Saturday, May 14, 2011

Decadent Decades

Blogging about so many events lately like the Royal Wedding, Logies and the Met Gala in New York now something that’s very close to home and my heart, I can’t tell you how much this means to me. Seeing these photos really does bring justice to all the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes. There's definitely a sense of whimsy in the air: embraced by the profusion of photographic moments guaranteed to take you far, far away with dainty fabrics spun into dreamy vintage dresses and dramatic contemporary evening wear. This fashion is alluring, so you’ll need to prepare for.... A History of the Fashionable Lady.

A History of the Fashionable Lady was a Mothers Day fashion show put on by the heritage listed The Brewery Townsville. The events coordinator Domenica Agostino  has been planning to do something with Petticoat Lane since our 300 strong event at Birch Carroll and Coyle for the premiere of Sex and the City June 2010. When Domenica first explained the concept it was something completely original and Petticoat Lane was probably the only boutique qualified to take on such a massive project- I was pretty excited about the challenge.
Petticoat Lane, Prophecy Hair and Urban Miss Makeup came together for a special show taking a vintage retrospect through the decades. Fashion like the roaring 20’s, glamorous 50’s, swinging 60’s, disco 70’s and the power dressing 80’s also include 3 contemporary categories- day wear, race wear and evening wear that utilize these past influences. Every era of fashion has a defining look which reflects and moulds fashion present and future. Women I think seek freshness but seem to be driven by the past allowing us the freedom to choose complex modern styles alongside revered vintage inspirations.




  
Fashion history would never be the same again after the 1950’s when teenagers became an emerging fashion voice. Far from being revolutionary and progressive, 1950’s bore strong nostalgic echoes of the past 

 
Fashionable hairstyles began with simple ponytails and ended the decade with complex beehive arrangements. Stars of the era were Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and Brigette Bardot. The fashion craze of petticoats and poodle skirts lead the way to "wife dressing" housewives wanted to look their best while doing their women's work. The 1950's- birth of Rock 'n' Roll and the rule of the teenager. Gorgeous Katlyn is wearing an original 1950's swing dress.


The fashion revolution of the 1960's will always be remembered as the decade of change. If one word defines this era, its "liberation". First super model Twiggy helped define the 1960's with edgy baby doll look and Jackie Kennedy epitomised the era with aristocratic high fashion.
Our stunning model Emma Wilson in a orgnial 1960's mini dress imported from the USA


We had 5 special mannequins each with an example from each decade. 1950's gold slip dress, 1960's leather embroidered dress and a one of a kind 1970's Muu Muu from Miami


The image that promptly pops into our minds from the 'Roaring Twenties' is the flapper. A fashionable flapper had short sleek hair, a shorter than average shapeless shift dress, a chest as flat as a board, wore heavy make up and epitomised the spirit of a reckless rebel who danced the night away in the Jazz Age. The 1920's gave women the freedom to choose.

 
Our amazing model Lisa looked absolutely gorgeous in Petticoat Lanes show stopping 100% authentic 1920's flapper dress imported from an American museum. These dresses are extremely rare and it was an honour to have something so special in the show in such excellent condition. Thanks to a local milliner Jaclyn McDonald Show Poni creating a beautiful head piece to compliment the outfit perfectly

 
3 contemporary outfits which encompass the decades before. Art deco inspired wedding dress, 1980's lace and ruffles race wear and the Easton Pearson boyfriend jacket and Hussy corset mini inspired by 1970's Yves St Laurent and 1920's detailing. This photo is a great moment before the girls went on stage. Brooke, Brittney and Dani


One of the young fashionistas at the show who wasnt entirely happy with my cold champagne hands. I absolutely love her dress!
Our wonderful MC for the day Michael Nelson with Domenica giving away some fabulous products from Eclogite Skin care
Channel 7 interview with Domenica

Gorgeous fascinator Millennium Race Wear  by Show Poni

The lovely Brittney, Katlyn and Emma

 
1980's was fashion influenced by a huge economic boom. Power dressing with excess jewellery -think Madonna, leg warmers, lace and Flash Dance. 1980's big was best- fashion and hair styles grew larger to match the expanding economic climate. Our stunning model Sherie Wilcox rockin it out in Petticoat Lanes original 1980's sequin party dress complete with over the top shoulder pads and heavy beading


The lovely Brooke looks breathtaking in this heavily embellished wedding dress by Designer Manu. The gorgeous fascinator is by Show Poni



The 1970's were a restless time there were critical of the status quo, questioned traditional authority and social hierarchies. This was clearly evident in women’s style. They chose who they wanted to be, and if they felt like wearing a short mini-skirt one day and jumpsuit the next that’s what they did. 1970's escapism- The colourful hippie bohemian vibe, from flares and suede jackets to Kaftans’ and statement Jewellery. It was the antidote for past constraints. This my favourite outfit 100% authentic 70's disco diva jumpsuit worn by the gorgeous Hannah.

I couldnt have done this with out the help of these amazing girls. I really appreciate all their help making this show so unique
I would like to thank The Brewery for giving me this amazing opportunity working with such talented people. The behind the scenes production for the hair, makeup and the superb Brewery service was outstanding- I was extremely impressed. This wasn’t just a unique Mothers Day Fashion Show but an event for a local charity helping Yasi victims raising over $3000- making the event even more special http://www.yasirelief.com.au/

Saturday, May 7, 2011

McQueen

  

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala New York 2011. What an amazing event and fashion’s epic night of nights. It’s one of those special evenings where we can forgive the oddities, credit crazy innovative outfits and recognise visionaries of the fashion industry. Met Gala began in 1948 and actually houses 75,000 garments and accessories. These extraordinary exhibits have not only provided a venue for historic red carpet moments, they also provided a venue for showing the sometimes overlooked artistic qualities of fashion. The event raises a lot of money and has since honoured legendary designers such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and this year, Alexander McQueen. The museum showcased a retrospective feature of 100 ensembles and 70 accessories from the late designers 19 year career called Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

I’m a big fan of Diane Krugers style and she didn’t disappoint wearing a Jason Wu gown
Taylor Swift in a lacey creation by J. Mende
Stella McCartney wore one of her own designs with contemporary class, very experimental with a tuxedo feel to it
Madonna looked amazing in a Stella McCartney silky blue design with a beautiful embroidered train. 50’s inspiration hair and makeup. She’s been letting us down lately style wise but this is definitely a winner!
Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen


This is one show stopping dress! This gothic inspired design is by Zac Posen. Extraordinary!



Stunning table settings at the Met Gala (I wonder who sat next to Miss Burton?)


Eva Mendes in Stella McCartney

Gisèle Bündchen  looked breath taking in Alexander McQueen and  looked radiant next to her husband Tom Brady
Wasn’t Gwyneth Paltrow’s dress incredible, one of my favourites. Her super fit figure looked perfect with the side spilt and cutout back. Stella McCartney



Anna Dello Vogue Nippon fashion director wore Alexander McQueen. This interesting suit seemed to channel a bullfighting matador

Rihanna wore Stella McCartney
The late Alexander McQueen

Monday, May 2, 2011

2011 Logie Awards

Michelle Bridges from TV series Biggest Loser

Crown Casino 2011 Logie Awards didn’t disappoint this year! The Logie fashion had so much variety, a few daring pieces and one or two that weren’t the best choices but that’s why this is fun.... its objective. The red carpet had extra glamour this year with the longest walk on record and I have to say it did look more refined. We had a few pregnant ladies to hit the event- Rebecca Judd, wife of Carlton skipper Chris Judd, looked fantastic in her sleek midnight blue design. It was exciting to see our international entertainment Katy Perry in a loud graphic print dress; something quirky for the Logies red carpet I loved it.  My favourites would be a tie between Michelle Bridges Biggest Loser and Asher Keddie Love My Way. Michelle was absolutely bold in her mocha haute couture design, suiting her coco skin and finished with a very sleek up do, I love it because it’s daring. Asher choose a black J'Aton design but it wasn’t a boring LBD that’s for sure, the structured corset inspiration finished to perfection with lovely cap sleeves, she looked every bit a silver screen goddess. Honourable mention to Sass & Bide gorgeous glitz and colour really refreshing. Townsville was represented well, with Rachael Finch and Jana Peterson. Rachael’s new series High Road Low Road and Jana’s WAG Nation did us proud. Not too bad for a country town of 188,000 people.

Asher Keddie from TV series Love My Wayn wearing J'Aton

Sass & Bide's Sarah Clarke and Heidi Middleton


Rebecca Judd in Aurelio Costarella


Carrie Bickmore 7pm Project

Shelly Craft

Natalie Gruzlewski Farmer Wants A Wife


Rachael Finch High Road Low Road in Aurelio Costarella

Jana Peterson WAG Nation wearing Rachael Gilbert and LK jewels


 Megan Gale apparently had an awkward moment with ex Andy Lee but I didnt think so they both look relaxed and genuinely happy to see eachother. Megan wore Alex Perry
Freya Stafford


Katy Perry

Laura Dundovic

Esther Anderson in Alex Perry
Livinia Nixon
Jessie J wore a catsuit. I understand she's edgy but its one thing to be cutting edge and another to be pushed off an edge. Sorry this is my worst dressed.


Photos Herald Sun