Little Black Book

MBFWA 2012: CARLIE WATERMAN

2012-05-28T18:28:57+10:00

The second graduate to show in TAFE's The Innovators MBFWA runway show, Carlie Waterman showcased a wonderful collection that showcases Waterman's technical skills in tailoring with amazing attention to detailing like amazing embellishments and intricate weaving complimented with elaborate headpieces. Waterman's graduate collection is a "eclectic mix of textures inspired by the natural landscape" where "tailored and structured pieces contrasts pop citrus colours and bright whites with pastel lilacs and nudes".

This collection successfully demonstrates Waterman's technical skills in design - intricate weaving, sharp tailoring and jewel encrusted cap sleeve tops create a strong and cohesive debut collection. Definitely one to watch! Well done Carlie!

Below are two images taken from the Carlie Waterman website:

Little Black Book now on INSTAGRAM

2012-05-26T15:21:31+10:00

I've recently decided to join the wonderful world of Instagram and since joining admittedly have quickly become addicted to the whole process. I've only been on Instagram for less than a week but have already uploaded a few of sneak peek shots of newly purchased jewels or recent DIY projects.
Apologies for the week long hiatus partially because my laptop had to go into the repair centre and there by Instagram became my fallback option and partially because of my new job which I started 2 weeks ago for Sydney boutique Elsewear. So all the tweeting, facebooking, tumblr posts and basically everything web related is all done by yours truly.

I still have a few more posts to come from MBFWA so bare with me. I also found out yesterday that thanks to HP Australia and Dion Lee I've won a $5000 Dion Lee wardrobe!!! This actually coincides wonderfully with the upcoming anniversary of Little Black Book's 4th birthday! This coming Monday I will be announcing my blog birthday giveaway - because quite frankly, what would my blog be without my amazing readers?

I have a wonderful little DIY coming up - in fact I'm kinda keen and excited that this particular do-it-youself is my first: DIY Chanel pearl hairclips (see image below of my prototypes). Stay tuned for that soon on the blog!

So if any of you lovely people are on Instagram please be sure to follow me: @littleblackbookblog
"A small glimpse into the magical world of Little Black Book led by lilac maned unicorn named Emily."

MBFWA 2012: KAYLENE MILNER

2012-05-19T16:55:19+10:00

Kaylene Milner SS12/13 showcased in the much anticipated MBFWA The Innovators TAFE show (which quite frankly are one of my favourite shows to attend and in the past has produced Dion Lee, Romance Was Born, Michelle Jank and Emma Mulholland so expectations were high). Her debut runway collection exhibited her talent for mixing leather, fur with knits and cotton - one might think would go horribly wrong yet Milner proofs skeptics wrong and how fitting these unlikely mediums work together.
One of my favourite from the graduate shows, Milner's label Sturm & Drang manages to tread the fine line of maintaining femininity without being girly yet still being strong without being masculine. Sturm & Drang's debut collection brings a sense of tribal aesthetic which makes sense seeing as Milner was inspired by texture in the forest and really going back to natural aesthetics.

Wishing Kaylene a wonderful 3 months in New York City where she'll be interning with the amazing Diane Von Furstenberg!! You'll sure to fall in love with NYC (still wishing I could go back there asap...)

STUD ROMANCE

2012-05-16T21:40:53+10:00

What I wore:
Zara dress
Steve Madden flats
sass&bide necklace
Chloe paraty bag
YSL Arty ring, Chanel ring, Isharya ring

I was recently featured on the infamous hair blog Hair Romance shot by my dear Xiaohan Shen.
Go check out the feature (hyperlink above) and let me know what you think about the pastel trend and lilac hair. Would your wardrobe change to suit your vivid hair? While my style is typically known for its dark, primarily black palette meaning when I went lilac my wardrobe didn't really change, having purple hair has really brought attention to what I can wear and what I can't. Or better yet, what suits my hair and what doesn't.

MBFWA 2012: JENNY KEE 'Art of the Scarf' SS12/13

2012-05-13T22:18:19+10:00

One of MBFWA's most anticipated and talked about shows was the return of Jenny Kee to fashion week. An art installation like exhibition showcased Jenny Kee's the 'Art of the Scarf' SS12/13 collection in The Box - where 10 Jenny Kee looks from between 1980 to present were elaborately styled by Kee's friends Anna and Luke of Romance Was Born.
What made this show by far one of my favourite from the week was the ability to really get close and personal with each model - media and press were allowed to walk right up and close to models and interact with models while The Box was elaborately styled, bringing forth the very essence of Jenny Kee: Australiana. Eucalyptus branches, Waratahs and bottle brush plants became encorporated within the swarm of models and Kee's signature colourful and flamboyant silk scarves enveloping the viewer in the beauty of Australia flora and fauna.

Jenny Kee certainly knows how to make a statement and by far was one the most talked about shows during MBFWA. Congratulations Jenny on a spectacular, thrilling exhibition show - you really know how to make us proud to be Aussie!

MBFWA 2012: SARA PHILLIPS Animalia SS12/13

2012-05-10T17:16:00+10:00

One of my first MBFWA shows scheduled in 'The Box' was one of my favourite designers' Sara Phillips and Sara to be the first art installation 'runway' show made it a super treat. Art installation for fashion week means media, buyers and press are allowed to walk up, touch and see the collection in greater detail and Sara Phillips certainly didn't disappoint.
Not only is she a mega babe and super cute, she's a freaking talented designer! Having fallen in love with her High Summer 11/12 collection which featured super cute Australian floura and Fauna in graphic prints, so it was no surprise that this season's Animalia SS12/13 continued the theme (since it not only is super chic but super cute!).

As the name suggests, SS12/13 was inspired by the popular children's book Animalia by Graeme Base where animals coexist to create a magical colourful spectacle for the eye. The collection itself is comprised of beautiful delicate pleating reminicent of soft petals while Phillips fused sleek tailoring with an almost Alice in Wonderland spectacle of stripes, spots, lace and floral prints. While some fashionistas might claim there is too much going on in the collection, I disagree - there could be no less. Phillips shows why she is the master at mixing textures, bold colours and prints - every piece coexists and complements wonderfully. Animalia SS12/13 is feminine, flirty and fun and makes me want to host a high tea party!! Congratulations Sara on a fantastic collection!

LILAC FEVER

2012-05-10T16:24:05+10:00

A round up of all things lavender and lilac. Nothing like painting your world purple.
Release your inner unicorn!

A LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION....

2012-05-09T23:48:38+10:00

I stumbled upon this stunning editorial by Milk Made, fell in love and just had to share it with you! Titled A little less conversation... the editorial references James Dean meets Elvis androgynous chic.
Teaming sleek tailoring with tough as nails (yet so chic) leather (like the amazing panelled red leather jacket and two toned pants [above] by DKNY) with plaid, patchwork and super cute Miu Miu glitter pumps, this shoot is bananas!
What I love is the distinct New York City feel of the shoot and the overall aesthetic. So clean, simple yet so chic and effective! As P'trique would say #chictothenextlev! Hope you feel inspired and have a fantastic day :)

photography Meghan McGarry
styling Becky Malinsky
model Dillon Duchesne, DNA Models
producer Julia Wideman
hair Roz Murray, for Bumble and bumble
make up Kavita Kaul
photo assistant Kaia Balcos

LITTLE NOIR BOOK

2012-05-08T23:16:38+10:00

Miu Miu continues to capture my heart. For months literally months on end my heart has been lusting after these Miu Miu Noir sunglasses and it has been resparked after seeing Susie Bubble wearing her pink glitter noirs at MBFWA. Then came the decision on which colour to get... I could buy the glitter pink ones and go matchy matchy with my hair.... though as many of you already know I tend to always go for black. Then after seeing the stunning Dita Von Teese wearing the classic black Noirs - I suddenly knew.... hello black. You know what they say... once you go black you can't go back....

Just as soon as I save up enough money, pay back all my bills and wait for some invoices to go through. For now, I'll just keep staring at these beauties....

MBFWA 2012: KSUBI SS12/13

2012-05-07T18:07:42+10:00

Sports Luxe meets grunge. Welcome to the Ksubi Streets SS12/13. Getting into this show was easy for me, thanks to HP Australia however alot of the General Admissioners werent allowed in due to the small space of the theatre as well as the high number of people wanting to see the show! The Ksubi SS12/13 collection aptly named Street took a minimalist approach to their synonymous grunge aesthetic, this collection being inspired by street art and the urban landscape.

Paying homage to the brands’ roots and scattered throughout Street SS12/13 are tongue in cheek surf and skate references as well as a strong sports luxe influence: meaning the collection was comprised of lots of pale blue denim on denim, sports luxe bomber style jackets in futuristic silvers as well as graphic Hawaiian print matching pants and tees with some staple all black leather and studded pieces to cinch in the ksubi signature style. The denim on denim was pretty sick, I mean the thought of wearing it during an Aussie summer unless it was denim cut off would be insane. Of course my favourite pieces were the darker, grungier leather and studded pieces... true ksubi aesthetic.

Hope you guys enjoy this little video from the KSUBI Finale walk at MBFWA: