K is busy...

... trying her hardest to spot Coco Rocha, who just so happens to be taking a holiday in Sydney! Hehe... I'm heading to the fish markets today anyway. It's considered a tourist destination by some. Who knows? Maybe Coco has a taste for seafood! =P
Information courtesy of her new Oh So Coco blog!

It's been too long

The last time I posted was way back in July, and suffice it to say that a post has been long overdue. The Olympics has been and gone, the global economic environment is changing before our very eyes and meanwhile, I've been studying very very hard to boost my GPA. You see- I need something fantastic if I want to go on student exchange to Europe next year! This is just a short entry since I can't resist- I found an incredible blog I just have to share, to tell you all that I'm not dead and that I will start posting more regularly as soon as my exams finish (in a month's time!).

So... remember That-Girl-With-The-Camera I, along with the rest of the fashion blogosphere, was wondering about? You know- that fabulous chic one with the whimsically beautiful style? I totally forgot about her until I saw another one of her pictures on the Sart (left), which intrigued me all over again. And as a true child of the tech revolution- I started googling!

Rei Shito worked (past tense) for Japanese street style magazines STREET, FRUiTS and TUNE as a photog and PR and if you've ever wanted to see her work from behind the lense (as opposed to in front of the camera at The Sartorialist)- now's your chance! It's been a few months now but she's opened her own blog- STYLE from TOKYO. It showcases exactly that- the style from hip Tokyo! That, along with her photos from fashion week etc...

I think Tokyo is powerful and so exciting,and something new always happens! Everyone I saw on the street have their own individuality ,and also their own style.To see them,and talk together always makes me feel a positive energy! And I really love it. I will always be on street,and shoot them having their own style.

And I agree with her 100%! There is this great vibe and energy from Tokyo that is so strong it's almost tangible. It's full of surprises and so incredibly vibrant! The different characters you see on her blog are a true reflection of that. So yes, go go go! Visit STYLE from TOKYO and see for yourself!

I'll be back in a month to talk more! I've missed posting here! xoxo

Cred: The Sart, STYLE from TOKYO

China Vogue August 2008

Countdown has started: 20 days until the 2008 Beijing Olympics! The gymnastics, swimming, diving and some of the track events will draw me in, as usual, and I am so glad its held in China this time. None of that staying-up-all-night-to-watch-it business which is usually what happens. And so, in lieu of this grand sporting tradition, it seems only suiting that I post a dynamic editorial from China Vogue. Just look at the great sense of movement captured!

"Trendy Ceremony" as photographed by KT Auleta and styled by Brian Molloy. Featuring Qing Shupei, Karlie Kloss (read: the rising model star with the rather unique walk), Karmen Pedaru, Katya Shun and Hanne Gaby Odiele.

The second double spread reminds me of that Balenciaga ad campaign from a few seasons back- it's the graphic use of black and white I think, the girl on the left in the tartan photo- Karmen- has the most arresting expression and is a complete posing extraordinaire. Oh, and all that hosiery in the fourth picture is to die for!
Photo cred: Aja Mok of TFS

Header 2.0

From the AW08 Jil Sander campaign. The structural (sculptural?) design of those shoes make such a bold statement, non? Black and white photography in all its wonder and its ability to capture that lovely feeling- such je ne sais quoi!Photo cred: TFS

Top 25 Most Fashionable Cities in the World

"The list was compiled by the Global Language Monitor, a non-profit group that tracks the frequency of words and phrases in the media, on the Internet and throughout the blogosphere." Check it out!

1.→ New York
2.→ Rome
3.→ Paris
4.↑ Milan (5)
5.↓ London (4)
6.→ Los Angeles
7.↑ Sydney (12)
8.↑ Las Vegas (9)
9.↑ Berlin (11)
10.↓ Tokyo (6)
11.↓ Hong Kong (8)
12.↑ Dubai (24)
13.↑ Shanghai (14)
14.↓ Singapore (10)
15. Madrid (new!)
16.→ Moscow
17.↑ Santiago (19)
18.↓ Melbourne (15)
19. Stockholm (new!)
20.↑ Buenos Aires (22)
21.↑ Johannesburg (23)
22.↓ Mumbai (18)
23. Cape Town (new!)
24. New Delhi (new!)
25.↓ Barcelona (13)

Sydney and Hong Kong (my hometown and place of birth) represent! And surprise surprise... I'm like a proud mama!! Is your stylish city on the list?
Cred: Reuters

Enjoy it while it lasts...

Project Runway Season 5! It's started and my internet bandwidth is working overtime to download the first episode as I write this now. I am so excited about Project Runway ever since Christian Siriano. He might be arrogant, but you can't deny that he is so young, talented and incredible!
But as much as I love the show (what a great fashion reality show: I may be a hypocrite but I'm saying it's a whole lot better than Tyra's how-to-smile-with-your-eyes comments), I grow more and more concerned with Season 6 as I read that the Lifetime execs are relocating the show from NYC aka fashion capital to L.A. (aka celebrity central). Heidi is indifferent but Nina, faithful to fashion, says nay and is "saddened by the move"! What does the network say? The CEO believes this move will open a whole new avenue for the designers as "L.A. gives us Hollywood, red-carpet fashion, and more context for our challenges involving celebrity culture."

There's nothing wrong with L.A. per se- it's a glamorous city- but to move a fashion show out of the fashion capital does not seem entirely logical to me. So, my verdict? I say that while the world may grow a whole lot more interested in Project Runway because they're dressing more celebs, this gets point deductions from me and dare I say, the fashion world?
Cred: Allie is Wired, nymag

Project Runway Australia Season 1

It has finally started! I've been looking forward to this show since it starting filming and you know what? One of the contestants, Mark Antonio, reminds me of a certain famous fashion blogger we all know.

Yes or no? Just a bit of resemblance?
Bryanboy, is that you?

Photo cred: Bryanboy, thevine.com.au

Go Marketing!

You either love it or you're not into it, but I- for one- love going to growers markets on Saturdays. It always feel so authentic, the food is incredible, lots or organic and gourmet goodies to both buy and eat! The idea of spending a sunny Saturday morning enjoying a cup of Toby's Estate coffee (quite frankly the best I've had in Sydney) whilst browsing through the stalls wins over the supermarket experience every time! There are two which I frequent:
1. The Good Living Growers Market: at Pyrmont Bay Park, on the lawn opposite the Star City casinos, first Saturday of every month. If you've never gone marketing before, I would definitely recommend this for your first time- one of the biggest of its kind in Sydney I believe. Opens 7am to 11am, but get there early-ish to buy the good stuff! Strolling by at 10am means half the stores are packing up since they've sold out already. Trust me, I know from experience...
2. Northside Produce Market: at North Sydney on Miller Street- between Ridge and McLaren Streets. From 8 to 12noon every third Saturday of the month. This one is similar to Pyrmont- you'll find that a lot of the stalls trade at both venues- just smaller in scale.
There's a new store on the scene that I want to make a special mention about since I happen to have a sweet tooth. Accordingly named Sweetness The Patisserie, I first saw them set up stall at the Northside produce market in mid May and their goods are heavenly! The marshmallows (in the picture the white ones are passionfruit and the purple are berry flavored!) are a dreamy fluffy concoution, and their shortbread is delicious. I also recommend the lime flavored marshmallows. Their retail store is at 10/53 Brisbane Road, Castle Hill and while I haven't been in there, I suggest you check out the shop if you're in the Hills area!








Cred: buyorganic, myself

Russian Vogue July 2008

It's been an age since I've last done an editorial post but this one has got me so inspired I had to share! Natasha Poly ranks very very high among my list of favorites and to me, is one of the fiercest models around- the strongest walk I've seen, that strong face, a perfectly proportioned body and she exudes such great personality and sensuality that everyone just has to take notice.

The magazine issue I pulled this from is wholly dedicated to Natasha but I think this editorial is the best out of all of them. Titled "высокий старт" (anyone have a translation of that?). Miguel Reveriego as photographer, Simon Robins as stylist.

Don't you just love how every single piece of clothing is so luxe, with so much character, that they each tell a different story in themselves?




I'm dying for a pair of those crazy sunglasses now. A copy of Russian Vogue too! Who cares if I can't read a single word of it. Everyone knows pictures tell a thousand words.
Photo cred: achAT of TFS

Has absolutely everyone seen this yet?

Sorry if you have, you must take note if you haven't!

This is just one of the many times where I wished I lived in NYC.

Photo cred: COACD

The Next Aussie

Even though AusNTM (and GNTM) is what I would call the best of the "Next Top Model" franchise, it has largely become an undeniable fact that there is an inverse relationship between a girl's success on Top Model and her actual modeling career post show. Alice and Kasia are exempted from this as anomalies of course.
(Myf Shepherd- first 2 polaroids, Sarah Stephens- the other 2)
I say this because 17 year old Queenslander Myf Shepherd was an AusNTM reject- one of the many who didn't make it through the audition rounds of cycle 4 currently airing- but is now climbing the high fashion ladder rapidly. Domestically, she had a packed Australian Fashion Week show schedule. You might also recognize her from the 2009 Resort shows- the Prada and the Gucci.

She's got the unique name that half the female model population seem to have (considering that half probably come from Europe, it's really no surprise!)- her full name is actually Myfanwy Amy Shepherd according to news.com.au, she's got the gorgeous heavy fringed dark hair and great bone structure. I think she'll go far!

Although... I do like Sarah Stephens (yet another new stunning Aussie) a bit better though. Possibly because of this backstage photo? Sarah is with Chic Management as well and seems to have done a bit more work than Myf. I think it's Sarah's face- so refined and sophisticated, she looks darling in editorials- but they are both lovely.

Girls, I want you to note that if you want to enter any modeling competition in Australia... please please please make that the Girlfriend magazine's Model Search! Abbey Lee and Catherine McNeil (and now Sarah) were all winners of this comp and look were they are now!

Nothing more to say other than the fact I'm SO proud Australia is being represented so beautifully! (I swear, our secret is in the weather! The sun, the air, the beautiful beaches! Not to mention our thin- or shall I say lack of- ozone layer? Hehe...)
Cred: news.com.au (1) (2), to2w

Oh, don't mind me...

Please ignore my hair pulling, I'm just stressed- my finals start on Wednesday! I think it's fair to say that you can expect me back in about a week's time- I'll be finished by then, completely elated and celebrating the start of my 1.5 month long winter break! Got to go cram some more now. Economics might just be a distant cousin of Satan (well, maybe...). I'll be back soon! Kisses and hugs.

Au Revoir, Monsieur

Just found out from WendyB's blog that the great French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent left us from Paris, on June 1 2008, following a long illness.
He is truly fundamental and is part of the small influential elite who has made fashion what it is today- his legacy still reigns! Every time us girls decide wear a pair of pants during the day, we have him to thank for suggesting it! A toast to the king from me, in my very own Le Smoking suit. You will truly be missed, Monsieur Saint Laurent!
Photo cred: NYT, wbjewelry

A man persecuted. All in the name of Art.

So Sydney is currently ridden with an art controversy, and for you art lovers- you should all be in the know. Of course I'm talking about Bill Henson. Bill Henson is an Australian contemporary photographic artist and his latest exhibition at the Sydney Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery was canceled due to the nature of his subjects- his art depicted naked adolescents.This theme led to a complaint, police investigations and what-have-yous.

To truly understand everything, you would need to understand the foundations of Henson's work. His art is concerned with contrasts, juxtaposition and relationships. TheMaleBeauty noted the work (in it entirety) as a:

"meditation on the categories and relationships of male and female; youth and adulthood; day and night; light and dark; nature and civilization. Henson's intention is to use photography for creative expression. He states that he is not interested in a political or sociological agenda... (he) is not intending his photographs to be authoritative evidence but rather to suggest endless possibilities and cause people to wonder."

This is true of his canceled exhibition, which reflects the transition from childhood to adolescence. To me, the nudity is symbolic of who the child/teen really is- devoid of social class, background and all the other superficialities that society holds dear.
Henson who have been photographing "young nude junkies" and "teenage nudes" as far back as 1983 used to raise no eyebrows, there was no persecution- I mean, critics saw his work as "obvious", not scandalous! What's changed now?

Nudity in art and pornography simply should not be confused- one is for creative expression and the other is for sexual gratification. For the Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to label it as "revolting"- I am left speechless and disappointed. The comment by the artist Martin Sharp sums it all up rather well

"It was a powerful image. I would call it very beautiful in its vulnerability rather than 'revolting' as the Prime Minister has done," Sharp said. The photograph suggested the girl "gave her trust to Henson … and this trust has been violated by the police and Kevin Rudd's comments."

I will, however, acknowledge the current impasse. Should the government lay criminal charges on the man? Even lawyers have recognized the futility of such an act because "The Crimes Act requires two things - an intention and an act, the act is usually fairly easily established but if the intention is to produce a work of art and solely to produce a work of art, then I can not see how a crime has been committed" (read: Henson can easily find witnesses to prove his work as art). Henson's ex-models, even those who are now parents, had nothing against him- "His work is sublime and only a warped mind could associate it with such crassness" (not to mention he had full consent from all of them). The mother of the art-interested 13yo girl at the center of the controversy tells that they are "very strong supporters of Bill Henson and his works". But for the gov to let him go unscathed would most likely cause some certain strong reactions of the general public- not to mention Mr. Rudd. So what are they going to do?(This above photo is one of his older works)

So you've heard my (rather strong) stance on this topic. I think I've written enough. I want to hear your opinions!
Edit: This sounds a bit silly- but thank you idiot for correcting my mistake! I got the picture from facebook and it seems they've got it wrong! I've changed it now...
Cred: fb, news.com.au, SMH, SMH, theage, themalebeauty, wiki

Diorphone

Move aside Prada phone! What Dolce razr? Bye bye iphone! I want a Diorphone!
It looks phenomenal, comes out next month in selected Dior boutiques and I'll go so far to say its a 2-for-1 deal! You get the true sized phone and a mini phone! The mini is there so you don't have to rummage around the black crevasse of a huge leather bag that we are all so fond of (myself included)!
edit: just to clarify, the mini phone is a little thing for you to take calls (and answer calls only, I presume). My guess is that it'll probably be connected via bluetooth with your true phone.

There are, however, slight (or major) concerns- depending on how you look at it. One is the price- I'm reluctant to fork out 3500 euros for a phone. Another is that since this is Dior's first technological product, I have a feeling it will contain bugs, phone lag and its own set of problems. But the colors and the flip design instantly makes me associate it with trendy Japanese flip phones which are to die for! Looks aside, I guess I'll find out- in time- how efficient this Dior darling operates as reviews come out on various websites!
Cred: New York Mag, TFS

Anyone else with me?

I'm getting sad that the Gossip Girl Season 1 finale is next week! S1 went by in a flash and now I've got to wait until late 2008 before Season 2 comes out! Episode 18 is going to be smashing- a nice big end with a bang!

PS I try and I try to update frequently but it's hard you know. My terrible internet connection is going to be the death of me.
Cred: youtube

And the best superhero couple award goes to...

Zac Posen and Kate Mara.

What a POW! blue and yellow duo! Zac was definitely the Met Gala's sartorial superhero! His superpower? Brighten and lighten the slightly dull uninspiring event- it was quite disappointing to see half the guests turn up in their regular glamorous red carpet wear.
Photo cred: TFS

Costume Institute Gala 2008: Gisele

The theme this year is "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy". This is just a little preview- I couldn't resist posting this! Gisele Bünchen, who I normally don't care for, looks every part the superwoman that she is. In AW08 Versace no less!
One word: FIERCE!
Photo cred: TFS

The Copenhagen Experience

Watch and feel the mood and look of the Mads Nørgaard- Copenhagen collection. The Copenhagen Experience is his project that's going to run consectively through three of his collections- starting in SS08. His second short film came out in Feb and because Freja-Beha (as well as male model Eddie Klint and co.) is in it, there's no way I'm not blogging about this.

The SS08 video:

which I didn't like nearly as much as "The Copenhagen Experience #2" for Nørgaard's AW08 collection, aka the "Paint it Black" collection. His current work is:

about simplicity and elegance - confronted by decadence, trying to give decadence an updated meaning. Paris in the early sixties has been important, so has London - Mary Quant, Courreges and Cardin - Bob Dylan playing electric at London Olympia in 1966 - the optimism - confronted by a touch of spleen, weltschmertz. The tone is slightly thoughtful, and at the same time sexy, shiny and elegantly optimistic.

Maybe because it's smoother (as opposed to the choppy cutting technique used in #1, but that's a matter of personal opinion I suppose) or that the pieces are more noir and black. Is it the fact that there is a stronger story behind #2 or simply because Freja gets more air time?
Cred: The Copenhagen Experience, youtube

A SunSilk Fashion Designer's Range

I got an email a week or so ago regarding this new limited edition range... and whilst I'm very selective about what I blog about, the products sure did intrigue me. It's a haircare x fashion collaboration between the brand SunSilk and three Australian designers who I would consider as being at the top of the Aussie fashion ladder- Collette Dinnigan, Alice McCall and Peter Morrissey.

In terms of quality, I'm haven't tried it so I have absolutely no idea, but the product contains crystal extracts for the "ultimate in shine". What I do know is that the bottles look fantastic and I'm a big sucker for appearances. You really can't expect anything else from someone who does judge books by their covers? I mean, it has to look good on the bookshelf (in this case, the bathroom)!According to the SunSilk site, these designers were chosen as each had their own design principles and each:

embodied one of the looks- funky, pretty and sexy. Alice McCall epitomizes youthful cool that is somewhat funky and edgy. Collette's clothes are delicate and beautiful and this is how women feel when they wear them. Peter on the other hand, his garmets are ozzing with alluring glamor. Peter's garments are made to make a woman feel beautiful, sensual and sexy.

I think I like the Morrissey bottle the best- it's glam in an almost glittery- Versace- gone- gothic sort of way (the ballet pink of Dinnigan is sweet too) and will stand out in my bathroom...
Cred: sunsilk, youtube, zing

Hong Kong x Tokyo. A recap. Part II.

OK. Onto the Tokyo part of my trip. I stayed in Shinjuku, so I was in the Ginza/ Shinjuku/ Harajuku area quite a bit. And then, I went to the other shopping hot spot Shibuya as well. Akihabara for all my electronic/ techno needs (massive massive stores), sight seeing at Asakusa and a day trip to Yokohama. I won't bore you with the details, but it consisted of a whole lot of shopping, walking around and eating. You know- ramen and sushi and all that good authentic Japanese food. A special mention must be made for the Tsukiji fish market as the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. A tourist area for sure, but the food was fantastic. Long lines for a sushi breakfast- impossibly fresh and the best sushi I've ever tasted.

On the fashion front, Harajuku had these grand flagships so I went snap happy:
The signature black and white Chanel look reflected in the color scheme of the store. I love the color blocking and it's style is classic with a twist- an embodiment of the Chanel design principles.
The Louis Vuitton store, in my mind, takes its inspiration from domestic architecture. The roof of the building looks like the modern house and whilst I don't think it's the most glamorous Louis flagship in the whole of Tokyo (the one at Roppongi beats this in terms of design hands down)... I sure won't mind living here.

This next one was snapped at Ginza. The Lanvin store. It's quirky and I like that. It stands out from your standard store fronts because of the black. I don't really know what else to write so I'll leave it at that (I think it's because I've been here quite a few times already). Preview: the next holiday recap post goes to my shopping loot!
Photo cred: myself

So Next Top Model does produce winners!

I couldn't believe my ears- Tyra Banks' Top Model franchise really does produce top models! The AusNTM cycle 3 winner, Alice Burdeu, went on to rock the AW08 runways... and I don't mean just the smaller designers either- I'm talking Lanvin! Louis Vuitton! Alexander McQueen! Proenza! Ann Demeulemeester! All that good stuff for her first runway season. Ironic considering how Jodhi Meares (the AusNTM judge) reacted terribly unprofessional manner when Alice was made the winner (she was a big fan of the runner up) and how Australia was screaming about how terrible Alice is in the model weight debate.

But I'm sure you realize all that. What I find of utmost importance in her growing list of accomplishments is that she is going to be shooting her first major campaign for D&G Autumn Winter 2008 with Testino! I am definitely looking forward to it! From what I can see, it's only her and Ksenia of Russia's Next Top Model who have made it big. Ksenia gradually gained enough momentum after a few seasons to score a spot in the Gucci campaign line up alongside Lily D, Abbey Lee (an Aussie!), Kasia and Masha N!

If that's not good for NTM, I don't know what is. I just don't understand America's Next Top Model (aka the original Tyra led version). You'd think with Tyra's experience the presence of the girls would be stronger...
Cred: livejournal, SMH, style.com

WHAT? CDG for H&M?

My mouth was opening like a goldfish, and I am completely and utterly speechless. Why, you ask? I just found out that Comme des Garçons is doing a "range of womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and accessories and create a new unisex fragrance" for H&M- according to British Vogue. What other response would you have possibly expected from me? It's launching in November, with an exclusive Tokyo launch a few days before the worldwide launch... and there is no way that I will not be spamming the H&M website/TFS since I am dying to know how it's going to turn out!

And what led Rei Kawakubo to say yes? It's as simple as this:

I have always been interested in the balance between creation and business. It is a dilemma, although for me creation has always been the first priority. It is a fascinating challenge to work with H&M since it is a chance to take the dilemma to its extreme, and try to solve it.

which, in turn, reminds me of Andy Warhol's famous quote:

Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.

Never have I been this excited about a designer x mass retailer collaboration! You can feel it radiating off my words, can't you? If H&M was available in Australia, you can bet on it that I'd be lining up outside (as sad as that sounds, it's true...)
Credstyle.com: British Vogue, style.com

Hong Kong x Tokyo. A recap. Part I.

So, let's see. Where to start... (I've got so much to say!) I traveled over to Hong Kong for approximately one month/ month and a half, from the start of February to early/mid March... as well as going to Tokyo from the 21st to the 26th. It was cold- around 9°C when I arrived in HK. I know that's probably nothing to most of you considering that it probably snows in winter wherever you are, but for someone like me (who was traveling super light) it's bad. Especially since HKers walk everywhere and there's no adequate heating system in place in the shopping centers.
The shopping was, of course, heavenly. I bought so much- lots of jeans, shorts, shoes, makeup (I went CRAZY!), scarves, coats, a few electronic items... you name it, I probably got it! If you ask me to name some shopping hot spots in HK, I'll definitely have to say:
Causeway Bay- it's a smörgåsbord of the high and low. You'll find the Lane Crawfords and Louis Vuittons alongside local fashion boutiques in the shopping arcades. This is definitely my personal favorite, along with...
Mongkok- which is completely packed neighborhood and has lots more little arcades. I recommend the Argyle Center- a 4 level something with lots lots of stores selling a variety of goods from jewelry to fashion, hosiery and shoes at affordable prices(The con is that you cannot try on any items of clothing). The shopping center Langham Place is also worth going to- take the long escalator up to the very top and you can wander back down through the little lanes and "cobblestone" paths.
Admiralty /Central / Tsim Sa Tsui- all the brand names you could ever ask for (along with the staples). These districts have a stronger Western influence and it really shows in the culture of the area. Lang kwai Fong / Soho area at Central is a definite mention for bar-hopping

One of the places I was looking forward to going was Elements, HK's newest shopping mall, which opened in October last year. Developed by the MTR corporation, it's situated right above the Kowloon MTR station. The concept of the mall revolves around the five elements of nature- metal, wood, water, fire and earth . Take a look at the interiors here.

Elements houses all your favorite luxury brands. Prada, Lanvin, Cartier, Valentino, Fendi, Gucci, Vivienne Westwood, Jill Stuart and Versace just to name a few. Here- I took a few photos of the Lanvin store display- the warped design of the balcony railings on its second storey (it's a 2 level store).
Doesn't everyone wish they live in a fantasy like this? I sure do... I've been staring at the picture for the last few weeks and I'm still not over the beauty of it. It's clean vintage and just major!

I think that's about it on the HK front. Look out for my Tokyo recap
Photo cred: myself