Paris Couture | Tommy Ton

Outside the Elie Saab Couture Show, a bevy of highly styled women take fashion beyond imagination we're rarely likely to experience. Such fabulous personality shines through this captivating aviators leather cap, and models with their braids exude an air of girlish sophistication. Take note of a look that would work from weekend to the office, it's personified in this blazer and camisole ensemble. And a monochromatic cape and leggings combination is finalised perfectly with mid-length leather gloves and a chain laced suede clutch. Tommy Ton has done a brilliant job of capturing all the style on the streets of Paris this Couture Season, the unique offerings have far outweighed the collections. Inspiration captivation.

S U M M E R

When the path to a much adored Lolly Shop is a momentous joy, the only thing left to do is smile. The Lolly Swagman in Berrima just outside of Bowral in New South Wales Southern Highlands couldn't have provided a more beautiful path. A Sunday drive with dear friends is all about the fun along the way, and stopping into gorgeous antique stores and all the delights of The Gumnut Patisserie, I have to admit that there isn't really enough room for the praise I have for this part of New South Wales.
With very full tums from the spectacular lunch only described as good ol' pub grub, it was onto afternoon tea; scones, jam, cream and syrup cakes making it all the more memorable. It may have been drizzling and substantially cooler than Sydney's humidity running rife all over our summer at the moment, but nothing could dampen our spirits as we delved into teas, coffees and cakes.
Stunning friendships taken on a path in search of delectable treats sums up a very fun filled January: the holidays haven't really stopped with Colefax, Surry Hills' The Winery, Lady Macquaries Open Air Cinema, impromptu delightful dinners and journeys out of the city. Sydney Summer Spectacular.

Sundance Film Festival 2010

They all look like they're having far too much fun without us over at the Sundance Film Festival. Plus, I just took any excuse to include images of Ryan Gosling on here. I could finish now and enough would be said really, he's just so charismatic. With an overload of womenswear pre-collection looks hopefully not too overwhelming for all the guys, I wanted to take the opportunity to point out how casual but well presented Gosling appears to be. Immediately thinking of Sydney, or Australia in winter there was recognition in these images of how well these ideas would work here. He's owning the denim jacket with a hint of a chocolate scarf and it's so simple but really works; could take you right through the weekend, just change from a t-shirt to a checked or stripe shirt if you're going out at night. And there's his big black pea-coat that's best for those really chilly days, collar up and he's set. It would go over the denim jacket for those extra cold moments, but still pulls together a polished and relaxed look. Sundance takes the cake.

Chloe Pre-Collection 2010

If there was a song to put these looks into words, for me, it would have to go to something like "You're just to good to be true, can't take my eyes off of you...". I couldn't think of a more fabulous collection, and I know it's only because I wear flat lace ups like these so it's not to everyone's taste. For others who enjoy something not so masculine, there are the quintessential chiffon pinafores with high collars and pretty pin tucks included for good measure. But what I'm most excited about are the capes. I got around Paris, Scotland, London and New York three years ago in a giant vintage egg shaped overcoat and thought it was brilliant, but I know it's not the easiest piece in the wardrobe to pull off. This Chloe collection is entirely reminiscent of that Diane Keaton, Katherine Hepburn slouched pants style, with a little of the other famous Hepburn (Audrey) thrown in in her cropped capri pants and loafers. There's a French label called Comptoir des Cotonniers and I bought about 6 different garments from them during my stay in Paris. One of the most treasured pieces is a cape with a high roll-over collar, and that was the first thing I though of when I was scrolling through the Chloe collection. I'm not saying you have to run out and purchase all these Stella McCartney and Chloe pieces, I'm just hoping you'll be inspired. Mission not impossible.

Vionnet Pre-Collection 2010

The sheer history behind this brand takes it out of today into another world we're so lucky to be graced with it's presence once again. Reviving Vionnet has been one of the biggest stories to come of the late naughties in fashion. It was a time when, financially, the economic situation in the fashion industry was in complete lock-down. But here we are, experiencing a colourful Vionnet collection for Pre-Fall and it's a very syncopated look. Almost reminiscent of Marni, the cuts and styling with the high felt knee covers drums along to a beat falling back in and out of rhythm with fading black and lots of floral. Heralding back to it's 1920's hey-day, the head scarf adds an identifying feature to set this collection apart. Stage; ready.

Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2010

The brilliance of Stella McCartney's vision for her client has everything sorted in this one small collection. She's dotted all her i's and crossed all her t's, seriously, she's covered every base brilliantly. From caramel capes and blazers to metallic snake leggings, this pre-collection has got it and I couldn't be happier. Fashion is definitely taking a more demure approach this Autumn Winter and the designers are really starting to hone in on creating the 'complete wardrobe' for their wearers. If you have to go to work, sorted. If it's the weekend, sorted. If you have to go to an evening event, sorted. If you're going to a fabulous party, sorted. It's the way of the future and I'm jumping on the bandwagon. Sorted.

Paris Couture Spring 2010

Only Jean-Paul Gaultier could take me through all the tribal wonders of the world and even throw some denim into a couture collection and still come out smiling. He’s such a rule-breaker, but he capitalised on what couture is all about. The staging supported the collection less successfully than in the aforementioned menswear collection, but then again, the budget for set design most likely went into creating bags and satchels made from fern leaves mixed in with armour for good measure. I couldn’t tell exactly where I was in the world, and maybe that was the point.
It appears that nature is all the rage; perhaps the Avatar phenomenon has reached Paris’ shores. Is it just me, or does Valentino’s couture collection remind you, albeit subtly, of the otherworldliness of James Cameron's Pandora.
Elie Saab was inspired by the soft pastels and organic forms found only in nature. I have absolutely no doubt that every piece from this collection will be right at home draped over celebrities on the red carpet. His signature shapes and silhouettes were evident and it was all very light and floaty, taking even the hardest workaholic away for just a moment.
Naturally Charming.

Sydney Festival | Open Air Cinema

Only Sydney can beautifully engage everyone's attention in the pouring rain on a Thursday night. Any other city, and maybe we wouldn't have made the same effort or had as much fun taking in the spectacular view. The Open Air Cinema at Lady Macquarie's Chair is taking place over the course of the summer festival, and it's truly one of the most breathtaking locations of many to enjoy this city in Summer. Many were whispering about the whereabouts of summer in Sydney as we were sitting uncovered under the rain. But in stellar style, it stopped just in time for The Time Traveller's Wife to begin. I read the book over Christmas and laughed and cried along with every crazy moment, darting to a fro over time as the book took me on an incredible journey. Dazzlingly well cast Rachael McAdams and Eric Bana bought this unique love story to life, and aside from the rain, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Thank goodness for our poncho's and Lindt to get us through. Open Air Cinema, all allocations may be booked, but get in quick next year. It's well worth the experience.

Create Cake by Sharon Brideson

The beauty of working to a brief is that you may find an end result as something quite unexpected from your initial out take. The simplicity and grace of this wedding cake created by Sharon Brideson is case in point. It's not her usual style and took patience and determination to create something special, exactly to the bride and groom's expectations. For such a striking outcome, praise is highly deserved and I'm excited to see what the future holds for Create Cake by Sharon Brideson.

Paris Couture | Tommy Ton

Ok, now we've bathed in a sea of Australian sweets, it's time to jet back to Paris for the ever glorious couture shows. Although Givenchy showed today, the images I found more interesting were out in the Parisian streets, they've just got fashion so together. Tommy Ton has an eye for capturing these fashion forward people, and rounded up at the Couture shows is just where he has found them.
Our models fresh off the Chanel catwalk still have their aforementioned hair to take them to the next show. This woman in her sculptural attire is effortlessly chic, so pulled together and yet doesn't appear to be trying in any way what so ever. Oh the shoes, the shoes. These two pairs of shoes couldn't be more different, yet I've selected them both because of their complete ingenuity and unique qualities each possess. And is there any vision more quintessentially French than un bicycle et un turban. Anywhere else, this peddling woman would be told to just keep on peddling, but here, she can most certainly stop and we can all enjoy the frivolous view.
They just get it.

Have A Shazia Pavia

For the absolute berating that I'll receive if I ever call my mother 'Shazza'; I'll share with you as she was referred to in Italy, Shazia's Pavia. It's an absolute treat, perfected over many years, and all her talents with cakes cannot go without mention. This pavlova recipe I would almost have to argue, tastes better uncooked, but there is nothing better than that initial crack as a spoon goes in to find all the marshmallowy goodness inside.
Preheat oven to 120C / 100C fan-forced.
1) Draw 16cm x 40cm rectangle on baking paper.
2) Beat 6 egg whites and a pinch cream of tartar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
3) Gradually add 1 1/2 cups caster sugar, beating until sugar dissolves between additions.
4) Quickly fold in 1 tablespoon cornflour, 1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
5) Spoon meringue onto prepared baking tray, allowing a few centimeters around the edges for spreading. Flatten the top.
6) Bake for about 1 1/2 hours or until dry to touch. Turn off the oven; leave meringue to cool in the oven with door ajar.
7) Whip 600mL cream and serve with any fresh seasonal fruits or chocolates of your choice.
Happy Australia Day everyone, but this shouldn't be left for one day alone, I say every day should be Have A Shazia Pavia day.