Rock a Frock
Leona Edmiston
Times Square Shopping Centre
Shop 11/ 337-339 Stirling Hwy
Claremont WA 6010
(08) 9385 3383
New York-London-Milan-Paris Fashion Weeks
I sometimes wonder as people scan through the collections from fashion weeks, if they know the insomnia and crazy life that goes with the New York-London-Milan-Paris madness cycle. For a model, the whole 4 weeks or so can be a traumatic test of stamina and sanity, tact and diplomacy and the basic ability to not trip, slip nor walk into walls.
It all starts in New York, bright in the buzz and noise that only Manhattan has, feeling tingles seeing the sidewalk signs flashing “Don’t Walk” ominously on the way to the first show. Bryant Park tents, the center for many years of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, shine bright welcoming the earnest busy buyers, the laden pole faced press and feted celebs while smart security keep some of the tryers on and the occasional crazies at bay. Soon the days of old Bryant will be over with the move to Lincon centre. Shame in many ways it will be moved, as I love the area there with open space outside to move and sit and have a drink.
The economic climate is hitting the fashion industry but this year MB Fweek struck out with the Fashion’s Night Out theme with many events sending out the message of fashion, fun and ooo yes go buy clothes sometime!!! For us it was really fun, both officially and unofficially and the traffic stopping mass model shoot, was awesome:))
Poor lovely unique London, squeezed out in the schedules and always viewed as the bottom of the rung of the 4, but this year it really tried to wave its flag and is beautifully unique still.
LFW always has a centre and this season it was not as in the past at the Natural History Museum out to the west, but in the heart of the city at Somerset House. I have mixed feelings about this too, for I loved before if there was a spare moment to go into labyrinthine Museum and lose myself with real gnarly dinosaurs, away from the fashion ones.
Somerset house though is right by the magnificent Thames and beautiful to sit out in the cafe behind or walk onto Waterloo bridge where there is just the best view of London! Trumped up as the spectacular finale of LFW, Burberry went to great lengths to make their London show (instead of Milan) spectacular and it was. I thought I knew London fairly well but out at Chelsea college is this amazing huge parade ground and the show was held there as dusk approached and had we been outside, the glare from the ever fierce Anna Wintour at some of the “celebs” she had to sit with on the front row, would have lit the night sky.
Milan was all over the place not just physically but just did not have the show buzz that it has some other years and lots of the usual faces did not show up. Some great fun when we could though, in between and after shows and some lunatic bike rides as only the Italians know how!
Paris – always the best. It is not just that my heart is in that city but it is THE week as far as most in the industry are concerned. Milan may ooze style but Paris oozes pure purring passion. There is also real space to breathe in beautiful, so beautiful, Paris.
To stand at the Louvre and look all the way along the Tuileries and out to La Defence, is just so wonderful and one feels a freedom similar to when escaping into Central Park in MADhattan. Unlike NYC and London, there is no central place really to PFW and shows are spread throughout the city but many are in gorgeous sumptuous central locations not far from “model central”, the area where many of our agencies are, north of the Tuileries gardens.
The Musée de l’Homme is up at the Trocadero and the enormous Eiffel stands across the river, but looks as if it is by ones feet with the vista of southern Paris in the background and it never fails to move me deeply. If you are ever in Paris stand there and just soak it in or even better book a table at the Cafe de l’Homme and eat and drink wine and let the beauty and love in Paris fill your heart.
Just a walk away (or zoom away if dashing between shows), around the corner is the really interesting Palais de Tokyo with its lovely cafe at the side. One day when there in full fashion frenzy, the normal street market was also on and the public stared amused as we came out and a van with a tannoy happened to be passing yelling out publicising a circus coming to town – so apt:)).
A longer walk but a lovely one if time, is down into Jardin de Tuileries to the Espace Ephémère Tuileries where more shows were held, in basically a large tent on the white dust that gets everywhere on shoes in the glorious gardens (full of 10ft face sculptures at the moment!). Along the gardens towards the Louvre, tucked down below in the depths and for some reason not known it seems to many visitors, are the rooms in the Le Carrousel du Louvre where yet more shows are held – just beware if you need a pee in the main centre down there, it costs a euro or two!
The main lurch for us this year to get to some of the shows, was all the way out to the Halle Freyssinet near Chevaleret. A stress to get to in the traffic sometimes and in no way a beautiful place, but inside the halls plenty of room for some of the big shows like Valentino.
Perhaps the most glorious of settings were in the Grand Palais and Luios Vuitton in the courtyard by the Louvre. Paris has a grandeur laced with beauty and not gravitas and inspires the happiness in the heart and song in the soul.
Daily life during fashion weeks is utter and complete madness. There are fittings, rehearsals, the actual shows, other castings, texts, calls, changes, confusions, running lates, shoots, meet and greets, post show events, other random events, agency chats, launches, parties (official and unofficial) and very little sleep. A day can sometimes start with getting up at 6am after finally sleeping at 2am. A show is: arrive, hair/makeup, photo photo, dress, photo photo, get checked, photo photo, line up, go out, mad crazy change with people helping whip clothes off and new ones on for second look, check, line up, go go go, back, all out for finale, back, get changed into the normal clothes as quick as possible, no time to take show make up off, out the door, scan past the photographers looking for my transport, on the phone trying to contact the driver, people all around, dashing to the car or bike and away, sometimes long before the audience has emptied out, straight to next show – hair/make up…etc!
There are fashion shows and there are fashion “shows”. See Chanel in the hay for example and for something different see Viktor and Rolfe and also Gareth Pugh, an Englishman abroad – love it or hate it, but this is Paris, this is excitement and this is life:)
Who Made Who
The 2009 graduating students of the West Australian Institute of Fashion & Textiles took to the runway for the fund raising event, Who Made Who.
The students faced off against established designers Libertine, Merge, Jelosia and Atlas Divine. The competition comprised of four categories; Women’s day wear, Cocktail, Evening wear and Menswear and all hair and make-up was supplied and applied by the Perth College of Beauty.
All money raised goes towards the graduation show being held at Burswood on Tuesday 1st of December, 2009. Tickets are on sale now: http://thefashioncatalyst.com/2009FashionShow
Myer Fashions on the Field WA Finals
In 35 degree heat, forty-five fashion enthused ladies strutted the stage at Ascot Racecourse for another year of the 2009 National Myer Fashions on the Field WA Finals.
Hosted by Basil Zempilas and judged by a panel of style savvy personalities; 2008 Miss Universe Australia, Laura Dundovic, Ray Costarella, Kerry Davenport, Aly May, Claire Davies, Rebecca Thompson and Katie Flockart, the ladies were critiqued on their style and originality, appropriateness of their outfit for the occasion/climate, interpretations of the latest fashion trends and grooming and deportment.
Laura Dundovic, who was wearing a hot pink Charlie Brown dress and hot pink hat, said, “This is the best dressed top 12 we have seen across the nation.”
This year’s winner was Elizabeth Pollard, a medical student from Burswood:
Elizabeth wore a Nicola Finetti skirt, Alannah Hill blouse and an exquisite hat by Passchendales Accessories. Elizabeth won a $1,000 voucher at Myer and a $10,000 trip of a lifetime to Melbourne for two to attend the 149th Melbourne Cup Carnival and to represent WA in the Myer Fashions on the Field National Finals on Crown Oaks Day.
bec & bridge summer 09/10
PALAMINO BRIDE
available now
http://www.thegrandsocial.com.au/bec-and-bridge
Hardy Brothers Jewellers unveil the Emirates Melbourne Cup
For 29 years running, Hardy Brothers Jewellers are still the proud makers of the iconic Emirates Melbourne Cup. Respectfully, we were there to see the prestigious 18ct gold Cup at its only Perth appearance.
Comprised of 34 pieces of hand-beaten 18ct Gold, with a base in French polished Black Wattle and a total weight of 1,650 grams, the finished trophy is valued at over $80,000.
In a race that stops the nation, Hardy Brothers Jewellers have also become just as iconic and first opened doors in Sydney in 1854.
Show Us Your Sales
If your business is having a sale in Perth, Melbourne or Sydney please email: Sales@TheFashionCatalyst.com
Good Health; Yoga
Good health starts with what we eat coupled with our daily exercise. Over the next couple of weeks leading in to summer, we will bring you a variety of exercises you can incorporate into your life to become healthy and maintain that health.
First, we will start with Yoga and explore the different varieties of this popular recreational activity. There are many different styles of yoga being taught and practiced today. Although all of the styles are based on the same physical postures (called poses), each has a particular emphasis.
Here is a quick guide to the most popular types of yoga that can help you decode the schedule at your gym and figure out which class is right for you.
Hatha
Hatha is a very general term that can encompass many of the physical types of yoga. If a class is described as Hatha style, it is probably going to be slow-paced and gentle and provide a good introduction to the basic yoga poses.
Vinyasa
Like Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term that is used to describe many different types of classes. Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized movement, tends to be a more vigorous style based on the performance of a series of poses called Sun Salutations, in which movement is matched to the breath. A Vinyasa class will typically start with a number of Sun Salutations to warm up the body for more intense stretching that’s done at the end of class.
Ashtanga & Power Yoga
Ashtanga, which means “eight limbs” in Sanskrit, is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga. A set series of poses is performed, always in the same order. Ashtanga practice is very physically demanding because of the constant movement from one pose to the next. In yoga terminology, this movement is called flow. Ashtanga is also the inspiration for what is often called Power Yoga. If a class is described as Power Yoga, it will be based on the flowing style of Ashtanga, but not necessarily keep strictly to the set Ashtanga series of poses.
Iyengar
Based on the teachings of the yogi B.K.S Iyengar, this style of practice is most concerned with bodily alignment. In yoga, the word alignment is used to describe the precise way in which your body should be positioned in each pose in order to obtain the maximum benefits and avoid injury. Iyengar practice usually emphasizes holding poses over long periods versus moving quickly from one pose to the next (flow). Also, Iyengar practice encourages the use of props, such as yoga blankets, blocks and straps, in order to bring the body into alignment.
Kundalini
The emphasis in Kundalini is on the breath in conjunction with physical movement, with the purpose of freeing energy in the lower body and allowing it to move upwards. All asana practices make use of controlling the breath. But in Kundalini, the exploration of the effects of the breath (also called prana, meaning energy) on the postures is essential. Kundalini uses rapid, repetitive movements rather than poses held for a long time, and the teacher will often lead the class in call and response chanting.
Bikram/Hot Yoga
Pioneered by Bikram Choudhury, this style is more generally referred to as Hot Yoga. It is practiced in a 95 to 100 degree room, which allows for a loosening of tight muscles and profuse sweating, which is thought to be cleansing. The Bikram method is a set series of 26 poses, but not all hot classes make use of this series.
Anusara
Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara combines a strong emphasis on physical alignment with a positive philosophy derived from Tantra. The philosophy’s premise is belief in the intrinsic goodness of all beings. Anusara classes are usually light-hearted and accessible to students of differing abilities. Poses are taught in a way that opens the heart, both physically and mentally, and props are often used.
Jivamukti
This style of yoga emerged from one of New York’s best-known yoga studios. Jivamukti founders David Life and Sharon Gannon take inspiration from Ashtanga yoga and emphasize chanting, meditation, and spiritual teachings. They have trained many teachers who have brought this style of yoga to studios and gyms, predominantly in the U.S. These classes are physically intense and often include some chanting.
Forrest
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and gaining popularity around the U.S., Forrest Yoga is the method taught by Ana Forrest. The performance of vigorous asana sequences is intended to strengthen and purify the body and release pent-up emotions and pain so that healing can begin. Expect an intense workout with an emphasis on abdominal strengthening and deep breathing.
Kripalu
The name Kripalu is associated both with a style of hatha yoga and a yoga and wellness center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Both were founded by yoga guru Amrit Desai, who came to the United States from India in 1960. Kripalu is a yoga practice with a compassionate approach and emphasis on meditation, physical healing and spiritual transformation that overflows into daily life. Kripalu also focuses on looking inward and moving at your own pace.
Integral
Integral yoga follows the teachings of Sri Swami Sachidananda, who came to the U.S. in the 1960s and eventually founded many Integral Yoga Institutes and the famed Yogaville Ashram in Virginia. Integral is a gentle hatha practice, and classes often also include breathing exercises, chanting, kriyas, and meditation.
Sivananda
The first Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center was founded in 1959 by Swami Vishnu-devananda, a disciple of Swami Sivananda. There are now close to 80 locations worldwide, including several ashram retreats. Sivananda yoga is based upon five principles:
1. Proper exercise (Asana, focusing on 12 poses in particular)
2. Proper breathing (Pranayama)
3. Proper relaxation (Savasana)
4. Proper diet (Vegetarian)
5. Positive thinking (Vedanta) and meditation (Dhyana)
“The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it.” Chinese Proverb.
The above article is a guideline only and is for general information.
Kailis Silver Collection
The luxurious and premium quality of Kailis’ South Sea pearls is now available at The Perth Mint.
The Kailis Silver Collection is a contemporary range of silver jewellery with each piece featuring a lustrous Australian South Sea Pearl and Kailis’ signature secret black diamond in polished Sterling Silver.
Kailis Silver T Bar Pear Necklace
Featuring a 12mm Australian South Sea pearl set in polished sterling silver with a t-bar catch at the front on a silver chain.
Kailis Silver Shackles Pearl Bracelet
Featuring a 12mm Australian South Sea pearl set with a sterling silver open link chain and t-bar catch.
Kailis Silver Shackles Pearl Necklace
Featuring a 14mm Australian South Sea pearl set on a sterling silver open link chain with t-bar catch.
Kailis Silver Geometric Pearl Necklace
Featuring a 14mm Australian South Sea pearl set in polished sterling silver and a 90cm chain.
Kailis Silver Geometric Sliding Pearl Bracelet
Featuring a 12mm Australian South Sea pearl set in polished sterling silver and slides on the silver wheat chain.
