COVET MAGAZINE ISSUE 3

AUG / SEPT 2010 - ISSUE 3

quin·tes·sen·tial male Our new male lift out

Beauty buys with Manuela Raschella Gordon Ramsay’s maze

Fashions fade.

Style is immortal.

COVET has run away to join the circus of splashes of colour and cute and quirky styling.

“Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win.”

Stephen King

What’s on her COVET list?

JASONGRECH WHITE

www.jasongrechwhite.com By appointment only: +61 3 9329 3559

CONTENTS FEATURES 12 76

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FASHION 16 25 68

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Kasia Z Our cover girl beauty tells us what’s on her COVET list quin·tes·sen·tial male COVET’s newest addition – the ultimate destination for fashion and lifestyle for our COVET male

Styled in Cylk Crave. Desire. Indulge. Latest fashion finds to COVET. Fashionably Fit. Who said pretty couldn’t sweat?

BEAUTY 56 60

Make-up must haves with Manuela Raschella The Final Touch. The power of perfume

HEALTH AND FITNESS 70

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Bonjour, salute! Say hello to the French diet

ENTERTAINMENT AND LIFESTYLE 66 86 104 108

Tiffiny Hall: Our Modern Gladiator Kate Neilson’s killer looks Santorini, creating a piece of Heaven in your own home.

Drink. Dine. Stay. Relax.

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COVER Kasia wears Willow drape V neck dress supplied by Green with Envy, $595, and stylist’s own necklace and cuff.

Styling: Micah Gianneli Model: Kasia Z (Chadwick Models) Hair: Michelle Furst Make-Up: Rialyn Deveza Photography: Anthony Licuria

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MONIKA PILEKIC

monika@covetmagazine.com.au DIRECTOR ANTHONY LICURIA anthony@covetmagazine.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGN RIZZIERI IDINI

rizz@theshadowarmy.com.au CONTRIBUTORS MEGAN ANEY • www.anaustralianwintour.com DOMINIQUE BAMBINO • www.d-word.com.au TAMMI IRELAND • covetedcanvas.wordpress.com ALEXIS J • www.candid-couture.com OSMAN OZ ABDULOSKI • LAURA AGRICOLA • JAMIE AZZOPARDI • SNJEZANA BOBIC GEORGIA CANNING • KARAJANE CHAPMAN • CATHERINE CICCONE • ALYCE COWELL • ALEXIS J ALLISON JENKINS • SARAH MANTON • STEVIE NEWBEGIN • ELENA PAPARGIRIS • MANUELA RASCHELLA LIZ RUDENKO • BEN SIONG • DAVE SWINFEN • VANESSA TESTA • AARON JUDE WEINMAN STYLING JAMIE AZZOPARDI • jamieazzopardi@bigpond.com JAM BAYLON • www.jambaylon.carbonmade.com RACHEL DENNIS • racheldennis@y7mail.com MICAH GIANNELI • www.micahgianneli.com KAT TRAILL • www.kattalyst.weebly.com HAIR NATALIE FERRARO • MICHELLE FURST • LEESA GRAY-PITT • MORGAN HURST • EMANUELA MARCHIOLI MAKE-UP JESSICA BAKER • RIALYN DEVEZA • NATALIE FERRARO • JESSICA GAY • LEESA GRAY-PITT MORGAN HURST • NIKOLA KOMADA PHOTOGRAPHY ANTHONY LICURIA / APL PHOTOGRAPHY 0411 806 447 | www.aplphotography.com.au For advertising, please contact Anthony Licuria Website by Visual Moda

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Letter from the editor Shorter hemlines, bare shoulders, pop of pastel colours. While the runways are trendcasting the latest fashion for spring/ summer, if the outside forecast is anything to go by, the rains are not ready for it.

While I will ponder why the winter fashions of 2011 are introduced to the retail shelves when it’s scorching hot outside, I guess that’s just how fashion goes.

Like Roman philosopher, Seneca, said:

I’ve always wondered why fashion magazines and retail stores are full bloom in spring styling in the middle of winter. It’s no wonder that the retail sector is at a lull during these months.

However it’s all about getting you excited for the season ahead and the styles to come in vogue, preparing you for the brighter days ahead.

While you’re in this moment of wardrobe overdose, with transeasonal pieces that you’re mixed and matched ad nauseum, at least you know that spring isn’t too far to come by.

Here at COVET we thought we’d give you a balance of the realistic styles you can wear now, and the exciting fashions to come. We have the perfect blend of collection reviews, fashion must-haves, interviews and reviews, to allow you to crave. desire. indulge.

“We live not according to reason, but according to fashion.”

Monika Pilekic Editor-in-Chief monika@covetmagazine.com.au

We have a photo shoot paying homage to the dark shades of winter styling, keeping you on trend for the dark days, which are still lurking around the spots of sunshine. We also decided to run away and join the circus of colour, getting excited for the season to come, and fashion to follow.

What I covet O.P.I Barefoot in Barcelona

Slowly shifting away from nails painted black, Barefoot in Barcelona has been my added touch of spring accessorising in my black wardrobe.

Chloé Eau de Parfum

While my wardrobe may change, this scent goes with everything. With crisp rose notes and a hint of amber, cedarwood and lychee, the fragrance has a lasting scent, which will linger throughout the seasons.

The Cupcake Bakery

Since Tim Burton brought Alice back to Wonderland, having tea parties has never been so fashionable. For pure, sweet indulgence, almost too good to eat; visit The Cupcake Bakery for your next adventure to your own wonderland.

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SPRING 2010 T H E I N VA S I O N

INSTORES NOW NENAANDPASADENA.COM

Proudly committed to Australian made designs and rapidly gaining momentum as a designer to watch, Melbourne’s own Lisa Taranto speaks with Covet about where it all began, family inspirations and her latest collection.

C: Describe your label in 3 words...

L: Directional. Thoughtful. Expressive.

C: Where do you find inspiration?

L: I can find inspiration in the most remote places, in colorful posters, in food and cooking, in languages, in the way cities look at night, in music, the theatre and buildings and art.

C: When and where was the moment you decided you wanted to do fashion?

L: As a child there was nothing I wanted more than a cupboard full of dresses and to dress up in crazy and beautiful outfits I created, I also dressed up my cat and my little sister and anyone else who got in my way- its not something I decided, its something that was always there and I gravitated towards as I got older.

C: Has your European heritage influenced your work?

L: Yes, definitely. My grandmother had the most amazing wardrobe and was always beautifully dressed. My sister and I used to use her ball gowns as dress ups. There is a certain pride, with the Italians especially, when it comes to clothing and presentation – and that mixed with their passion for life and music and color and the occasional fiery argument makes for a fantastic base, which I can always come back to as a starting point for any collection if I need to.

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C: What was the thought process behind beginning Lisa Taranto?

L: I started creating clothes for myself, cuts and styles I couldn’t find anywhere else and I received a response to them. I wanted to create an Australian label which was ethically and well made and which reflected our climate and lifestyle.

C: You are committed to remaining Australian made. Why is this so important?

L: I don’t believe in paying exorbitant prices for garments made cheaply and poorly overseas and I won’t support it. I want to support the local industry and I want to be able to control the quality of the garments. I have a conscience and am prepared to back it by making sure that my garments have been made supporting proper wages and working conditions.

C: Do you think Australia competes well on the fashion world stage?

L: I do believe we compete on the world stage. I think being so far away helps us define our own unique style. It gives us the freedom and space to be creative and different.

C: You’ve travelled extensively. Tell me about your travels overseas and what inspired you?

L: I love travelling. I’m happy in the most remote little places as well as in the big cities. It’s the streetscapes, the markets, the scents, the colors, the energy and the people and streetstyle. I take inspiration from it all – I’m a people watcher at heart!

C: Does Melbourne itself have a big influence on your designs?

L: Living and growing up in Melbourne has determined a lot of my work. I love and gravitate towards black. Melbourne’s influence is intrinsic with growing up here; you can’t help but be influenced by the city and its cultures with its moody weather and its checkered streetstyle. You can do anything here.

q&a with lisa taranto C: Tell us about ‘the fallen’ and why you chose Talitha Getty as your muse?

L: She was interesting as she had a ‘two-faced’ persona. She had so many layers and I found it interesting as the basis for a winter collection where I wanted to play with layering and shadow and light. She is almost always pigeonholed as the pin up girl for ‘boho’ styling but I looked at her as the other thing she was; an incredibly beautiful, wealthy socialite who was also a depressive heroin addict. This led me to play with contradictions – a monotone palette, floaty shapes vs. sharp lines and the juxtaposition of light as air fabrics with textured, heavy and embellished ones.

C: Do you have a favourite piece in ‘the fallen’?

L: Picking a favorite is like asking a mother to choose their favorite child – it cannot be done! However, at the moment I’m in love with the Cindy Petal Caplet dress (pictured below third from the right). I love the texture of the collar against the clean line of the dress. The simplicity of the cream and black.

All the work is in the texture of the petals.

C: Any thoughts on what we’ll see for the Spring/Summer season?

L: This season we’ll see a return to a little more structure, after a few seasons of very relaxed pieces. Not completely structured but just a hint. Lighten up and brighten up. Lots of skin; it’s been a really cold winter (especially in Melbourne) so let’s shed the layers, embrace the warmth and all those light, delicate summer pieces.

C: Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming collection?

L: Entitled ‘there will come soft rains’ it is inspired by a poem, of the same name, written in 1920 by Sara Teasdale. A hauntingly beautiful poem, it conjured images in my head of fluid movement, softness and drape and rain on the earth. The

“I looked at her as the other thing she was; an incredibly beautiful, wealthy socialite who was also a depressive heroin addict. This lead me to play with contradictions” Lisa Taranto on ‘the fallen’ inspiration, Talitha Getty

collection is a balancing act between quite rigid shapes and translucent fabrics. We have used a brilliant silk habutae print at the centre of the collection, a shimmery ink grey, silver and white print of abstract blossom which perfectly captures the mood I wanted to portray. The cuts of the garments themselves are quite rigid so the patternmaking is very intricate with a focus on pleating, folding and layering. We then pair this with translucent, light fabrics, and the clothes seem to take on additional movement and freedom and become something quite different.

The collection will be showcased at the MSFW in September and will be in stores early September.

Pop by and say hello to Lisa Taranto, Level 1 at Melbourne’s GPO.

Exclusive Covet offer: Visit Lisa Taranto at Melbourne’s GPO during August and September this year, meet the team and sign up to our mailing list and receive $75 off your first purchase in-store. www.lisataranto.com.au

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S

the z factor

ome people are changed to fit in this industry, with the help of stylists telling them what and who to wear. Kasia Zachwieja on the other hand, is one of the rare breeds that are born into the beautiful industry, living and breathing fashion.

Genetically blessed with good looks, an eye for fashion and a taste for coveted labels, Kasia Z is made for the world she lives in.

From a young age, Kasia remembers having a huge loving for fashion, playing dress-ups in her mother’s clothes and parading them.

“I guess I was born and bred to love thread,” Kasia tells COVET.

Favourite fashion trends?

I appreciate and have a love for many eras in fashion. I love the 60s for its simple block cuts and shapes, make-up trends like thick eye lashes and pinkish/nude lips and Brigitte Bardot. I adore the 70s the most for its effortless hippie and Boho fashion trends and the 80s for its eclectic mix of fabrics, bold colours and prints and hairstyles. I like the 90s for flower power, M.C. hammer pants, A-line dresses and knee-high socks. All the trends give me inspiration and I love to mix it up, but if I had to choose, I’d love to be a 70s chick down to the bone! I also get inspiration from certain people – Erin Wasson rocks my world, so does Jade Jagger and Chloe Sevigne – they all have fabulous style.

Favourite labels and designers?

Alexander Wang, Alexander McQueen, Chloe, Balmain, Chanel, Miu Miu, Sass & Bide, Ellery, Bassike, Karen Walker, Paul & Joe, Cheap Mondays, Camilla & Marc, Phillip Lim, Scanlan & Theodore, acne, Levi’s, Nena & Pasadena … The list could go on and on and on!

Wardrobe staples?

Black skinny legs, a good selection of vintage and plain tees, a great fitted blazer, a good old pair of worn in Connies. One pair of pumps that will cost you a months rent but will last you a lifetime, a classic LBD, one hand bag that makes you smile every time you look down on it, a nice set of lingerie. Invest in statement jewellery you are proud to wear and means something, leather and denim, vintage pieces. Finally buy yourself one thing, at least once in your life, that you have always wanted more than anything and could never afford. Even if it’s the silliest decision financially, I guarantee, the pleasure you’ll get out of having and wearing that item is priceless.

Modelling for Chadwick Models since 16, Kasia has been a growing success in the modelling industry.

While a model’s life is short-lived, as the fashions and styles progress and improve throughout the seasons, so too does the 28-year-old. The previous face of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix and the spokes model for Foster’s beer, has also worked with reputable brands such as Tony Bianco, Portmans and JAG. She has also extended her love of fashion to roles within the media industry, appearing on Fox’s Project Runway as well as hosting last year’s Fashion TV Diamond Model Awards, alongside Mike Goldman and Kris Smith. Kasia was also the Ambassador for the Fashion+Aid ball in 2009.

What’s your favourite part about being a model?

The clothes. The travel. The creative teams I get to work with and the wonderful destinations I have been to. The fact that every day at work is different to the last. The make-up and products I get to use. Did I mention the clothes?

If you weren’t modelling, what would you be doing?

I would be involved in the fashion industry regardless of modelling; I look at the fashion industry from an artistic point of view. For me, clothes, shoots, make-up, lighting, the production of shoots and the way everything comes together simultaneously to create an image makes my blood pump.

So I guess I would have always ended up in this industry.

I dabbled in photography when I was in Uni, I am obsessed with make-up and products so perhaps make-up artistry. From a young age my mother bought me a sewing machine and I would sit and sew things on weekends and re-work all my old garments. I would have found my place within the fashion world for sure!

The self-confessed product junkie admits to constantly looking for new and exciting make-up and skincare products, indulging in beauty while also looking after her skin and body.

What are your beauty routines to keep you at your peak?

I always cleanse and moisturise twice a day, every single day, no matter what, especially at night.

I have very sensitive skin, so I try and use gentle products that keep a protective barrier on my skin – I generally use a milk cleanser. Rose-hip oil is one of my favourite products, it’s healing and great for stressed and dehydrated skin. I have a facial once a month, usually an exfoliating one for cell renewal, a deep clean and to get a glow. I have recently introduced Vitamin C into my skin care regime and it’s made a huge difference. I use Johnson & Johnson Holiday skin on my body daily to retain a tan throughout the year; I also use vitamin E oil on my neck and décolletage to prevent 12

ageing. My number one rule is to keep your body and skin hydrated, so 2 litres of H2O with lemon and a great moisturiser with SPF is a great start!

Any hobbies?

My main hobby is training; it has changed my life in the last two years.

I really respect and appreciate the skin I was born in nowadays, whereas when I was younger I never took notice of that. I use my time in training to switch off from the world, exercise the power of the mind & the body, push myself and motivate myself, everything always seems better after a good, solid workout.

Kasia wears sass & bide dress, $290, and cape, $220, both supplied by Green with Envy.

Styling: Micah Gianneli Hair: Michelle Furst Make-Up: Rialyn Deveza Photography: Anthony Licuria

Fashion makes me feel alive, so that is always a hobby. I love vintage shopping and re-working pieces, I love finding one-off pieces and creating a unique look.

I also have a strong passion for fashion and event coverage. I love being backstage during fashion weeks and reporting on all the antics. Presenting has been a long time dream job of mine, to intertwine fashion with presenting would be a dream come true.

Media personality, fashionista, model, socialite, while these are all appropriately fitting labels for Kasia, her most well known label within the media is a WAG. Kasia is the girlfriend of Hawthorn Footballer, Lance “Buddy” Franklin, and while she may not accept being a WAG as a preferred term, she accepts it.

“I don’t adore the term, I feel that it’s a label, and the only labels I love are the ones attached to garments, but it is what it is,” she says.

While both lead busy lives, the pair makes time for each other and shares the common interest in fashion. The AFL player has modelled off the field, and has recently started his own men’s T-shirt label, Nena Pasadena. The couple is often spotted around Melbourne’s social elite, both impeccably dressed, making them a stylish and fashion forward couple.

While living a fast-paced life in the world of fashion and the media, travelling to exotic places and rubbing shoulders with celebrities, Kasia’s three things she couldn’t live without are surprisingly simple – “hope, love, the sun”. However she does have one exuberant COVET wish list!

What do you COVET? A pet elephant, a private jet, 20 more Pugaliers, everlasting health and happiness, a Chanel bag in every different size and colour, a never-ending tray of home-cooked lasagna, a beach for a backyard, for Melbourne to have a tropical climate.

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K I S S C H A C E Y. C O M

K I S S C H A C E Y. C O M

styled in cylk

by Catherine Ciccone

T

he latest fabulous label to hit our radar is luxury fashion knitwear brand, Cylk. Specializing in high-end outerwear, it is not hard to see why the label has been so successful since launching a capsule collection of silk garments in 2006. The label now includes knitwear, Cylk Body, Cylk Black Label and the latest Reverie 2010 Collection.

Stocked in David Jones and high-end retailers both in Australia and overseas, Cylk has quickly become one of the most highly sought after luxury labels. The design aesthetic is clean, simple and elegant and a must have for every wardrobe. Cylk have combined comfort with grace, using seamless technology and eco-friendly fabrics to create effortlessly chic clothing.

Having had the opportunity to inspect the pieces at the Cylk pop-up store in Melbourne Central, I was impressed by the quality and attention to detail in each garment.

The latest Reverie 2010 collection is a presentation of gorgeous summer separates in silk/cotton and silk/ linen blends, which provide the ultimate in comfort and luxury. There is something for everyone, including flattering skirts, soft cardigans and elegant frocks. With prices ranging from $75 for the gorgeous Seascape Tank to $219 for the Utopia Dress, you won’t be breaking the bank to make one or two purchases with Cylk.

What COVET loves most about Cylk is the versatility of each piece. The lightweight fabrics and timeless colours are perfect for the summer months, but can also be worn layered under your winter coats. The Recherche Cardigan is a perfect example of the Cylk aesthetic.

It can be dressed up for the office with the Reflection Skirt, or dressed down for running errands in jeans or the Serpentine Leggings. If you’re looking for something a little more special, look no further than the super-luxe Black Label Collection. The price points are slightly more expensive, however, the stylish frocks more than justify the splurge. The Watercolour Dress in Ombre is but one of the stunning pieces from the collection.

Shapewear is the latest celebrity fetish to hit the fashion radar. Cylk has responded by producing the Cylk Body range, which was the star attraction on a recent visit to New York City. The gentle fabrics and flawless construction of each item astounded fashion buyers and editors. Instead of using uncomfortable synthetic fabrics, the shapewear has been seamlessly crafted in soft bamboo to create the ultimate in comfort and support. The collection includes five essential pieces – the Contour Brief, the Sculpting Slip, the Waist Definer, the Streamlined Tank and the Shapewear Shorts ranging from $79 to $129. You will swear by them!

Cylk has something for everyone, whether you spoil yourself or treat a loved one to a Cylk gift card. The simplicity and elegance of the garments make them timeless investments for every woman of every age. We encourage you to visit the pop-up store at Melbourne Central or their online shop at www.cylk.com.au to get an up-close preview of the clothing. We guarantee you will not be disappointed.

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When Mother Nature

Reveals Her True Beauty

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Anthony Licuria

0411 806 447 anthony@aplphotography.com.au

Every Moment IsA Memory

diana taranto F and her fourth crusade

rom the small streets where Roman Emperors once rested, to the retail jungle of Melbourne, Diana Taranto is the epitome of everything that signifies Melbourne. With a decade experience in the fashion industry, Diana is the founder of the Fourth Crusade. An ever-growing collection of avant-garde handcrafted Italian Jewellery; the Fourth Crusade range offers a unique perspective with bold designs showcasing the annals of European history.

Meeting with Diana was an exciting prospect. In order to avoid seeming ignorant, my night was spent scouring through her webpage and I was in awe of the product she sold. The immediate success she has achieved is a testament to her hard work, and my afternoon with her was something to be savoured.

Meeting in a quaint Fitzroy café, Diana struck me as an individual that likes to take control, and before I even met her, this presumption I had of her rang true. Most people are happy to go idly by, but Diana took the reigns of our meeting by immediately choosing the time and place, a place that gave me a great insight into this ambitious individual of Melbourne.

The fact Diana even took time out to meet with me at the time was a mere testament to her character and will.

With bags full of her product and an in-prompt road trip to Geelong on the horizon, to say that her plate was full is quite the understatement. With a schedule one could match up with our current Prime Minister, Diana is a modern Melbournian, on the go and on a mission. You could say she is living her own crusade.

The Fourth Crusade not only delves deep into the history books, but Diana cites the mighty battles as a direct link to her business name. Diana tells me, “the crusades were holy wars over land, returning with jewels, power and women. My Fourth Crusade relates loosely to this as I have gone over countless times, sourcing precious jewels and bringing them back to my homeland”.

Loepp & Nagai, Shakespeare Sonnet 75, $270

Growing up on the east side of Melbourne, Diana, like so many great entrepreneurs, decided to take a chance.

Being a bold and brave individual, Diana packed her bags and made an audacious move to the aesthetically attractive cobble stone piazzas of Bella Roma.

After some time and much observation, Diana came back to Australia with a renewed vigour. With an abundance of knowledge in business and the world, Diana began the Fourth Crusade. Citing influences of European couture, Diana now successfully markets these handmade works of art, with a complete level of production, logistics and distribution. Diana is meticulous as she is pedantic in her business, only selecting works by trusted independent designers all sourced and created in Italy. Bearing this in mind, Diana’s products are not for the light-hearted.

With an array of designs that scream ‘left-of-centre,’ Fourth Crusade appeals to the daring, creative and above

Ashanti Raffaele Cinzio, Aventine Silver Ring, $120

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all, fashionable. Finding a niche in her market, Diana’s successful enterprise caters to the people who are looking to step outside that square of en-vogue regularity. That regularity where one is forever questioning whether or not what they wear is ‘good enough’ or that state of mind where you feel others are criticising your appearance.

So as a result you end up indulging in those things that everyone else consumes. The Fourth Crusade will give a similar feeling, although, people will stare with envy, curious about where you got that piece of fine jewellery.

Anna Lodi, Musica Necklace, $135

Showcasing some of Italy’s finest craftspeople, the Fourth Crusade’s range stretches far and wide. Examples of the collection include work from Paola Volpi who Diana says, “transforms silver materials, with a subtle and audacious approach to handcrafted Italian jewellery”. Looking through her range online, personally I was impressed with Anna Lodi. Born and raised in Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, Lodi’s work is typical of a modern day sartorialist with avant-garde jewellery available around Europe, but more importantly, her range, along with many other Italian designers, are exclusive to the Fourth Crusade.

I have always appreciated the nuances of our society, a society where the daring and dapper individual can be appreciated for their difference. The diversity I am surrounded by never ceases to amaze, wherever I venture in this city. All things from the influential areas of Melbourne to the eclectic taste in which Melbournians choose to indulge in. Our city is a melting pot for the world. Providing the ideal launch pad for Diana’s ventures, the Fourth Crusade is able to offer another point of difference, as opposed to the mass-produced drivel that is constantly drummed through retailers. The people of Melbourne along with their diversity are bound to embrace such a product, which screams the tasteful history of Western Europe along with the delicacy of female fashion.

Standing firm in her moral grounds, Diana refuses to be sucked into the idea of mass-production and cheap labour, courtesy of sweatshops and factories in China and Taiwan. Before we know it, I have no doubt in my mind that products of the likes of the Fourth Crusade and the mind of brilliant Australians such as Taranto’s will be mass-produced at a cheaper price and with a lack of quality and conviction it is deserved of.

With the heavens still wide open Diana’s precious time is stretched, and after her remarkable story from the streets of Roma to the new found successes of the Fourth Crusade, reality sets back in, as we both ponder the thought of nice long drives in peak hour traffic. However after my rainy afternoon with Diana, I knew I had something new to look forward to. The old adage that no dream is too big certainly rings true when thinking of Diana. Seeing her bear the fruits of her hard work and research is m sales sourced through her webpage.

Paola Volpi, Little Diamond Earrings, $105

Raris, Verde No 1 Bracelet, $60

You can check out the range of Diana Taranto at www. fourthcrusade.com.au.

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evebar.com.au lower level 334 city rd southbank Vic 3006

8 Other Reasons, Forgotten Golden Link Chain Bracelet, $22.95 from www.8otherreasons.com

Dolce & Gabbana Hearts and Multi Plaquets Bracelet, $380 from www. luisaviaroma.com

Louis Mariette pearl-embellished hairband, from www.net-a-porter.com

Love, Chloé by Chloé (available in September)

crave ‘what you need, what you want and what you shouldn’t live without’.

Marc Jacobs silk-velvet bow top, from www.net-a-porter.com

Miss Mykonos in Tan Nappa, $275 from www.peeptoeshoes.com.au

Miu Miu Pollen Suede Drawstring large shouler bag, $716 from www.bluefly.com

O.P.I Barefoot in Barcelona

O’Hara Designs Miss Mykonos Shorts, $150

Osklen Sleeveless Metallic Shirt Dress, $605

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Angelos-Frentzos sleeveless jacket, from www.dressspace.com

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick

Stuart Weitzman 120mm Suede Ankle Boots, $553 from www.luisavaviaroma.com

Ginger & Smart Unison T-Dress, $525 from www.closetprincess.com.au

Moschino Cheap and Chic Military-style twill blazer, from www.net-a-porter.com

Peep Toe Thin Crystal Jewelled Bangle, $89 from www.peeptoeshoes.com.au

desire Swarovski Chic Multi Red Ring, $425

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Thomas Sabo Charm Club “Stiletto� sterling silver pendant

Witchery Silk Self Belt Drape Front Pant, $149.95

Swarovski Chic Multi Red Ring, $425

indulge Bodyography Gel Eye Liner Duo in Black Tied

Chelsea De Luca Amore Vintage Style Dome Stud Earrings, $280 from www.frockshop.com.au

Deadly Ponies Mr Knitted Poppit, $386 from www.thegrandsocial.com.au

Lanvin Stanislas Necklace from www.luisaviaroma.com

Limited Edition Precious ghd IV Styler, $339

Pedro Garcia Emelyn Satin Pumps from www.net-a-porter.com

Roberto Cavalli Swarovski crystalembellished feather cuff from www.net-a-porter.com

See by ChloĂŠ Wool Flannel Shorts, $270 from www.luisaviaroma.com

Valentino Rosette-embellished Jersey T-shirt from www.net-a-porter.com

Vanina Patent Star Studded Lace up shoes, $232 from www.luisaviaroma.com 27

D

esigner, April Oh, started Aryn K. back in 2004 (it was known as “Bizz” back then) and re-launched it in summer 2009. The label, named after her daughter Aryn Kim, has been a huge hit globally, with retail locations in the U.S., Canada, South America, Japan and Europe.

Why is it so massively popular though? Simple – The line has something for everyone; you can find something for your inner Blair Waldorf, Serena Van Der Woodsen or even Jenny Humphrey. The line boasts a variety of top-notch designs from A-line ruched skirts and fitted blazers to leather pants and sequin dresses. With bright colours, exquisite detailing and fabrics so lovely that they leave every fashionista begging for more, is anyone really surprised to hear that this line was named “The Hot New Contemporary Brand To Watch?”

I sat down for a tête-à-tête with the designer herself and here is an excerpt for your coveting closet: Describe your choice of fabric?

Mostly, I like natural fibre, silk Bamberg, silk chiffon, cotton twill, cotton jersey, etc.

What is your signature colour palette?

I like all colours but I am so into soft pastel colour right now.

Embellishments or no embellishments?

No embellishments.

Busy prints with simple patterns vs. solid colours?

Solid colours.

If you could be anything other than a fashion designer, what would you be?

A Painter What do you think are the best/worst trends in the fashion industry as of now?

I think the 80s were the worst and best would have to be the trends we are seeing now.

Working in the fashion industry is pretty risky. One minute you’re in, the next minute you’re out. Did this have any effect on your choice to be a designer?

Always, it’s like walking on thin ice. I always put myself on the edge because if I relax one minute who knows what will happen, because the fashion industry moves so quickly.

What inspires your work as a designer?

Everyday life – people on the street, the colour of the sky, the shape of buildings, even the shadow of a tree!

If you could dress any one celebrity, which one would you choose?

Milla Jovovich.

How would you describe your design aesthetic? Do you think that it has changed over time? If so, how?

I would describe my design aesthetic as being sophisticated, classic, and vintage.

During my 17 years of designing, I would definitely say that my design aesthetic has changed overtime. In my earlier years, it was simple, and didn’t have too much detail.

I incorporated more silhouettes, lines, shapes, and no contrast. Just simplicity. My experience with fabrics, embellishments, playing with detail, shopping at vintage stores and my education at Japan has all helped me evolve my design aesthetics to what it is now.

What if your favourite part of being a designer?

I would have to say shopping and travelling.

And the worst?

Shopping and travelling, (laughs), it has its pros and cons.

Any parting words of advice for future designers?

Patience is a virtue. Be humble and take criticism well. There’s always room for improvement and you’re always going to be learning something new.

You can find yourself some Aryn K. fabulousity at Nasty Gal, Blufly or Nordstrom.

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aryn k.

by Alexis J.

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Samantha wears ‘Silvia’ French lace ordained with Swarsovski crystal tulle, $10,000 from Crocé Colosimo and Sadotna pieces jacket, $729.

Griffin Claw Tanzanite Necklace

by Matina Amanita, $699.00, Mini London Ring by Matina Amanita, $350.00, Cropped Fringe Tee by Stolen Girlfriends Club, $175.00 and Mod Cuff Clear Bracelet by Alexandra Blak, $154.00, all supplied by Fame Agenda.

Styling: Jam Baylon Hair: Michelle Furst Make-Up: Jessica Baker Photography: Anthony Licuria

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australia’s favourite top model

by Monika Pilekic photography by Anthony Licuria

W

hile some reality TV stars are known for their 5 minutes of fame and then simply forgotten, Samantha Downie is not one of them.

Australian Fashion Week, L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival, and has also walked for David Jones’ Autumn/Winter 2010 collection, alongside Miranda Kerr.

The 22-year-old model from Melbourne appeared on Fox8’s fourth cycle of Australia’s Next Top Model in 2008, which had previously made Top Models from contestants Gemma Sanderson, Eboni Stocks and Alice Burdeu.

While Samantha took a year off from uni to appear on Australia’s Next Top Model, determined to finish her degree, Sam only modelled part-time after the show. Having recently completed her Bachelor of Business and Commerce, Samantha has now decided to focus on her modelling career.

“Top Model was full on, but at the same time I am so glad that I did it. I made some really good friends for life, and of course it really got my career going,” says Sam. The contestants on the reality TV show were subjected to 3 months of living in a house, followed by cameras while competing against each other for the top spot as Australia’s Next Top Model.

“It’s hard at first, but after a while you get really used to the cameras. You don’t realise them being there anymore. But you really have to go along with it; it’s all part of the experience. How often can you say that you’ve been on a TV show?”

While the show was edited to show a lot of bitchiness, Sam tells COVET that it was not as bad as it was made out to be.

“They make it look like were bitchy to each other the whole time.

When really we were really nice to each other. I think people act very differently in that environment. A lot of the girls were at high school and they acted like they were at high school,” she says. “We’re stuck in the house a lot of the time. We were minded and we couldn’t really go anywhere except for shoots and everything we were meant to do. So we were pressured to act on our feelings and people would act out in the wrong way sometimes.”

Former model and judge on the show, Charlotte Dawson, said during Samantha’s first runway in front of the judging panel, “I’m not sure she’s strong enough to win this competition”.

Labelled ‘too commercial’ and the ‘dark horse’ of the series, Samantha was the second runner-up of the show, and won the nation’s vote as Australia’s Favourite Top Model.

Since leaving the show, Samantha Downie has been featured as the face of El Amuleto, and has walked the runways of Rosemount

“Top model really opened up a lot of horizons for me. I have just moved to Vivien’s Model Management and I’ve been getting lots of regular work, which is good, and I’m starting to get booked a lot. I think now that I’ve finished my degree it’s going to get a lot more full on. I’m going to do it full time now, and take it really seriously, and travel with it as well.”

The up-and-coming model aspires to model in India, where being half-Indian herself, would bring her to an advantage on the Indian fashion scene.

“I think I could do well in Bollywood. I think I would have a better chance in India, rather than in Milan where everyone is trying to become someone.”

Within the Melbourne fashion scene, Samantha doesn’t feel pressured to lose weight and likes Melbourne for that reason.

While she used to aspire to tackling the big cities of Milan and Paris, she feels that her height may disadvantage her, and doesn’t want to lose weight just to fit in the international industry.

“Obviously you always have to keep your body maintained – even your hair and nails. Body wise, it’s up to you. I’m at a good weight. I like Melbourne. No one is pressured to lose weight or be someone they’re not,” she says.

With a degree behind her, time to travel and accepting that one day she will need to settle down and have a proper profession, Samantha plans on grasping the modelling opportunities which will come her way, to maximise her budding modelling career.

“I like that modelling is a social thing. I can meet someone different every day; there is always a different job, a different brand or magazine, catwalk or campaign. I like that variety in my life. Hopefully you’ll being seeing more of me now.”

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covet has run away to join the circus of splashes of colour and cute and quirky styling.

Styling: Micah Gianneli Model: Olivia Arezzolo (Giant Management) Hair: Michelle Furst Make-Up: Rialyn Deveza Photography: Anthony Licuria

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Olivia wears Josh Goot dress, $905 from Cyberia, Shona Joy leggings, $145 from Miishu, 2 Baia Vista shoes, $225 from Zomp and All Dressed Up necklace, $168 from Cecylia.

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Olivia wears Josh Goot dress, $705 and Ellery leather jacket, $1,580 both from Cyberia, Daniel Claude shoes, $200 and All Dressed Up green tear drop necklace, $283 from Cecylia, House of Baulch black oval facet necklace, $200 from Miishu, and stylist’s own tights, socks, and skirt worn as neck ruff.

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Olivia wears Josh Goot shift dress as top, $705 and Josh Goot jacket, $1,905 from Cyberia, All Dressed Up trousers, $345 from Cecylia, Idea scarf worn as cummerbund, $480 from Cyberia, All Dressed Up necklace, $168 from Cecylia and 2 Baia Vista shoes, $225 from Zomp.

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Olivia wears Spijkers en Spijkers tunic, $759 from Cecylia, Idea scarf worn as turban, $480 from Cyberia, black oval facet necklace, $199 and Diamond pendant, $180, both by House of Baulch and Sogni di Giorgia boots, $265 supplied by Miishu, and stylist’s own socks.

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Olivia wears Idea scarf worn as top, $480 and Idea scarf worn as turban, $480, both from Cyberia, All Dressed Up necklace worn as shoulder piece, $168 from Cecylia and stylist’s own leather bustier and skirt.

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Amie Mai, Amourette Describe your collection in three words: Girly. Playful.

Bohemian.

Why fashion? Fashion is a really fun way to express yourself or explore the different characters within yourself through your clothes - I’ve always liked how putting on this pair of shoes or that new coat can just shift my mood for the day and give me a different outlook. I also love making things with my hands, I really enjoy the process of fashion - beginning with a concept, translating it into a design and then bringing it to life with fabric and threads and buttons and whatnot!

What inspires you? Street style all over the world, characters in books and movies, and design documentaries – one of my favourites is The Closet Tales of Australian Fashion that my friend gave me for my birthday.

Earliest memory of working with fashion? I used to make clothes for my Barbies when I was little, from scraps of material from my old t-shirts or jeans and things like that, but I suppose lots of girls did that! My earliest fashion related memory is probably when I was eight and getting baptised. I had to wear an all white outfit for the mass, but for some reason I was adamant that I wanted to wear gold shoes! So Mum and I went shopping and we found these Dr. Martens-ish lace-up shoes that were gold leather. I’m sure it looked really out of place but I was really happy to have gotten my gold shoes.

LOVE ON THE RUN … WAY is an independent fashion showcase, which will be held during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week - Saturday 4 September at Thousand Pound Bend. Featuring fashion and art from up-and-coming Melbourne talent, the unique warehouse space will feature fashion, music, art and film to inspire you for the spring season ahead.

The runway extravaganza takes its inspiration from the love and first heady days of new romance, featuring designer talent heading to a new direction on the Melbourne fashion scene.

LOVE ON THE RUN … WAY will attract a large crowd of fashion-forward Melbournians, wanting to scope out the newest talent on Melbourne’s fashion scene. COVET has a sneak peek on some of the featured designers, tempting you to crave. desire. indulge.

Favourite designer? If I could have a wardrobe full of Lover or Sretsis I would be one happy camper.

How would you describe your personal style? It’s a real mishmash of everything and anything that might catch my eye. It’s like nana-chic meets Upper-East-Side-schoolgirl meets motherearth-nature-lover meets 70s-festival-goer.

Must-have item on your ‘to-buy’ list? I’ve been on the lookout for a great fur coat for quite a while. I recently watched The Brothers Bloom and the styling in that movie is just fantastic!

Rachel Weisz’s character Penelope wears this amazing vintage 60s snow leopard coat which I’m currently coveting. Oh and a cute smuggler’s hat too!

Three things you can’t live without? Music, my family and a good cup of tea.

Worst trend right now? Jeggings.

Wardrobe fashion rule you swear by? Just have fun!

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Katy Robinson, Captain Robbo

Eva Q Huynh, Eva Q

Describe your collection in three words: Screen-printed pants + millinery.

Describe your collection in three words: Elegant. Romantic.

Magical.

Why fashion? It’s a practical vehicle for my passion - print making. Its ephemeral nature as an art object is something I love as it’s a part of life, as a pose to a picture in a frame collecting dust.

Why fashion? It just always seemed like the logical thing to do, I’m good at it, and I love it, when you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What inspires you? When I was overseas someone told me how wonderful it was that I studied Visual Arts because I could always be one of those guys on the street who spray paint space scenes. I find a comment like that very inspiring, and I have become slightly obsessed with space scene since then.

What inspires you? Anything that’s pretty and interesting.

Mostly textures and patterns as I have a strong textiles and fabric construction background.

What do you love most about Melbourne? The network of creative and inspired artists, designers and craftspeople I have come to know over the last 10 years.

Earliest memory of working with fashion? Apparently when I was a little girl I used to make outfits for my Barbie dolls out of toilet paper.

When you were younger, what was your dream job? A toilet paper screen printer!

I wanted to be a photographer after I discovered it in high school, but before that I had the secret ambition to be actress.

Favourite designer? I really love Romance was Born, and how they are so saturated with weird fantasy.

How would you describe your personal style? “Choose your own adventure.”

Must-have item on your ‘to-buy’ list? I think I cut up that list with my credit card.

Three things you can’t live without? My bed, my studio and my best mates.

Worst trend right now? Southern cross tattoos on rude young men.

What do you love most about Melbourne? The funky little laneways! I love it when I stumble across an interesting boutique, cafe or bar.

Earliest memory of working with fashion? My mum is actually a dressmaker and she use to make dresses for me and my little sister. I remember we were making a dress for my baby sister and I was picking out the laces and buttons!

When you were younger, what was your dream job? I didn’t know that fashion design was a job and when I was younger I was great at art, so I wanted to be an artist, like Vincent Van Gogh.

Favourite designers? Elie Saab, the girls from Rodarte, Karl Lagerfeld.

How would you describe your personal style? I like to look different, and have random strangers complimenting my outfit!

It’s even better when I tell them I made the dress myself, but I also love mixing vintage with something trendy. In three words my personal style is best described as classy, girly and chic.

Must-have item on your ‘to-buy’ list? Investing in a little black dress you can dress up or dress down. But shop around ‘til you find the ‘perfect’ one: perfect fit, quality fabric and makes you feel comfortable.

Three things you can’t live without? My mum, music and macaroons.

Wardrobe fashion rule you swear by? Never follow rules!

Worst trend right now? Are girls still wearing metallic/shiny tights? They are very hard to pull off.

Wardrobe fashion rule you swear by? Trust your own judgement, you are the only person who knows who you are.

The only advice I can give is to keep it simple; it’s all about balance.

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fashion’s queen of green

by Stevie Newbegin

‘G

reen’ is the new black - and I don’t mean the colour. As more and more of us are realising that being socially aware doesn’t have to mean sacrificing our up-to-date, fashion-forward wardrobes, we are seeking out clothes made from organic and recycled materials that not only benefit the environment, but that look good too. And the fashion industry is taking notice.

Lulu Yasmine, a new and upcoming label on the rise in Australia, is currently bringing to our shores a range of garments that prove that fashion can be sustainable as well as sexy and stylish.

The Lulu Yasmine ‘Pure Collection’ uses only 100 percent organic cotton, and dyes garments with plants free from pesticides.

This new line is a casual collection for the environmentally conscious customer, whilst remaining feminine, playful and glamorous. Not only do women look and feel great, but they’re also doing their part to help the environment.

“Having an organic line means a lot to me. I truly believe in protecting our environment, and it’s amazing to imagine that I am only using pure cotton, with no pesticides and chemicals. I also wanted to help the community that I am working with, even if I can make life just a little better for them, it’s a blessing,” explained Luiza Chang, the strong woman behind Lulu Yasmine.

Inspired by nature’s colours and the natural world’s beauty, Luiza’s passion for organic materials is echoed throughout her designs. The label is recognised for working with a palette of earthy skin tones and blush natural colours, and exclusive, pure prints.

“My colour selection is very specific. I don’t use lots of bright colours so that women feel confident to wear my line at anytime. It’s also very classic, so it can be worn throughout the seasons and won’t date. The quality is beautiful and the material is very fine.”

As well as organic materials, Lulu Yasmine clothing is also made using crepe de chine, silk chiffon and cotton silk. Every garment is handmade with love using beautiful lace trims or beading detail to finish, creating timeless pieces that women can wear forever.

Not only is Luiza a spokesperson for the environment, but she is also inspired to empower woman.

She believes that every woman is beautiful, and that beauty is simply a matter of believing in yourself. It’s not at all about your height, or your weight, but how you carry yourself and your mind. This belief inspires her designs, and she has created her line to make women look and feel beautiful and confident.

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“A Lulu Yasmine woman is smart, sophisticated and funny. She expresses herself through the clothes that she wears.

One day she may feel like a gipsy, and another day she will feel like a princess. She is a woman who can play many roles,” says Luiza.

The successful brand was born when the designer Luiza Chang, born in Brazil, saw a gap in the marketplace for a cool, yet sexy, Boho clothing line that wasn’t determined by age; age is irrelevant in Lulu Yasmine, where gorgeous classic pieces make every women feel beautiful.

Luiza was born by a Brazilian mother and a father, who came from a fusion of English and Chinese backgrounds; a marriage ‘east meets west’. No stranger to diversity, Luiza was very much inspired by her own heritage and personal travels.

“I truly love what I do, and I think this is something I was born to do. I did seven years of dance when I was young, and I always helped with the costumes. I also love theatre itself and when I lived in Italy I studied costume design. I worked as a model for many years between Milano and Bologna, and I did many shows, even for La Perla. I also studied photography. I just love everything related to art and people,” Luiza explains.

“My grandmother was a tailor and worked very hard, and I always loved to play with her machine when I was young. I loved all the little dresses she used to make for me.

My other grandmother was also a very sophisticated woman who wore amazing dresses, so I think a got a bit from both sides.”

“The brand Lulu Yasmine was born around five years ago. It was always a dream of mine, but I’ve had a very busy life, living throughout Europe, and I was never ready to settle down. I really wanted to take the time to travel and see the whole world. When I came to Bali to live, I felt ready and slowly began creating my line, Lulu, which has now become Lulu Yasmine.”

Luiza took the plunge and opened her boutique in Seminyak. She quickly established her label and her manufacturing rooms in the heart of Kerobokan, where she set her head and heart on creating her small empire. She still spends a lot of her time travelling, finding new inspiration and sourcing gorgeous new fabrics.

Lulu Yasmine has found international success, sold into Australia, New Zealand, UK, France, Berlin, Ibiza, LA and Greece. Represented in Australia by Luv Blue Agency, Lulu Yasmine can be found in A-grade clothing boutiques: Tienda, Blue Butterfly Boutique, Mirror Mirror, Syrup, Chilli, and Honey. www.luluyasmine.com

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I

n the past two years, we’ve seen a huge influx of Australian fashion designers making significant strides both locally and internationally.

And there’s a reason for it. While the recession brought a lot of the big shops and fashion houses crashing down, it provided a rare opportunity for younger aspiring designers to step onto the grand stage and borrow the limelight. With nothing to lose, and the entire world in desperate need of some optimistic respite, these young and savvy opportunists made their mark.

One of these designers is Virginia Martin, the creative brains behind the delightfully whimsical label búl. Not only did Virginia launch her flagship store earlier this year in Melbourne’s Curtain House, but her Autumn/Winter collection has been the talk of the town, subsequently labelling Virginia as being one of the most promising designers to come out of Melbourne. She’s young, smart and absolutely gorgeous. Which makes it all the easier to embrace her as our city’s new darling.

In speaking with Virginia, I was interested to hear her version of the búl story and how she not only survived the recession, but also came out of it as one of Melbourne’s hottest up and comers.

“I actually saw the recession as a perfect opportunity to remove myself from Melbourne and travel overseas. First stop was New York, where I worked relentlessly – a lot of the time unpaid – for various fashion labels including Proenza Schouler, Cynthia Rowly and Heatherette. The whole time, I considered myself as being a student. I wanted to take the time and properly learn the fundamental elements needed to drive a brand to success,” says Virginia.

“After a year, I then moved to Newport Beach, California, to work with Trovata. The whole experience was life changing. I had access to invaluable insights; how to build and market a brand, as well as the backend of running a business and fashion label. The experience also taught me a lot about the kind of brand I wanted búl to be.”

As much as Virginia admits she is “lucky” in her current success, on reflection, she also cites that choosing to pursue a career in fashion, as a designer, can be a daunting prospect. Particularly considering so many fashion labels are booming one minute and seemingly non-existent the next.

“Everything is about trial and error. So you need to ensure you have a good mentor, determination, resilience and your wits about you if you intend to survive,” she says.

And it was exactly those things that helped catapult Virginia into her current success. At the age of 17, she completed a fashion course at Melbourne’s Swinburne Senior Secondary College where she learned the trade of sewing and textiles. In 2002, Virginia’s work was chosen in both the Top Arts exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria and the VCE Seasons of Excellence Exhibition held at the Melbourne Museum.

Then, in 2005, Virginia was accepted into RMIT’s prestigious fashion course where she finessed her skills.

In 2008, she left Australian shores to work for some of the most notable fashion houses in the world, acquiring experience of working within the design industry, Virginia was also given the realistic sense of what was required to succeed in the business. She quickly learned the ins and outs of manufacturing, and was eager to make a go of it once she returned to Australia.

Upon her return, Virginia worked tirelessly preparing for the launch of her flagship store, which took place in June, earlier this year. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s eclectic fashion district, the Curtin House Swanston Street boutique is reminiscent of the relaxed, nonchalant attitude synonymous with the costal life. Virginia explains that although her overseas experiences had a heavy hand in the current autumn/ winter collection, launching the label in Melbourne was her upmost priority.

“Travelling the world and visiting some of the most beautiful beaches provided me with a lot of the inspirations that helped shape my current collection. There’s something organic about living by the coast that 42

m elbourne’s new darling

by Laura Agricola

you’ll never identify with by living in a big city. But Melbourne is my home. I wouldn’t want to start the label anywhere else. So I took everything I learnt from my time overseas and endowed it into the creation of búl.

As a result, the autumn/winter collection was designed around a weekend away in Hossegor, France, one of the best surfing locales in the world. The simplicity, ease and joy of beach life inspired the colour palette, which lends itself to natural tones, washed out blues and subtle prints. Breezy flowing fabrics teamed with chunky cable knits. It’s about comfort.”

Virginia continues to explain how items can be worn individually, or pieced together to create an outfit or ensemble. It was important for her to produce a collection that people can not only wear comfortably, but will be able to easily blend with their own personal sense of style.

“As the sole designer, I cannot help but bias designs around my own personal preference in terms of what my wants and needs are from fashion. Which are comfort, casual elegance and versatility. I love wearing pieces that I can style a few different ways and wear at a number of different occasions. So it’s important for me to provide my market with a collection that is an extension of that vision”.

With her autumn/winter collection receiving praise from the Melbourne market, there’s already anticipation surrounding the reveal of her spring/summer 2010 collection.

“Spring/summer 2010 is based around the Australian coastal experience. The comfort, ease and joy of beach life play a big role in the aesthesis of the collection. The colour palette is evocative of our natural environment: the sand, the ocean, scents, sounds and Australian landscape. The fabrics and cuts are voluminous and contour the body effortlessly. I have included a variety of maxi dresses in gorgeous prints, little baggy shorts and strapless silk dresses. I wanted to capture the feeling you get when you're by the ocean, combined with the desire of wanting to look beautiful and stylish. The pieces in the collection have been named after Australian surf breaks.”

And what’s around the corner for the brand’s future?

“After a few seasons, I plan on launching a few flagship stores in the States. We will also be moving into the online retail space, so that everyone has the chance to own búl.

Next year, for winter 2011, I will also be introducing the búl menswear line. It’s going to be a very exciting time for the brand.”

As I said, it’s easy to love Virginia as Melbourne’s newest fashion darling. With so much spunk and determination, we’ll be seeing her on the international stage in no time.

Just remember, you saw her here first.

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SOSU I

magine the touch of luxurious, lightweight and organic garments crafted from the finest quality threads from France and Milan.

Sound tempting? I present to you the revolutionary international brand with a green twist, Sosume.

No longer is being green associated with stereotypical images of hippies, free love and flower power. The inventive philosophy behind the remarkable international label Sosume has caused a stir in the fashion world. It will transform the way we think about garments we purchase as consumers, at a time where global warming and environmental damage is at its worst.

Sosume represents effortless elegance, style and appreciation for the environmentally conscious consumer.

The three clever designers behind the label collaborate between their studios in Melbourne and New York, to bring you a clothing brand that represents a major social conscience.

At first glance, the name of the brand implies a legal implication; but the Melbourne counterpart of the label, Alex Trimmer, explained that they had another name that the designers began operating under.

After finding out another clothing label had claimed the rights to the name, and the mounting frustration of an inevitable legal issue, Alex blurted out: “so sue me!” This is how the name of the label came about.

The objective behind Sosume is to enable its customer to addon to their collection, rather than replace items, which is a key element to sustainability both in style and environmentally.

“We wanted to show that you don’t have to sacrifice style in order to wear something that has a significantly reduced carbon footprint”, says Alex.

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UME p: so.sue.me

by Vanessa Testa

Three percent of sales are donated to The Bush Heritage Fund and The Wilderness Society. These two charities help preserve the Australian ecosystem and promote sustainable development.

“We use fabrics that are derived from trees and bark, we felt it was only right to give back what we’re taking away,” he says.

These delicately crafted garments exude style and sophistication, and are made from the most environmentally responsible mills across the world. These are garments that are not only beautiful to touch, but they require only one tenth of the water used in cotton production.

Furthermore, the material is resistant to fading and shrinkage, promising a garment that possesses endurance. The minimalist shapes of the semi-translucent tops allow them to be easily thrown on over jeans, or dressed up with metallic. Sosume’s neutral colour palette of white, grey, charcoal and black make their garments timeless, and effortlessly sexy. The fabric design blends both knits and woven’s to make the garments lightweight and irresistible.

The purest organic wool as certified by the Global Organic Textile Standards, lends strength and durability to the tailored and structured pieces that continue to add to the versatility of the collection, as well as the quality.

Currently the Sosume brand is predominantly female, with a small injection of menswear.

“We wanted to perfect the collections and we hope to launch a full men’s range in a couple of seasons. Our fabrics are all so soft and luxurious that they deserve to be worn by everyone,” confirmed Alex.

Given the current global warming crisis, the impact on the environment and sustainability, Alex feels the garments will be regarded as a wardrobe staple that consumers will rely on.

“We started this company with the best intentions and nothing has changed,” he says. “If anything, we are becoming more educated in terms of sustainable fabrications and so are our customers. The global warming phenomenon is not just some craze that will become old news.”

Sosume is providing an innovative clothing alternative to make the every day consumer a little more sustainable than before.

After all, this is our future. www.sosumeclothing.com 45

the dark side 46

“Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win.�

Stephen King.

Styling: Jamie Azzopardi Models: Jade Pummeroy, Saasha B, Zoey Jaye Vink, Greg Poliwodzinski, Dean Kay and Josh Nicolaou Hair and Make-Up: Natalie Ferraro Photography: Anthony Licuria

Saasha wears silver top, $189 and pants, $239, by Fool, Sosume long sleeve hooded cardigan, $149, Starbucks gloves, $149, and Pearly Princess necklace, $249, both by Mimco, and Officer boots by ZU, $200.

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Jade wears Long sleeve pocket tee

by Sosume in Grey and White, $79, Skirt, $190 and Blue Tights, $24,

by Fool, Dark Moon necklace, $269, Secret Garden ring, $229 and Queen of Pearls ring, $279, all by Mimco, and Cletus heels by ZU, $150.

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Zoey wears Pasty dress, $249 and Grey Shrug, $59, both by Fool, Pop Hoodie by Mimco, $99.95, French Kitty leggings, $39, Tomorrow’s Glove by Mimco, $149, Ibiza shoes by ZU, $150.

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50

Greg wears loose tee, V neck jumper and woven harem pants all by Sosume, coat by Fool, $495, Ziggy gloves by Mimco, $39.95 and Tread boots by ZU, $160.

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Josh wears long sleeve top, $119, harem pants, $119, and sleeveless hooded cardigan, $139, by Sosume, Fool hat, $65 and Admire boots by ZU, $160.

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Dean wears scoop neck jumper and vest by Sosume, Fool cord shorts, $230, hoodie by Mimco, $99.95 and Torque boots by ZU, $160.

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the rise of the fashion blogger

by Alyce Cowell

I

t’s New York Fashion Week, 2003. The audience is brimming with the usual VIP A-list crowd; fashion journalists, designers, stylists and celebrities. But sitting in a modest fourth row is one or two camouflaged guests on the brink of a fame and serious power within the fashion industry: the blogger.

Fast-forward seven years, and those fashion bloggers are hosting after-parties for New York Fashion Week. Some might say that’s quite a jump.

Somewhere along the way, these relative nobodies have gone from click-clacking away about their new pair of shoes, to having a Marc Jacobs bag named after them (yes, Bryan Boy I’m talking about you).

So what makes someone with a day job and a recreational blog so different from a hardcore fashion blogger? Well it seems in the beginning, not that much. Other than hard work, a clever choice of topics and a witty voice, it probably helps that in these last seven years, fashion blogging has become a trusted part of mainstream press.

The count of fashion and shopping related blogs was already at the two million mark around the time of take-off in 2006. Having skyrocketed even more in the past two years, it’s probably impossible to find an exact figure today. Take one look at global blog haven bloglovin.com and you’ll count over 80 pages of blogs in 20 categories for fashion and lifestyle from street style to budget to front-row runway.

Though the millions of passionate socialists can usually be divided into three easy groups: insiders – traditional fashion media, outsiders – dedicated followers of fashion who are savvy, smart and strongly opinionated, and aspiring insiders (where most of us fall) – those that hope to one day work directly in the fashion industry. Whether it’s a question of luck or intelligence, blogs can provide a fast track to make this very popular dream come true.

And when it does, the power that comes with the job can be almost overwhelming, what with the stress of being one of the 54

most influential people in the fashion industry and all. You could call yourself the next Anna Wintour, only sitting in your lounge room rather than front row at Yves Saint Laurent and most likely with fewer clothes.

It looks like fashion blogger Megan Aney has already caught on with her successful blog An Australian Wintour that she began in 2008.

Like most, Aney began her blog as a way of breaking into the industry. Agreeing that the fashion blogger is definitely on the rise, she believes readers pay attention because they can relate. Blogs are often a way to connect readers to the fashion world, but in a way that appeals to our less extravagant lives – they’re accessible, humorous and relaxed, and that’s just the way we like it.

“The blogger has become, and will hopefully stay, the public voice of the media. It’s like the weekly opinion column but everyday on so many thousands of different topics from so many interesting voices. I guess it’s the same question why do people like reality TV shows with stars with no acting abilities? It’s about how relatable the blog is to the reader’s own life.”

It’s understandable how fashion blogs become popular among style watching groups, but that’s a little different to influencing a Marc Jacobs collection. So why are these world-renowned designers affected by small-town bloggers who, let’s face it, would have trouble buying a ticket to NYFW let alone sit front row for free?

“Bloggers can be the harshest critics of hyped-up fads and can pull a look from the reject rail and make it hot: so influential and well-read are these internet diarists that the industry’s biggest brand names are vying for a (positive) mention on their sites”, says Karen Kay of the UK Daily Mail.

Oh! It’s all starting to make sense now…

But you don’t always have to be madly blogging with photos from the runway or trend predictions for SS 10/11; the simplest of bloggers are usually the ones that strike it rich. And by rich, I mean rich. Clever

bloggers are making use of monetisation techniques, like Manolo’s Shoe Blog (not the real Manolo, but an anonymous blogger, making it sting that little bit more) who makes upwards of $700,000 per year.

This is usually achieved through affiliate marketing or Pay Per Click systems such as Google AdSense, where relevant ads are placed on your blog while you sit by the letterbox waiting for your cheque.

Basically, the bigger the blog, the better the ad. If you log on to find American Apparel sitting neatly on your page, know that you’ve hit the big time.

Monetisation expert, model and major player in the blogosphere Rumi Neely currently holds the crown for most popular blog on bloglovin.com with her highly addictive and very famous site Fashion Toast. Born from a simple eBay store, Fashion Toast is based on DIY photo shoots (usually to promote clothing gifted to her by designers) in trendy locations most of us will only ever dream of visiting.

Once in a while, she’ll get snap happy with her jewellery collection, her nail polish of choice, the console of her car or a two-way mirror. Did I mention she was invited to a private tour of the American Apparel factory, flown to Alexander Wang’s NYFW 08 show, asked to create a line for RVCA and is the current face of chain-store juggernaut Forever 21?

Aney reiterates her belief in relatable blog topics such as Neely’s, with “the real focus of my blog is answering fashion questions, which generally generates the best feedback”.

So what’s next for fashion bloggers? World domination? Or surely, at the very least, a 10pm timeslot at NYFW? Aney predicts magazines and blogs will soon collaborate, validating the quality of blogger’s opinions, while bringing the popularity with them to the glossies. The best, it seems, of both worlds.

Or perhaps, blogging will be revealed as a novelty, a fad over as quickly as it started.

The only problem with that is, by the time they realise; we’ll all be fashion editors and counting Galliano as our best pal. Not bad for a nobody click-clacking away about their new pair of shoes!

the artist’s palette

by Megan Aney – An Australian Wintour

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herever you are there could be an artist standing next to you, even if there is a Meter Maid on the other side. Artist and fashion designer (in that order), Joy French, makes the most of her town commonly known as the glitter strip, the Gold Coast, Queensland.

“There is so much talent here on the Gold Coast yet to be discovered. There is a great artist hub, it’s just about choosing to surround yourself with the right crew,” Joy explains.

Joy has gathered some of the Gold Coast’s most talented creative’s to produce catalogues for her women’s fashion label, JOY FRENCH. “The look books come down to everyone I work with on the day being passionate about what they are doing. Each person involved is incredibly gifted so in a sense it’s not me, it’s us making the look book.”

Joy French expresses her creativity and builds her label on art and design equally. “Art and design work hand in hand. Art has no boundaries which then transcends into design that is then moulded and sculptured to suit what is more relevant and wearable for the consumer on a whole,” she says.

From creating wall hangings to hanging clothes on beautiful people, it has been a natural progression for Joy. “It was time for me to stretch myself creatively into other directions. People loved my art, so that evolved into the idea that people could wear my work. I liked the idea of a living canvas,” Joy muses.

The label JOY FRENCH stands on the principal of creating ethically crafted garments made from organic cottons. “The decision to become an ethical fashion label was simple – if I could be creative and also ethical in the nature of my fashion and art, then I am truly in touch with what drives me on a personal level.“ Joy has built strong relationships with the producers of her garments to ensure only ethical production methods are used, and all cottons are organically farmed. “When the manufacturing process begins I work with an amazing company where we work closely on making sure that all work place standards are in tact from start to finish. Ethics play a huge role in fashion and it shows in the quality of the work produced.”

The pieces in her ‘Transeasonal 5’ collection sing a song of nature, colour, sculpture, arts and music.

Joy hopes her next project will be collaborating more of her inspirations into her works. This won’t be a hard feat as her work is her passion and her passion is her daily indulgence.

“Everyday I am indulging myself, being able to do what I love to do. The greatest indulgence is living life passionately and in creative bliss.”

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CELEBRATING THE ESSENCE OF AUSTRALIA

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH 2010 7PM to MIDNIGHT CROWN PALLADIUM Last yearís extravaganza was a sell out so secure your tickets early online at www.fashionaid.com.au or email info@fashionaid.com.au

Proudly Supporting

Photography. APL Photography Make Up. Adorn Mineral Cosmetics Hair. Instant Rockstar Shoes. Tony Bianco Model. Iskra. Giant Models Model. Mathew Kennedy Design Proteusmedia

success in the make-up M

anuela Raschella is not just another pretty face; in fact as the make-up artist to many of the world’s glitterati, she’s the pretty face behind the faces you know and love. She is a woman who exudes style and has confidently built a successful business around glamour and elegance.

Manuela’s career in the make-up world spans over 20 years. Born and raised in Melbourne, she was influenced by an exceptionally stylish mother, Marisa Signoretto. Marisa was a hairdresser who would never leave the house without lipstick, matching shoes and handbag. That kind of attention to detail is always bound to rub off on eager-to-learn children.

From a young age Manuela had a fascination with makeup, accessories, fashion magazines and beautiful people. She understood that the perfect ingredients in looking good were dressing up in the right outfit and being groomed with the right hairstyle and highlighters.

It was inevitable that Manuela would follow her mother’s footsteps in the style industry.

In the five years of her career she worked as a representative for cosmetic companies such as Chanel, YSL and Christian Dior to name a few. During this time she was approached by another make-up artist who commented on how amazing her signature make-up designs were.

“I was astounded when another makeup artist complimented me on the way I applied makeup, this inspired me to take my talent further, so I did!” Manuela says.

by Dominique Bambino

Manuela started working as a freelance make-up artist and put her focus into bridal make-up. She then began doing test shoots with up-and-coming models and photographers to broaden her scope.

Her biggest break into the world of fashion was when she was asked to work for famous Australian advertising photographer, Eryk Fitkau.

“When I received the call I nearly died. I knew who Eryk was and couldn’t believe my luck. I was asked to work on an international advertising campaign.”

She began working as a contractor for the now late Fitkau in 1998. All placements were mainly for overseas clients, which enabled her to travel to several destinations around the world. This experience was both challenging and exciting.

Manuela also worked with Heaven Studios, where she remains after 10 years. She works alongside photographers Carlos Alcaide and George Apostalitis and treats them like her family. Together they create their clients’ final stylish look.

Manuela is versatile with her makeup designs and has developed her own signature.

“My signature is to start with a blank face and bring out its natural beauty in a very natural way. I love to bring out the best feature in each individual and I believe each one of us has a beautiful face.”

Given the time constraints with many fashion shoots; whether it’s theatrical

or special effects, Manuela has always managed to deliver the right look required for each shoot.

Manuela has worked with celebrities like Jennifer Hawkins and is dedicated to giving her the right look.

“I like to apply some lashes on the end of Jennifer Hawkins’ eyes as I feel this will enhance and open up her natural beauty,” Manuela says.

Another celebrity Manuela quite often works with is Bettina Liano. “Bettina has amazingly flawless skin and lovely exotic Italian features. I find the best way to enhance her beauty is to make sure the make-up isn’t overdone. She loves the smokey eyes and I make sure the rest of her is just glowing with her lovely olive complexion.”

Manuela continues to make her mark as a make-up artist and is also writing beauty blogs and columns for publications, sharing her beauty tips. She too keeps up with changing times by reading the latest magazines and following new trends around the world.

“A lot of what I do comes from somewhere among all the thousands of pages in magazines, to noticing the person who stands out in the crowd. I’ve stored it all in the memory bank. One way or another each one of us sets out to follow some trend to look the part.” www.facemanuela.com 57

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ALL ACCESS PASS TO THE HOTTEST DESIGNERS, ROCK STARS, PRODUCERS AND FASHION.

Y

ou were very young (13) when you signed your first contract. How did this come about, and was there a long development period before the first album was ready?

I was signed after I was heard singing at an Italian Festa Della Madonna in Melbourne, where people auction off their homemade cheese and wine for charity. My uncle run’s the event so he got me to get up and sing. I sang “Jumping Jack Flash” the Rolling Stones classic. Little did I know I guy from Mushroom Records was in the crowd. He signed me after he heard me perform there!

Sweet About Me was incredibly catchy and also very popular.

How much of the arrangement were you responsible for?

I co-wrote the track with Brian Higgins and Miranda Cooper. I spent many hours in the studio picking it apart with Brian, even mixing it. I knew the track was special when we were writing it.

We wrote many different melodies over the top of that one piece of music. Sweet About Me is like a grown up nursery rhyme.

Your new album Ten has a much more pop music vibe and some dance crossover. Is this a new direction for you?

Yes, I set out to do something different this time. I wanted to

an interview with

gabriella cilmi

by Dave Swinfen photography by Anthony Licuria

make a “Modern Disco” record. I initially thought I would write A New Orleans Piano record, but my piano chops aren’t up to the same level as Dr. John and Professor Long Hair. Donna Summer was a big inspiration while I was writing the record.

Her collaboration with George Moroder is one of the greatest musical collaborations of all time. Their music sent people into a trance.

Did you pen all of the material yourself?

I co-wrote the record with Brian Higgins, Dallas Austin, Greg Kursten and The Invisible Men – a great team of producers.

Tell us about the single Hearts Don’t Lie. The bass line reminds me of Betty Davis – I’m a great fan! The bass line is really the heart of the track for me. The Bee Gees, who I am also a big fan of, inspired the chorus.

Who have been your biggest musical influences?

Janis Joplin, Nina Simone, Suzi Quatro, The Sweet.

You said in a previous interview that Ten was an attempt to “smother yourself in gold paint”. What did you mean by that?

I wanted to paint my body, literally, for a live performance.

What inspires you?

“You can find inspiration in everything.” Paul Smith said that. I read that quote when I was in Amsterdam and it is true. There is so much inspiration around the corner, out the window; even the little dog asleep on the side of the road is inspiration to me.

What’s he thinking? What has he seen?

When free time permits, what are your favourite things to do?

Go for a walk, read under a tree, watch old movies.

Any addictions?

Chocolate!

What would you be doing if you weren’t working in music?

Maybe I would be a museum tour guide – I love History.

Are you a fashionista? How would describe your personal style, and who are your favourite designers?

I am inspired by many different people – Bianca Jagger and Isabella Rossellini. My favourite designers are Dolce and Gabbana and Halston. I love 70s inspired looks.

Gabriella’s brand new single, Defender, will be released on Sunday August 22nd.

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make-up must haves with manuela raschella Melrose Organic Liquid soap Being a make up artist I can wash my hands up to 40 times a day. It can be very drying on the skin. Melrose Organic Liquid Soap is the purest, mildest soap available on the market. I use it in the shower every day and have one in every bathroom in my house, one in the laundry and one in the kitchen.

All my guests comment on how silky their hands feel after they have used it and not to forget the amazing fragrances it comes in.

My skin always feels so clean and soft after I have showered with it. It comes in Lavender, Almond, Rosemary and Peppermint. This product can be purchased at most health food stores and selected supermarkets.

Ultraceuticals Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF30+ With the sun in this country having one of the worst ozone layers in the world, protecting our skin has become a major priority. We obviously now all use lots of sunscreens whilst we are outdoors, but what one out there really protects our face from aging, sunspots, pigmentation, freckles and the rest? Ultraceuticals have created it – the Protective Daily Moisturiser. I love and swear by this product. I stumbled across it a few years ago and find that it really helps prevent all those nasties from the sun. It also makes your skin look perfect as you are lying by the pool or beach or skiing down a mountain. It comes in light to medium or medium to dark. This one is a must!

Jurlique Soothing Herbal Recovery Gel If you don’t want to wake up with puffy eyes, always avoid using heavy creams on the face before bedtime. My bedtime secret is using the Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel as my night moisturizer. It nourishes your face while you are sleeping and is filled with a rich blend of herbs and plant oils, which restore and firm the skin, leaving you waking up feeling freshfaced and completely hydrated.

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Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Day Cream I have been a fan of this cream for over 10 years. It makes the skin feel hydrated, plump, fresh and even glow. It’s also great for underneath foundation. Nearly every model I use it on has become a loyal user of it. This is a great one to take away on those tropical vacations.

MOR Snow Gardenia Hand and Body Lotion This is a real luxury to anyone’s bathroom.

The lotion is blended with shea butter and macadamia oils, leaving your skin feeling pampered and silky. The fragrance is addictive – a mix of gardenia, ylang ylang, vanilla and sandalwood – simple divine!

Aveda Tinted Moisture SPF 15+ If you want that no make-up look but also want your skin to look flawless and airbrushed, don’t go past this incredible product by Aveda. Their tinted moisturizer is brilliant. In all my years of working in the industry I have never come across a foundation that makes your skin look so amazing. The colours are great, the texture is perfect (you don’t need moisturizer underneath if you don’t want) and it is SPF 15+. It is also fantastic for that mature skin, as it does not show up any fine lines

Mecca Cosmetica, Frédéric Fekkai Glossing Cream I have very frizzy, curly hair. For years I have searched for an everyday product that will make my hair feel and look shiny and healthy. This glossing cream is the only thing that really works those dry ends and at the same time leaves your hair with lovely curls, not frizzy ends. Add just a pea size of it to your damp hair and it will add moisture and eliminate frizz to all types of hair

Mecca Cosmetica, Nars Bronzing Powder When it comes to bronzers, look no further than the Nars Laguna from Mecca Cosmetica.

It gives most complexions that sun-kissed glow and it’s a perfect golden colour with just a tiny hint of glitter in it.

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the final touch

by Tammi Ireland photography by Anthony Licuria

S

he rolls her garter up and over her knee, securing it with suspenders on her thigh. Her lace bra has lifted and shaped her breasts into their most elusive position and is covered when she slips on her black dress. She twists her hair into a chignon and fastens it with a clip before applying one last slick of lipstick. Right heel slips on, left heel follows. She starts to walk out the door, stops, turns back and sashays over to the dresser...

Spritz. Spritz.

Now she’s ready.

Perfume is the most subtle, yet effective way to make a statement when dressing. Whether you want to seem powerful in the boardroom, sexy to your date, or girlie on your birthday, a spray of your favourite scent will get you over the line. When you smell sexy to yourself, you’ll act sexier.

The great thing about fragrance is that you can switch it up.

Celebrities, fashion and fragrance houses are constantly coming out with new scents to suit whatever mood you’re in (or want to be in). Feeling a little seductive? Try Gucci by Gucci with amber, citrus and rose notes. Those looking for a more feminine scent should run to Dior’s Miss Dior Cherie for a light strawberry, mandarin, caramel popcorn and patchouli mix. Fuel for Life by Diesel is a great male scent with immense durability, with the mix of vintage raspberry and star anise making women weak at the knees.

It’s always best to have more than one fragrance on hand, as a fragrance is an extension of the person you wish to be perceived as. How you feel at work is different to how you feel in your private life. Ideally, your dresser would be covered with five fragrances. One for summer office wear, and an alternate one for winter, one for evening, one for summer weekend wear and an alternate for winter weekends. If you really understand the importance of a scent, a powerful androgynous fragrance, such as the time-testing Jicky by Guerlain (established in 1889), would also make a great addition.

Our sense of smell is linked so closely with our emotions due to odours being reminiscent of sex attractants and stimulating our psyche. In fact, the neurons of the olfactory system terminate very close to the emotion-holding part of our brains. It’s no

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wonder then that a quick whiff of a certain smell can send our memories whirring back to our childhood, first love, overseas holiday or otherwise.

People are often unaware that they are genetically predisposed to choosing a certain type of perfume. This is because the manmade scent you wish to buy in a bottle must correlate with the emotional perfume needs of a person. If that correlation is not made, you will not be happy with your new scent. For this reason, the same woman may stick with the one scent throughout her teens, feel the need for a change once she starts working, again when she marries or has children, and lastly when she retires.

All of these high-emotion riddled life moments subtly require new scents.

It hasn’t always been like this however. In the early 19th Century, it was considered uncouth for women to wear anything artificial on their skin and only courtesans wore perfume. Instead, ladies would sprinkle flower water on their clothing and fans to invoke a scent. Eventually – towards the mid-1800s – artists and perfumers started experimenting with different mixes of materials to make striking scents with personality. Artists such as Oscar Wilde were very intrigued with the outcomes. In 1882 the first synthetic raw material (coumarin) was incorporated into a French perfume called Fougère. This was a revolutionary step in perfumery and was further advanced in the early 1900s when Ernest Beaux, creator of Chanel Nº 5, said, the future of perfumery is in the hands of chemists. “We’ll have to rely on the chemists to find new chemicals if we are to make new and original accords.”

And so they did, with one fragrance house after another developing new and intoxicating scents. First endorsed by designers, then movie stars and now reality stars, perfume has become a multibillion dollar industry. It’s incredible how something so personal can be so prominent in Western country’s lives – a bottle can be found in almost every Australian, European and American home.

And with new technology and new emotional markets, there’s no telling how far the future perfume industry will disperse as you add that final touch to your outfit everyday.

Tammi Ireland is a freelance journalist, and beauty editor of Coveted Canvas covetedcanvas.wordpress.com

Styling: Kat Traill Model: Ellie Johnson Hair: Michelle Furst Make-up: Nikola Komada Photography: Anthony Licuria

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Kake wears Laser Cut Jacket $998 by Dhini Couture, Buckle Trouser Belt $95, Medium Turnlock Bag $395 and Summer Tuxedo Skirt $295, all by Karen Millen.

Styling: Rachel Dennis Model: Kake Rainey Hair and make-Up: Emanuela Marchioli Photography: Anthony

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to

strutting the top

by Liz Rudenko photography by Anthony Licuria

E

volution as a term comes in all shapes and sizes - the evolution of technology, political acceptance, and civil rights. Yet whilst those may be the more evident evolutions throughout time, they are not quite as sinister and sizzling as the evolution of a woman. This particular evolution has worn many taglines and clichés; feminism, emancipation and of course ‘man eaters’. The development of women has come a long way since the days of doll, baby and sugar, and so has their fashion.

When the modern day woman glances through the history pages of the fashion industry she cannot quite decide if she is shocked, terrified or amused at just how much women were forced to conform themselves to be prim and proper, at least on the surface. One of the most evident pieces of women’s fashion going back as far as the early 1900s is in fact an apron. An apron was to a woman what a business suit was to man, a mask, a facade to convey her as the perfect ‘desperate housewife’.

The closest a woman came to feeling somewhat free was in summer, when she would step out on the beach in her bathing suit. In 2010 bathers are the hottest items around in the sizzling months of summer, we spend months trying to fit into the skimpiest one and enjoy every minute of prancing them around. Yet it was not always so. Like most items that represented conservatism, bathers began as more of a body suit - there was nothing flattering, sensual or exciting about them.

In the office, if a woman was ‘lucky enough’ to be allowed near it, her attire would very much resemble her rank - tailored, skirted, and completely unnoticed until someone needed a cup of coffee. What is unmistakably obvious when looking at historical fashion photos is how desperate women were for change; to wear pants, to vote, to simply have the right to choose everything about their lives, starting with something as simple as clothing; and so a revolution began.

Although thought to simply be a sex symbol, Marilyn Monroe was responsible for the development of women’s fashion - she simply didn’t care. In 1955, we saw a moment in Hollywood history that would be re-invented and remembered forever. The gorgeous actress wore what would be classified as a sultry and revealing white halter neck dress, whilst the wind of the subway blew her dress up and created a controversial escapade. Yet women were not the only ones fighting for their rights.

French designer Yves Saint Laurent, forced the world to see just how powerful a woman can look in a suit, creating the famous ‘Le Smoking Tuxedo’, making it bluntly obvious, that the apron and pearls were no longer the only standard, but merely a choice. It would seem that simultaneously the world began to catch up. In 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act bans discrimination in employment on the basis of race and sex. At the same time the Act establishes the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to investigate complaints and impose penalties on sex discrimination, and the world of ‘baby doll’ and ‘sugar’ slowly began to disappear.

It would seem women and fashion have come a long way, just one flick through any fashion magazine today demonstrates that there is no boundary we cannot or have not pushed. The modern day woman will not only wear a suit, she will wear it in her corner office and have someone bring her that cup of coffee, not because it’s expected, but because she has earned it.

It is often thought that women really have become ‘man eaters’, their provocative clothing, their strong business attires, and of course those killer heels that with every click scream power and authority from miles away, but in essence it isn’t so.

The rise to the top has in no way been to take over, but simply to keep rising, to be able to say, “I want that job, that car, those shoes”.

It isn’t taking over, but simply playing fair and doing it all in style.

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our modern gladiator

by Sarah Manton photogrphy by Anthony Licuria

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he is young, vibrant, intelligent and determined, and could easily be the envy of many. But instead, the beautiful Tiffiny Hall epitomizes the perfect positive role model for teenage girls and women. The 27-year-old first won the hearts of the Australian public back in 2007 as Angel on the highly popular Channel Seven Gladiators series.

Currently she is known best for her role on Channel Ten’s mid morning program The Circle as their resident fitness expert. She is also a highly renowned fitness author following the success of her book ‘How to Create Your Ultimate Body and Keep It’, a publication which was published last year and is now into its second print.

Away from the public eye Hall is also an influential presence in schools all over the country, encouraging young women to stay healthy and look toward their inner beauty.

“I run several types of programs, and usually I focus my teaching towards young girls and it’s pretty popular around the year nine level when body image is such an issue,” says Hall. “My main angle and what I hope to promote is that health is beautiful, and if you are healthy you are beautiful”.

As the eldest daughter of an Olympic Taekwondo coach and a mother who holds a black belt in the same sport, Hall comes from a competitive yet loving and nurturing family. Born in Brunswick and educated in Essendon she has always been a high achiever.

In her adolescent years she played an integral part in her parents’ business, but has now gone on to consolidate her own profile in a number of highly competitive markets.

As a Taekwondo black belt herself, Tiffiny has achieved many state and national titles in the sport and is now one of the country’s foremost media personalities in the areas of fitness and healthy living. Her philosophies on fitness and health are simple yet achievable, much of which she attributes to not only her upbringing but also her time on Gladiators.

“I grew up learning about the disciplined approach you need to have for Taekwondo, but during my time on Gladiators I also learnt that you don’t have to spend hours and hours a day to achieve results,” she says. “My body is a gym, and you can train anywhere, anytime by yourself. Just short sessions, maybe half an hour, but that has to be intense. You just have to eat healthy and move, it’s not about getting to a gym or depriving yourself.”

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Hall herself admits to not training everyday and believes that the secret to an amazing body and a healthy lifestyle comes down to consistency and common sense.

“I don’t cut out anything, I’ll have carbs and my body likes good fats. I do love my Sunday morning croissants, and chocolate throughout the week, but it’s all in moderation and that’s what’s important. I’m into anti-dieting and that’s what the book is about, but I’m into accepting who you are and being healthy”.

One of Hall’s biggest goals is to empower women with her philosophies on health and fitness and to encourage them to be confident and accept themselves in all their many unique and various forms.

“I do consider myself as someone who can empower other people; the book, Gladiators and now The Circle have given me the impetus to do that, and it’s all about people and what you can do to bring value to their lives. My number one thing is contributing to others.”

Halls sporting prowess and fitness knowledge is also equaled by her intellect and literary goals. She holds a Melbourne University degree in Arts/Media and Communications and a Diploma of modern language in French.

She has also worked as a journalist and is a published author, and with writing her biggest passion she is now in the process of refining her first fictional novel and hopes to have it published in the near future.

“I think that is a part of my life people don’t see, and yet that is what I spend most of my time doing. My number one passion is writing, but I’ve convoluted my passion along the way to do so many different things.”

“One day my absolute dream is to write full time and live off my books, but to see my fitness knowledge help others and empower them is something that I will continue to do”.

As a fitness guru or an acclaimed writer, one gets the impression that whatever Tiffiny Hall sets her mind to, she will achieve, not only in her actions but also in her words.

Tiffiny wears Cylk trek cami and afterglow top, Yoganic hooded short sleeve jacket, lululemon pants, Mimco gloves and stylist’s own crop hooded fleece jacket.

Styling: Micah Gianneli Hair: Michelle Furst Make-Up: Rialyn Deveza Photography: Anthony Licuria

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fashion F

ashion and sports are two words that rarely go together, which is why I have taken it upon myself to go out there and find fashionable fitness clothing. There are the rare breeds of designers that are producing fashionable and practical clothing lines for the exercise enthusiast. Brands such as Stella McCartney for Adidas, Puma concept, Lululemon Athletica, and Lorna Jane are a few favourites, but I was after something a bit different. As a personal trainer, self-confessed exercise junkie and fashion devotee, I am always on a mission to find fashionable and practical workout clothes, an almost impossible search I have to say.

I have found that my friends, family and clients are all looking for clothes that they feel good wearing, and want to wear whilst working out. They don’t want to be wearing the same clothes, which they could be found lounging around the house in. This 72

desperate need for exercise-wardrobe attention has further encouraged me to seek sportswear designers, which check the boxes ‘practical’ and ‘fashionable’.

With the cold weather only getting colder, often resulting in people wanting to hibernate away from workout sessions, I found it even more important to find clothes that are going to inspire others and myself, to get out there and train hard.

Looking tirelessly for weeks on end, I was nearly ready to give up, and give in. Almost ready to accept defeat and being doomed to wearing polar-fleece tops and tracksuit pants for the rest of my training days and professional career, my treadmill prayers were answered and I stumbled across Yoganic.

Yoganic is the first eco-lifestyle brand in Australia to produce a

nably fit

by Allison Jenkins

range with affection for the environment, by making fabric from such alternative material such as bamboo. Yoganic uses cuttingedge seamless technology, with its strength in design extending its client base internationally to Europe and the US. Bamboo clothing would have to be one of the most luxurious materials. It feels as soft as silk and cashmere, and works on the body so agreeable. Then why is bamboo so great for workout wear?

The great benefits of bamboo in sportswear clothing is that the fibres are filled with various micro-holes that are more effective in ventilation, also absorbing 60% more water than cotton and polyester, which is great for those wanting to work up a sweat.

Bamboo is a natural thermo-regulator, which means that it helps keep you warmer on the cold days and cooler on the hot

days, and great for sensitive skin, as it is non-irritating due to its natural properties. Bamboo also contains a unique anti-bacterial and bio-agent that is retained even after multiple washes.

Yoganic chose bamboo for its remarkable characteristics and ability to naturally replenish our earth. These qualities combine to offer a new level of luxury and comfort in a sustainable and ethical way. It is not only ethical but also well designed to make you feel and look great whilst enjoying a workout. What more could you want from an active lifestyle range?

With my wardrobe stocked with the amazing benefits of bamboo, I am already excited to get my hands on next season’s range, and for once I feel like I am fashionably fit.

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“bonjour, say hello to the french diet

by Ben Siong Founder and Master Strength Coach Australian Strength Performance

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salutè” I

t is widely accepted that when it comes to fashion, sophistication and a touch of class, no one says it better than the French. Yet in more recent times, it is their rather controversial diet that has stolen the limelight. From buttery croissants and fullfat yoghurts at breakfast, to cheeses and confit of duck at lunch accompanied by robust red wines, the French diet is rich in flavour, calorie dense and great at getting you into shape. Celebrities like Jenifer Lopez and Gisele Bundchen have both used this diet to regain their amazing figures after childbirth.

Here are 5 great tips on how living la manière Françoise can keep you slim, healthy and beautiful.

1. Make it a point to keep your meals regular The French diet is all about maintaining a balanced lifestyle rather than entertaining a quick fix. In France, people make an effort to incorporate regular meals into their busy schedules.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner tend to be the norm. By having fixed times for meals, you not only promote an effective metabolic rate (how much energy is being used up throughout the day), but also ensure steady and consistent energy levels during the day.

2. Take your time to enjoy your foods The French people are food connoisseurs in their own right.

Eating is a luxury and every mouthful is savoured, enjoyed and celebrated by their palates. Just by taking time to enjoy each meal, you encourage better digestion, decrease stress and get more satisfaction out of smaller food portions. Wolfing down your meals often leads to eating more (it takes an average of 15 minutes for your brain to get the message that your stomach is full), so eating slowly is a great way to appreciate flavour and cut out unnecessary calories.

3. Opt for Fresh Produce The French are big advocates of having quality foods over quantity. Fast foods and packaged foods are uncommon, and the French will go to great lengths to ensure that their foods are prepared with the freshest ingredients and the best locally farmed produce. Apart from enhancing the flavours in foods, fresh locally farmed produce also means fewer pesticides, fewer artificial chemicals and more natural nutrients for the body.

4. Make smart food choices Here in the French diet, lies the biggest nutritional paradox: If the French consume foods high in saturated fats and drink alcohol daily, how can they be healthier, slimmer, and simply thriving on it? Here’s a little wisdom behind their controversial foods. a) Butter over Margarine Staple French cuisine, with the likes of croissants and patès are known to contain copious amount of butter. Yes, it’s true that butter is a saturated fat, but more importantly it is also true that our body systems and cells depend on saturated fat for survival. Good quality butter from organic sources provides natural fats needed for the body. It is high in vitamins, trace minerals and natural antioxidants. When used in place of margarine, (a hydrogenated fat whose molecules resemble plastic), butter has scientifically shown to better heart health and reduce the appearance of cellulite in women. b) Choose a full-fat yoghurt Yoghurts constitute a huge part in French diets, especially during breakfast, and its benefits are plenty. High quality naturally produced yoghurt contains milk fats and proteins, enzymes, vitamins and live cultures for good digestive health.

The fat in the yogurt is crucial in facilitating the body’s absorption of the milk calcium, as well as providing the body with all the nutrients as nature intended. This allows for satiety, and less cravings for sweets. The live cultures in yoghurt additionally aid the intestinal tract in fighting off bad bacteria, breakdown lactose (milk sugar) and create an optimal environment for digestion. c) Have up to 2 glasses of red wine a day Wine is an integral part of the French lifestyle. From socializing to dining, the French never fail to be seen with a glass of wine in hand. Wines, especially red wines, are high in minerals, antioxidants and contain resveratrol – a special compound that is great in maintaining heart and arterial health, elevating testosterone levels (this helps to maintain lean tone muscle), keep a person youthful and sustains longevity. d) Keep well-hydrated with water French women always make an effort to drink lots of water throughout the day. Water is not only necessary to live, but being well-hydrated can also help speed up metabolism, promote weight loss, boost skin rejuvenation and maintain a youthful and more radiant complexion.

5. Enjoy regular exercise The French people understand the benefits of regular exercise.

In fact, they love walking everywhere. From the grocer to going to work, the French walk because they enjoy it, not just for the sole reason of keeping fit. Learning to enjoy an activity is a great way to stay motivated, maintain your health and sustain results. In fact, a recent American study found that people who exercised for weight-loss or toning up spent about 40% less time exercising than those who exercised for reasons beyond dropping weight such as reducing stress, spending time with friends, or to increase their well-being.

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bio-signature The answer to a slimmer, healthier, more beautiful you

M

any of us seem to spend hours in the gym doing set after set of sit-ups or various forms of abdominal work all in a bid to shed our love handles, trim our stomachs and attain a desired six-pack. Yet through all the sweat and what feels like countless hours of hard work, those stubborn flabby areas defiantly remain. In fact, all that cardio probably also increased your appetite and resulted in you having to eat more and thus put on more fat. So is spot reduction just a myth?

If you’re thinking yes, you’re wrong! Extensive research based on the work of internationally renowned strength coach Charles Poliquin has now shown that this concept of spot reduction is very possible. Without invasive surgeries or blood tests, BioSignature Modulation is a revolutionary technique which relies on a fat calliper test, and is an individualized hormonal approach to spot reduction, a beautiful physique and great overall health.

Let me explain further. Your body fat tends to accumulate in certain areas as a direct reflection of specific and individualized hormonal imbalances, and when you just can’t seem to shed that unwanted flab, it’s your body’s way of alerting you to the situation. So while exercise itself will not isolate fat loss from the desired regions, BioSignature Modulation can, and provides an accurate unique solution by addressing those hormones in question.

For example, having love handles is a sure-fire sign that you are consuming too much refined carbohydrates (such as food products made from processed sugar or flour) and/or fructose (fruit sugar) for your body. The sugar binge causes a surge of Insulin, a storage hormone. Frequent and excessive secretion of Insulin will directly lead to fat storage specifically around the sides. Thus by modulating your Insulin output, those undesirable love handles can be eliminated.

Here’s another example: having fatty thighs that just wouldn’t budge. For most women (and some men), this major problem is due to the accumulation of too much estrogens (both natural and xeno-estrogen) from the environment and foods, and their inability to detoxify these excessive hormones effectively. By working to reduce the build-up of estrogens in the body, you can expect to get slimmer, sexier looking thighs in no time.

With BioSignature Modulation, qualified practitioners are able to specifically tailor an effective nutrition and supplementation program that will be based on your unique hormonal blueprint and focused on addressing your individual hormonal imbalances.

To learn more about BioSignature Modulation, visit www.trainasp.com

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modulation

by Ben Siong Founder and Master Strength Coach Australian Strength Performance

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www.gibsonclothing.com.au

quin·tes·sen·tial male 80

quin·tes·sen·tial Adjective: Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.

by Osman Oz Abduloski

THE ESSENTIALS

Been between a rock and hard place lately? Look no further. 5 essential everyday items is a simple way to start, and will help you get out of any sticky situation.

Wallet - Cash, credit card(s), drivers license, business cards and a picture of your mum ... enough said!

Phone - With the evolution of the primitive brick, carrying one of these around lets the world know where you are. Accompanied by pros and cons, being lost is worse than being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Antiperspirant - B.O stands for Bad Odour, Body Odour, Big Odour. Key word, Odour! Navigate your way out of B.O and always use an antiperspirant.

Whether a spray, roll on or powder is your preference, simply use it! If you’re naive enough to say that you don’t sweat at all, find some honest friends.

Belt - It’s time to pull up our pants, brace ourselves and not let our undies do the talking. Regain dignity and look the part with a little accessory.

Umbrella - The wet hair look is dying. Gents, let’s be more prepared as we continue to experience four weather seasons in one day.

Street

FASHION FRONT

In 2010, the pool of Australian-based designers has increased tenfold. The profusion of ideas originating from European influences has grasped the streets & catwalks of Australian trends. Discovering these three iconic global and Australian brands, dressing the part has become hard to get wrong.

Key looks for now: Street: Lee www.leejeans.com.au Smart: Vanishing Elephant www.vanishingelephant.com Dress: Jack London www.jacklondon.com.au

Smart

Dress

GROOMING

CITRUS MINT MOISTURIZING BODY WASH (RRP $22.95) Achy bodies will be instantly energized with Citrus Mint Moisturizing Body Wash.

Refreshing ingredients Vitamin E and glycerine hydrate and condition while citrus infusions leaves skin feeling minty and fresh.

Companies that pride themselves on using natural ingredients remain behind the eight ball in a battle of capital expenditure to formally promote ethical techniques for their skincare products.

Avoiding all types of marketing/advertising ploys by companies can be a hard task. Using celebrities and faultless airbrushing techniques brings out the best in multimillion-dollar campaigns that advertise the use of chemically enhanced products that improve the skin temporarily.

American Crew on the other hand rely on pharmalogical, toxilogical, medical expertise and no animal testing techniques that ensure that their products remain safe to use and sustainable in the ever-growing ‘going green’ market.

Had too much fun on the weekend and can hardly make it out of bed on Monday morning? Don’t gasp in despair, American Crew, the leading manufacturer of grooming products for men, has a range of products to invigorate the senses and help kickstart the week. COVET suggests the following American Crew products to form part of a revitalising and refreshing grooming routine: TEA TREE BALANCING SHAMPOO (RRP $22.95) Relieve tired and sluggish Mondayitis with Tea Tree Balancing Shampoo. The inclusion of ingredients Echinacea and tea tree oil provide ultimate moisture, nourishment and cleansing for the scalp. A small amount massaged into your hair will offer instant soothing results and strength to hair.

LUBRICATING SHAVE OIL (RRP $24.95) Cushion and replenish dry skin with this non-greasy solution for a close, effortless shave. Eucalyptus and clove are just some of the 12 beneficial oils that counter nicks and razor bumps that may occur during a lazy morning shave. Lubricating Shave Oil is a great way to prepare skin before using American Crew Moisturizing Shave Cream or Precision Shave Gel. POST-SHAVE COOLING LOTION (RRP $24.95) For an instant pick me up, Post-shave Cooling Lotion dual action formula works to rejuvenate tired skin. Crafted with luxurious ingredients, pumpkin seed and other renewing minerals, it absorbs quickly, closing pores, soothing skin and preventing irritation.

Look for the styles above in your nearest salon or log on to www.americancrew.com to order your new, environmentally friendly grooming products.

UNWIND

New Gold Mountain: Levels 1 & 2, 21 Liverpool St. Melbourne, 3000 www.newgoldmountain.org Touted as one the best-hidden bars in Melbourne by many Australian touring TV shows, New Gold Mountain (NGM) takes secrecy to a new level. A lot of you may not have seen it, let alone heard of it. The slim, two storey building, with the stained red door is easily missed if you’re strolling through alley ways at the top end of Bourke St. So look out for the vintage bicycle attached to the wall facing north and the mere ‘21’ situated on top of the front door. The name is a reference to the Chinese Gold Rush era name for Melbourne, which was the next big gold field after San Francisco. Located on the cusp of Chinatown, NGM lends itself naturally to a colonial Shanghai feel with lanterns and imagery that stick behind an East Asian motif. Open 7 days a week ‘til late, NGM’s sleek two storey intimate notion has a capacity of 70-80 people with fine, grown-up, late night cocktail service. A mixture of vogue Jazz in the back of your ears will set you on your way to great finale to your night. The total NGM experience will not bring back any agonising memories of a drunken night you’ve just had, but will make you remember the key ingredients of the cocktail that rekindled your smile upon awakening next to that first date you took home. *Tip, get in early to avoid a limited bar service and don’t forget to try cocktail no. 20 – chamomile vodka, cassis, amaretto, elderflower and apple.

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quin·tes·sen·tial male 82

LISTEN

Boy & Bear With Emperor Antarctica (Independent) EP Band Members: Dave Hosking, Killian Gavin, Tim Hart, Jake Tarasenko, and Jon Hart.

Genre: Folk Rock/Indie/Roots www.myspace.com/boyandbearmusic Switching between radio stations on a long trip home from work is a crime that all drivers commit. Let’s forget about brand loyalty for the moment. The punishment is that you tend to stumble across the unexpected. From one station to another, a new sound is born. The distinct sound of an unknown instrument and a classic 70s folk rock rhythm was questioning my mind long after this particular song had ended. The band, Boy & Bear, took me back to Neil Young in the 70s – minus the frock. Boy & Bear’s first release titled ‘Mexican Mavis’ on their debut EP: With Emperor Antarctica, soothes the ears and provides listeners with a taste of a folk rock/indie sound that relives rhythms from Australia’s own Powderfinger. David Hosking (lead vocalist/ guitar) describes Boy & Bear’s music as a “combination of drivey indie folk and choral harmonies”. The EP itself deserves recognition within the home stereo. So, it’s time to throw away the dust collectors and introduce Boy & Bear into your Sunday stroll and ease your mind into Monday’s festivities.

READ

Readings Carlton 309 Lygon St, Carlton Victoria, 3053 www.readings.com.au Usually, this spread would consist of a combination of boring non-fiction novels that revolve around a particular story with an intriguing front cover. COVET, uncovers the master of all texts. Readings is the name; every reader is in arms length of any book, DVD and CD that has graced this planet circa 1970. Ross Reading, his partner Dot and Peter Reid first established Readings in 1969 on Lygon St in Melbourne’s inner north, which boasts the most influential Italian cuisine in the state. In 2010, there are six Readings stores scattered around Victoria that cross each corner of the state. Each Readings shop retains an intimate feel, with strong community ties and carefully selected ranges that reflect the character of the area and the tastes of their customers. With this strategy, Readings has become powerful enough to attain the Australian Independent Bookseller of the Year award in 1998, 2001 and 2009. With its stronghold on the book-selling scene, Readings allows public figures to stroll around the store and choose material they wish to read with lounge suites that will make you feel right at home. Readings, is the main driver behind promoting home grown writers that host book launches and build book reading clubs derived by the public.

THE ALPHA MALE Nick Russian, owner of EVE bar, Melbourne Russian? Now Nick, one would think that your surname represents your background. First off, let’s clear the cloud for the thousands of people that have heard about you and reveal your background or previous generations.

Surprisingly my father was born in Italy, but many moons ago, our family was apparently from Russia. Yesteryear, they would name somebody by what they did or where they were from, i.e. Brian the Goldsmith, Jon the English, Nick the Russian.

Maintaining a reputable business in general is hard work. Without revealing all, how will you ensure EVE remains sustainable within the entertainment industry?

I think most business industries evolve, however I feel the entertainment industry evolves at such a rapid pace as the target market is generally of a younger demographic. This means it’s important for me to keep in touch with the new trends as each generation moves in, covering music, fashion, TV and general behavioural patterns.

You keep yourself very busy; do you have time for those closest to you?

What three items do you never leave the house without?

Family is everything to me. I have a close relationship with my mum, dad, brother and fiancée as well as a strong group of friends. Work keeps me extremely busy, so unfortunately I don’t spend as much time with them all as I’d like, however we still make an effort to catch up at least twice a week.

Money, phone & keys

Being involved in your particular industry comes with many pros and cons. The pros are limitless, but what is it about the industry that you’re not a fan of?

I think everyone has elements of work they dislike, and nightclubs are just the same. Some nights in the middle of winter can be tough when kicked back at home on a couch while it’s cold and raining outside and you have to force yourself off the couch then into the club to be social. It makes it tougher if you’ve been working in the club for the past 4 nights in a row. You can occasionally get the odd prima-donna celeb, but overall can’t really complain.

Fashion is a key part of any prolific figure’s life. What are your choice of threads?

During winter I tend to wear the same daytime kit a hell of a lot, which is quite sad really. I’ll change up my shirt and shoes, but I predominantly wear my Armani jacket, D&G shirt, jeans and D&G shoes. Looks good, very comfy and most importantly keeps me warm.

Do u posses any instrumental talents?

What are the top 5 artists on your iPod’s most played list?

No musical talents sorry, although my singing powers have been compared to tones of cats mating! Horrendous! I’ve always been a sporty person so no time for music other than when in the club. My fiancé bought me an iPod when we first start dating some three years back, but it has lived in my draw for two and half of those years.

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84

luke dennehy sunday herald sun entertainment reporter and columnist

I

always knew what I wanted to do. I was always a curious person and have always had an interest in news and popular culture and gossip. It has always been a natural interest of mine.

I’m a pretty social person. I like the event side of things.

My main responsibility is the gossip column I do - two pages every week with a mix of celebrity news, entertainment, a bit of sport and sometimes a bit of politics. I collate the stories and organise all the pictures. That’s my prime responsibility for every Sunday. I also do two pages of Snaparazzi, which is all the events around town, premieres, musical openings, sporting events, and nightclub parties. I also write some news stories on entertainment news and celebrities for the news pages.

I get to see some amazing events. I’ve covered the Logies, I’ve seen six Australian Open tennis events, I’ve gone to every musical opening you can think of, I’ve been overseas with work in New York. I guess in the industry we take these things for granted. I’ve had amazing access to some of my idols and big names that I never would have had, seeing these people up close and personal.

I interviewed Cyndi Lauper a few years ago, who I am a big fan of, and she was running half an hour late, and it was just me and her in the room, and I asked her one question and she just went on a crazy tangent for half an hour. And I was thinking, here I am sitting in a room with one of my idols and it’s just me and her and this is a real honour and she’s gone really crazy talking about random rubbish and I’m loving every minute of it.

My second favourite interview was strangely enough Boy George.

He was very candid. Some celebrities, even local celebrities these days, are surrounded by minders and publicists and it’s hard to get anything really honest out of them. But he was just so honest, talking about his drug abuse, Kylie Minogue, his career ups and downs. He was so honest.

My favourite event was a party at the Docklands in 2005 that Red Bull did when they first launched their Formula One team.

You don’t see parties like that these days. P!nk came out and she

photogrphy by Anthony Licuria

performed with David Coulthard on a Formula One car. Drinks were flowing, a couple of thousand of people, an unlimited budget. That was my favourite party. With the economic crisis things are a bit tighter these days so you don’t see things like that anymore.

You can’t help but become friendly or fond of people when you’ve been in the game as long as me. Sometimes it is hard to have that balance. But at the end of the day you are a journalist, and that’s at the forefront of what I do. You have the responsibility for the paper and that’s the most important thing. At the same time, there’s not many of us who do this kind of journalism in Melbourne, so many of us have trust with big names and if we do have to write something they trust that we do it fairly and properly. And sometimes you’re going to have to write that hard story and celebrities know that as well I think, that’s part of the game.

The good celebrities know how to play the media game, and I think that it’s important that if you’re starting your career in TV or music, or anything out there, you have to get out there amongst the press. Danni Minogue is great, Delta Goodrem when she first started out. They really know how to work the media and they take it seriously. They know what a story is and they sell themselves well. It is a game. They understand that we have a job to do and sometimes they have to let something of their life back into the story. While it is a fine line, at the end of the day all parties understand that we are all doing a job.

You’re always out there looking for a story. We are at events because of what we do. We’re there to do a job. You always have to be aware of what’s going on. You might be chatting to someone but you need to be aware what’s going on two metres down to your right or left. You’re looking at who’s coming in. While it might sound glamorous, free drinks and free food, your mind always has to be on the ball.

Working around the clock – that’s the thing about the media that I love – it never stops. Sometimes it can be bad with your personal life, because you have to work late with lots of functions. Things can change really quickly and you have to be prepared for that. On Friday you may have what you think is the lead in the column, and then a big story will come through. So it’s juggling different pressures.

I like the variety. It’s not easy. There are a lot of long hours.

Sometimes it’s a fine line between pleasing people and keeping everyone happy, and at the same time breaking news and breaking stories. It’s really fun. I get to see a wide variety of people out and about, so I wouldn’t have it any other way.

85

tights are not ACNE Davi Crepe Slouch Pants from www.net-a-porter.com Burberry Cropped Wool-blend Pants from www.net-a-porter.com Miu Miu Cropped Gabardine Pants from www.net-a-porter.com

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I

t really couldn’t get much more stylish than a pair of J Brand jeans or a cut to perfection pair of Vivienne Westwood wide-leg wool-blend dress pants. Even less indulgent brands such as Cheap Monday and Tsubi provide some very stylish bottom options. So why oh why, is everyone wearing tights?

We spend our entire lives, looking for the perfect pair of jeans and the age-old question, “does my but look big in this?” is pondered and poked until our derrières are black and blue. So why, when we finally find that amazing pair of pants that make our butts look taut and our legs longer, do we reach for the leggings or tights?

Honestly, tights are the lazy girls attempt at fashion.

I blame it on Sass and Bide’s invention of the famous ‘Black Rats’ leggings, which every fashion junkie owns.

However no one seemed to notice that even SarahJane Clarke (aka. Sass) and Heidi Middleton (aka. Bide) teamed their leggings with an oversized top or dress that covered their tooshies.

The rule is, if your toosh ain’t covered by some heavyduty fabric, don’t leave the house. There is nothing worse than seeing someone too lazy to pull up a fly on a pair of pants happily walking down the street in her tights. I’m sure you have seen it before. You notice everyone’s heads turning to a particular direction and then yours can’t help but turn either. There, standing in line waiting for her coffee, is the tights culprit with her horrid, stretchy, almost see-through leggings, which highlight every curve of that poor girls ass. Simply put, wearing tights as pants leaves little to the imagination.

No matter how skinny your bum may be, the fact that tights should be left to the Ballerina’s and Renaissance Fair characters is undeniably true. Not even these activities magically turn tights into pants. They are simply activities that require no pants. It’s as plain as that.

Wearing tights as pants is simply, too much information!

Why did no one get this memo? Or have people simply given up on actually getting dressed in the morning?

Leggings look like you could have rolled out of bed, applied some mascara and ‘off you go’ about your day, blissfully unaware of strangers staring. Instead, indulge in some pants ladies! No one wants to see your crotch unless it is covered with some decent fabric and preferably a zip and button combination. If you want we can show you some desirable options that are appropriate and lust worthy!

Net-a-porter, the most stylish and coveted e-boutique known to mankind, doesn’t even have a main heading titled ‘leggings’ or ‘tights’. It reads skirts, pants, shorts, jeans – nowhere does it say tights. Except for the hosiery section where they belong.

So don’t be lazy and indulge a little – jeans for casual, super chic dress pants for work or special occasions, feminine skirts and shorts, you name it. Just not tights!

The real world will only tolerate the laziness of the tights phenomenon for so long. Your neighbours don’t need to know the most intimate details of your body and the damn things are frankly not sexy at all. Don’t you want to be coveted? No one covets a tights wearer.

pants

by Catherine Ciccone

Left to right: Elli wears Stevie singlet, Jake wears Kings of Carnaby Shirt and Jacket and Ksubi jeans (stocked at Kings of Carnaby), Monika wears Stevie singlet and Forever New pants.

Styling: Jamie Azzopardi Models: Monika Clarke (Chadwick Models), Elli Johnston (Independent), Jake Sofo (Giant Management) Hair and make-up: Morgan Hurst Photography: Anthony Licuria

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Glamour, Chic & Sexy...

K Concept is a lively online lifestyle concept store with a unique mix of furniture, lighting, furnishing accessories and gifts.

We have a great team, brilliant ideas, entrepreneurial flair and never ending enthusiasm behind a trend range of around 4,500 products.

Life is style K CONCEPT PTY LTD, Exclusive distributor of KARE Germany p.

+61 3 8060 3127

e. info@kconcept.com.au

w. kconcept.com.au

Kate wears Nicholas Karah Pek dip hem tank, $179.95 and Museum Leather crop jacket, $340, both supplied by Green with Envy. Life with Bird Nancy leather pant, $415, Miishu super stud belt, $65 and metal disc necklace, $135, and House of Baulch bling chain, $105 and Metal box chain necklace, $210, all supplied by Miishu. Other rings, necklace and gloves are stylist’s own.

Styling: Micah Gianneli Hair and Make-Up: Leesa Gray-Pitt Photography: Anthony Licuria

90

kate’s got killer looks

by Monika Pilekic

F

rom a young age, Kate Neilson knew that she wanted to do acting, appreciating that there was more to it than ‘acting’.

“Acting is not being emotional, but being able to express emotions,” Kate says. “People say that it’s easy. Thinking is easy, acting is difficult. And to put one’s thoughts into action is the most difficult thing of all.”

Studying drama and theatre at school, and completing intense training with NIDA and other various acting schools over the past few years, Kate has crafted this form of art and is now hitting the silver screen after humble beginnings.

Recalling small roles on Neighbours, which commenced her acting career, Kate also remembers her first short-film role opposite Vince Colosimo in Atlantic Star Productions’, St George.

“I played Vince’s naive girlfriend who fell pregnant to him whilst finding out he was an assassin. The film also features Steve Bastoni and Kate Kendall and was such a great experience for my first time. Vince is a great actor who I rate highly,” Kate says.

Landing a role in her first feature film on the big-budget spythriller, The Killer Elite, alongside Hollywood heavyweight Robert de Niro, has given this budding actress and model a stellar start to her film career.

“Being on a film set of such a huge magnitude and meeting such amazing actors that have so much respect in the industry has been unbelievable,” says Kate.

The Killer Elite has been filming in Melbourne, attracting international celebrities such as Jason Statham, Clive Owen and Dominic Purcell, who have been spotted around town. Using locations around Melbourne and regional Victoria, The Killer Elite has been using Melbourne’s architecture and laneway streets as the backdrop for the film’s international storyline.

While she can’t give away too much about the film, Kate tells us to expect a lot of action and drama.

“I play a British air hostess who Dominic Purcell’s character has a small love interest in. The script is great and there are only four female roles in the whole film so you can imagine the testosterone on set!”

Kate tells COVET that filming was “easy-going” on the set, with plenty of laughs and lots of jokes.

“As it was an all guy cast in my scenes there was a lot of humour going around and a lot of laughs. At first working with such established actors was really intimidating but once you’re spending hours and hours on end with them, that all passes,” she says.

“Being in the same room as Robert De Niro filming his scenes I had this really overwhelming feeling and I really appreciated his craft and what he does. The dedication and focus he puts into his work I can only aspire to be like that, he is someone I have always looked up to from an acting point of view from a very young age.”

With The Killer Elite giving Kate a mammoth stepping stone to further her career, Kate has set herself up for great roles in the future, also recently signing up with Liz Ellis Management.

While she is looking to travel to the U.S. at the end of the year, Kate would like to be based in Australia for a while, “as they say, there’s no place like home”, she tells us.

“There is plenty of work coming up for Aussie actors so I guess it’s just seeing which auditions I am best suited to. You grab a good opportunity and you run with it.”

You can take a sneak peak at Kate’s acting show reel at www. lizellismanagement.com.au The Killer Elite will release internationally in 2011.

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nick bracks

by Jamie Azzopardi photography by Anthony Licuria

lifestyles of the rich and famous T

he common perception about children that are raised in the limelight is that at some point in their lives everything starts to go wrong. We have all seen images in tabloid magazines of the children of the rich and the famous with their addictions or bad habits, and those secret moments that should be kept quiet that quickly come to light of the media. In an instant after seeing the image the world has an opinion on them, and then they disappear, in fear of what may happen if they dare stand up and take action for their misfortune. That is why it was so refreshing to sit down with Nick Bracks. The former premier’s son, and recently turned model (with Melbourne model management group Chadwick) has just turned 23, and despite his father’s fame, and subsequently the fame he has made for himself, growing up with a lifestyle similar to that of the rich and the famous, he seems to lead a fairly normal life.

It is quite frequently said that the calibre of celebrities that Australia as a nation has, does not compare to that of the world scale, however, the similarities in behaviour seems not to differ no matter what the global positioning. Most famed children go to upper-class schools, use their parents’ money at their beck and call, and develop a very controversial addiction to something that usually lands them in a whole world of trouble. It is true that Nick is no angel, but instead of taking the Hollywood way out of things, and getting his publicist to make an apology, he has paid for his wrongdoings and made himself a stronger person, both personally and on a career front.

Finishing his business degree at Melbourne-based RMIT seems to take up a lot of his time, says the aspiring businessman.

“At the moment I am studying to get my degree, it is hard

work, but worth the effort”. Although beauty and brains are often found in our modern society, it would cross the common persons mind to say both studying and modelling at the same time must be hard, but the very talented young Bracks says that although he finds both demanding, he can juggle between the two.

Nick has only just started his modelling career but has already been the face in a major American Crew campaign and walked in this year’s L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival for both Myer and Pacific Brands. Capturing the heart of many fans who watched either of his shows, Nick is sure to gain more popularity as Melbourne gears up to host Melbourne Spring Fashion Week in September.

After my chat with Nick, I came to the realisation that although he has had the ability to live as one of the rich and famous, and blame his misfortune on the limelight as most in his position do, he doesn’t, instead he lives as the average person does. It gives this young reporter hope that in our ever changing, and fast becoming shallow world, there are still amazingly talented young people in power, who are intellectual and career driven. Maybe the stereotype of children who grow up in the limelight can one day change, either way, Nick Bracks is not a name you will want to soon forget. The stunning model, and shining business student, is sure to take this city by storm, both on the runway and in the office.

Nick wears No Tomorrow t-shirt.

Styling: Jamie Azzopardi Make-up: Jessica Gay Photography: Anthony Licuria 95

bloodsucking forbidden love

by Snjezana Bobic photography by Anthony Licuria

F

rom the forbidden apple of Adam and Eve, to the forbidden love of Romeo and Juliet, our forbidden love for Edward and the Cullen’s has turned into a formidable love affair that we just won’t give up on.

The vampires are here, they have no plans on leaving any time soon and we don’t want them to. Our obsession with the vampire has turned into a forbidden love affair of our own and those who cannot understand this love affair are perplexed at the obsession.

We have seen numerous vampire flicks over the years, all trying to frighten us into the submission of fear. Who could forget Brad Pitt and a very young Kirsten Dunst in The Interview with the Vampire where Pitt is a 200-year-old vampire with a conscious who tells his tale of love, betrayal and loneliness.

The tale of forbidden love is something that is encompassed in Buffy The Vampire Slayer with Angel as the object of her affection, who mind you is a vampire himself. Then we have Twilight, which we can’t seem to get over at any cost.

It has come to my attention that there are a lot of Twilight haters out there. Yes we know the movies are teenage-based and deal with the sexual tensions of first loves, rebellion and the inability to choose what is right and wrong. We know that most seventeen-year-old girls would run a stake through Buffy, the vampire slayer’s heart, if she came anywhere near Edward Cullen.

The central theme of our Twilight Saga is that it’s that makes you say and act irrationally and begs is love?”

obsession with Stephanie Meyer’s about that first high-school love do stupid things and makes you the question to be asked, “What

It seems that the obsession with all things vampire, whether it would be Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, True Blood, or even Dracula, our obsession continues to linger with power, forbidden love and sex, and sex appeal of all things.

There is something so sexy about the characters of all the vampire flicks of the 21st century. They’re all buff, beyond description of human form, eternally good looking with no imperfections, and loyal to their friends.

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We are familiar with Bram Stroker’s 1897 Dracula, whose intensity and vile appearance would be enough to scare anyone out of their cinema seats in the 21st century. Lets face it; Count Dracula wasn’t exactly Edward Cullen in any sense.

So the question continues, why are we so fascinated with our vampire friends?

Because, we want to believe that there is a greater form to loving someone then jumping in the sack with them on the first hand.

Robert Patterson has been idolised through his role as Edward. When he played Cedric Diggery in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, no one knew who he was. So with a change of hairstyle, makeup and a quick wardrobe change, presto we have a heartthrob.

The old notions of blood sucking and inflicting fear into your victim are gone, the modern vampire is about preserving the love they feel for their mate. We have seen numerous love affairs since the inception of cinema, but have we really seen a person, even if they are frozen in time, care for someone that they are willing to die for no matter what? Sure, Titanic springs to mind, but that was nowhere near the same intensity as our vampires.

We fear the notion of vampires, we thrive on the sensation of fear and taking that forbidden step in keeping our lovers with us. No matter what the consequences may be, the forbidden love and desire is what keeps the vampire alive today, and a buff body here and there doesn’t go astray.

Twilight started our obsession with all things dangerous, the thrill of the chase, the notion that it is forbidden. All things forbidden are more enticing then those that are willing and given to you on a gold platter in life.

Director of The Lost Boys, Joel Schumacher, summarised it perfectly. “ I think one of the reasons vampires have an enduring quality is they’re the only monsters that are really sexy.” And he has a point. Have you seen a vampire of late that isn’t sporting a six-pack? The intensity and strength of the vampire is alluring because we all want to feel protected and safe and having a vampire for a boyfriend is sure to keep annoying suitors at bay.

Mia wears Temperley dress, $1,700 from Cyberia, Lucette jacket, $525, House of Baulch necklace $190, House of Baulch bracelet, $155, House of Harlow cuff, $199 (all supplied by Miishu) and Friend of Mine shoes, $429, from Shelleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shop.

Jackson wears Gibson vest and trousers, Politix shirt and shoes, and Cat Hamill necklace supplied by Miishu.

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the awakening fashions fade. style is immortal.

Styling: Micah Gianneli Models: Mia Harangozo and Jackson Young (Giant Management) Hair: Michelle Furst Make-Up: Rialyn Deveza Photography: Anthony Licuria 98

Mia wears DRKSHDW by Rick Owens jacket, $1,300 from Cyberia, Sacha fur vest, $649.95 from Green with Envy, Life with Bird pants, $415, House of Baulch necklace, $190, Bec & Bridge cuff worn as a choker, $135, Cat Hamill necklace worn around wrist, $75, House of Harlow cuff, $199, ATAT ring, $70 (all supplied by Miishu) and Friend of Mine shoes, $429 from Shelleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shop.

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Mia wears Nicola Finetti gown, $1,300 from Green with Envy, Hussy capelet worn as neck piece, $190 and Peeptoe shoes, $315 from Miishu, and stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own ring.

Jackson wears Gibson suit jacket and trousers, and Politix shirt, belt and shoes

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Mia wears Felder Felder dress, $1,475 from Cecylia, lightning choker, $135 and Festoon necklace, $135, both by House of Baulch and Peeptoe shoes, $315 (supplied by Miishu).

Jackson wears Gibson suit jacket and trousers and Politix shirt and shoes.

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103

mikey koffman

by Laura Agricola photography by Kevin Warn

the real

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O

ne might think that after ten years of being a fashionguru heavyweight, successful business owner and TV personality, an individual might be a little egocentric.

Perhaps exude that “too cool for school, darling”, persona as they bask in the cascade of their glory. So when I was offered an opportunity to interview Mikey Koffman, my mind filled with assumptions. And why wouldn’t it? She’s one of six stars of the new TV series The Real L Word (a show that follows a group of lesbians in their daily lives at work and play in Los Angeles), fashion producer extraordinaire and the owner of fashion marketing/events powerhouse, The Gallery LA. She’s highly regarded in the fashion world with a suite of accolades under her belt. For me, Mikey Koffman would be a woman who bears all the bells and whistles of the pretentious and seemingly shallow fashion world. And just like her lime-light hogging reality TV predecessors – Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag of The Hills or Kelly Cutrone from The City – I truly thought Koffman would project a personality tailored to what she thinks viewers want.

So let me just set one thing straight before we continue with this story: Mikey Koffman is none of the above. In fact, she is an utter inspiration to everyone – women, men, gay or straight.

Adjectives that come to mind are Charismatic. Witty. Poignant.

Reflective. Philanthropic. Survivor. And her success has not come by chance, but as a result of hard work, dedication and an unrelenting ‘can do’ attitude. Nothing about Mikey is constructed, snobby, or self-righteous like I had first speculated. In fact, I felt humbled by her frankness and modesty. Words streamed out of her mouth like ribbon as she spoke of her life before fashion (growing up in the projects), her company The Gallery, LA Fashion Week, how she rises above a lot of the “bullshit”, her efforts in giving back to the community, her real purpose in life and her participation in The Real L Word.

When asked puffery questions such as “What can you tell about a person by what they wear” or “What advice would you give to fashion aficionados who aspire to do what you do?” I could sense an air of discontent in Mikey’s voice.

“I didn’t start out of fashion. I worked in bars and on motorcycles.

So I haven’t grown up with this superficial attitude towards life, or people. I would never judge someone by what they wear. It doesn’t make sense to me. I’m a jeans and t-shirt girl. My clothes are not an extension of who I am, so why would I assume they are an extension of somebody else?”

Throughout my conversation with Mikey, it became apparent that her perception on the fashion world – the fickle and shallow nature of it – is the hot blood that pumps life into the vision for The Gallery LA. She spoke of The Gallery brimming with excitement.

“I love representing designers that work with less impactful material. A part of that is The Green Initiative Humanitarian Fashion Show we put on, which is our platform to give our eco designers 15 minutes of fame to promote their sustainable and corporation practices. It’s in its sixth season, we’re very proud.

We also utilize a carbon-offset program (which they achieve by planting trees in the weeks leading up to the event). I’m also into creating eco-friendly trade shows. It’s important that I focus on giving back to the community at large.”

Further philanthropic efforts include working with kids. “I feel guilty sometimes. It’s not like we’re saving lives in this business.

So giving back and working with kids is my way of making a difference and allowing what I do to have more significance.”

As a self-confessed “jeans and t-shirt girl”, Mikey’s admirable efforts are leveraging the LA fashion scene to new heights.

By aligning fashion with issues of the heart – such as the environment and philanthropy – she’s generating a new breed of fashion-forward thinkers by drawing attention to the “emptiness” cocooning her industry. She hopes her message will help people see past the shallowness of the fashion world, and instead realise it’s potential as being a powerful vehicle in making a difference.

“Here, in LA, we are definitely focused on consumer driven fashion and what’s selling in department stores and high-end boutiques. What the celebrities are wearing. It’s more about image. Superficiality as opposed to expression or sending a message,” she says.

Mikey’s entrance onto the reality TV stage was not intended to be a snatch at fame. On the contrary, she initially thought The Real L Word would take a documentary style approach – a raw and rustic look into her life as a surviving business owner and fashion expert deemed with the stereotypes of her sexuality.

“I was disappointed to learn that it was your typical reality series.

But I stuck it out in an effort to help people overcome the fear of homosexuality. Ignorance breeds fear and fear creates violence.

So hopefully viewers will learn that we’re just like everybody else. We bleed. We hurt. We love. We’re human.”

Alongside delivering a strong point about homosexuality, Mikey has an even bigger message to share about endurance and perseverance – powerful ingredients to being successful in both life and work.

“I was a super poor kid. I started out working in bars and fixing bikes. I had taken all the money out of my bike shop and sunk it into my own clothing line I wanted to launch. I was flying back to New York on 9/11 and I was actually supposed to be on the Pittsburgh to LAX flight that was hijacked, my bags were on that flight, so I lost all my samples in one day. It felt like I had lost everything. Every penny invested. Any hope of recovery. But it was an important lesson. The one thing about having your own business and surviving catastrophes is that you become resilient.”

Resilient she was. After one year, Mikey launched Sinner clothing which went international. She then became the inhouse Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Da Nang Clothing and Stitch’s Jeans. Koffman’s force and determination landed her gigs in producing internationally acclaimed runway shows and advertising campaigns. She was even one of the key people who got LA Fashion Week off the ground. And 2005 spawned her greatest achievement yet – The Gallery LA, a full service marketing and fashion event production company, made with blood, sweat and tears.

“I built my whole life on integrity and honesty. So it is hard to have somebody else (the producers of The Real L Word) tell a story about me that isn’t exactly accurate. I’m not always painted with genuine brushstrokes. It’s a shame, because there’s so much more to the story than that, like where I’ve come from as a woman, a lesbian and business owner, to where I am going.

There’s a level of strength and empowerment both gay and straight people can learn. Just from seeing how I overcame all of my trials and tribulations.

In an effort to reiterate the sincerity of her intentions, she added, “Hopefully, fingers crossed, the rest of the season will remain loyal to the reasons why I wanted to do the show in the first place; sharing my message about homosexuality and promoting LA Fashion Week.”

At first glance, one might think that Mikey Koffman is your typical egotistical, pretentious fashion heavyweight. I certainly did. But after just a few moments of talking to her, you can see the compassion, profoundness and good intention burning fiercely behind those big green eyes. The simple truth is, Mikey Koffman is a game changer – powerful role model guiding future generations to persevere in their attempts at making a difference.

She has the heart of a lion. Strength and dignity are her clothing.

The real Mikey Koffman is a fashion guru, successful business owner and now TV personality. But more importantly, she’s an inspiration to all.

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a little piece of heaven

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W

hile it may seem that most of your friends have escaped to a European oasis, Elena Papargiris explores how you can bring a slice of pure indulgence to your own home.

Awoken by a crowing rooster and the warmth of the sun at an early hour, away from home, you open your eyes to be embraced by a place so enchantingly different and vibrant, you can’t help but to think about how long you have been deprived of such beauty. Standing back, absorbing the nature, the ancient architecture and amazing history, sparkling with the constant gleam of the ocean – your safe haven you once called home suddenly becomes strikingly dull.

Santorini defines indulgence on a high. So beautiful, it appears to be a dream from every angle, and upon each glance. Comprised of gorgeous villages that are made up of white houses, and surrounding long, black sand beaches, Santorini is bordered by clear as crystal waters and steeped in a rich history that is ever-prevalent and inviting. Made up of a palate of blue and white, Santorini is coloured by scattered pink flowers that intertwine and crawl up buildings and decorate streets.

We all naturally crave escapism, desiring to indulge in beauty and shimmering attributes of things and places that lure you in. But how do we indulge in the things we can’t reach? One way is to surround yourself with replica elements of where you want to be. Create a space that is reminiscent of the place you desire to be, but is out of reach.

In essence, you don’t have to go to Santorini to be able to indulge in similar elements that make it up. There are many distinctive things that make the island what it is. Sure, you cannot create Santorini in your home, but bringing your living space as close to the place that you want to be is bliss.

The island of Santorini is the result of a huge volcanic explosion. It is furnished in lowlying cubical houses made out of local stone that have been rendered in white. The way the island is so natural in appearance is alluring. Juxtaposed to the big cities of the world, Santorini is strikingly beautiful because of the way its architecture follows the natural, easy flow of the waving land.

Houses and shops are built on the sides of mountains, dug sideways or downwards, in order to not disrupt the lands natural formation. Its perfection is not achieved through immaculate, clean lines and flat surfaces. The beauty of perfection here lies in a notion of easiness – uneven shapes and tones, lines and formations. The rustic and traditional feel of the architecture makes you feel as though you have woken up in paradise.

To bring a little piece of this heaven to your home, the aim is to try and incorporate elements that are distinctive to Santorini to your living space. Throughout Santorini the same colours are repeated through the architecture and furnishings. The island is coloured in a bold palette of blue, soft yellow and white, reflecting the traditional heart of Santorini.

These colours work well to create an enchanting atmosphere because they are the colours of nature, and in-turn, seamlessly align with the scenery – the sun, the ocean and the clouds.

There are a few creative ways to evoke this atmosphere in your immediate surroundings.

One simple way is to paint the window ledges in your home in a strong ocean blue colour, set against a stark white wall. Try and get your hands on some old-fashioned window shutters and fasten them to the inside or outside of the window to create a bold effect.

Paint them either blue or alternate the colours with the very few you have to work with, depending on what colour you chose to paint the border of the window. To create the full effect, add a soft lucent fabric as a side curtain over the top, in either a soft yellow or very light, musky green.

Beautiful large ancient looking vases will evoke a Mediterranean feel, and when surrounded by stark white and blue tones, you have your look almost mastered. If you’re renovating or building, use stone – preferably in white or cream – for the floor, bench tops, even to create a feature wall – the more rustic, the better. The aim is to create a villa that is so far from our westernized, traditional, stark and bleak style that you feel as though you have been taken to a foreign land.

Lots of sheer, light white fabric will add to the look. You can either employ it by use of swinging side curtains, or traditionally to create a willowing halo above your bed. The more that inspires you about Santorini, the more you can add to your own creation of indulgence.

There is nothing better than experiencing the real thing – the smells, the views, the food and the culture. However, those who have visited wish they could bring the beauty home with them, and those who haven’t, can create a little piece of what they can’t reach. Indulge in Santorini without even going there, by finding a way to replicate its characteristic style in your own unique way.

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FASHION LOUNGE www.fashionlounge.com.au 121 FLINDERS LANE MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000

DINEDRINKS Maze

Sou Soul

Level 1, Crown Metropol, Corner of Whiteman & Clarendon Streets, Southbank, VIC 3006, (03) 9292 8300 www.gordonramsay.com/mazemelbourne

160 Greville Street, Prahran, VIC 3181, (03) 9529 5670 www.sousoul.com.au

Dimly lit in a naturesque ambience of brown and gold, and the romantic air of candlelight, Gordon Ramsay’s maze eludes a unique dining experience for the fine diner.

Ramsay’s first Australian restaurant boasts a luxurious menu based on a tasting style concept, with bite-size samplers tantalising your taste types, accompanied by an extensive wine list to complement the menu. maze recommends a selection of different food choices, a combination of sweet and savoury, to stimulate the palette. For the full dining experience, you have the chef’s seven-course tasting menu; featuring the crème de la crème of what maze has on offer.

The menu consists of beautifully and impeccably presented dishes, with alternating choices such as seared yellow fin tuna, applewood smoked kingfish, seared leg of rabbit, and lamb cannon and shoulder. For a smooth texture with a cleansing sweet taste, opt for the melt-in-the-mouth barramundi, served with a side accompaniment of pureed butternut squash, compressed cucumber and pumpkin seeds. Between meals, indulge in gourmet bread with seaweed butter, to cleanse the palette, ready for your next tempting experience. maze breaks the formal traditions of French cuisine, and adopts local Australian influences adjusted with fine twists to produce its menu, taking you on a maze food adventure.

The dessert is a journey of its own and simply divine. Alongside the deconstructed lamington is the exotic fruit vacherin, a satisfying infusion of summer fruits, reminiscent of the summer days behind and soon to come after the wintery blues. My favourite however, are the white chocolate balls served as your last sampler. When you sink your teeth into these tempting treats, you are pleasantly surprised by the cooling sensation of strawberry ice cream. Delicious.

To make a booking at Maze Restaurant please visit NiteGuide www.niteguide.com.au/Melbourne/Restaurants 110

Sou Soul is a proud connoisseur of cocktails. For the team at Sou Soul, cocktail making is considered an art, and not without justification, with an extensive menu available for selection.

Selections are provided for fruity, floral, rich and herbal mixes, and within these, the addition of spicy, sour, sweet, herbal, dry or savoury ingredients combine to offer a range of choices rarely found in even the best cocktail bars.

Hospitable, open and friendly, the staff offers prompt and efficient service even as the venue begins to become more crowded throughout the night. The team are also happy to create custom-mixes on request if a particular cocktail is not included on its extensive Flavour Tree.

For the perfect beginning to a relaxing evening, try the Peacock Butterfly. One of the Floral “sour” menu’s most exquisite recipes.

Its infusion of lavender, ginger and cucumber are combined with a smooth hit of tequila.

For those who are craving a little Scottish fun in their evening, the Rich “sour” Dufftown is a textural libation combining the flavours of Glenfiddich single-malt, figs and applejack.

One of Sou Soul’s most intriguing takes on a traditional American cocktail, the Aviation 2010, provides a complex burst of flavour with the addition of gin, lemon juice and maraschino with violette caviar on the side. The sweet and sour variations create harmony and a full-bodied texture.

Sou Soul has also brought Harry Craddock’s Corpse Reviver back to life with an intense blend of gin, fresh lemon juice, Lillet Blanc and a float of absinthe. This Herbal “sour” cocktail omits an incredible aroma which arouses the senses before the glass is even lifted to the lips.

Through its comprehensive list of fascinating recipes, its hospitable staff and its relaxing, beautiful décor and eclectic selection of music, Sou Soul has quickly gained a reputation for itself as a venue that attracts a friendly, cosmopolitan crowd of all ages, who are united by their appreciation for taste and service excellence.

STAYRELAX

by Karajane Chapman from NiteGuide

Crown Metropol

Max Therapy

8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, VIC 3006, (03) 9292 8888 www.crownmetropol.com.au

www.maxtherapy.com.au

With spectacular panoramic views of the city scope, and the Dandenong mountain ranges in the distant skyline, the view is a sweet juxtaposition of two worlds. While you’re looking down at the drivers stuck in peak-hour traffic, you’re twenty eight levels above ground, surrounded by the décor of chic shades of grey and cream, artistic ensembles of creative design and warmed by the fire centrepiece. This is the experience in ‘28’, Crown Metropol’s exclusive sky bar and terrace. The club-like retreat boasts a dining area, lounge area, impressive marble bar and heated outdoor terrace, infusing different worlds for your personal pleasure.

Melbourne’s newest addition to the Crown entertainment complex features 658 design-focused rooms, with Soji-inspired privacy screens that divide the bathroom and bedroom, and the latest in-room integrated technology, such as iPod docking stations, high-definition LCD TVs and wireless internet.

The hotel offers superior service, premium in-room dining, a fully equipped gymnasium, heated indoor pool, and Isika Day Spa – your private retreat to relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

This metropolitan oasis is your perfect urban luxury getaway, no matter the occasion.

COVET in association with NiteGuide is offering discounted rooms at Crown Metropol, Crown Promenade and Crown Towers for a limited time only.

Book and Save: Crown Metropol – Luxe Room from only $255 a night.

Crown Promenade – Standard Room from only $256 a night.

Crown Towers – Deluxe Room from only $359 a night.

For more details and to book, visit: www.niteguide.com.au/TravelGuide.aspx

When we think of unwinding and relaxing, we are often led to believe that countryside retreats away from the hustle and bustle of city life are the best resort. Sometimes, however, all it takes is a short walk to your closest one-stop massage shop, to allow you to relax and unwind, with the time conveniently setaside during your lunch break.

Many people may turn their noses at the thought of relaxing at a mass-produced massage parlour – you know the ones, those conveniently tucked around local shopping centres, offering time-saving services while also indulging in relaxation, amongst the shopping centre traffic. However, this walk-in service is exactly what you could need to de-stress and revitalise your health.

Max Therapy, also known as Ma’s Massage, adopts traditional Chinese acupressure massage to provide their clients on the path of better healing and relaxation, to ensure general health.

The clinics offer a range of services, specialising in treatments for frozen shoulder, slip disk and sciatica. Other treatments available include the traditional Chinese medicine therapy of acupuncture, and massage packages relieving stress and tension from areas such as back pain, shoulder pain and migraines.

Max Therapy also offers treatments in reflexology, sports injuries and tennis elbow, allowing the walk-in service to effectively and immediately relieve tension.

On a recent visit to a local Max Therapy, the in-house doctor performed movable cupping to relieve my lung congestion. The ancient Chinese therapy of cupping bears the same properties as acupuncture, minus the needles; however brace yourself for the bruises which follow due to the congestion of blood flow.

Cupping activates the lymphatic system, promotes blood circulation, and helps with deep tissue repair. The process causes tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system and activate the skin, amongst many other health benefits.

Next time you’re in need of a quick fix and some time away, it is worth indulging in a treatment from Max Therapy.

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JOY TURNS VISION At BMW, we pride ourselves on turning visions into reality. That’s why we built the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car.

Utilising BMW EfficientDynamics, a groundbreaking series of technologies that deliver more driving pleasure using less fuel, it combines the performance of a BMW M model (262kW) with the efficiency of a modern small car (3.7 l/100km^). Every BMW is made with BMW EfficientDynamics, including the new BMW X5, a vision of Efficiency and Dynamism. Featuring a new selection of engines, luxurious styling and a new eight-speed automatic transmission, the new X5 range includes the X5 xDrive30d, the Ultimate combination of exhilarating performance (180kW) and sedan-like efficiency (7.4 l/100km*). Turn your vision into a reality, visit Bib Stillwell today to arrange a test-drive.

YOUR NEW X5 AWAITS AT BIB STILLWELL BMW.

Bib Stillwell BMW South Yarra 145 Williams Rd, South Yarra. (03) 9521 2121. bibstillwell.com.au LMCT 7674 ^Combined driving test cycle ADR 81/02. *New Auto BMW X5 xDrive30d. Combined driving test cycle ADR 81/02.

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The BMW Vision EfямБcientDynamics concept car. 3.7 l/100km^. 262kW.

INTO REALITY.

In the next issueâ&#x20AC;Ś Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Hats-a-ready: Your preview to Spring Racing fashions on the field BioSignature Modulation with Ben Siong More fashion.

More beauty.

More lifestyle.

MORE TO: CRAVE. DESIRE. INDULGE.

For story ideas, comments or if you would like to contribute to COVET contact Monika: monika@covetmagazine.com.au For advertising enquiries contact Anthony: anthony@covetmagazine.com.au

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