Alice Euphemia - Shopgirl

MBFWA Day 5 Part 2 – Jenny Kee, Michael lo Sordo and more Christopher Esber

admin — Sat, 05 May 2012 06:09:32 +0000

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.

Metallic blue denim Pod jumper

Some great snaps on Oyster backstage at Michael’s parade here.

We also got to peep up close Christopher’s SS13 collection. Super luxurious, decadent fabrics and perfectly tailored to boot. The models were strutting the catwalk so fiercely and fast it was hard to capture the detail on our little camera, but here are some of our favourite looks (images via Vogue taken by Lucas Dawson). We’ll also be working with Chris on some exclusive styles this season too.

Chris and Amber in the showroom

Well it’s been a great week that was over in a flash. It’s definitely going to be a brilliant Summer here at Alice – such strong prints, liberal amounts of colour applied to everything (unless it’s stark white) and a huge variety of shapes and silhouettes. All of our designers that have showed this week have received huge amounts of praise and accolades for their collections, all equally talented with an individual sense of style and creative application that we hope you can appreciate this coming season.

Until then it’s ‘See Ya Later Sydney!’ as the Shopgirls head back to our favourite little (albeit cold) town of Melbourne. Hope you’ve enjoyed our coverage as much as we did covering it!

The Shopgirls. X

MBFWA Day 5 Part 1 – Christopher Esber, Little Hero Party and Romance was Born

admin — Sat, 05 May 2012 06:09:21 +0000

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

(Chocolate Ganache, in case you were wondering)

After a jam packed week we really did save the best for last. Our morning showings kicked off with Romance was Born, Jenny Kee, followed by a twilight champagne showing with Michael and Chris.

Romance’s high Summer collection ‘Berserkergang’ was a saturated explosion of print, colour and embellishment. Our picks for next season? ‘She-Hulk’ denim and embellished beaded bomber jacket, stark black and whites in the ‘Optical’ story, sheer placement printed silk in the ‘Eternity’ story and the quilted bomber in the ‘Space Float’ and possibly our favourite piece, THAT beaded dress in the ‘Champions’ story.

Swoon.

Space Float quilted bomber

Optical

Eternity

Bernadette had been waiting all week to do this, wiggin’ out in the beaded bomber (one of our top picks)

MBFWA Day 4 – KAHLO, Jenny Kee and Emma Mulholland film launch

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 07:59:21 +0000

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?

They definitely saved the best for last – this was their best collection to date, given they are only new, their shapes are progressing, they are experimenting with textures and new silhouettes whilst still staying true to their Kahlo aesthetic. We think that the Alice girl is going to appreciate this collection immensely. What a dynamic little duo. Kudos Fay and Rachelle!

We then dashed off to see the one and only Jenny Kee, and boy was it worth the wait. Models stood clad head to toe in printed silks and pieces from Jenny’s archive spanning over thirty years. Gum tree branches grew from the head of the still models, who were engaging with all who had their camera ready to snap. Jenny was amazing as always, jetting through the crowd, circling around the venue with her granddaughter in tow. The installation was truly out of this world. Such an extensive archive of work, it was a privilege to get so close to it. Absolutely breathtaking, our idol and a bloody living legend. WE LOVE YOU JENNY! X

Luke in his custom made Jenny Kee leggings

Jenny, Bern and Anna

And what’s a Fashion Week trip without a stop off at the MCA between shows. Here were our favourite exhibits…

‘Automated Colour Field’ by Rebecca Baumann

‘Showtime’ by Nick Savvas

‘Shellworked Slippers’ by Esme Timbery (the same woman who designed the shoes for Romance was Born’s 09/10 collection ‘Doilies & Pearls, Oysters & Shells’)

Then a quick stop off to the QVB building where the ‘Wool Modern’ exhibition was, featuring pieces from Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Giles Deacon and our very own Michael lo Sordo and Josh Goot.

But our day isn’t over yet – the last show of the evening is Christopher Esber followed by Little Hero’s Fifth Birthday Party. Pics to follow!

MBFWA Day 3 – 2 by Lyn & Tony, Sara Phillips, Deadly Ponies and Magdalena Velevska

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:16:21 +0000

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.

It seems that the colour for the season is acid yellow, and we can’t get enough of it. Last stop was to Magdalena Velevska’s studio to see her beautiful new collection. So in love with this range. An extremely wearable collection, with the best party dress we’ve seen this season. Trademark embroidery, asymmetrical hemlines, and a deceptive silk print that looks like a multi coloured tweed. Her marine inspired shapes (think sting rays and jellyfish) teamed with phosphorous embellishments (glow in the dark!) make this one very special collection that we can’t wait to get in store.

Glow in the dark!

These two – our party picks for the Summer

Adore this sorbet/rose gold beaded number

Jellyfish print

Magdalena, you amazing woman

Off to Emma Mulholland’s launch party for her film ‘As Good As I Guana Be.’ Looking forward to Jenny Kee, Christopher Esber and The Innovators and New Gen shows tomorrow.

MBFWA Day 2 – BIG DAY! Toni Maticevski, Michael lo Sordo, Emma Mulholland and Magdalena Velevska

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 10:10:22 +0000

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.

Then it was off to see Emma Mulholland and her GILA (‘crazy’ in Indonesian) collection ‘As Bad As I Guana Be.’ What can we say apart from WE LOVED IT. Watch this space for an exclusive Emma Mulholland x Alice Euphemia collab comin’ atcha in the coming months.

Emma and Bern – Cold Blooded Chillers.

Here at Alice we take fashion very seriously!

Last stop was the Magdalena Velevska show at the National Maritime Musuem. The sun was setting as the models paraded her wares. She’s onto a good thing, that girl. Embroidery, embellishments, a good print, a great shape and a flash of acid colour – yet every season she manages to mix it up in such a way that each collection is completely juxtaposed from the former. Seeing this one up close tomorrow, and we can’t wait to see that print in the flesh and marvel over that delicious multi coloured tweed she has mustered up.

MBFWA Day 1 – Romance was Born, Gail Sorronda and Gary Bigeni

admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 06:23:10 +0000

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

The best goody bag goodie so far

The stars of the show. X

Victoria and Jenny Kee <3

Some backstage close up pics of the collection (more of these to come later in the week)

Killer heels!

Victoria and blogger (and all round nice gal) Susie Bubble, who is coming to visit us at Alice next week!

Love in a photograph – Jenny Kee, Anna Plunkett, Luke Sales and his darling Mum.

It was an unexpected and welcome surprise to see Brisbane designer Gail Sorronda experiment with colour in her ‘OH MY GOTH!’ colection. Models stood still in silence, showcasing the pieces as a film by emerging Australian film-maker Nick Waterman played in the background. Q: Who loves a polka dot more than a Shopgirl? A: Nobody.

It was nice to see Gary Bigeni progressing further into print, experimenting with fabrications both heavy and light, and putting his trademark stamp on them, a subtle mix of structure and drapery.

That’s it for us Shopgirls for the day, must conserve energy for the rest of the busy week. If you need us we’ll be at Messina eating gelati!

Staff Picks AW12 – Bernadette

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:55:19 +0000

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!

Staff Picks AW12 – Albee

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:37:22 +0000

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.

GET REAL!

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:31:31 +0000

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

Staff Picks AW12 – Victoria

admin — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:00:33 +0000

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.