May 5th, 2012
Following Romance was Born we saw Jenny Kee’s extensive array of printed silk scarves, including some new prints just developed (our fave – ‘Flamingo’). Watch this space for an Alice x Jenny Kee exclusive product coming your way soon…
Vintage Chanel suit with Black Opal print. Rare!
After a bit of a break to enjoy our final hours in Sydney and all of it’s spoils we saw Michael lo Sordo and Christopher Esber.
Possibly Michael’s best and most extensive collection yet, we were spoilt for choice on this one. We do know one thing we’ll be getting for certain, though – the ‘Alice’ dress. Named after, designed and made for and exclusive to Alice Euphemia, this peach will be coming in the below print, vermillion red and black. Because he loves us, and we love him right back. It’s up and up for this guy. X
The ‘Alice’ dress.
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Tags: Christopher Esber, Jenny Kee, MBFWA, Michael Lo Sordo
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May 5th, 2012
Just before we launch into our final days detail at MBFWA, here are some snaps from Christopher Esber’s stunning Thursday night parade. Complete with mirrored catwalk, Chris’ show was a shock of electric cobalt blue and iridescent white. Over within a flash, the models stomped down the runway, showing off the intricate beadwork, directional shapes and luxe fabrics (think fish leather, raffia wovens and heirloom silks) we have to come to know and love from Chris.
Backstage at Christopher Esber
The mirrors detailed every angle of the garment, giving perspective and scope and allowing us to see every dart and tuck in Chris’ meticulous designs. Boy Wonder.
After the show and a congratulatory drink with the designer (who was cheered and applauded upon arrival) we headed down to Pier 2 to celebrate Little Hero PR’s fifth birthday celebrations. Little Hero is head by PR gun Rae Begley and represents some of our favourite designers, including Romance was Born and Jenny Kee. We’ve been working with Rae for a long while and it was great to be there within the packed crowd of well wishers to share in this milestone, the first of many. Congratulations! X
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Tags: Christopher Esber, MBFWA, Romance Was Born
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May 3rd, 2012
Before we recap the day, let us just take a moment to appreciate this… Last night Emma Mulholland hosted a party to launch her film ‘As Bad As I Guana Be’ to coincide with her SS13 collection of the same name. Tacos, atomic (we ain’t just talking about the colour here people) blue and green cocktails and Emma’s collection spread across the showroom for all to see. It’s a very wild time for this young lady and we’re glad we’re going to be along with her for the ride. Click here to see the vid.
Next was the Kahlo parade at the New Gen 1 show. Started the day off with a laugh when Victoria and Nicole from Under the Wing turned up wearing EXACTLY the same outfit… Christopher Esber jumper, Carly Hunter skirt and even matching Colony sunnies. A major faux pas or kindred spirits?
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Tags: Emma Mulholland, Jenny Kee, Kahlo, MBFWA
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May 2nd, 2012
The Shopgirls had an early start this morning, heading down to The Rocks to see Lyn from 2 by Lyn and Tony and their vast array of limited edition, hand made leather and beaded accessories.
Beads, vintage leather and embellishments are sourced from all over the world are made with laborious love by Lyn and Tony themselves. This season they are branching out from just necklaces and bracelets, the duo have incorporated clutches, bags and shoes, as well as a print collaboration with artist Craig Redman to create the ‘perfect’ shirt, as well as luxe silk scarves.
Vintage 80’s printed leather, soft as butter and bold to boot
Vintage pony fur leopard, pony fur tweed and gold stamped croc leather tasseled clutches
Heading down to The Box (a new salon presentation style venue with standing only – ouch our feet!) to see Sara Philips’ high Summer collection ‘Animalia’. The girl loves a placement print, taking inspiration again from nature and the wild, she changed it up this season by mixing it with diagonal stripes and polka dots.
Then it was off to see Deadly Ponies – an trip back to the 90’s with lots of acid yellow, dusty rose, paisley and the ultimate in 90’s accesories – the backpack. We even bumped into the man behind the brand himself, Liam.
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Tags: 2 by Lyn & Tony, Deadly Ponies, Magdalena Velevska, MBFWA, Sara Phillips
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May 1st, 2012
Bernadette wears Dress Up Culottes, Romance was Born Tee and Anna Davern earrings. Victoria wears Dress Up pants, Kahlo tee, vintage jacket and Peta Kruger earrings.
Our busy day kicked off with a stellar parade from fashion week veteran Toni Maticevski. He sure showed ‘em how it’s supposed to be done. From metres away you could still gauge how perfect the seams were and how impeccable the finish was, how intricately fine tuned the garments were before being even allowed onto the catwalk. A real perfectionist and a beautiful display.
We then made our way across to Potts Point to see Michael lo Sordo. What can we say – he’s really taken his prints to the next level. An intimate space tightly packed awaited the bright, intricate prints on silhouettes that can’t help but flatter. This is one collection we truly adored. And how could we not – there is metallic blue leather, and he named a dress after us! Introducing, the ‘Alice’ dress. Congratulations MLS. X
Image via Vogue taken by Lucas Dawson.
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Tags: Emma Mulholland, Magdalena Velevska, MBFWA, Michael Lo Sordo
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April 30th, 2012
We could not have asked for a better start to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Our own superheroes Romance was Born pulled off what some have said was ‘their best show to date’. Flame haired, Ziggy Stardust-esque models donned the latest of RWB’s creations from their upcoming high Summer collection.
Romance were lucky enough to gain access to the entire Marvel Comics archives for their ‘Berserkergang’ collection, consisting of twenty three prints that date as far back as the 1940’s. The show began with a giant paper backdrop unfolding (designed by paper artist Benja Harney) followed by a cascade of glittered-up models donning the bold creations across the zig zag runway. Sequins, structure, a few linear illusions – this was one incredible collection that we will not forget anytime soon. Congratulations to Luke, Anna and the whole RWB team – BLAM! We love you. X
Pop-Up’s and Nail Art
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Tags: MBFWA, Romance Was Born
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April 20th, 2012
Bernadette aka Bern, Bun, Berndog. Shopgirl extraordinaire, assistant Buyer and Visual Merchandiser.
Carly Hunter Distortion Wrap Skirt – Saffron $320
The clean lines and textural juxtaposition of this skirt is clever design at its best. So effortless and easy to wear!
Dress Up Ponti Cullottes in Teal (also available in Cherry) $200
Skirt/short combined in the one amazing piece – BEST! Also the most comfortable things ever. Get them pins out!
Romance Was Born Hiking Dress – Vase (also available in Fish Rug print) $650
This dress hugs in all the right areas and the neckline screams sexy but stylin’ Girl Guide!
Livia Arena Silkie Jumper – White $350
I love the texture of this jumper, the cropped length is perfect and has a bit of an 80’s feel to it. Love it!
Jenny Kee Scarves – Various colours $155-$425
My idol and colour whiz Jenny Kee’s silk scarves are an absolute must have AND a total collectors item! Be like Karl Lagerfeld and work the most magical and under-appreciated gem of them all, the opal!
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April 19th, 2012
ALBEE aka Albs, Albatross, Albatron, Laura. Super duper Shopgirl.
The Eleventh Hour Sacred Wool Coat – Black $660
This jacket needs to be seen in person to be fully appreciated! Such a gorgeous cut, it’s going to be my Winter staple. I love the relaxed semi-tailored fit and subtlety of the heavy black wool cashmere with black linen contrast. The wool is doubled over so it’s perfect for the looming Melbourne Winter too. Give it to me now!
Nina Oikawa Ring – Various Colours $380
The work that goes into Nina’s pieces blows my mind. For this ring she individually hand crafts these tiny loops to create the band, then dips resin into them and sets a precious stone in to it. They can also be customised to suit your style which makes them even more special. I’m thinking rose gold with black resin and a nice shiny emerald for my next one. Ohh… So many choices!
Kuwaii Darby Platform – Mustard (also available in black) $380
Lovingly handmade in Melbourne, the Kuwaii Darby’s are the BEST Shopgirl shoe! They fit perfectly and give extra height without feeling like you need your boyfriend to give you a foot massage at the end of the day.
Carly Hunter Slash Front Dress – Black (also available in Saffron) $520
This dress makes me feel a bit fancy and sophisticated. It’s all about the high neck and longer length. I hate this word, but there’s no other way to describe this dress other than ‘chic’. Oh la la.
Dress Up Tie Up Corduroy Pant – Grey $290
Steph aka the ‘Queen Of Pants’ strikes again, this time in cord form. It’s come to the point where I don’t even need to try her clothes on anymore because I know they are going to fit so well. On behalf of all the ‘Dress Up ladies’ out there, I’d like to thank you for making our pins look so good.
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April 19th, 2012
Make sure you head along to this to see what talented Shopgirl Bernadette has been working hard on the past few months.
Get Real! explores the tenuous relationships between the digital and the tactile, the ephemeral and the static, the unconscious and the actual. By using garments as a vehicle for the interplay between the physical and the intangible, Ashlea Chong, Audrey Thomas-Hayes and Bernadette Francis’ works show that materiality can be more than the traditional interweaving of warps and wefts.
Opening: Tuesday 24th April – 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Dates: 25th April – 4th May
Artist talk: 4th May – 1pm
First Site Gallery. Storey Hall Basement, 344 Swanston St, Melbourne
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11pm – 5pm
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April 11th, 2012
VICTORIA aka Vicky G and other names that can’t be mentioned (just jokes). Buyer, go-to-girl.
Carly Hunter Corporeal Gilet – Cream $380
This vest is divine. A simply idea executed well. I like the texture of the faux shearling and the contrast black lining. It looks especially good teamed under my next pick…
Carly Hunter Corporeal Coat – Mustard $550 (also available in Bone and Black with shearling trim)
A best selling style, I have the same coat in Scarlet from last season. This is the perfect cut, sits well over your winter woolens but is tailored enough not to look too boxy. Looks great teamed with the Corporeal Vest folded over the lapel, and I love the mustard colour.
Ellison Ivy Skirt – Chocolate $395
I’ve been searching for a great leather skirt for what seems like forever, and Ellison has delivered. The chocolate colour is a good change from black and the pencil cut is not too fitted through the waist and hip. This has been a wonderful Winter investment and will last me years to come.
Christopher Esber Overlap Sweater – Charcoal Speckle $380
It’s no secret – I have a special place in my heart for grey marle and oversized garments, my wardrobe is full of them. This is my pick of the season. Even though it is quite wide in shape, the high neck lengthens the body and gives you a nice profile silhouette. The fabric has such a nice weight to it and the press studs give it a bit of detail.
Disce Mori by Julia deVille Bone Ring – Silver $120 (also available in Oxidised Silver)
I wear up to ten rings at any given time but this one is a permanent fixture on my finger. It’s a different take on the standard silver band and looks good stacked with other rings. It’s a great gift too as it’s able to be adjusted almost any size finger.
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Vintage Chanel suit with Black Opal print. Rare!
