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.

EASY TEGUI.

Situated in a 110 year old house, discreet diner TEGUI is my new favourite eatery outside of Australia. Located in Costa Rica, Buenos Aires, the understated interior allows for the food to take centre stage, only because the exterior is pretty special in itself............and I'm not telling you why.

www.tegui.com.ar

BEERGARDEN.

Ok, the Wintergarden is about to undergo severe and much needed renovation. Management over the years desperate for tenants turned the place into Mongkok Markets. With class leaking out of it from all sides, the Wintergarden turned into nothing but an aging montrosity that even Lisa Ho and Wayne Cooper could'nt fix.

Carla Zampatti mixed it with Telstra and Aussie Post, Gant downsized and then closed it's doors, Jag had a revival (can you call it that) and the foodcourt become a haven for the homeless, I just pray that the 'all new' Wintergarden will have some level of exclusivity.

Here are some suggestions.

1. If Managment want any Government/Medical/Communication Companies in there, put them where no-one can see them.

2. Keep Georg Jensen, Carla Zampatti, Wayne Cooper, Lisa Ho, even Kookai!

3. Secure respected retailers such as Jayson Brunsdon, Calibre, Farage, AG Women and Men, Armani Exchange, Christensen Copenhagen, Cactus Jam, Lacoste, American Apparell, Acne, Fleur Wood, Joh Bailey and the list goes on.

4. Put all service stores like newsgents, hairdressers, chemists, beauty salons together.

5. Put all less expensive stores together. Don't mix and match. No-one is going to by a cocktail dress from Carla Zampatti and then buy the shoes from Williams the Shoeman!! Eeek!

6. You'll no doubt put in a Foodcourt, so make it decent. Business men may like a Portugasm from Nando's but let them go someone else to eat it, say Loganholme!

7. Infiltrate strict NO SMOKING LAWS for customer and staff. I hate seeing the person who's just sold me my $1000 suit sucking back a bad one. Not good, not pretty. I don't care if you work at Jil Sander.

8. Don't be scared to approach BIG International labels. Versace has kind of died in the arse in this country, but Hermes do well, so does Ferragamo, Burberry (Perth's getting one in July), Prada or Gucci. High street labels like H&M and Top Shop won't come here and if the stock in the Asian stores are anything to go by, thank God!

9. Invest in a good architect/interior designers (may be too late). Give us something to make our jaws drop. QueensPlaza is so 2006.

10. Don't demolish the Regent Theatre. That's just fucking ridiculous!

Ok, that's my bitch. The Wintergarden has been a eyesore outside and in for too many years, here's your chance to step it up and deliver. Do it, cos there's no going back.

11. NO NAFF ADVERTISING.

THE CLOTHES LINE.

Patrik Ervell
Tillmann Lauterbach.
Hans Christian Madsen

As written in the posting titled 'It's a Naked Man's World' I complained about the lack of menswear stores in Brisbane. Here are 3 Menswear labels that recently caught my eye in Zurich.

1. PATRIK ERVELL. Former fashion editor of V Magazine, Mr Ervell seems to concentrate on the minimalistic approach to clothes design with a retro edge. Parachute fabric is used in some garments. www.patrikervell.com

2. TILLMANN LAUTERBACH. Born in Germany, raised in Ibiza, educated in Switzerland. Lauterbach was a male model who studied design at exclusive french fashion school ESMOD. He uses luxurious fabrics with intricate detailing. His latest collection was inspired by his visit to Ethiopia. www.tillmannlauterbach.com

3. HANS CHRISTIAN MADSEN. His Scandanavian background is inspiration for all his designs. Describing his style as 'Nordic Folklore' all his clothes are constructed using traditional techniques. He graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2007 and his line is available in London at B Store on Saville Row. www.bstorelondon.com

SWINGING IN THE RAIN.

As winter (or what we call winter) sets in, so has the rain. Walking to and from work has proved somewhat a chore and trainers with any workwear is 'awful' to say the least, I don't care how comfortable they are.

So here's an alternative. When you get to work and before you slip on your Jimmy Choo's, how bout slipping some off?

British brand HUNTER has joined JIMMY CHOO to create these luxurious Wellington Boots.
Although they are not real crocodile, the print gives the illusion they are.

So hop to it, ditch the Reeboks and arrive to work in style......you don't need a Bentley to do it

Available only in the US and UK. $US395 ($AUD540).

ALESSILICIOUS.

Architect David Chipperfield has collaborated with Alessi and designed a range of Homewares for the Italian label. They are durable, practical and versatile. Mix and Match, Cook or Serve.
Yum!

Stoneware, steel, beechwood and glass are materials used in this extensive range.

www. alessi.com

CORROMPRE VOUS-MEME.

Vionnet.
Balmain.
George V Bar.
Le Crocodile.
Assouline.
Le Refectoire.
L'Eclaireur
L'Appartement 217.
Chez Benoit.
3 Rooms.
Senderens.
Patrick Seguin.
Vip Room.


A friend is travelling to Paris. Here are some lovely suggestions for her to do, buy, and see while in the french capital. As I have been there many times, and as I always abide by the rule of 'Practicing what I Preach', the old adage of BEEN THERE DONE THAT echo's through the following.......


1. MADELEINE VIONNET Exhibition at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs. From 24th June 2009 - 24 January 2010. An exceptional exhibition of avant-garde designs.

2. BALMAIN. Purchase the Jacket of the Moment with shoulders that you can seat up to eight on and fly interstate. 44 rue Francois 1er Paris 8eme. www.balmain.com

3. FOUR SEASONS GEORGE V Bar. Arrive, Sit, Order, Swallow, Pay, Leave.
31 Avenue George V. www.fourseasons.com/paris

4. LE CROCODILE Bar. Arrive, Sit Order, Swallow, Order, Swallow, Order................anti chic cocktail bar. 6 rue Royer Collard 5eme.

5. ASSOULINE. Best Bookstore in Paris. Kinda, maybe, well one of them anyway!
35 rue Bonaparte 6eme. www.assouline.com

6. CHEZ BENOIT. Next to Centre Pompidou. Bistro that serves traditional French Food.
20 rue Saint-Martin 4eme.

7. L'ECLAIREUR. Press the Buzzer to get in. Innovative Fashion boutique showcasing superbly tailored mens and womens collections from around the globe. Actor John Malkovich stocks his rare menswear line here. 10 rue Herold, 1er. www.leclaireur.com

8. L'APPARTEMENT 217. A seven room organic spa. Treatments from 'Senteurs de Fee' and 'Dr Hauschka' are available. Interior is fabulous! 217 rue Saint-Honore, 1e.

9. LE REFECTOIRE. Cutting edge canteen. Set breakfast served. 80 Boulevard Richard Lenoir, 11e.

10. 3 ROOMS. 3 highly desirable Apartments brought to you by Azzedine Alaia and Carla Sozzani (of 10 Corso Como). No website. Apartment rates increase according to number of tenants. 5 rue de Moussy, 4e. T 4478 9200.

11. SENDERENS. With interiors by Noe Duchaufour Lawrence and food by three-star Michelin chef Alain Senderens, book now. 9 place de la Madeleine, 8e.

12. PATRICK SEGUIN. More gallery then Homewares/Furniture store. There is something NOT for everyone. Take as many credit cards as possible. 5 rue des Taillandiers, 11e. www.patricksequin.com

13. VIP ROOM. A re-invented cinema lobby plays host to everyone who wants to be someone. Good music. Loud Music. Sleek Interior. $$$$ Cocktails. 76-78 avenue des Champs-Elysees, 8e.
www.viproom.fr

Essai et visite au moins un. vous ne le regretterez pas!
Appreciez et payez l'argent.

PS. A great website I found is www.avenuemontaigneguide.com!

FLICK YOU!

Here are some films I'm looking forward to seeing. They may not be everyone's cup of tea, but hey, variety is the spice of celluloid.

Palace Pass renewed, and I'm ready to go!


1. UNMISTAKEN CHILD. A 4 year search for the Reincarnation of LAMA KONCHONG, a world renowned Tibetan Master who died in 2001.

2. LAST RIDE. A Father and Son, Happy/Sad story. Hugo Weaving stars.

3. PRECIOUS. A story of overcoming diversity and aquiring light, love and self-determination. Based on the novel 'PUSH' by Sapphire. Mariah Carey stars, but don't be fooled.....you've never seen her like this before, and they're talking Oscar!! Weird huh?

4. HERB & DOROTHY. A true story! Postal Clerk Herb and Librarian Dorothy managed to build one of the most important contemporary art collections in history from very modest earnings, by purchasing the works of unknown artists. They lived on his wage and spent hers!

5. COLD SOULS. Extracting, Deep Freezing and Storing people's Soul's. Paul Giamatti plays an Actor called Paul Giamatti. Emily Watson stars as well.....I love her.