OMG CDL!

My exquisite friend Chelsea de Luca, continues to go from strength to strength.

As reported many times on this Blog, Chelsea is fast becoming, the 'Jeweller to the Stars'. That recent hand-written letter of adoration from Dakota Fanning is a prime example, and is safely guarded with the all the others.

Chelsea's store on James Street, is neither 'Pop-up' or 'Tacky', instead, we are rewarded with one of the cities most loveliest boutiques. And now that she has the divine Katya onboard, this already lauded label is now perfection personified.

www.chelseadeluca.com.au

POP, GOES THE POP UP.

Left: Ginger & Smart.
Right: Willow.










In recent weeks, Brisbane has seen two incredibly successful Australian labels swing open their doors, albeit and sadly, doors to temporary 'pop-up' stores, but nevertheless, they swung them open.

Both WILLOW and GINGER & SMART choose to set up shop on James Street, to hopefully 'test the waters'. Will we see stand alone stores open soon? Or are they just pushing leftover product to the Queenslanders? Time will tell.

Other Oz labels I think should follow suit, should be CALIBRE, ARTHUR GALAN, Men & Women, CAMILLA (Hello! It's Queensland, we Heart a Caftan), JAYSON BRUNSDON, ALICE McCALL, KIRRILLY JOHNSTON, and when they come up for air, KSUBI.

But remember folks, if you do, and if you head to James Street.....do it right!

DAMAGE CONTROL.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Brisbane needs some cleaning up. BIG TIME.

I delved into this subject many years ago, and I honestly thought something would manifest, but no, it did'nt.

Elizabeth Street still looks like the bad end of Sydney's CBD. James Street still looks like tired and the Valley, well the Brunswick Street Mall always riverts back to it's former self, no matter how much PR gets thrown around. The shit always sticks.

Lets start with Elizabeth Street. This could be a world class street. Our version of Castlereagh or Collins Street. The Mitre 10 Building could house a Prada or Gucci, but instead we need prefer spanners and plastic sheeting. If a respected developer came in, the stretch from Albert to Edward could be something very special. There are some wonderful buildings just screaming for a high end retailer, or even an Aussie label to open shop. Hell, us Blokes deserve something, and Xile just does'nt cut it anymore.

I understand it's easier said then done, but why has'nt anyone tried. Brisbane is big enough now to have two major shopping streets side by side. And don't get me started on Adelaide Street, what a whore she is!!!

James Street is the the little street that tries and tries. I know when you've been given such ugly buildings you need to do the best you can, and most retailers do, but please, why have these buildings not been knocked down one by one, and replaced with something really visually stunning. It's honestly not that hard......I think. James Street is what the Beer, umm sorry Wintergarden used to be, odd businesses, both bad and good jammed in together to convince the public that it's something amazing.....but it's not. It's just embarrassing.

Granted there are some excellent port of calls here, businesses that excell at what they do. Whether it's an Eatery or a Jeweller, a Boutique or a Homewares store, MOST, are deserving of their place here. And I know it's all about cashflow, but someone needs to introduce a Dress-Code for Businesses. If you're not prepared to spend money on a fit out and stock decent product, then get the fuck out!! James Street is like that fat woman in a Size 8 Dress, no matter how hard she tries to camouflage it with accessories, she's always going to look CHEAP, or as my grandmother used to say, MUTTON DRESSED UP AS LAMB.

The Valley should be left to rot away like it once did, so perfectly. Once upon a time, the Valley was Brisbane's 'Red Light District', the place your parents told you never to go. Today, it's full of Gen Y girls in their Forever 21 cocktails frocks and their mock Manolo's standing in the caged (garbage bin) area at Zuri with some dude in a Ed Hardy t-shirt vomiting next to them.

It's sad, but it's true, Valley Nightclubs are now putting out the trash, with the trash. Hilarious.

The TCB Building was given an overhaul a few years ago with the hope it would become THE place to shop. Can you honestly see an Ascot Housewife parking her S-Class in Chinatown to shop for her Melbourne Cup hat in the 'gulp' Valley? No, neither can I, but they tried to convince them, with shiny black tiles and a roll call of impressive designer talent, but before we knew it, the homeless were back pissing in the arcade (which says alot), and although the Plasma screens are still there, the designers duds have been replaced by ATM machines and Subway, and the bench seating is now a nice comfy place for the drunks to rest their weary heads!

The Valley is the Valley, it should never have to change. The boutiques will always do well because they cater for people with eclectic cutting edge taste, who have that, 'looks can be deceiving' thing about them. Just because they look like they need a good wash, does'nt mean they can't afford Akira or Dion Lee. Got me?

If the council really wanted to clean up the Valley Mall, then they should've ripped the whole thing out. That's exactly what is happening to Townsville's Mall as we speak. They're replacing a tired, dirty, dangerous, unpopular retail precinct with a well designed road and gardens, that will not only be easy on the eye, but give retailers more of a chance to survive, and it only took them 30 years to come up with the idea. The Valley has character the way it is that's why people go there, trying to change it never works, but you'll never be able to convince council. I say, dirty it up even more. Bring in the prostitutes, open more bars equivilent to The Zoo and enjoy the free spirit, it could be our very own Montemarte.

There are so many parts of Brisbane that could improve, and I will talk about them in later posts. Brisbane is fast becoming a bigger country town then it once was, and with changing times, comes a changing population, and the Government and Local Council's need to enroll in some lessons in not only City Style and Beautification, but a little tutorial in Social Etiquette and Caste Systems would'nt hurt either. We are what we are, and looks are not important, but when it comes to a City as thriving as Brisbane, we need to step it up.

No-one likes the Ugly Cousin!!

THE NEW CHOO errr SHOE.

For any woman invited to a Gay Wedding in the near future, do what Carrie Bradshaw did and wear a pair of CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA Shoes.

I strongly recommend that if your outfit is'nt cutting it, style it up with a pair.

Sometimes spending a little bit extra on the Shoes and Accessories, can change any cheap-arsed dress, and between You and Me, women of the world, alot of you are still getting it very wrong.....in ALL departments.

Whether you're frugal or a spender, with taste or without, take a word of advice, head to JEAN BROWN or go online, it aint that hard. Too many of you are looking cheap and nasty, and just because your Bloke likes you like that, does'nt mean everyone does. When your out to make an impression, make it good one.

Smarten up your act and google CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA, I think the prices will surprise you, but remember, just cos you get a pair does'nt mean your SJP!

www.charlotteolympia.com

A PUBLIC VIOLATION.

It seems that the Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government have no interest in our History. When it was announced that the iconic REGENT THEATRE that straddles Elizabeth and Queen Streets may be demolished, screams of despair and disgust echoed throughout the burbs, but those sceams were'nt loud enough.

It seems that this murder is going ahead and it's quite simply, and outrage.

The Wintergarden, or what I like to call it, The Beergarden, is undergoing a major re-development, which will bring it up to speed with it's (aging fast) neighbour QueensPlaza, when it is completed, Brisbane's City Heart will have a sleek, cutting edge shopping precinct, that I am sure will not live up to it's name. This multi-million dollar make-over will unveil, not only the 'new' Winter(burp)garden, but also a mutli level tower that will sit on top of it.....eventually, and I am not talking about the Hilton either.

Because of this, it looks like one of Brisbane's most beautiful buildings, The Regent Theatre, will be demolished and replaced with a glass, marble, brass, collage of crap. Yes, I am all for Modern Architecture, but when it replaces something so breathtaking like this legendary Theatre, it makes me wanna set fire to something, say, politicians homes.....see how they like it.

The 'Save the Regent' campaign has failed, sadly, and for all of us, who visited her over the years, at least we have some memories of her. Yes, she smelt of piss and yes, the fabric on the seats were never cleaned, but we adore her and the wonderful thing we liked most, besides her beauty and history, was that Gen Y and it's sad replicas seemed scared of her, so you could always depend on watching a classic without the intrusion from pre-pubescent blokes and their bitches dry rooting behind you.

June 14 is the date we'll see her doors close for the final time. And what a sad day it will be. I do not understand how this has happened, especially when the Council approved places like Cloudland. Brisbane, obviously, still has a long way to go in the 'taste' department.

Farewell our lovely REGENT, you'll be missed, but not by the people who could've saved you!

ONE HELLAVA DELAY.

To All of my readers, I apologise for this lengthy delay in posting another article. 2010 has been somewhat tiring, and my energy towards this Blog subsided. My little Blog amongst the 1000's, ummm, 10's of 1000's of Blogs worldwide seemed insignificant, but I am back, with a little help from my friends. Yes, I did receive your emails and Yes, they encouraged me to re-appear. So I am sorry. Delays are a bitch.

BULLSEYE.

TARGET in the US has announced yet another collaboration even before Anna Sui's clobber hit the racks. Frenchie JEAN PAUL GAULTIER has been hired by the uber chain to design a range which will hit 250 stores in early March 2010.

The limited edition range can also be bought online.

We cannot wait to see what he has in store for the Twilight era Gen Y's. Whatever he does, I am sure it will be fantastique.

Get in line, NOW!

UGGGGHHHHH-UNGARO.

What the fuck were these people thinking? Why would give some hack like Lindsay Lohan the job of being 'Artistic Advisor' to a French Fashion House? This enfant terrible can't even dress herself, much less dress others. And what a hide she has to accept such an offer! Did she really think this was going to win over the world's population and re-instate her as some heroine? Probably.

Ms Lohan, you should'nt accept everything that is offered to you. Straight to DVD Movies are your forte, not High Fashion. And by your appearances over the last few years, style is a word that you have NO UNDERSTANDING OF. Simple.

I can understand that accepting an offer like this may have been hard to turn down. Free trip to Paris, free clothes, free booze, free food, yadda yadda yadda, but at the end of the day my darling, this dream-come-true deal was a catastrophe waiting to happen, and by all reviews, it HAPPENED.

Ok, some pieces were'nt that bad, but the majority were, and despite only having a month or so to put it together, this is no excuse. Forgoing this season would have been a better decision.

Little known Spanish Designer Estrella Archs took the reins only to fall off the horse. Yes, there may have been pressure, and yes, you may not have had the proper amount of time to execute an entire ready-to-wear collection, but this should have told you something. Forget about fame and fortune, because honey, I think your time has come and gone. Sorry to say!

CEO Mounir Moufarrige, I hope you're hanging your head in shame!

FORMALLY YOURS!

This MARCHESA dress is Perfection Personified.

Perfect Colour, Perfect Cut, Perfect everything.

Senior girls heading to their end-of-year formals should take note, it not all about looking like some cheap whore, or worse, a middle aged lounge singer, its about looking elegant, beautiful and refined...........even if the grey goose ends up all over it.

And if you can't afford it, or if time is running out, then get one made. There's always a sewer in the south-west suburbs dying for some work.

Most teenaged girls get it soooo wrong when it comes to their formal dresses, and wearing a Tux is such a cop out, not to mention cringe-worthy.

Have some dignity and step out of your comfort zone, save your hard earned money and invest in a dress that will make people envious. There's nothing worse then looking back at your formal photo's and all you see is some scragg with a puffed sleeved and a clacky mule! Foul!

www.marchesa.com

WHAT A TURKEY.

Currently selling on net-a-porter.com is this Parrot Clutch from JUDITH LEIBER.

It has a clasp to fasten at the front, a gold chain for easy carry, and gold leather lining inside, and for AUD$8510 this luxurious multi-coloured birdbag can be yours.

Perfect for visits to the Zoo or Mardi Gra. It goes with anything, including the garbage!

PRADATACULAR.

I love, love, love the Prada collection shown on September 24 in Milan. The duchess satin vests, jackets and bermudas (cut off at the seam, to leave raw edges) were somewhat bordering sexy/quaint. The over-the-top embellished finale pieces were typical Prada, but still different in their own light.

OUCH MOTHERF**KER.

Listen up you hard-core style mongers! If there was ever a 'Killer Shoe', this is it.

NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD has designed these industrial strength shoes for fashion house RODARTE, and they are nothing short of kick-arse!

Not sure if they'll be put into production, but you could definetly kick that arsehole to curb with these little babies!

Mad Max would be Proud!

www.rodarte.net
www.nicholaskirkwood.com

ANKLE BITERS.

All you Recessionfashionistasisters, here's your new best friend. The Ziggy Ankle Boot by Charlotte Olympia, is a must have for the coming season.

Although summer is beating at our door, wear them with your shortest dress or skirt. They instantly change an outfit.

The Suede and Leather Bootie with ridged heel and gold platform is one of the sexiest, edgiest boots around since the YSL Tribute.

Get a Pair now, or be left in the Dust!

www.charlotteolympia.com
www.net-a-porter.com

H&MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

H&M, the Swedish High Street Retailer has announced it's next collaboration, and it's with pleasure I give to you, SONIA RYKIEL.

Madame Rykiel will design Lingerie and related Accessories for the chain, which will be available in 1500 stores worldwide from December 5.

A second installment of Rykiel designs will be Knitwear aimed at girls aged between 18 months and 8 years old. These peices will be instore February 2010.

The Sonia Rykiel Collaboration comes hot on the heels of H&M's debut collection of shoes and accessories by JIMMY CHOO., which go on sale in November.

Expect it all to sell out faster then you can say 'Give that back Bitch'!!!!

www.hm.com

www.soniarykiel.com

HEEL BITCH!

I think the YSL Shoes with the Pencil Heel will be huge this Season.

Run don't Walk to your nearest stockist. You heard it here first!

www.ysl.com

GOO GOO over GA GA!

Alot of people are passionate about Lady GaGa at the moment. You either love her, or loathe her. I am obsessed to say the least. Not since Madonna burst onto the scene have I been this excited, and believe me, I was one excited 13 year old.

Lady GaGa (who's real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta), is already a legend and if you're not impressed, then you may as well hitch up a camel and relocate to the desert. Miss Germanotta is here to stay.

Not only does she have the talent, (incredible voice, classical pianist, child prodigy at 4, blah blah blah), she has the nack and smarts to reel us in like La Ciccone. She knows how to get our attention, and if it means walking around a stage covered in blood, then she'll do it.

The Gwen's, Britney's, Katy's and Co don't have the 'Madonna Factor', and never have. That's why Lady GaGa is a breath of fresh air. She may not be a classic beauty, she may dress like Anna Piaggi on GBH, but she's got our attention and she aint going nowhere.

I've seen her live and her voice is pitch perfect, there is definetly no miming going on, and her accapella proves that. Her show's are theatrical in a more macabre way then Madonna's or Kylie's, but she's very engaging and gives 100%.

As far as her style goes, who know's, it could catch on. It may not be to everyone's taste, but you have to give her credit, she keeps us guessing and when you really disect it, half her garb aint that bad.

We've been waiting to see who'll be the next Generation's Madge, and I think if she continues to create decent music and gives her audiences what they want, she's destined to take the crown, albeit stained with Madonna's blood.

The one thing she has on Madonna, is that she loves Australia and always keeps us in mind.
Step up to the plate M, but watch your step!

www.ladygaga.com

I NOW PRONOUCE YOU MAN AND LUXURY ITEM.

A Wedding Registry can be a disaster waiting to happen, endless hours of choosing countless useless objects you will never use.

Do we need a fry pan? No. Do we need a clothes dryer? No. Do we need a curling iron? Ummmm never!

So, when it comes time to put a list of 'wants' and 'needs' together, you need to take everything into consideration, especially the 'SHOW OFF' factor! So here is part of my DREAM REGISTRY LIST. After all, you need somethings to hand down to the kids!!

1. VENT BLANC Crockery. When the in-laws pop over for a cuppa and a digestive, serve it to them on frenchman Jean-Marie Massaud's beautiful ceramics. Leave the BACCARAT for special people. www.timeandstyle.com

2. 'SEMINUDE' Lights. Dress your naked lightbulbs in something pretty, like these little dresses, that fit like a glove. Because lights are what surrounds us! www.r-p-s.jp

3. MICHAEL ZAVROS Art. When the other half bores the hell out of you, have something exquisite close by to stare at. And make sure you get it in the settlement. Done deal. www.michaelzavros.com

4. MAKOTO YAMAGAUCHI Cutlery. These twisted pieces of stainless steel will be the centre of attention at your first 'grown up' dinner party. At least you know you'll have something to talk about with your below-average guest,

5. CHIAKI MURATA CD Player. Perfect for the bedroom. Play the Soundtrack to your lovemaking (I recommend Massive Attack's PROTECTION) with this sleek little sound system. www.hers.co.jp

6. LIPLA Double Bed. Sleep well, Spoon well, in this eye catching Jean Marie Massuad designed bed. If green is'nt your colour.....tough! Zzzzzzzzzz

7. CAFETIERE by Jasper Morrison. Leave the espresso for the professionals. Home-made instant is back in fashion. If it's good enough for the Golden Girls, it's good enough for you!
www.rowenta.fr

8. YSL Tribute Boot. Kick him to the curb with one swift boot. Cheaper then Divorce!
www.jeanbrown.com.au

9. ALLEGRI Rainwear. Now although requesting personal gifts are a little risque and somewhat cheeky, keeping protected from Mother Natures wrath (especially after being kicked to the curb) is important. Do it in style with an Allegri Trench. This Florentine Rainwear specialists have had some help from Viktor & Rolf!

10. CHIAKI MURATA Vacuum Cleaner. The Classy, Sexy, Eloquent way to Suck!

11. AMERICA Lamp. Jaime Hayon has designed one of the best lamps I've seen. Buy two and use them as bedside tables. Rack up before bedding down! www.metalarte.com

12. HELLA JONGERIOUS Plates. These sweet little collector items are great for nothing more then staring at, putting anything in them should be illegal! www.jongeriouslab.com

So there you have it, several ideas for your upcoming nuptials. It's your wedding, you should get what you want, after all, you need something to cushion the blow! ;)

THE BIG APPLE OF MY EYE!

Ades de Vebustus.
King Cole Bar.
Pastis.
Nobu Next Door.
Opening Ceremony.
Henri Bendel.
Madame Paulette.
Cloak.
The Cowshed.
MOMA Design Store.
Niche Modern.
Death & Co.
Resurrection.
Jin Soon Spa.
The Standard.


As requested by the ever-so-lovely Ms R of Paddington, here is an abridged version of my choices of choices for must do/see's in New York.

Take a Deep Breath, Focus, Align the Credit Card and Begin!

1. AEDES DE VENUSTAS. Fragrances galore. Leave smelling incredible without even touching anything. 9 Christopher Street, West Village.
www.aedes.com

2. KING COLE BAR. Located in the St Regis Hotel, this legendary society club is a must, even if it's for one drink........and that may be all you have! $$$ Dress up! 2 E 55th Street.

3. PASTIS. Parisian Bistro in the Meat Packing district. Weekend breakfast, a must!
9 Ninth Avenue. www.pastisny.com

4. NOBU NEXT DOOR. If you can't get into it's Big Brother (NOBU) right next door, try for a table at it's diffusion. Like Miu Miu is to Prada, anyone can afford it if you're hungry enough. Delish. 105 Hudson Street www.myriadrestaurantgroup.com
Fish & Chips Nobu Style highly recommended.

5. OPENING CEREMONY. Comprising of a Gallery, Showroom and Retail Space, Opening Ceremony brings together establish designers and up-and-comers! A treasure chest of, ummm, treasures! 35 Howard Street www.openingceremony.com.us

6. HENRI BENDEL. Famed Boutique department store, this New York institution is always ahead of the rest, with Barneys close behind. Word is, it may become an accesories only store, as the fashion has already disappeared, which when you think about it, aint a bad thing!
www.henribendel.com

7. MADAME PAULETTE. One of the BEST drycleaners in the world. Madame Paulette's specialty is Couture! Drop something off, anything, if only to bump into Ms Wintour (probably an assistant) who uses Madame Paulette for all her clothing upkeep. 1255 Second Avenue between 65th - 66th Streets www.madamepaulette.com

8. CLOAK. With a Bespoke option, this Menswear store stocks incredible tailored suits, trousers, shirts etc by designer Alexandre Plokhov. The store itself is intimidating, but don't worry, the staff are great! 16 Greene Street www.cloakdesign.com

9. THE COWSHED. Located inside SOHO HOUSE, this Day Spa is potentially the most original when it comes to Spa Interiors. Similar to a private club, there are no stark white walls or uncomfortable bland furniture, but instead, alot of wood, retro furnishings and lighting with character. It also has its own range of products (which you can buy in Brisbane at MECCA COSMETICA). 29 - 35 Ninth Avenue www.sohohouseny.com

10. MOMA DESIGN STORE. Stocking everything from re-productions to books to objects of design, the Museum of Modern Art Store is, like the APPLE store, a must. You won't leave empty handed, I promise! 11 West 53 Street.

11. NICHE MODERN. Like light fittings? Then this is the place for you. An odd suggestion you ask, but a visit to this lighting store is recommeded. Shipping your purchases home is probably easier said then done. Love, love, love the Trumpette table Lamp and the 'Crystal Series' lights!

12. DEATH & CO. Cool bar, with an endless cocktail list and delectable casual cuisine. Does not take reservations. If there's a line, get in it, no groups more then 6! Order a Smoked Horchata, that's a cocktail, not a tapas dish!! 433 east 6th Street.

13. RESURRECTION. Find Vintage Pucci, Gucci and Halston all in pristine condition. Designers apparently come here for inspiration. Walk out with a dress an Olsen twin returned the day before. Everything in here is incredible. It's possible you may spend your entire savings here! You've been warned! 217 Mott Street www.resurrectionvintage.com

14. JIN SOON NATURAL HAND AND FOOT SPA. Pounding the pavement in NYC is an everday norm, and although most of you will do it in flats (buy some from TRIBUNE so you don't blow your holiday budget before you go), you'll still need some therapy to help ease the pain. Go no further then Jin Soon. Enough said!

15. THE STANDARD HOTEL. All the meatpacking district hot spots are in stumbling distance of this already iconic hotel. The entire hotel will officially open in August, although you can get a room now. There is a park which 'literally' runs underneath the hotel, and by September the unfinished restaurant and beer garden are already creating a buzz. Sexy Sleepovers!
848 Washington Street www.standardhotels.com

Flashy and Trashy, there you have it.