Two weeks of wow

The last two weeks have been flat strap so I do apologise for the disapreaing act, but I'm back. So much has happened in the past two weeks and I've had no time to breathe. Rather than natter on about what I've been doing I've decided to make this post mainly pictures of what I've been doing. I've had two photoshoots, a fashion evening about Womens Place in the World of Fashion, I went to the opening of Dreaming of Chanel, I've had two modelling jobs for two makeup companies and I started on my new collection. I also had a day at the zoo :)

Obsession Perfection

Last Wednesday was one of the biggest nights of my career so far and I have to say it couldn't have turned out any better. The crew was magnificent, the crowd was appreciative, the atmosphere was perfect and everything went along (with the exception of the odd bump here and there) fairly smoothly.

Three months ago I decided I was ready for a new challenge and thought I would love to put on my own show. I begun organising designers, models, make up artists and photographers to put on what I hoped would be one hell of a show. Little did I know how big the challenge would turn out to be.

First thing first, I needed a venue. Through a mutual friend of the family I had a meeting set up to discuss my plans with the owner of Friday's. Terrified and doubting myself I nervously pitched my presumptuous plans to the wonderful Nigel from Friday's and with the help of a few wines and a great atmosphere the venue was secured.

Next was organising the models, photographers and makeup artists which was easy enough but unfortunately integrity seemed to be a little lacking with some of my candidates, and my final team had many pieces replaced several times before I got the mix just right (and even then I still had three people not show up on the night).

The next three months flew past, and all the little pieces of the puzzle slotted into place. I replaced my final designer four times and consequently changed my poster just as many times. I've come to realise people have a certain reputation in the industry for a reason. I know now that asking around for character references and reliability of people is paramount to ensure that I get team members that are reliable, but these are the things you learn along the way.

Before I knew it, it was show night and all my planning came down to one night, make or brake.

We arrived at midday and began to set up our backroom but our activity was halted when we ran into a bit of a road block and we had to reconvene three hours later. Consequently I was a little stressed being three hours behind schedule, but the team worked extra hard to get us back on track. From 3pm till 7pm it was madness, 23 models had their hair and makeup done, a catwalk was erected, cleaned and tested, lights were installed, balloons escaped from an open window, VIP boxes were constructed and guests arrived eagerly awaiting the show I had promised.

With all things, it doesn't matter how much you plan there are always little hiccups along the way, sent to test your moxie, mine was certainly tested on Wednesday night.

I had a model not show up without any warning, another came several hours late then left half an hour before she was due on the catwalk, a makeup artist was a no show, my balloons escaped out an open window and flew over the city off into the atmosphere, my clothes rack collapsed under the strain of too many clothes and I almost fell over during my thank you speech due to the awesome amount of grip on the bottom of my new wedges, but these things happen.

Lucky I was prepared to improvise and after switching up the models slightly we covered out mmia (model missing in action) problem, our beautiful makeup team brought an extra team member by chance which left us with the same amount of makeup artists we had anticipated to have, Zana the wonderful Venue Manager at Friday's witnessed my balloons suicide mission and ordered new ones immediately, my clothes rack has since recovered from its breakdown and I cracked a joke about my mishap during my show and I (and the rest of the room) had a good laugh about it, so all in all everything worked out.

I've had a really positive response from everyone who attended and all those involved so I feel the night was a massive success.

Thanks to all those who attended and all those who were a part of it, I couldn't have done it without you, I've already started thinking about the next one so I can't wait to get started and see you all at the next Obsession Fashion Event.

Epic Ride, Epic Fashion Charity Night

Friday played host to my latest show; Epic Ride, Epic Fashion - a charity event looking to raise money for two very determined bike riders. The aim was to raise enough to secure the riders entries into the most intense bike ride I'd ever heard of (200kms in 2 days!)

I'd jumped on board after a friend of mine who was already involved told me about what these empowering women were trying to achieve and I wanted to be a part of it, provided I didn't have to get on a bike myself.

The show featured several different designers and boutiques and I loved every minute of it. The exposure was great and I always love doing shows for a good cause. There were plenty of hiccups along the way, the odd tantrum from models here and there and general disorganisation running chaos around frantic, panicked MC's but all in all it was a great night.

We had the usual "this doesn't fit me" drama and unfortunately, one model did almost lose her top on the runway. However I think when you contribute to something that has such an amazing cause behind it, it doesn't matter that we saw more of the models than we needed to, or that a dress was worn as a top, which confused the MC completely, leaving her with "well I don't actually know what she's wearing, but it does look nice don't you think? It didn't matter that the models parents kept asking them to walk up closer to them so they could see what their daughter/grand daughter was wearing. It didn't matter that exactly one minute before the last model was due on the catwalk she had a mental breakdown and refused to go out, because we raised enough funds to get the organisers entry into their ride, and we proved that fashion can make a big difference when you put heart and soul into it.

Thank you to everyone who came along to support and all those involved, we know it was disorganised, panicked and generally a three ring circus, but everyone seemed to enjoy the night and we achieved what we set out to do!

Fashion isn't just about pretty frocks, its about changing the world, one charity gala at a time.

Threaded Fashion Show

Wow! What a night! Alumbra in conjunction with New Addiction (Fashion Sweethart) and Threaded really know how to hold a party.
It was my first show of the year and I could not have been happier with the turn out, in fact there were so many people I almost missed getting to my models to dress them backstage as it took me so long to get through the 500+ crowd.
There were copious amounts of bubbles and vodka flowing, impeccably dressed fashion followers from all over Brisbane and designers and models galore!
I found the night really increased my labels recognition and having my name flashing in lights not only boosted my ego, but the labels following too.
Since the show I have gained more followers on my Facebook page and enquiry from several other fashionably orientated individuals wanting to know more about my label and some even wanting to collaborate with me on new projects.
The show has been an amazing push for me to kick start the year that will be the biggest (and most likely the hardest) for the label. I'm currently setting up my new design studio so I have even more space to keep creating. Here are a few snap shots of the amazing night that was, I can't wait for my next show and thank you to everyone who was involved in making it such a success!

EmPLAYment!!

Well it has finally happened! I am back in the working world and happier than ever! Not only am I employed but I have decided to pursue designing full-time so I suppose you could say I have two jobs (as per usual with me). After securing a management position with a reputable men's clothing line I decided that retail management wasn't really my calling in life and I made what one would call "a major life decision". I did end up accepting a job with said company but decided to go Permanent Part-time so I have time to design and sew three to four days of every week and I begun involving the label in as many things as I possibly could.

This Sunday will be my first taste of the market life, I will be at the Suitcase Rummage in Reddacliff Place from 12pm selling my wares. This will mainly be old clothing and accessories I've been wanting to get rid of for a while, but I will have a small amount of handmade things that I will be selling too.

Next week will see in my first show for the year, I've managed to get into Threaded's Young Designer Night (11th Feb, Alumbra in the Valley) which is shaping up to look like a very fun night.It will kick off at around 7pm with a 2hour meet, greet and purchase with pop-up shops being set up for the designers to sell their garments (I'll be selling my last collection)to the public then a big catwalk show and lots of bubbles, photographs, socialising and networking long into the night.

So it's safe to say I'm officially back in overdrive; organising models, make-up and hair artists and my very own photographer for the night, it's all keeping me very busy and I'm loving every second of it, not to mention putting together a new collection. I am loving that I am sewing most days and other than waking up at 6am because my brain has thought up some new design, life doesn't get much better than it is right now.

I would love to see everyone at the show, I am positive there is a glass of free bubbles on arrival, so frock up and come celebrate!

To check out the Suitcase Rummage go to their blog >> http://suitcase-rummage.blogspot.com/

Interested in Threaded's Young Designer Night? View all the details here >> http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=159328410782565

MBFF backstage styling

Our model was the lovely Alana, I've included pics of the garments and shoes we dressed Alana in and the hairdressing team who took revenge on me by whacking me in the head with a can of hairspray






Tuesday came and went with all the excitement of MBFF as I had volunteered to be a dresser for one of the early morning shows. It was an 8am start but 100% worth it when I heard the phrase “you’ll be styling today’s outfits”. I was expecting the show to run as all shows did; models in bad moods rushing in and out, designers telling you to get out of the way because you just haven’t done it right and meek and mild volunteers getting trod on by gargantuan high heeled models, but actually this show wasn’t like that at all. It was calm, we had plenty of time to collect the clothes, sort them into order and model and even fit all the models before they were due to be on stage. Not only that but the show was an interactive presentation not a runway show which meant that there was ample time to undress and redress the models before they were demanded to be back out on stage. Each model had 2 volunteers each, one to undress and one to re-dress and my partner, Stef, was great! Our model was genuinely lovely and other than being bonked on the head with a can of hairspray from one of the hair dressers (they were not very appreciative of our dressing the models, and squishing their hair) there was no one pushing us around and seeing us volunteers as a nuisance. The best part of the day was getting to style the outfits. Although the clothes had already been put together there was no instruction of what shoes, bags, sunglasses or jewellery was to go with which outfit and we all had a ball putting them together. It all came and went by so quickly and before I knew it we were wheeling the clothes racks back down to the holding rooms in queens plaza and saying our goodbyes.
Unfortunately for me the rest of the week will be full with work and uni commitments, but I am seeing Valentino with some girlfriends from uni on Friday. I’m sure I’ll have a myriad of pictures and another blog to post about the exhibition, so stay tuned.

Monday, Style Session and Fashion Debate

If you want to see good quality pictures you can go on the MBFF website and look in their gallery. These are just pics from my phone :)

Monday was intensiano also. Starting with a 5 hour busy shift, I then headed to the boutique to meet my intern boss. We headed over to the State Library as we were booked for an afterhours debate of the relevance of couture in today’s fast fashion world and had planned to do have a discussion of what my future may hold before the event started. Fortunately we were a few hours early so dinner was in order. We sat and nibbled on calamari and sipped our vino while watching Westfield’s Style Session fashion parade which was surprisingly good, especially as we didn’t know it was going to be on. Although the clothes were relatively ordinary, the styling was immaculate and the stylists certainly should be congratulated for creativity.
After being thoroughly delighted with the impromptu fashion show we headed back to the State Library where we sat waiting nervously with a handful of random fashion students and other fashion enthusiasts (mainly all dressed in black) until such time as they opened the door to the amphitheatre where our great guest speakers sat like shinning gods. Introduced by Kelly Alderman, Fashion Editor of The Sunday Mail and facilitated by Alison Kubler, the panellists included; Margot Riley, dress historian and curator of the NSW State Library, Paul Hunt (the amazing) Couturier and fashion designer, Charlotte Smith, custodian of the Darnell Collection, Jonathan Ward also a fashion designer and our very own Kath Horton, QUT fashion Lecturer and one of my past teachers and inspirations. Needless to say I was in heaven! Not only did I have one of my favourite designers sitting in front of me discussing his view on the relevance of couture but after the informative evening I actually got to meet him. Yes ladies and gentlemen, I met PAUL HUNT!!! I have to say I was incredibly nervous walking up to him and introducing myself but I would never have forgiven myself had I have not done it. Although I was expecting a prickly encounter (as I am sure he would get over people walking up and introducing themselves, only to then stare at him like a star-struck loser) but he was positively charming. Luckily for me my intern boss actually knew him and as they chatted away like old friends I got to stand and stare with all my admiration bursting at the seams without seeming like a total crazed loon. We chatted about the evening that had just been, discussed Valentino and the past hat anthology which had graced Brisbane with its presence only a few weeks ago. He chatted about his new collection and I raved about his masterful skills. Unfortunately for me I was extremely brain-dead by this time of the evening so I’m sure all that came out of my mouth was gibberish, but my boss said she thought I was lovely and he seemed to be interested in what I had to say, perhaps she was just being kind.

Busy is Best

Every Brisbane fashionista plans their entire year around the month of August, for it holds all the beauty and glory of being a very busy fashion month in little Brisvegas. This year especially, as not only do we have MBFF drawing in the crowds, but the amazing Valentino exhibition has now taken over GoMA. Every night this week there seems to be a hive of activity and a fashion show or event to attend around the Southbank and City area. As a busy little fashion lover I thought I’d share what I’ve been up to and I’ll do another update later on in the week.
It all started on Sunday for me, as of 9am I had a photo shoot, not only was I in charge of styling the shoot, but I was also the hair department – no I’m not a hair dresser but I got three different looks styled within an hour! It was all very rushed as the photographer is due to head over to London in search of fame and fortune on Sunday, and this was his last chance to get some extra shots for his portfolio. We had a lot to play around with as not only had we been asked to shoot the latest collection from bridal designer Hilde Heim, but I had a chance to get some of my own pieces shot too. It was great to experiment with so many different styles and accessorize so many different looks. We had a mixture of bridal, lingerie (my stuff) and a large collection of street wear (some of my own clothes, some supplied by the models). I have to say that shooting in the boutique is much easier than shooting on location as there is room to spread everything out and really get the best out of every look, not only that but I find the models tend to be more relaxed when in a secure space and this leads to much better photos. So that was Sunday.

More Feasting...

Feast Your Eyes On Tomorrow

As I scrolled through my Facebook Newsfeed on Thursday night I noticed one of my friends was modelling for the Metropolitan Institute of TAFE students fashion shows. Can I just say I have been overwhelmed with joy to see so much amazing talent! I often feel considerable concern when sitting in class and I overhear the Fine Arts Fashion students (the future of Brisbane’s Fashion Industry) whinge and moan about how hard it is to sew and how they don’t enjoy it at all. This shocks me and makes me die a little on the inside, as these are the ones that have been given the (supposed) best training for the industry. It kills me to walk past our design studios and see a lack of outstanding design work. Don’t get me wrong there are most definitely a few standouts that are well and truly above the rest (who will most probably turn into the next Gail Sorronda’s without a doubt) but on a whole, the lack of enthusiasm that our students tend to display is really pitiful.
Moving away from the negative, I thought I’d share my thoughts on the TAFE students work. Yes, ok, there are the few that look as though they’re not quite up to scratch, but their imagination and innovation is seriously winning me over. These designers of tomorrow are producing exciting new concepts and silhouettes, not only that but they are experimenting with various materials and making it work. Even if you don’t think the designs ‘look’ very good, you have to appreciate the creativity and innovation that is behind these designs.
Now I have no idea what the criteria for the designers were, but as far as I can see all these designs are fresh (with the exception of one blatant rip-off of a Lady Ga-Ga outfit) they’re full of creativity, passion and experimental style. Not only are the designs interesting but it’s clear to see the skill level these students have. Their understanding of tailoring, design, symmetry, asymmetry, line, shape, colour and texture, it draws you in! There are fur jodhpurs and I love them. How? Why? I don’t know I just do! The talent that our TAFE students have goes beyond just having good ideas, or knowing how to market their brand, they genuinely have the talent to turn their visions into a reality for all of us to see. They have a considerably high skill level when it comes to technical production, and they are trying out things that are not technically easy and winning! I’m so excited to see some of these girls and boys work in the future. If this is the amazing work they produce while studying I know that Brisbane is going to have a long and successful run in the Fashion Industry. I've included a few of my favourites for you to have a look at, enjoy the visual feast :)

Turpentine!!!

Saturday night was another magical night in which my designs were paraded around by beautiful models on a runway with delighted friends and family sipping on champas. There were many late nights and stressful, pulling my hair out because a hem won't sit properly moments leading up to the show, but when those graceful long-legged models came out with sparkles exploded on their faces and my designs on their bodies, it all became worth it. When I see the garments on the girls and I hear the crowd applaud, I see the cameras flash and the joy in my audience’s eyes I can honestly say this is why I do it, and this is the sole desire behind my designs. It’s most likely some deranged egocentric crazy thing but it’s what drives me. I don’t think to myself, one day I’m going to make a million dollars out of this, I barely even sell my clothing as it is, I just don’t have the drive to do so (I probably should as it’s an expensive hobby to make clothes just to have them, not to wear them or sell them). I thought I’d pop a few pics in to entertain you; I could sit here and divulge all my most intimate feelings of each minute of the show, but all you need to know is that it’s something that makes my soul feel complete. It’s a feeling that makes everything bad in the world disappear, all the sleepless nights feel well rested and my lack of time with loved ones seems to be made up for as they stand around me and I feel how proud they are that I’ve finally pulled it off.