DEMURE COUTURE.

Atelier Versace

Anne Valerie Hash

Armani Prive'

As much as I adore the 'Haute Couture' season, especially when it's over-the-top, never-going-to-be-able-to-wear-this-anywhere exhuberance slaps us right in the face, I have to say, I am growing a little tired of all the hoopla.

Now, not many women can wear these creations much less afford them. And because most of us lose or never receive our invitations to the Oscars or that Wedding of a Greek Royal, we can only sit back in our armchair, flip through Vogue, and marvel at the wonder of Haute Couture.

Haute Couture is made-to-order for a specific customer, usually oil rich, cashed up women who's faces are stretched within an inch of their lives to the point of being one big stretch mark! But I digress.

Made from expensive fabric of the highest possible quality, the garments are sewn with extreme attention to detail. This is most often time consuming and precise, delicate hand execution is required.

The term 'Haute Couture' is protected by law and is defined explicitly by the 'Chambre de Commerce et d'industrie de Paris'. The criteria for 'Haute Couture' was established in 1945 and updated in 1992.

The 'Haute Couture' collections were shown in Paris last week and although I thought ANNE VALERIE HASH's collection was superb, everything else was the usual in-your-face eclectic spectacle we've come to expect. I've chosen a selected FEW pieces I loved.

Tres Parisienne Chic!

CROSSING THE YELLOW LINE!!

Do Blonde's have more Fun?

Well by the amount of women in Brisbane and surrounding area's who have succumb to a so-called bleaching agent, you'd think so. But something dreadful has happened.

There are too many women walking the streets of this city with hair the colour of CUSTARD!

Now as you know, I have no hair, so I have no real right to question this travesty, but as my lack of hair is not my fault, I'm speaking up.

Women of Brisbane. Respect yourself and your folicles. It just ain't pretty. Find yourself a decent hairdresser and do the right thing.......you may even feel better about yourself, and it's worth your while, especially if you knock ten years off!!

What's worse then the more mature woman resembling Donatella, is the Gen Y girls with buckwheat for hair, your young, you should know better.

Come on, get your act together........bad hair can ruin any chance of Style Acclaim!

PARTY OF THE YEAR.....APPARENTLY!

Apparently the new DAVID JONES store in QueensPlaza is having a wonderful party to celebrate it's 6 year, $300 Million revamp.

How Wonderful.

It's such a shame then, it's so ugly. With no grand entrance or cutting edge design to be seen, it's nothing more then a great big dreary dissappointment.

As you would have read in my article on the 30th October, there is no foodhall. Which is a shame, with such a prime location, this could have been awesome.

Instead we're left with a very boring store. Forgettable interior, dull furniture and a cosmetic hall that doubles as a handbag showroom, with not a massive urn full of flora in sight!!!!

The old store with it's Adelaide Street and Queen Streets entrances gave it a sense of granduer.

Now, we tackle the crowds in QueensPlaza just to get in. And not a window display in sight..................Sad!

$300 Million dollars does'nt go a long way these days, and with so much fanfare and anticipation, the new David Jones store is nothing more then a dull department store. Such a shame, I think it could have been incredible. But I suppose, putting on 'The Party of the Year' does break the bank, just ask Corey Worthington.

I wonder if he's invited?

THE CURSE OF THE 9 TO 5'er.

Have you ever wandered the CBD during lunch hour and witnessed the crime in fashion that most male office-workers are inflicting on us?

I understand that alot of these LOWES MENSWEAR aficionado's don't give a shit about fashion and style, but I encourage them to change, even for the sake of us 'People Watchers'.

Think about how better you would feel wearing dapper clothes that scream 'Success'.

It really does'nt take much effort or money to look intelligent and diplomatic, and being refined when it comes to office get-up just makes you more attractive to the opposite sex....or even the same sex for that matter, but don't let that put you off.

You see, a stained BIG W Business shirt and a pair of poly-viscose pants with stretched arse-crack seaming just does'nt cut it in the fast-paced world of the 9 to 5'er. And don't get me started on the moron's wearing white socks with black lace-ups.......and as far as the shoe goes, you CAN tell alot about a man by looking at their shoes, and usually they're saying, "My owner is a cheap, tight arse who spends all his money on PS2 games, Brut 33 and Bourbon".

Male Office Workers of Brisbane. Pick your game up. Look Original and Be Daring, your suppose to be MEN afterall!!!

I have chosen some looks from the current '08 collections.

I know settlements clerks etc can't afford Prada, YSL or Valentino, but you sure can duplicate them from the endless variety of stores we have on our doorstep for a fraction of the price.

PS. Women Office Workers. You have'nt escaped my crictism either. Your turn will come!

Have a Great Working Day!!

BEAUTIFUL SCAVENGER.

Purusing the internet I came across some exquisite pieces of jewellery by designer LIGIA DIAS.

The swiss born paris resident completed two successful internships under Alber Elbaz at 'Lanvin', and has callobrated on a collection for '3.1 Phillip Lim' as well as with Rei Kawakubo for ''Comme des Garcons'.

Sold in Barneys (New York), Collette (Paris), Plum (Beirut), Joyce (Hong Kong), Dover Street Market (London) and Holt Renfrew (Toronto), these beautiful, eclectic rarities compliment any ensemble.

Do youself a favour and get your hands on some. Your friends will be green with envy!

http://www.ligiadias.com/

ACHTUNG!

Although it's almost February, how exquisite did KIM BASINGER look on the cover of German Vogue's November 2007 Issue?

The pictorial inside shows a demure, elegant and ageless Basinger wearing simple, yet refined gorgeous clothes from Chanel, Roland Mouret, Prada, Fendi and Miu Miu.

Ladies over 50 take note!!!

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ONE DOOR CLOSES.......

The Australian Mega-Brand MORRISSEY has closed the doors of it's Edward Street store. No reason's why as yet, but I would'nt be surprised if it's because of the insincere and inexperienced Sales Staff they had behind the counter flogging clothes that really did'nt live up to expectation.

I mean, I truly beleive in supporting Aussie talent, but I could never find anything worth buying, and although I have no value of money, the prices were out of control, especially when you're seeing the same clothes from 12 years ago that made Peter Morrissey and Leona Edmiston household names, in 2008, that just does'nt cut it.

It's sad, but that's today's society. When you have Australian designers doing incredible, original pieces, sometimes it pays to re-invent yourself. Let's just hope that someone decent takes over the Morrissey compound and not some cheap space filler.....I choose CALIBRE.

Now that would be nice!

PS. Morrissey fans don't worry, there is a concession stand in David Jones.

THE ITALIAN CONNECTION.

If you adore seriously well made, beautiful clothes, and you have the serious finances to indulge. I recommend heading to JEAN BROWN ROBE in the coming months for the ultimate in Italian Fashion.

BOTTEGA VENETA will be exclusively stocked here and it is simply an incredible collection of iconic craftmanship.

Although a Ready-to-Wear label, it's ultimate signature is it's extensive Leathergoods range, that has to be seen to be believed. Only true stylish professionals will appreciate such incredible beauty.

The prices may initiate a minor stroke, but think about your great grandchildren, and how happy they will be wearing true Collectors Items in the years to come.

Belli$$imo.

TO DIE FOR.

I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at local designer Juli Grbac's next collection and I only have one word for it. Divine!

It's early days, and no date has been set for it's impending arrival, but I can tell you, it will be Ms Grbac's finest collection yet......also, is that a 'Capsule Couture Collection' I see on the horizon, I think it is!!!!

Talk about Happy Days!!

http://www.grbac.com.au/

THE NATURE OF THE BEAST!

I understand that this is a menial little Blog dedicated to my own selfish opinions, and I understand that it's free for all the world to see, but when you see YOUR words written somewhere else and it says it's been written by someone who is NOT you, that's when I get pissed off.

Now I understand this goes on around the world, and has so for many years, but excuse my in-experience and ignorance, but how pathetic!!!

Now I am not going to go into detail, and I am not going to devulge the ugly culprit, but I have some advice for the thief.

Have some self-respect you poor excuse for a writer. It's as simple as that!!

You see in today's world, we're all about what's more important for us and not others, what we can get and how we can get it as fast as possible. We as a race have no respect for each other, and although my little, but popular Blog seems very trivial, it's actually very important to me.

They say duplication is the highest form of flattery, well I'm here to say it's not. Especially when it's been done so badly, by someone, whom apparently, is a professional.

And by the way, Brisbane is a very small city, word gets around, people know people, people talk, and before you know it, it's come right back to the victim in question. How stupid of you not to realise this!

Anyway I hope you enjoy reading Brisbanestyle as much as I do creating it, and FYI, next time you think about poaching my words, remember, you may meet me one day, and I can't wait to hear what words you come up with then.....it could be your most original yet!!!

F You!

DON'T TELL ANYONE, BUT............

As a committed fan of the faithful, yet original T-Shirt, I am please to announce the arrival of an A-Grade T-Shirt Label.....but it's still a secret. Also, local Designer Gail Sorronda has some exciting news as well, but that's a secret too, although I can tell you, it has something to do with New York Fashion Week!!

Talk about Prick Tease!

Watch this Space.

DRAG SHOW!

Just quickly, I want to touch on a subject that I find a complete mystery. Now this is my Blog, so I can say whatever I like. All these words I type are of my own opinion.

You can disagree or agree, I don't care. You can wear whatever you like, because at the end of the day, I make bad decisions as well. But something that infuriates me beyond comprehension when it comes to clothes and trends, is the way parents allow their young daughters to dress.

Now I am not a father, so maybe I don't understand the control children have over their parents, but allowing a young girl to go out looking like a demi-hooker is beyond me!

Young girls should be wearing dresses and T- Shirts that cover their upper body, not singlets and shirts that say 'Daddy's Little Bitch'. Parents should be fined for having children wearing anything they would'nt wear themselves. It's bad enough they're covered in stains, but looking like Britney at 6 is inhumane to say the least!

How many young boys walk the street dressed like they're off to Mardi Gras? Not many. So why are young girls allowed to go to breakfast looking like a Bar Maid in Mid-driffs and shorty shorts?

Unfortunetly in today's society there are sick people, both men and women, who enjoy this little Fashion Parade happening before their eyes. Children have no say in what they wear really, because at the end of the day, it's the parents who should be making their choices.

Before you leave the house, look at your daughter and ask yourself, "Would I wear that at my Age"?

Children go out in society to have fun. They laugh, play and enjoy their time with their family and friends. They have no problem with what they wear and their social etiquette, so it's up to you, the parent, to respect them a little more, by covering them up and dressing them, their age. This is very Important.

No-one wants to be old before their time.

(Collette Dinnigan, Leona Edmiston, Country Road, Ralph Lauren and BIG by Fiona Scanlan, all stock divine, pretty clothes for girls from 2 - 12.). Or try this website http://www.littlebylittle.com.au/

BOREDSHORTS.

Why is every male trend, exaggerated and saturated to the point of being Sickening?

Presently, I am talking about the fascination that every (most) man and his dog has with BOARDSHORTS! Now, we can wear whatever we like, it's a free world, and unfortunetly there are no laws to stop people from looking like total morons, but boardshorts are everywhere.

Is it the pretty patterns or bright colours that hypnotise the average man into complete Boardshort hysteria? Is it the fact that they are readily available, everywhere from Surfers Paradise to, ummmmmm Mildura? Or is it the fact that every man (like the millions who wear football jerseys), wish that they actually surfed? The boardshort epidemic is like the HAPPYPANT fad of the mid 80's......scary, and totally unacceptable.

You see, 8 out of 10 men on the Gold Coast who are wearing boardshorts usually have'nt even been on a board, much less live there! And what's even funnier, are the amount of Boardshort wearing clones hanging out in droves at Westfield or, even worse......outback country Australia.

It seems to me that the male population in this country make up one big conga line, once one dude starts wearing something, every dude starts wearing it, and soon, it's beginning to look a lot like follow the faux surfer. I understand that boardshorts are easy to wear, and that the backyard BBQ is no fashion's on the field, but "Men of this Country", try doing your own thing for once.

It just get's boring.

Whatever happened to Ruggers and Hard Yakka, now they're what I call, shorts built for a Man!!

CRY ME A NECKLACE!

Divine local Jeweller, Chelsea de Luca has unveiled her 'Big Girls Don't Cry' Collection in her Fortitude Valley boutique.

So exquisite is this current collection, many notable female identites pre-ordered their own Christmas gifts for their husbands to pick-up at a later date, and as the CDL packaging is as gorgeous as the actual adornments, there was no need for wrapping.

And as professionals know, getting what you want from Chelsea de Luca is the best gift you could possibly ask for, especially considering a toaster does'nt sit as perfect around you neck!

Walk as fast as your shoes can cope to Chelsea de Luca. Your ears, neck, wrist will thank you!

Chelsea de Luca

Shop 34, TCB Building

Brunswick St Mall

Fortitude Valley.

(+61) 7 3252 2246

http://www.chelseadeluca.com.au/

ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME!

After the release of 'Sex & the City' (the Movie) mid year, the Big Ticket item of 2008 will be a pair of Gladiator sandals.

Whether with a heel or flat, as expected, the market will be flooded with cheap imitations by the truckload, but my favourite by far has to be, (and remember, I'm a man), are the Platform version from french fashion house BALMAIN.

Worn with anything from a cocktail dress to shorty shorts and a lowkey blouse, these babies will get you noticed everywhere you go.

Another shoe I love is the Platform from BURBERRY (Right)....very "Obey Everything I Say"!!!

No word if Jean Brown will be stocking them, but fingers are crossed. And as always, caution should be taken, for once this trend kicks in, then's the time to adandon them!

Soldiers of Style, Prepare yourself for War!

PS. For those Gladiators in the Masculine form, try a pair of the Men's Version courtesy of Miu Miu!!!

CROCHEAD!

As requested by several close friends, and I tend to agree, the cull must commence.

Children, you are excused, but we must bring to an end the ugly phenomenon of CROCS.

I understand and respect people's opinions, but adults wearing this grotesque footwear should be punished.......severly!

Unfortunetly, it seems that men are the main culprits. Why? I have no idea.

Why are their girlfriends, wives etc allowing them to wear them in public? Not only are they THE most unattractive accessory EVER, they serve absolutely NO purpose.

Yes, they may be easy to slip on and off, and Yes they may be bright and provoke a slight spring to your step, but dude, your a man, not some Gay Divorcee from the 80's trapped in a Kiddy Complex.

If you want some casual style on your feet that does'nt resemble a peanut M&M, then head to Birkenstock or better still, Bally.

And guys, being a father is no excuse for looking like a proper dweeb, especially when you kid is wearing the exact same footwear, and 9 times out of 10 they probably hate the bastards as much as I do.

Grow Up!!

THE FIRSTS OF THE YEAR.

The January Issues of Paris Vogue, US Vogue, US Harpers Bazaar, Vogue India and W Magazine have hit newstands, along with the February Issue of Vogue Australia, and although they're all on the slim side, they still deliver incredible Fashion and Accessories.

So to start 2008 off on a fashionable note, indulge in the gloss, and watch each edition get bigger as the months go by.

It seems all BRISBANESTYLE Lady readers have an awesome year ahead of them, which I think is exciting.

Save Up, Spend Big and Never Be Afraid.

(PS. The Covers are to the Right of this Posting!)

WELCOME 2008.

I would like to send my sincere thanks to every one of you who took the time to read this Blog......it would take all year to thank all 3000 of you individually, so I'll do it in bulk.

Thank You!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas Day and memorable New Year celebrations, and I hope 2008 will bring you much success, health, happiness & style.

Blog On!!