Australia says hi to Victoria's Secret

Just a quick one, big news that I'm super excited about! Australia might not have Zara, or H&M... but we finally have our very own Victoria's Secret! Just read in the newspaper today- first Australian store is in Sydney international airport Terminal 1 and is functional as of last week! Shame it's after customs though, because I'd be seeing someone off at the airport at the end of July and it would be good timing. 

However, I did read elsewhere that it will be a travel and tourism shop, so more beauty and accessory product orientated. Baby steps though! We're working our way towards a full blown lingerie store here in Sydney city! I can imagine the masses, the crowds and the lines on opening day (when they get around to opening a store) already! Might even give the Apple crowds a run for its money? 

Out with the old, in with the new

It's been forever since I last posted and to be honest, I had lost motivation so that I was pretty much on permanent hiatus. This is a small project, and I love it but sometimes, I found myself making posts that were less about me and my interests and more about well... everything else. So for now, it's back to basics, and on that note, I'm announcing my move to

http://likeabohemian.blogspot.com

It only seems suiting as I try to figure out my true interests because I've changed so much over this year and a half I've been gone. More likely than not, I'll come back to this place one day- hopefully sooner rather than later! In the meantime, please come take part in my adventures, my take on style and fashion... and check out my forays into photography on L.A.B! Think of it as moving away from the house for a while to check out the brand new and recently acquired downtown loft space! Welcome!

Watch this!

Taylor Momsen shows her (acrobatic?) moves as she escapes the paparazzi after a work out session. I still can't believe she's only 15! I really do have to applaud the Nike viral campaign team for a great fun ad! LOVE it!

Cred: youtube

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