowing. I am not even going to start talking about how awesome the hats are, because there is no point doing so, you HAVE to go see it yourself (that is if you are currently living in Brisbane or the exhibition is coming to your city in the future. If neither of those apply, then you should stop reading this post right now, because you will be happier not knowing what you'll miss). They don't allow any cameras in the exhibition hall, but I managed to snap a few pictures when the guards were not looking for you to have a sneak peak (no kidding, that was not easy at all, the guards were shrewd like eagles).

I took these with my crappy digital camera, so they might be blurry but hey, I tried.

(if you look closely at the background, it is a mock of Steven Jones's workshop, where the magic happens)

Now I have to drag myself away from my laptop so that i can get some work done instead of watching aged Doraemon (it's a japanese cartoon and you don't want to hear me talk about it).

Big kisses.

Spring in Bloom

2010-04-15T07:01:00.003+10:00

Jennifer Pugh and Cameron Russell by Dusan Reljin
in Numéro

pictures from fashion gone rogue

Shh..don't tell fannie

2010-04-13T14:13:00.003+10:00

The first thing I noticed when I stepped into Don't Tell Fannie, is that blue floral mini dress with lace straps, hanging in the center of the shop. Perfect for garden parties.

If you have been to the shop I Hate My Skirt in West End, you should be familiar with Paige. She used to do modeling in Singapore, then she came back to Brisbane and started a business in fashion retailing with her business partner. They focus on supporting local emerging young designers in Brisbane and Gold Coast.

There are lots of colours and patterns among the racks, which will give your mood a lift when you walk in. The clothes are neatly sorted by colours so you can always spot your favourite at first glance.

You will find the garments in Don't Tell Fannie are mainly one-off pieces, because they are all hand-made by the designers. They do take custom orders, but since the designers mostly use recycle fabrics for they clothes, it's unlikely that you will get the dress with the same pattern or fabrics. That means you will not walk down Queens Street finding a dozen girls wearing the same dress as you. That is also why the shop name was chosen - we all want that little exclusiveness in fashion, don't we? Don't tell those bitches/copycats that we found this fabulous shop which sells cute dresses.

Next time, when you just happen to be in West End for the awesome cafes, stop by Don't Tell Fannie, and maybe you'll find your signature piece. But shhhh.. Don't Tell Fannie!

Denim

2010-04-08T18:34:00.005+10:00

As Australian Vogue fashion editor Emma Wood says: don't even think of heading into winter without a denim shirt in your wardrobe repertoire.
I got myself a denim shirt. Ever since then, I pay extra attention whenever magazines and blogs feature denim shirts in their shoots to get inspiration on how to wear mine. Today I came across this

Marloes Horst by Sol Sanchez in Jalouse
photos from fashion gone rogue

Denim jacket is a perfect piece to go from summer to autumn (if we can call a 30 degree weather autumn).
The new Australian Vogue just arrived at my doorstep. I am off for some Vogue time.

Big kisses.

My Fair Lady

2010-04-06T13:50:00.001+10:00

Saw this photo one morning when I was a bit hanged over from the previous night out, checking all my favourite fashion blogs and having a cup of tea.

I was completely amazed.
It seems like yesterday that I was looking at the Dior A/W 2010 show and then there it was, the look and the spirit, walking on the street.

Fashion is about having fun and doing what you love and be proud.
This lady is a true inspiration.

photo from Mr. Newton

Dreamer

2010-04-02T15:30:00.001+10:00

Lookbook for Karla Spetic 2010 Fall Dreamer Collection

view larger image here

Cape.

2010-03-30T13:10:00.000+10:00

Another inspiration for the coming autumn/winter.
When I come to think of it, winter in Brisbane isn't cold enough to wear most of the things that I want to wear during winter. I mean, fur for 12 degree celcius? Not working.
Cape would be a better choice wouldn't it?

South Bank, Brisbane

2010-03-27T15:09:00.002+10:00

Alexander Wang at Interview

2010-03-20T14:39:00.005+10:00

Alex Wang and gang by Mikael Jannson.
read the interview here

Camel.

2010-03-18T17:33:00.001+10:00

Inspiration 2.
Can't live without something camel/beige/khaki this winter. Personally is loving coat #3, military style is my weakness.
There is a pair of khaki heeled lace up boots in my wardrobe, I think that counts.

representative: Chloé

source

Inspirations.

2010-03-17T23:52:00.004+10:00

I used to find it difficult to dress when the season of my city is exactly opposite to the rest of the world, but after a year and half of experiencing and experimenting my wardrobe, I find myself quite enjoy this opposition. I actually get to browse through all the styles and looks of other cities' 'current season' before picking my favourite and put them on for my 'coming season' (and of course, the best part is that all the stores would be on sale at that time).
I got so many inspirations for the coming fall/winter(for Australia, duh) from 2010 A/W fashion weeks, this is just one of them. There are more to come but the rest will have to wait since I am supposed to be doing the assignment for my uni class right now..(gosh I am tired already!)

Faux Fur(and yes, I am looking at faux fur coats on ebay instead of researching for my assignment..)

big kisses

source

King George Square, Brisbane

2010-03-16T22:32:00.002+10:00

Kelvin Grove, Brisbane

2010-03-16T20:57:00.002+10:00

Kelvin Grove, Brisbane

2010-03-16T20:50:00.001+10:00

Chanel.

2010-03-13T12:10:00.001+10:00

Who is not waiting for Chanel during Paris Fashion Week?
The fashion giant who literally decides what is hot for the season.

As usual, Karl Lagerfeld just know exactly the material to use, the look to go for, which classic pieces to keep and what new element to add.
The show starts with a massive iceberg in the middle of the stage, (yes, real iceberg, which will melt to become water under heat, and energy is released.. ok, enough about physics, my brain is malfunctioning due to the 8-hours-straight class i had today) so you can see water everywhere (oh Karl, you are curel enough to let your coats and dresses being dragged through water!)
Is Eskimo the inspiration for this collection?
i can definitely see a lot of fur and frindge going on there.
Those leather jackets with fur hemline are brilliant, and i would die for the dolly dresses in the collection (well i would die for any dresses in Chanel's any collection actually).
In winter, the whole outfit is determined by a jacket/coat, since that would be the first thing that people see on you, then your accessories and shoes. Karl has done a good job on the outer wear this season (but when doesn't he?)

i do love the accessories, especially the rings and the fringe bracelet. Oh and there is a crystal transparent clutch which is so cute, now i want to find it's mock version.

i usually have a weakness for Chanel's shoes, but when i saw the fur thigh high boots, my heart sank. I AM AGAINST FUR BOOTS! don't ask me why, i can't explain. It's like you hate that certain male judge in that famous American singing talent show when you first saw him, you don't know why, you just hate him.
now i can really feel my brain cells starting to die and my thoughts are all over the place. My soul is with my warm lovely queen size bed already. Time to call it a night.

Big kisses.

Source

Oh Galliano!

2010-03-11T10:32:00.000+10:00

Would you please let me perform a brain surgery on you so that I can find out what is in that head?
I mean pleaseeeeeeee? I will pay you with home baked muffins and cookies? No? You may even be given a nobel prize or something, or we may both be given a nobel prize or something.. still no?
FINE.

Can I please have one of those hats then? Well, one of every style and every colour I mean.
It is very Marie Antoinette meets My Fair Lady. I am not a big fan of ruffles, chiffon and sheer dresses but I am literally in love with this Dior collection.

Oh yea, I want one of those jodhpurs too..

Source

Balmain.

2010-03-10T21:20:00.000+10:00

I have been waiting for this moment for 6 months, now it's finally here,
Balmain's A/W show.

Balmain is my favourite fashion house, there is just something about it that draws me over.
I can't explain what it is, maybe it's the absolutely gorgeous blazers,
Maybe it's the super skinny pants,
Maybe it's how the cuttings are done with such care that the patterns of the textile joint perfectly,
Maybe it's the sharpness and the edgy I-don't-care-what-you-think-of-me-cus-I-m-too-cool vibe of the label..
Maybe it's all of the above.

Anyway, this is another collection which i fall head over heels for.
Big kisses

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