SCHMOOVEST SHOE AROUND.

For all those fashionable, yet athletic blokes who require a stylish shoe with the comfort of a trainer, do I have the product for you.

SCHMOOVE Shoes are not only more stylish then a traditional shoe, they're really a running shoe/slipper in disguise. Wear them with a suit, or jeans, and you'll never have to steal your girlfriends party feet again! Bing Crosby would've loved them!!!

Prices vary.

http://www.schmoove-eshop.fr/

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT!

Check these uber-cool sunglasses from MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA. Called L'INCOGNITO, they sit across the eye like a Sci-fi Zorro Mask. There is no indention made for the nose, nor is there shape for around the eyes. They stay in place due to a ridge which is not seen from the front and gives the appearance they are floating in front of the wearer, therefore producing double takes from passers-by.

In photo's it looks as if the person wearing them has had black masking tape put over their eye's.

Available from Maison Martin Margiela for around AUD$840.00.

BUBBLE BUBBLE TOIL & TROUBLE.

On a recent visit to LA, I visited ANTHROPOLOGIE at 'The Grove' in West Hollywood and picked up an incredibly decadent bubble bath from COTE' BASTIDE. These french elixirs are packaged in apothecary-style bottles, and have a soft, sweet lingering scent that fills your bathroom with lilacs and violets.

Sit back and channel Marie Antionette.

US$45 each.

TWO OF A KIND.

Launched last week at JEAN BROWN ROBE, capsule collections from local jeweller CHELSEA de LUCA and designer JULI GRBAC sold out within days. Ms Grbac's '48 HOURS IN PARIS' (who came up with that name I wonder?) collection, and Ms de Luca's 'WILD SWANS' collection proved once again these talented women know their customer.

Both have been going from strength to strength in recent months, and although Grbac closed her boutique in March her clothes have never been more sort after. Even committed Grbac devotee's missed out on pieces at Jean Brown Robe, which is evidence her clothes are, as always, Collector Items.......especially now with her status sky-rocketing thanks to her appearance on the aussie version of 'PROJECT RUNWAY'.

Due to her being in 'lockdown' in Melbourne during filming, Juli could'nt make the JBR debut of her exquisite clothes, which hang alongside some notable foreigners, but she was there in spirit with some Brisbane style leaders wearing past Grbac creations.

Chelsea was in attendance, and like her missing in action partner in crime, her lady of the hour tiara shone brightly. Jean Brown owner Amber Long, who has been a DE LUCA/GRBAC afficianado since her stores inception, knows a good thing when she see's it, and is always the perfect canvas for both designers art.

Onwards and Upwards!!
Love you two.
x

A MOTHER OF A DAY!!

The following are several ideas for Mother's Day gifts. Some may require a little more time to acquire, but all Mothers are well deserving. Credit Cards at the Ready!!!!!

1.NINA OIKAWA Jewellery. Melbourne jeweller Nina Oikawa's kitsch elegance redefines exquisite jewellery. The ring above is an experimental piece and is what she calls 'Fossil Jewels'. AUD$900.

2.BOX SOFA. The Box Sofa, which is a collaboration between AUTOBAN and DE LA ESPADA, is the ultimate 'Ladies Chair'. Allow 6 weeks for delivery. http://www.delaespada.com/

3.MASERATI GRAN TURISMO. Offering V8 power alongside slick and sexy Italian styling. Seats 4, but better for two. You need room in the backseat for those Belinda bags!!!http://www.maserati.com.au/

4.PRADA FAIRY BAG. Enough said. http://www.prada.com/

5.BETTE MIDLER TICKETS. Vegas says Goodbye to Celine Dion and Hello to the Divine Ms M. Tickets are on sale for 'THE SHOWGIRL MUST GO ON' tour at the Colosseum at Ceasars Palace. Hurry, tickets are selling fast. http://www.bettemidlerlasvegas.com/ http://www.qantas.com/

6.OUTSHINE TREATMENT. Omnnulix Red Light Therapy to turn back time.

12 x 3o minute Treatments AUD$1100. http://www.outshine.com.au/

Fortitude Valley and West End.

If you can't afford any of the above, then head to Jean Brown's new store, 'TRIBUNE' in Fortitude Valley for heavily discounted shoes, clothes and accessories including pieces from Lanvin and Marc Jacobs.

Happy Mother's Day!

ROSEMOUNT AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK. MAY 2008.

Once again Rosemount Australian Fashion Week ( or as I like to call it, Sydney Fashion Week) has finished, and as in the past, (albeit a few standouts), it once again failed to ignite even the smallest flame, although it was the best of past years!

This year saw the return of EASTON PEARSON, SASS & BIDE and MICHELLE JANK, and even though they were welcomed strangers, for every return champion, we saw departures. Where was JOSH GOOT? Where was COLLETTE DINNIGAN? Where was TONI MATICEVSKI?

With old faithfuls like LISA HO, ALEX PERRY and JAYSON BRUNSDON giving the consumer exactly what they want with safe collections. KATE SYLVESTER angered the respected and in turn became the fallen, while ANTIPODIUM produced an ok collection of seen-it-before simple garb.

NICOLA FINETTI as always, was under-valued, but had character. KIRRILLY JOHNSTON failed to excite as did ANNA THOMAS and CAMILLA & MARC. LEE MATTHEWS, FRISONI FINETTI, FRIEDRICH GRAY, MAD CORTES and TINA KALIVAS delivered shining light, and SASS & BIDE did what they do best. Newcomer KONSTANTINA MITTAS executed delicate garments that were innovative, and pushed the boundaries of what was gracing the catwalk, as did ROMANCE WAS BORN.

MICHELLE JANK'S return drew gasps from the fashion editors, but all I saw were pieces that were'nt core shakers, or original. GAIL SORRONDA'S layered black and white dresses from 2 seasons ago were, and still are, better! Take away the breast plates and you've got a lacklustre collection, with not much on offer. Try again!

EASTON PEARSON and AKIRA were (as always) the two shows that standout for creativity and originality. Beautifully performed with personalised stamps, as well as buyer friendly, both design teams delivered collections from the soul. The clothes were not only incredibly beautiful and feminine, but strong and powerful. Because after all, at the end of the day, we love over-the-top, but we love wearable, and when wearable exudes the persona of a rarity, we love it even more!!!!

Amongst the miriad of Fashion Week's, Fashion Festivals and Fashion Workshops that come and go every year, ROSEMOUNT AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK stands out as the key player in promoting Australian Fashion to the world, but it's becoming boring. With big names coming and going as well as staying away, it really does not set a good example for the buyer and editors from overseas. With mediocre show after medicore show, and only a couple of creative geniuses on offer, it's a shame that the most memorable moments are happening off the catwalk. You really have to wonder when the 'free' biscuits get a better wrap!!!

*I must say in respect to the designers, I was not present at these shows, but watched video and viewed photographs, so these words a based purely on what I saw as a vision.

Untill next year/month/week. Salutations!!!!