Happy Chinese New Year

Picture Source: http://www.vogue.it/

Beijing Haute Couture designer, Guo Pei, makes me incredibly proud to be Chinese. Usually the 'Made in China' tag is associated with mass produced, 'cheap' goods. However the ones marked on these gowns are a whole different story with pieces costing up to $800 000 USD.

The design above was worn by Miss Universe China 2012, Ji Dan Xu. Such a masterpiece inspired by the Qing Dynasty 'Qing-Hua' (blue flowers) porcelain won the Best National Costume Award (with good reason!).

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

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Best of Neoprene Swimwear

The summer of 2013/14 is the summer of neoprene. It seems like everyone and their dog has got their hands on a pair of wetsuit beauties ... literally. On a morning walk around Bondi beach I saw a puppy labrador clothed in a neon colourblocked dog-suit, the material sucking in his food baby of liver pieces he had for breakfast. Girls, we have some competition.

Gone are the days where this synthetic rubber was used for functional purposes - orthopedic braces, laptop sleeves and even in civil engineering. Neither is it a private trademark of pro surfers and divers, their exclusive cult probably run by the mantra 'If you don't wear neoprene, get out!'

Here in Sydney, I spot girls of all ages wearing the popular Triangl bikinis or bandeaus. Below I've selected a few quirkier and lesser worn labels which might widen your selection when looking to purchase neoprene swimwear.

1. Triangl Swimwear - Dakota Superfly

2. N.L.P - Longline Neoprene Zip Through Bandeau Bikini Top (similar HERE & HERE) 

3. Skye & Staghorn - Electric Foam Full Piece 

4. Triangl Swimwear - Miami Mint

5. N.L.P - High Neck Bikini Top 

6. ROXY - Shorebreak 1mm Cropped Jacket 

7. Lisa Marie Fernandez - Arden Flounce Swimsuit (similar HERE & HERE)   

8. Skye & Staghorn - Shark Bite Bikini Black 

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Mel F/W 2014

 

 

Photos belong to Primped and Primed & www.melpop.com.au/mel dreamed by Melissa 

Photographer: Simon Jiang (May Flower Photography Studio)

PR Manager & Supervisor: Simone Silipo 

Styling & Model: Me 

A fortnight ago, I was summoned. If you follow me on Instagram, the hints I dropped should have given you some indication of the collab campaign I've been working on. The biggest project to date - I was asked by Mel Shoes Australia to style and model their latest F/W 2014 collection. In other words, free reign over creative concept (with the guidance of an excellent team).

For those who don't know, Mel Shoes is the younger sister, diffusion label of Melissa  - that distinctive jelly shoes brand produced in Brazil. Exploding into the trendy footwear industry, Melissa recently collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld and Cara Delevingne (check them out HERE). Mel shoes, on the other hand, is targeted towards a younger audience where their fun and playful quirk is what I tried to capture in the styling.

The official campaign photos are not yet available. However, above are the raw photos from the shoot taken just this Wednesday (#nophotoshop, #nofilter, #aunaturel)

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Concrete Jungle

 

Picture Source: http://cameothelabel.com.au 

Glaringly white walls and concrete that stretches for miles form this jungle. A modern day jungle - where warfare and time is marked out by the clicking of heels. The structure of such a place reflected in the sharp lines of the pleats, cuts and folds.

Now that I've made the latest Cameo campaign sound more dangerous than it is, it's safe to say that Cameo is the label to go to for killer workwear. Their masculine silk blouses along with strong dresses and peplums are sure to make a lasting first impression.
I mean we all have to face the perils of work so why not do it in style?

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OUTFIT POST: Fine Details

 

Dress: c/o Shilla (shop HERE)... Belt: Vintage from Grandma Takes A Trip

Shoes: Shoe Cult by NastyGal... Cuff: c/o Boticca (shop HERE) 

Sunnies: Sportsgirl 

Simple outfits can be instantly uplifted by the finer details. At times prints can cause unnecessary migraines where you're just wanting a plain color. There is something about white that is so angelic, innocent and also summer appropriate (for obvious temperature reasons). 

I compare styling white to making a salad - there are the classic combinations ... then there are those experimental combos that turn out surprisingly pleasant. Here I pair white with a range of different textures and cuts. The circular lazer cut on the dress and the chain-cross-emblem detail on the vintage belt gives the look a modern grecian feel. Also, how awesome is that drip cuff handmade by Eina Ahluwalia, a private Indian jeweller on Boticca. That was thrown in there just for good measure. 

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Hawaii Photo Diary

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a happy and safe 2013 and are busy making preparations for the year ahead.

On a recent trip to Hawaii, I got to cross many things off my bucket list - swim with dolphins, parasail and do yoga by the ocean. Personally, travelling always offers a fresh perspective. Experiencing a new culture and communicating with the locals really opens my eyes to the different lifestyles people lead. Participating in a traditional Hawaiian Luau on the island of Maui was a key example of this - it helps to keep an open and more accepting mind.

Above all travelling makes me appreciate all the little things in life drowned out by the humdrum of everyday rituals. It may be the awe-inspiring ombre of colours within a sunset or the tranquil sounds of waves. Whatever it is, I'm always more grateful when arriving back from a holiday.

As Augustine of Hippo says 'The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.' So for 2014 perhaps that should be your resolution.

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