Metrowest Magazine February 2014 issue

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Issue 2 – FEBRUARY 2014

Olly Tripodi talks up a sense of community Interiors by David Hicks Design In Search of the Perfect Steak Sensationally Sexy Shoes

MetroWest’s best property guide

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Contents

We celebrate 2014 with our first edition of the year and welcome new readers to our magazine We at MetroWest look forward to bringing you a Glossy Community Lifestyle/Property publication that looks beautiful and is engaging. Our vision for lifestyle is to publish a guide on all that is available to live well. We will always try to support our fellow Australian, makers, designers and businesses.

So if you know of someone in our community who is worthy of a story please contact either Joanna or me.

I look forward to serving this vibrant ever evolving inner metro west community and if you see me in the street please stop and say hello.

Melbourne is a city that rises early.

In our household it is no different and my two young sons are prone to waking me up earlier on weekends than week days. We head out to a local park or the beach before the heat is in the day and count the number of hot air balloons in the sky over the emerald city, my nickname for this wonderful place we call home.

The inner west is a vibrant, cultural melting pot and in every suburb around the western bayside there are unexplored nooks and crannies.

I look forward to uncovering these gems that only the locals know.

19 04.

Home Interior Design

by David Hicks

06.

What’s On Guide Events in february

07.

Cover Story Olly Tripodi Talks up a Sense of Community

08.

Elaine Sharman Sales Director

Joanna Eveleigh-Whitford Editor

Why are we frightened by foreign investment?

10.

In Search of the Perfect Steak…

managing publisher | Brad Matheson | {bradm@magmedia.com.au} publisher | William Rowe | {williamr@magmedia.com.au} publisher | Susan Riley | {susanr@magmedia.com.au} sales director | Elaine Sharman | {elaine@magmedia.com.au} editor | Joanna Eveleigh-Whitford | 0411 194 807 | {joanna@magmedia.com.au} lifestyle advertising & editorial | Elaine Sharman | 0411 550 808 | {elaine@magmedia.com.au} real estate & property advertising | Brad Matheson | 0417 032 617 | {bradm@magmedia.com.au} design | Susan de Kretser - Smith & Rowe | {susandk@smithandrowe.com.au} contributing writers | Virginia Devlin, Tom Elliott, Joanna Eveleigh-Whitford, Hasanti Perera, Stuart Quinn, Enzo Raimondo, Peter Stewart cover image | Olly Tripodi

12.

Casa Di Tutti

13.

War of the Rosés

14.

Explore Singapore

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Sensationally Sexy Shoes

18. magmedia.com.au Published by Magmedia Pty Ltd | ABN 69 118 720 960 | Registered Office: Suite 3, 15-17 Pakington St, St Kilda VIC 3182 | Ph: (03) 8506 9908 | Fax: (03) 9525 3944 MetroWest is a free publication and is distributed throughout selected areas of the west of Melbourne. Views expressed in MetroWest do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editor or publisher. No responsibility is accepted by MetroWest for the accuracy of the advertisements or information within the publication. All material forwarded to the magazine will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labelled “Not for publication”. After two calendar months uncollected prizes will be claimed by MetroWest and may be re-drawn. No part of this publication may be recorded, stored in a retrieval system or reproduced in any form without permission of The Publisher. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this publication.

Natural Beauty in Summer

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The Master Property Guide

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lifestyle

Interiors

by David Hicks Design

THE BRIEF The client brief was to renovate their substantial home to provide more glamorous grown up living space combined with open, light filled family areas. This large family needed room to function in as well as separate areas to get away from it all.

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THE DESIGN A sumptuous darker palette was used for the grown up areas to provide a moody, glamorous environment. The formal living area was painted a dark grey and layered with the deep blue custom rug and aubergine velvet sofa. A burl wood timber coffee table and grand piano set the scene. The theme from the formal living room was followed through into the master bedroom creating a sanctuary for the clients.

Dark grey walls offset by textured wallpaper were layered with French antiques and modernist furniture.

Out in the more informal areas a lighter palette was favoured combining white and neutrals along with texture provided by the stonework fireplace. Oversized custom sofas were designed to fit with the scale of the room along with a continuous concrete banquette covered with soft linen cushions connecting the spaces together. The concrete floor was inlaid with timber to provide warmth and contrast with the grey colour of the concrete.

The textural richness of this house provides a warm and inviting space in which to live.

lifestyle

images: Interiors by David Hicks P.

5 ISSUE 2

lifestyle

What’s On in February

Summer in the West Midnight Night in Paris: Swing Dance Ball 7.30pm Friday 14 February The Substation, 1 Market Street, Newport.

This Valentine’s Day SwingStation presents Midnight In Paris with Melbourne’s favourite jazz band Leigh Barker and The New Sheiks

For ticket and further information visit: www.thesubstation.org.au

Summer Sounds: Musical Mix Tape of Folk, Roots and Blues 2pm-5pm Saturday 15 February The Rotunda, Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown.

Free event, bring a picnic.

For more information: 9932 1000 Visit: www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

We Can Walk it Out – Fun Run and Walk 7.30am-2pm Sunday 16 February Kings Domain, The Tan Track, Gate 9 Alexandra Avenue, Melbourne.

An 8km and 4km run and a 4km walk to raise awareness for ovarian cancer.

A fun day out for the entire family, with free BBQ for all, prizes and light family entertainment.

Visit: www.2014wecanwalkitout. gofundraise.com.au

The Saxton Ultimate Event Experience 7.20am-10.10am Wednesday 19 February Plenary 3, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, 2 Clarendon Street, South Wharf.

Free event, registration required.

Yarraville Festival 11am-8.30pm Sunday 16 February Yarraville Village, Yarraville.

Yarraville Village celebrates with music, arts, crafts, food and fun.

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Visit: www.yarravillefestival.com.au

The fifth annual Saxton Ultimate Event Experience will feature 12 of the world’s leading speakers and entertainers, each presenting for 10 minutes in an action-packed 2.5 hours.

Visit: www.saxton.com.au/suee2014

Flap!

8pm Saturday 22 February The Substation, 1 Market Street, Newport.

A five-piece band of brass, guts, words and skins who crank out up-tempo songs, turning street shoes into dancing shoes.

For ticket and further information visit: www.thesubstation.org.au

Moonee Valley Festival 10am-5pm Sunday 23 February Queens Park, Moonee Ponds.

Moonee Valleys largest community celebration with performances, workshops, sports tasters and music based activities for the family.

cov er s to ry

Olly Tripodi talks up a sense of community

“

There has never been a generation like ours that is so active, so passionate, inspiring and inspired.

Before meeting Olly I was not sure what to expect. A true son of Williamstown, growing up and schooled locally with lots of socialising along the way, his reputation precedes him as a true inspiration to his generation. We should all stand proud and applaud Olly’s nomination as: MTV Movement’s ‘Inaugural Millennial Leader’ for 2014. With this he can now continue his work in youth issues and take them to Federal Parliament in Canberra.

MTV’s ‘Movement’ campaign was formed after media coverage during the Federal election “portrayed the millennial generations as apathetic and somewhat disengaged in the political process.”

The problem is more about “the inability to talk to young people about the issues they think are important and a voice to express them.” The campaign was set up to highlight issues that matter to young people and lead social action to improve the future for young Australians. As Millennial Leader, Olly receives support from MTV, M.A.D.E (Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka), national youth and social action organisations and the House of Representatives.

Gen Y’s are just as passionate about their community, and this forum allows them

”

freedom to express their own views and unbiased opinions. Olly has an engaging personality and a genuine disposition to look out for others. His passion flows into his work and his beliefs are profoundly humanitarian. He says, “It was never a political ambition, more a sense of community. Young people are not defined by their postcode; we are a global community with some strong beliefs.”

Interestingly, research finds the number one priority for young people is to be happy with major concerns on: poverty alleviation, climate change, youth mental health, asylum seekers, gay marriage. “Young people are more progressive”, Olly declares. “There has never been a generation like ours that is so active, so passionate, inspiring and inspired.”

Tripodi is also heavily involved in Youth Parliament. “As a teenager I wanted to engage myself with the world and it provided me with that stepping stone.

Youth Parliament gives young people a voice to have a say in their communities.

The range of social issues is broad but they tend to be on policy rather than politics, ideas rather than ideology.” Twenty teams of 6 individuals between ages 16-25 years participate in Youth Parliament and each team draws up their own ‘legislation’.

By Joanna Eveleigh-Whitford

The teams then debate their bill at the Victorian Parliament in the city. If it is passed in the Youth Parliament it is then taken to the relevant government and shadow ministers to debate.

The inner west is continuing its rapid growth with new residents looking for a healthier, family lifestyle and these movements are leading to an increase in gentrification.

More emphasis needs to be placed on providing community focused programs and engaging those at school to become more socially active. Olly really cares about young people and youth issues and knows how underrepresented his demographic is in the legislative, decision-making process.

“Any impact I can have to make sure that young people are represented when laws are made, decisions are made and conversations are had is a good thing.”

Says Olly of becoming the first Millennial Leader, “I don’t think there has been an opportunity of this magnitude to make a real change in Australia in our generation. I’m absolutely overwhelmed to be representing and advocating for the beliefs of young people!”

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business

Why are we frightened by

foreign investment?

BY Tom Elliott Over the last few weeks, a couple of odd government decisions have been made regarding foreign investment.

Both of these suggest Australia remains suspicious of money that lands here from offshore. Unfortunately, over the longer term this attitude is detrimental to our economic wellbeing and will come back to bite us on the proverbial.

The first odd decision, by Treasurer Joe Hockey, was to reject the takeover bid by US firm Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) for Graincorp as “...not being in the national interest”. At the total bid price of $13.20 per share, ADM proves itself willing to pay an over-the-top amount for a local grain handling company whose profits are cyclical at best.

Had they been successful with the takeover, the Americans were also prepared to invest between $200m and $250m updating much of Graincorp’s infrastructure – wheat silos, rail sidings, port facilities and so on. Now at a much reduced share price, GNC’s local investors will have to bear this burden themselves.

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The other odd decision regarding foreign investment was the Government’s refusal to contemplate an increase in the proportion of overseas buyers who can hold Qantas shares.

Since it floated two decades ago, the Qantas

Sale Act has prevented foreign investors from owning a majority share in ‘our’ airline.

Yet now that Qantas needs more shareholders’ funds to reduce debt and upgrade its fleet (ie the very planes on which we fly), its capacity to raise funds remains limited.

Both the Graincorp and Qantas examples demonstrate why Australia needs more foreign investment. Without it, many of our major companies would lack the capacity to grow and upgrade the services their customers often take for granted.

Over the last 240 years, Australia has always been a net importer of investment capital.

And while the source of this money may have shifted from Britain, to the US, then to Japan and now, increasingly, to China, our need for it has never changed.

The way balance of payments accounting works is that any deficit on the Current

Account (ie the surplus of imports over exports of goods and services) must be met by a surplus on the Capital Account (ie increased borrowing and capital injections from overseas). For decades, Australia has consistently run a Current Account Deficit, as while we love to import foreign made goods, we are less successful when it comes to exporting things we produce.

This Deficit can, and often is, financed by borrowing from overseas. But do we really want to keep funding our profligate spending habits on a foreign sourced credit card?

Alternatively, successful cities and economies welcome foreign investors (as opposed to lenders), as their presence suggests the locals are actually doing some things right. We therefore reject capital providing firms like ADM at our economic peril...

business

Invest in Sensible

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Experts in their field, they provide a strong focus on the management, sales and leasing of office space in central locations. MCO pride themselves on giving any business the ongoing support required to achieve business success.

Two prestigious locations, St Kilda Rd Towers and Exchange Tower currently have a selection of impressive offices available for purchase from just $150,000. All offices are fully fitted with the latest in modern furnishings and can be customised to the company’s requirements. With strong net returns from 8% and reliable corporate tenants who pay all outgoings, this really is the reason to invest in Sensible. Purchasing an office as an

investment is the ideal self-managed super fund opportunity. And for those eligible, there may be large tax and depreciation benefits.

Business Centre, boardrooms, food court, restaurant, gym, car parking, storage facilities, bank, dry cleaner and newsagent.

Both buildings offer serviced office and commercial leasing options with a range of flexible spaces available for 1-20 people.

Tenants will feel right at home in either location and the sense of community provides an opportunity to build invaluable Business 2 Business relationships to help a business grow.

EXCHANGE TOWER

ST KILDA RD TOWERS St Kilda Rd Towers is located at 1 Queens Road, just minutes from the CBD alongside the St Kilda Road business networking precinct. The multitude of professional and lifestyle services and facilities ensure that you will never have to leave the building.

Onsite outlets include a professional

Based in the heart of the CBD, look no further than Exchange Tower at 530 Little Collins Street. Right in the hub of Melbourne’s legal and financial precinct; Exchange Tower is all about old age elegance and provides a tight knit community of like minded and reliable tenants. Similar to St Kilda Rd Towers there is an excellent range of onsite facilities including a professional Business Centre, boardrooms with video conferencing facilities, car park, gym and more.

For further information on either of these amazing properties please call 9863 8888 or visit mco.com.au

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lifestyle

In Search of the

Perfect

Steak

BY Joanna Eveleigh-Whitford The Most Serious Steak House in Melbourne has opted for an industrial décor, with a massive black bull to welcome diners into a Spanish feel with dark wooden floor boards and a generous splash of flamenco red detailed in the art on walls and ceiling.

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...probably the best steakhouse in the World!

Meat produce is bought from a number of specialist, gold medal winning, Australian farms: David Blackmore, Sheer and Mayura to name a few. These stations supply the Japanese market and Steer have managed to absorb most of their Australian distribution.

The steak selection is extensive. The wagu is categorised between pasture fed and grain fed with further preferences in the number of ration days. Portered to each table before ordering is an oversized tray of assorted steak; the difference of each cut is carefully explained. Rule of thumb: the juicier and more flavoursome the steak - choose the steak with the most marbling (fat throughout the meat). Cooking processes can be explained; in fact anything you need to know is easily gleaned from the bunch of friendly and professional staff.

The oyster bar selection provides enough dazzle for the most entrepreneurial of diners.

A favourite is Kyoto Styled Pickled - oysters topped with Tobiko (flying fish roe), kewpie (Japanese mayo) and konbu (kelp) sauce; a daring and exotic combination where the combining flavours bounce off one another deliciously, much to Elaine’s delight. Equally delicious and more delicate is the Black Russian Gazpacho flavoured gracefully with

coriander and cumin. For added colour the Iranian zucchini flowers stuffed with Buffalo ricotta, date, mint and chilli provided another ’spring garden’, taste sensation.

We were recommended tasting portions of wagu porterhouse from Mayura Station, SA - a creamy, melt-in-the-mouth sensation; pasture fed, traditionally rich tasting Flat Iron from Black Angus, VIC and a delicious F1, grain fed Flank from Darling Downs, QLD consisting of definitive marbling and an irresistible flavour. Each providing its own flavour, texture and butteriness, allowing discerning palettes the enjoyment of a share plate of steak.

The green sides consisted of a combination of salsify, broccoli and fresh snap peas.

We munched on a pumpkin, chickpea salad, the blended mint and parsley complimenting the flavour beautifully.

Brand new to the summer menu is Key Lime Pie; lemon ice cream and custard layers on a biscuit base, crunchy meringue and toppings of seasonal blackberries and juicy raspberries. For visual delight opt for the Coconut and Mango rice pudding; coconut jelly built on walnut sponge and adorned with black rice for a perfect, crunchy texture.

Petit fours of chocolate squares with a pinch of shaved sea salt atop finish the meal and are complimented to every table.

Simply served on wooden boards and white china the menu colours are fresh and summery. In a traditionally masculine environment, this steak restaurant breaks down old conceptions providing a luxurious yet comfortable fine dining experience for all.

good food

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good food

Casa Di Tutti Authentic combinations achieve an inspiring menu which changes seasonally and incorporates fresh produce bought daily.

BY Joanna Eveleigh-Whitford

plate of ’Funghi Ripieni’, combining portobello mushrooms with pine nuts and raisins, served with a red capsicum pesto. A handful of porcini and portobello mushrooms infused with white truffle oil offers one of several simple yet divine pizza combinations. After all why make it complicated?

Says Domenic, “Many of my products are shipped from Italy for their authenticity. We

Opening its doors this year in the inner west, Casa Di Tutti restaurant is exactly what you would find in suburban Italy. Owner/chef Domenic Zema has instilled his passion and drive into his restaurant and provides his diners with delicious dishes using over 330 different ingredients. Having worked under many Melbourne chefs, Domenic now has the luxury of perusing through personal family recipes to present less known but hugely popular Italian dishes.

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This is not just another pizza/pasta bar.

Authentic combinations achieve an inspiring menu which changes seasonally and incorporates fresh produce bought daily.

A current sharing favourite is ‘Polpettine di Pollo’: chicken, zucchini and ricotta meatballs served with a rustic Napoli sauce. Mushroom loving vegans cannot go past the perfect share

The market produce dictates the daily specials and these accompany main dishes of Scaloppine di Vitello: tender veal back strap with Sicilian capers, lemon and veal jus served on an asiago baked polenta. Sitting proudly is the dish of Pollo alla Griglia: a combination of chargrilled chicken marinated in preserved lemon and oregano, served with potato puree and chorizo sausage, with a roasted chicken jus. won’t skimp on quality and value; food is very visual and should make the mouth water.” The olive oil served at each table is supplied from the family’s winery, the olives having come from Nonna’s trees. In fact Nonna is consulted over a number of recipes and brought to her grandson’s attention a unique yet traditionally Italian lasagna dish that simply flies off the menu. Aptly named, ‘Lasagna della Nonna’ it combines sheets of lasagna layered with Virginian ham, hardboiled egg and mozzarella cheese.

Rounding up this culinary Italian dining experience are plenty of sumptuous sweets to discover. ‘Zeppole’ (Italian doughnuts) and the sweet desert, ‘Calzone di Nuttela e Fragola’ (filled nutella, mascarpone and strawberries).

Perfect for two on a summers evening.

The pièce de résistance is left until the end and out comes a bottle of Lemoncello liqueur.

Mainly produced in the south of Italy, this alltime favourite with Italians is about as authentic as it gets and has gained popularity on dining tables around the world in recent years.

good wine

JAX COCO Jax Coco is 100% pure coconut water sourced from premium young coconuts, packaged in stylish glass bottles designed by Alasdhair Willis. Using a unique micro-filtering process, Jax Coco unites chic, minimalist design with an elegant, refreshing taste and has quickly garnered a celebrity following that include the likes of Jamie Oliver, Liz Hurley and Sienna Miller.

RECIPES In Vogue 60ml Jax Coco 50ml vodka 15ml lychee liquor 10ml lemon juice

WAR OF THE

ROSés

BY Stuart Quinn As the days grow longer and the weather warmer, the wines we drink grow appropriately lighter and colder.

At least, they should – anyone who, like me, has struggled through a few glasses of Barossa Shiraz on a sun-drenched café strip can likely recall the unpleasantly loud and bright ‘morning after’. There are solutions, however, apart from a three-month commitment to Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio - and many of them are pink.

Mateus Rosé, the famous tear-shaped bottle that lines the shelves of every Liquorland in the country, is the elephant in the room, here, or at least it would be if people felt about elephants the way they feel about skunks. Massively fruity, slightly fizzy and eighties-eye-shadow crimson, Mateus is by far the most iconic rosé in the country, and the non-vintage blend has remained essentially the same for the last half-century. Credit where it’s due though – Mateus, produced by the Portuguese Vinhos Sogrape, is a perfectly fine drink, if slightly retro. It’s true that it’s unlikely to gain a Langton’s Classification, though it will usually leave a tram ride’s worth of change from fifteen dollars.

More locally, and more ‘seriously’, South Australian icons like Charles Melton (with his consistently stunning ‘Rose of Virginia’) and Steve (S.C.) Pannell produce stunning (and very different) rosés. Rose of Virginia harks back to the classical Southern-French style – lightish and dry with rockmelon, aniseed and a touch of raspberry. Pannell’s Grenache rosé is more New-World, and combines the raspberry and spice with a delicious jolt of rosewater and crushed petals.

A less local winery to watch, in terms of all things pink, is New Zealand’s Wooing Tree Vineyards, located in the town of Cromwell in Central Otago. Their rosé of Pinot Noir seamlessly melds wild strawberries with red fruit and has a beautiful, slightly creamy texture.

The ‘13 is downright stunning, and worth buying in the largest quantities possible.

All of the above wines, with the exception of the Mateus, should retail for between twenty and thirty dollars per bottle, and will, at least, be able to be ordered anywhere fine wine is sold.

- Stir all ingredients and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

- Garnish with skewered lychee sphere.

Jax On The Beach 60ml Jax Coco 50ml white rum 3 kaffir lime leaves 15ml light agave syrup 1/2 lime

- Cut lime into 4 pieces.

- Muddle lime gently with agave syrup and lime leaves in a highball glass.

- Add rum and Jax Coco to muddled ingredients.

- Top with ice and stir till well chilled.

Best enjoyed cold.

Afternoon Delight 1 whole fresh passion fruit 60ml fresh mango juice 60ml Jax Coco 50ml of soda water or sparkling mineral water

- Build all the ingredients in a tall glass, add ice and top up with soda.

The Pick Me Up 1 handful mixed berries 1 handful kale 1 medium-sized banana 250ml Jax Coco Ice

- Just blend together and serve!

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t r av e l

Explore Singapore Singapore is undoubtedly a sophisticated metropolis, but just beyond the city limits are areas that still maintain their untouched, old-world charm

By Hasanti Perera

Singapore has long been a favourite destination for Australian travellers. For a start, it’s a short flight… and there’s the shopping – and lots of it!

It’s difficult to resist the ultra-modern and high end shopping haven of Orchard Road with its glitzy shops, designer labels and mega malls.

And the popular Clarke Quay area boasting trendy bars, restaurants and cafés while Sentosa provides beach-side family entertainment: and yet, Singapore has so much more to offer.

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Singapore is undoubtedly a sophisticated metropolis, but just beyond the city limits are areas that still maintain their untouched, old-world charm and Singapore offers three unique local enclaves to explore: Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street.

Not far from bustling Orchard Road is the old Chinese quarter or Chinatown. Traditional shophouses still line the streets and inside are many original traders selling their wares and small, family-owned eateries which offer local and authentic fare from a simple breakfast and coffee to local delicacies. It’s an experience to wander these streets, sit in a café and watch the locals going about their business; catching up with friends for a quick snack at their favourite eatery or chatting animatedly with wide smiles.

Famous for its sari shops, Hindu temples, noisy streets blaring Bollywood music

and fantastically spicy food, Little India is Singapore’s Indian enclave and it’s not unusual to see many old trades along the roadside such as fortune tellers, flower vendors selling garlands of jasmine or nut sellers pushing their carts which adds to the charm.

Arab Street or Kampong Glam has a vibrant and trendy feel with traditional shophouses painted in bright colours; outlets for restaurants, cafés, art galleries, small businesses and craft and curio shops.

As well as the location of the important mosque, Masjid Sultan, Kampong Glam also offers a myriad of opportunities to discover an eclectic mix of haberdashery shops and vendors selling local wares to small outlets offering bales of silk, batik, lace, organza, and where tailoring services are also available.

Naumi Liora and Hotel 1929 which offer a modern twist within a traditional setting, while in Little India, Wanderlust has eclectic accommodation options.

For those after a little more space, the charming colonial Hotel Fort Canning is off the beaten track and offers an old world experience.

A HIDDEN CULINARY GEM… The well-known restaurants on Racecourse Road in Little India are a popular place for locals and visitors to indulge in some authentic Indian fare. There is a multitude of restaurants and cuisine to choose from and each has its own speciality, whether it’s North Indian, South Indian, Kerala cuisine or Moghul cuisine.

Have something different every night and no two dishes will ever taste the same.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME… Once ignored due to their lack of development and trendiness, these areas now offer wonderful and unique accommodation where enterprising entrepreneurs have converted and redeveloped beautiful old shophouses into modern boutique hotels offering upbeat lodgings within these small enclaves.

Within Chinatown there are several trendy boutique properties including the newly renovated The Scarlet, New Majestic,

images: Paul Levrier

t r av e l

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fa s h i o n

Italian

Couture

“

Texture and sensation of the fabrics are as important as colour and look.

BY Joanna Eveleigh-Whitford Established Italian designer Fiorella Ciaboco recently made her first visit to Australia from the outskirts of Milan and met up with one of our own recognised master tailors in Melbourne, Adriano Carbone. Her visit reinforced the supportive relationship between the two fashion houses in the world of bespoke couture.

Fiorella says, “Texture and sensation of the fabrics are as important as colour and look”. She sources the finest Italian fabrics from suppliers in south Italy: rich cottons, linens, shimmering silks along with the finest wools. For cooler seasons she includes leather, cashmere and suede. In true couture method, she uses a calico to measure the body outline, allowing a perfect definition of each curve. Once the shape is perfect, the chosen fabric is cut from the calico and fastidiously hand sewn in “the laboratory” - a voyeuristic environment of exquisite materials and alluring creativity.

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“A tailored suit is that which suits the proportions and personality of the wearer“, she says. Timing her visit perfectly with Spring Racing Carnival her latest collection of tailored suits was presented to the attention of 12 thousand race-goers at Flemington.

Fiorella’s simple yet sophisticated garments are elegant and classic; made to fit and flatter discerning women. The choice of colours, fabrics and lines follow a long standing tailoring tradition and remain beautiful to look at and to wear.

”

fa s h i o n

Sensationally

Sexy Shoes

“

Orange and purple are my current contrasting favourites.

BY Joanna Eveleigh-Whitford Is it the tantalising smell or the tangible sensation of running fingers over freshly honed leather? Show me a girl who does not love shoes!

Lana Volkov did more than just ogle shoes, she dreamed of designing them. Says Lana, “After researching, I jumped on a flight overseas and didn’t quite know what to look for or what to expect, it was very spontaneous.” Consequently teaming up with a small manufacturing outlet Lana began working alongside the staff to hand make the shoes she had always dreamed of.

Opportunities soon started rolling in; a runway fashion show in Bali, showcasing to international tourists, led to radio interviews and more spotlight. Once back home Lana was contacted for her shoes to be used in a course of shows and shoots. Invitations arrived to exhibit her latest collection at Melbourne’s ‘Spring Fashion Week 2013’ and Fringe Festival. Tokyo wanted a piece of the action too

”

and head-hunted Lana to supply her stylish heels for a fashion shoot in Japan. The Japanese newspapers provided kudos but the icing came when a number of high profile TV personalities became interested in Lana’s suitably high fashion footwear.

The strength of the shoe is undoubtedly in the colour.

“Orange and purple are my current contrasting favourites. I am also exploring wine and lime green blended with nudie grey.” This manifests in one of two ways: the ‘Picasso’ style, Limited Edition’ or entirely custom made shoes; influenced by geometric shapes and architecture, and dangerously high heels. “Both ranges encompass Beverley Hills and Russian rebelliousness”, Lana muses.

Later in 2014 Lana will be seeing in the launch of a second fashion clothing range, swimwear and resort wear garments. Lana’s approach is to move the goal posts higher and create couture only for red carpet events.

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b e aut y

Natural Beauty

in Summer BURT’S BEES LIP SHINES A new range of 100% natural Lip Shines.

Harness the splendour of nature to let your lips blossom and burst in one easy to use tube. Sheer colour with a sweet moisturising shine.

Specially formulated with premium Apricot Kernel Oil with Vitamins A and E and ultra-nourishing Sunflower Seed Oil - nourishing and moisturising for bold, beautiful, kissable lips.

Seduce with 6 colours: Lush, Whisper, B Wink, Flutter, Pucker and Smooch Love your lips with a sweep of colour without compromising your natural conscience.

Win one of three luscious Burt’s Bees Lip Shines by simply sending an email to Elaine by Friday 21 February: elaine@magmedia.com.au Entrants must be 18 years and over and reside in Victoria.

WOTNOT 30+ SPF SUNSCREEN WOTNOT 30+ natural sunscreen is now available in a soft, easy to squeeze tube.

This mild lotion contains the natural active ingredient zinc oxide which provides protection by reflecting the sun’s rays away from the skin. It is so natural that the zinc does not permeate through the tube walls. Free from chemical UV absorbers and artificial fragrances and preservatives and gentle enough for babies.

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Formulated with natural ingredients including Australian certified organic

Enter the draw to win one of ten packs of new WOTNOT Facial Wipes for Oily/Sensitive Skin. Just name your favourite getaway destination in Victoria. Send an email through to the Editor

by Friday 21 February: joanna@magmedia.com.au Entrants must be 18 years and over and reside in Victoria.

aloe vera to moisturise and heal, natural grapeseed oil to protect skin from premature ageing and certified organic shea butter to help skin retain moisture and elasticity.

WOTNOT 30+ spf sunscreen is free from titanium dioxide, sulphates, petrochemicals, parabens, caustics and artificial fragrances.

High protection face and body cream that’s suitable for the whole family.

Sunsmart Tips In the summer months use creams that have antioxidant components and decongestants, such as vitamins A, E, C and D, hyaluronan, ginseng, jojoba, soja, urea, aloe vera or chamomile.

For hair care use products with silicones, jojoba oil or keratin and ideally products with sunscreen. Wet hair is more sensitive to the sun, so avoid sunbathing with your hair wet. If you are by the pool or at the beach use leave-in conditioner on hair to keep it moisturised. Use intensive treatment creams with reparative oils during the night. This will help your hair hydrate again.

Clouds do not block uv rays so use sunscreen even though it’s cloudy. Always use an aftersun cream after sunbathing and wait for at least two hours for the skin to recover and rebalance. Keep hydrated and stay out of the sun between 11am 2pm. Babies in the sun are a definite no no with too much uv rays for new skin.

Wanted

Media Sales Representative

We are looking for an energetic Sales Consultant who lives within the Inner Metro West. With a large catchment area this position is ideal if you don’t like being stuck in an office all day and can walk and talk sales.

If you do not have media experience but have sales experience in retail or hospitality with a demonstrated history of being a positive team player you might be the person we are looking for. This is a 30 hour a week position with flexible hours to suit you.

If you know the inner west like the back of your hand and are not afraid to grab a sales opportunity, send a covering letter and your CV to: elaine@magmedia.com.au by 20th February 2014.

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Artist’s Impression

r e a l e s tat e

A message from the CEO of the REAL ESTATE Institute of Victoria While median house prices are useful for understanding the Melbourne market, they can be skewed by a few very high or low sales, so looking at the medians in particular suburbs gives a clearer idea of what is happening there.

These reveal variations between different areas of the city – even between neighbouring suburbs. For example, new REIV data providing median prices according to property type and number of bedrooms shows the median price of a one-bedroom unit in Travancore was $327,000 for the 12 months to September.

Compare that with nearby Moonee Ponds, where it was just $295,000, the same as in Williamstown, while in Maribyrnong, it was $374,500.

It’s the same story with houses – variations between suburbs according to factors such as demand and location. The median price for a four-bedroom house in Yarraville was

$836,250, while in Newport it was $785,000 and in Footscray it was $655,000.

But it is important to remember that each home has its own individual factors which can have a bearing on how much it will bring.

All this data is available free as a service to homebuyers at: reiv.com.au/ BedroomMedians It also includes weekly median rents, gross rental yield and five-year annual capital growth. Just click on a suburb on the map and all the information about it will appear.

Enzo Raimondo Chief Executive Officer REIV

CONGRATULATIONS to our December/January Competition Winners

a dinner for two at

Steer Bar and Grill to the value of $150.00!

Where am I?

To enter email your answer by 16 February.

Send your email through to the editor at joanna@magmedia.com.au The correct entries will be placed in a draw and one will be randomly selected. Notification is by email on 18 February. Entrants must be 18 years and over and reside in Victoria.

1. FAMILY PASS TO SCIENCEWORKS

3. ROUGE ECSTASY LIPSTICK

BY GIORGIO ARMANI

Winning letter:

Winning letter: What a wonderful surprise to find MetroWest in my letterbox! I love how you promote local people who are doing positive things for our community.

I also really appreciate how you endorse literature, with the latest books and authors to inspire and encourage me to read.

The glossy paper and amazing eye for fashion makes MetroWest a must-read!

THANKYOU METROWEST.

Food, fashion, design, travel…

I really enjoyed the whole magazine. And I was inspired by the article on Lerderderg State Park and am looking forward to taking my family there very soon. Can’t wait to receive the next MetroWest!

2. DOUBLE PASS TO MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE Winners: • Pat Pastore • Katherine Vander • Michael Peacock

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