New Beginnings

And so starts another year. Making some grandiose resolution to change my life isn't really me, so I guess my resolve will quite simply be to work hard. And always keep laughing. If my dad saw this he would probably correct my word choice and go for something like "cackling", which is a rather more accurate description of what I do these days anyway. Moving on (quite literally, in fact), this year holds a lot of changes for me. It is the first of 16 consecutive years that I will no longer be a student. I am moving out of home for the very first time and heading to the big smoke (coming from Adelaide, it most definitely is!) of Sydney, to get some reeeeal experience in "my chosen career field." While I won't quite be scaling the top of the Opera House in YSL tribtoos like Miss Imbruglia (I'd much rather do so in Wangs), I will hopefully be involved with something related to this shot. Cue end of jumbled hinting. 

 With no job, no house and only the faint promise of an internship behind me... 2011 is shaping up to be the year of the unknown. And bring it on, I say. 

Happy new year all. X

Natalie Imbruglia by Chris Searle for Harper's Bazaar via SMH

I Die (for fashion)

Taking Rachel Zoe's expression "I Die" literally, US Harper's Bazaar have raised the bar with this clever little spread featuring the celebrity stylist for their latest issue. Zoe, snapped by Douglas Friedman, is captured alongside some of America's top designers, going in for the kill. Literally. So many metaphors and innuendos lurking under the surface of this shoot. It reminds me of the start of The September Issue where Anna Wintour sums up the misconceptions associated with the fashion industry and those who work within it brilliantly: "There is something about fashion that can make people very nervous." With that closing statement she levels a steely, unperturbed stare straight down the barrel of the camera, and we know. Interview over. 

Some may say Anna Wintour intimidates people, but I beg to differ. Fashion intimidates people. For some, The September Issue was nothing more than a sneak peek into the exclusivity and luxury that normally lies just beyond the realms of reality. However, as a documentary into the inner workings of the fashion industry, I think it was much, much more than just a 'glimpse'. If you watch it multiple times (ahem, guilty) what first appears to be a standoffish, haughty or higher-than-thou attitude is simply an uncanny ability to edit her thoughts with just the right amount of candour to convey what needs to be said, and nothing more. "Just because you like to put on a beautiful Carolina Herrera dress... or a pair of J Brand blue jeans instead of something basic from K-Mart... doesn't mean that you're a dumb person." 

Some people in this world think (and how wrongly so) that by caring about how you look and the way you dress, means that you care less about what is deemed to be of real importance, such as economics, or politics, or having a "real" career. So when people ask me what it is I love about fashion, what I can never seem to explain to them in the way I would like, in between my mutterings of Anna Wintour (who?) and their confused stares, is the intelligence of it all. The sheer wit and intellect that is required to conjure up such imagery and innuendo makes it one of the most challenging and (I'm willing to bet) rewarding industries to be involved in. The bravery and courage it takes to divert from the more traditional and socially acceptable career paths to pursue something you truly love is nothing short of inspirational. And I'm not just talking about fashion. Musicians, artists, sculptors, couturiers, writers, glass-blowers... for all those who have made a name for themselves under these titles, there are a million more busting their guts for nothing more than the love of the game. Determination to forge a way for oneself despite the throwbacks, despite the challenges and ridicule and years of giving it your all, is a world away from dumb. Working tirelessly to forge a way for yourself so that maybe one day, you can wake up and think 'I love my job' is possibly one of the smartest things I can think of. All this from a fashion editorial that reminded me of a documentary I once watched. It really is true what they say; a picture says a thousand words.  

via: TFS

The September Issues

September. Without a doubt the most anticipated month for fashion magazines the world over. After all, it wasn't called The January/Febuary/March (you get the picture) Issue was it? Grab a copy of your favourite mag's September issue and you'll find all the latest ad campaigns, editorials and fashion features covering the latest Fall/Winter 2010 collections, as well as all the news from Paris Haute Couture fashion week. For me, I cannot wait to get my hands on the latest offerings from Vogue Australia and Harper's Bazaar. Judging by their covers, they won't dissappoint. Vogue have dedicated their entire issue to Aussie export Cat McNeil (currently sitting pretty at #12 on MDC, thank you very much), while HB have commissioned Elle Macpherson for their cover. I think Bazaar are right on the money with their cover choice, seeing as September is all about the fall collections and as Elle closed the show for Louis Vuitton, one of the biggest and most trend-defining collections for the FW10 season... looks like The Body is back. But, at three years shy of 50, had she ever left? What are you waiting for? Grab yours, NOW.

via TFS

Day 5: Vanessa Coyle

With fellow expat Yasmin Sewell, Chief Creative Consultant of Liberty London.

Melbourne expat is playing for the big leagues. After jumping the pond and freelancing in Europe for a couple of years, Vanessa Coyle snagged her current job as Senior Fashion Editor of UK Harper's Bazaar in 2007. Although her style is quite laidback, there's nothing boring about it. After looking at her thread over at The Fashion Spot, this girl gives meaning to the term "fashion forward." Double denim, aviator shearling jackets, classicly tailored blazers paired with graphic prints or tees... and all in 2008. Even though she has all the shoes she could possibly want at her disposal (and in keeping with the editor tradition) she favours her perfectly beatup suede YSL ankle booties, teaming them with... everything. With her penchant for menswear (read: buttoned-up shirts, tailored blazers, loose fitting pants), paired the right bag, shoe, or simply her attitude, she always carries it off. Love her edgy style.

Heat Wave: Carmen Kass in Alexander Wang overcoat and Celine wooden wedges for June 2010 UK Harper's Bazaar


photos: The Fashion Spot

Day 4: Natalia Alaverdian

Sasha Pivovarova wearing Givenchy Haute Couture, styled by Natalia Alaverdian for Harper's Bazaar Russia

Fashion Editor of Harper's Bazaar Russia, Natalia Alaverdian is relatively new to my radar. Even if, like me, you didn't know her so much for her street style (until now), her work for Russia's HB is amazing and and I've definitely looked twice when I've (unknowingly) spotted an editorial on Fashion Gone Rogue. Her face reminds me a little bit of Giovanna Battaglia (fash ed of L'Uomo Vogue), but the similarities end there. She isn't afraid to shake things up, mixing textures like fur and denim and lace, but at the same time knows when to keep it simple. Sometimes a navy striped tee paired with denim cutoffs is the perfect outfit for a lazy day wandering the streets (and sitting front row at fashion week, no less) of Paris.

Loving her Alaïa wedge platforms paired with white lace D&G number and laidback military parka. Major shoe envy.

Photos: The Fashion Spot

Day 2: Christine Centenera

As fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar Australia, this girl has some serious style. Dating print-happy Aussie designer Josh Goot doesn't hurt her wardrobe either. Like Carine, Ms. Centenera knows when she's on to a good thing; and sticks with it. I'm talking about her Givenchy studded sandals, of course. Having a self-confessed penchant for anything with "studs, metal detailing or patent leather", I can personally vouch for this one: when I spent some time in the HB offices, these babies showed up: twice. In one week. Her uncanny ability to pull together such sharp outfits from pieces she's already worn and make it look entirely different, just by switching up the heels and maybe adding or subtracting a certain Celine jacket, she makes this dressing thing look downright easy. Whether she's effortlessly pairing a fierce (for want of a better word) heel with grey marle, mixing Balmain and Balenciaga with Aussie staples by Bassike and Bonds, she's got that dishevelled chic down to a fine science. It's just part of her DNA. She sweats style.

photos: The Fashion Spot