Neon Heartache

 Neon Heartache designer Amelia Duncombe

I saw my first Neon Heartache garment a few months ago at Fashion Tv's Full Moon Party. I spoke to a gorgeous model, Samantha Ashton, who was wearing a stunning white dress and I just had to ask her who it was by. I had never heard of the label before but now I see the label everywhere and I am so looking forward to seeing her pieces in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival in Brisbane! Amelia's pieces are gorgeous and unique. I love her SS 10/11 collection 'Retrospection'. When you look at it you can just taste summer! 

Here is Amelia's story from her website neonheartache.com.au

"Born from the incurable heartache of a life-long love affair with fashion, Neon Heartache is the brainchild of Brisbane born young creative, Amelia Duncombe. The label is more than just an ode to fashion trends and seasons, it is a statement in itself, a brand breaking all the rules and setting all the trends. With an ever-supportive family, Amelia began sewing and sketching as a young teenager, always hungry to add her own twist to what was in vogue." 

"After completing her studies at the Academy of Design (Gold coast) in 2007, Amelia packed her bags in search of inspiration and excitement. By immersing herself in the grunge- high fashion world that is the streets of London, Amelia’s creative talent could be suppressed no longer, finally combusting in 2008 to bring the world 'Neon Heartache'. "

"An entrepreneur at heart, Amelia’s dreams of setting alight the international fashion stage are well in motion, already having showcased at both the 2008 and 2009 Mercedes Benz Fashion Festivals.

Fashionistas in awe of Amelia Duncombe’s eclectic creations can expect a creative mix of luxurious depths, textures and fabrics in seasons to come, including; suede, velvet, silk, and feathers. Her new Spring/Summer collection “retrospection” showcases an exciting juxtaposition of feminine and grunge, bold and sheer."

Neon Heartache will be at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival on Tuesday the 10th of August at 9pm in the Schwarzkopf Professional Hair and Fashion Show under YoungDesignersOnline.com.au. Tickets are $33 www.qtix.com.au

avandia recall

Glamorous Life Swimwear By Joanne Rohn

Joanne Rahn (right) at the Business GC Swimwear Runway Showcase

Swimwear designer, Joanne Rahn is making a splash in the fashion industry. Joanne's designs took a leap into fashion five years ago starting MOJOZ Swimwear, a label designed for fashion conscious females who like to stand out in the crowd. She was named as a finalist in the inaugural FashionTV Online Design Awards this month in the Swim/Resortwear category for her second luxury swimwear label, Glamorous Life by Joanne Rahn. The Gold Coast born and bred fashionista is debuting her third swimwear label, Lovebirds Australia at the Brisbane Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival.

 Joanne's label, Glamorous Life by Joanne Rahn is aimed at sophisticated women of all ages who demand high-quality and high-fashion in equal measures. Made from deluxe Italian lycras and stretch lace, the inaugural collection is luxurious, elegant, and the very definition of resort-chic. 

Glamorous Life by Joanne Rahn will be released in Summer 2011, and available to purchase from select boutiques worldwide. Her new collection, Lovebirds Australia features gorgeous, functional and fun high-fashion swimwear for women of all ages, and body shapes.

The collection hits a fabulous note that is sexy, and also flattering and comfortable. Joanne says: "Lovebirds Australia not only features stunning contemporary design, the range also offers subtle support and control which gives our clients the body confidence to enjoy their new swimwear on all occasions - from pool to beach."

The piece pictured above is my absolute favourite! I love Joanne's designs. They are fresh, fun, classy and unique. The colours she uses are just gorgeous and would flatter anyone by drawing the eye away from the bits women don't usually like on show! Needless to say I am a huge fan and cannot wait to see her new label Lovebirds!

Joanne's swimwear will be at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane in the Queensland Government Design Innovation Group Show on Tuesday the 10th of August at 7.30pm Tickets are only $33 www.qtix.com.au

Lisa Ho

 Lisa Ho

Lisa Ho has been Australia's golden girl of fashion for 24 years, is from Albury NSW and began sewing at the age of four. Her Grandmother, a tailor, was her inspiration and by age 10 Lisa was making patterns out of newspaper and had a sewing machine which she used to make every day pieces for herself and her sisters!

In 1981 Lisa graduated from East Sydney Technical College, trained in fashion design she spent a year working for another company before going out on her own.

Lisa started her career at the Paddington markets in Sydney and her designs quickly brought her retail and media attention and the Lisa Ho brand was born. Lisa Ho has continued to build into one of the most recognised brands in Australia and has a strong celebrity following with the signature pieces being worn by Delta Goodrem, Nicole Scherzinger, Sarah Wynter, Tyra Banks, Carmen Electra, Elle Macpherson, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Olivia Newton-John and Jennifer Lopez. 

Her international reputation was first recognized during the Sydney 2000 opening ceremony, which featured a special Lisa Ho designed segment celebrating her role in Australian fashion.  Lisa was also asked to design the gown worn by Olivia Newton-John for her performance to welcome the Olympic athletes.

 The pictures are from Lisa's SS 10/11 collection which was showcased at Rosemount Australian Fashion week. I loved every piece in her collection. Lisa Ho really is going from strength to strength with her designs and there is only one way for Lisa and that is up!

When asked who a Lisa Ho customer is and what makes her distinctive Lisa answered-

"She is stylish, sophisticated and always glamorous. She has an appreciation for detail and knows the importance of building on her wardrobe staples - she looks for investment pieces."

 That really is how we all should be when it comes to fashion! 

Lisa will be showcasing her gorgeous designs at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane in Group Show 1 on Saturday the 7th of August at 6pm.

Much to my dismay and disappointment the tickets to Group Show 1 have sold out!

Foxton Danger

 Designer Emma McLean

I love Emma McLean's Label Foxton Danger. I am not usually a fan of colour or prints but there is something about her garments that lure me in! Maybe it's the gorgeous colour formations or the unique prints or beautiful flowy fabrics.... the way the sun catches the colours in the pieces almost makes them look otherworldly!

The label Foxton Danger is everywhere yet specific info on Emma is hard to find! Here is her Bio from her website (she doesn't give much away!)....

"Emma McLean, founder and designer of Foxton Danger, is the latest identity on the Australian fashion scene. The multi-talented artist, designer and photographer built Foxton Danger from the ground up. Emma’s eyes are set on international success and with her exquisite talent for stylish and unique designs for the Australian woman."

Talented indeed! Emma is Brisbane based and from what I can gather she started up Foxton Danger last year. Regardless of having little information on Emma (I will see if I can contact her for an interview!) her collection 'Colours of my Heart' is STUNNING so I had to share it with you! I love every single piece! 

Foxton Danger will be showcasing during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane in the Queensland Government Design Innovation Group Show on Tuesday the 10th of August at 7.30pm.

Tickets only $33 www.qtix.com.au

Go to her gorgeous website 

http://foxtondanger.com.au/ 

to check out the whole collection. Its worth a look!

avandia recall

blanc + delta

Store Opening!

I love seeing people succeed! It puts a smile on my face, motivates me even more and gives me inspiration. Bianca Daly is one of those people. Blanc + delta was created by Bianca during her final year at design school to gain entry into the Australian Fashion Design Awards. Bianca had not thought of a name and had to quickly come up with a label so she chose blanc + delta which loosely translates as “Bianca’s revolution”. Bianca's design was chosen as a finalist in the exclusive couture category and has since sky-rocketed. Participating in Rosemount Australian Fashion Week and featured in Grazia, Madison, Shop til you drop, Cosmopolitan, Who, The Sydney Morning Herald and Virgin Blue’s Voyeur Magazine, Bianca is proving to be unstoppable. She is also in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival in Brisbane next month! In August 2009, Blanc + delta won a competition run by Brisbane Marketing which gave her a shop rent-free for six months in Brisbane city (any new designers dream!). When Bianca's six months were up it was time to move! The store has now relocated to the beautiful Wintergarden Centre and is surrounded by other prestigious designs including Lisa Ho, Carla Zampatti and Kookai. Blanc + delta certainly does not look out of place in its new home. The opening, which I attended, was on Friday the 23rd of July and was a real reflection of her collection.... fair and delicate. As I walked into the store my ears were filled with the beautiful music appropriately played by a cellist in the corner and my hand donned with a glass of champagne. A gorgeous chaise lounge sat ornate in the middle of the room next to a vase of white roses on top of a gorgeous white shaggy rug. I really enjoyed how the furnishing reflected the collection. In fact everything reflected the collection, even the designer. Lovely Bianca came up to me and introduced herself. She was not at all what I expected.... she was incredibly shy, delicate and sweet and all too happy to talk to me about her beautiful collection whose colours were inspired by the crown jewels. I spent a long time browsing her collection. The garments, suspended from crisp white clothes hangers, had a beautiful fragility about them with their intricate panelling and ruffles. Silk was used in almost every raiment adding even more fragility to the already subdued nature of the clothes. The pieces are statement makers but in a soft and appeasing way. I am really looking forward to see what Bianca puts on the runway at the MBFF!    

Bianca is very talented and has a clear vision of what she wants from her designs and I applaud her for that! For more pictures on the night go to my facebook and check out the gallery!
Stay fabulous! x
CLE

Roberto Cavalli FW 2010

Cavalli is celebrating his 40th anniversary of his fashion house! He chose the gorgeous Gisele Bundchen as the face although I did think it was going to be Kate Moss and am a little disappointed it wasn't as Gisele is the face of some many campaigns at the moment... nothing is stopping this new Mum! But I love the pictures! Very hot, sexy and dreamlike with the orange blaze of the fire and the irrationally beautiful colours of the sky! The king of animal print in high fashion has not disappointed! The detail and originality of every garment is striking and certainly will not fail to attract attention.

Alpha-H

About a month ago I went to the Sanctuary Cove Festival to enjoy some of their beauty workshops. One of the workshops was held by Alpha-H in conjunction with Champions Hair Beauty Day Spa. I have been going to Champions in Sanctuary Cove for 8 years! I get my hair, nails, spray tan and waxing done there and I just love it. Because I get all of my beauty treatments at Champions I am probably in there at least once every two weeks and I have always seen the Alpha-H products on display but I had never actually used them. So after learning some tips on skin care and listening to the benefits of the Alpha-H products in the beauty workshop I thought I might like to give it a try! I have never approached a company before about testing out products so I was a bit nervous when I spoke to Jamee Doherty (daughter of Alpha-H's owner Michelle Doherty) after the workshop had finished to see if I could test their product for my blog. Jamee was lovely, very professional and was all too happy to speak to me. After filling out an online questionnaire sent to me by my local Alpha-H representative I received some products in the mail. I thought that maybe I would be quite lucky and receive two or three products but when I opened up the package like an excited child on Christmas day there were seven products! Wow! Thank you Alpha-H! There was also a letter with my instructions on how to use the products and what each product was for. Here are the seven products I received.....

TRIPPLE ACTION CLEANSER

A unique light, non-foaming cleansing gel that works to minimise excess oil and the spread of bacteria on the surface of the skin.  Removes all traces of face & eye makeup. Three in one action. I was advised to use this morning and night.

MICRO CLEANSE WITH 12% GLYCOLIC ACID & CUCUMBER EXTRACT

A granulated exfoliant formulated to help dislodge dead skin cells and oil from pores.  An entire beauty regime in a bottle: deep cleanser, exfoliator, polish, mask, all-in-1. I will be using this product twice a week (on Tuesdays & Fridays).

 BALANCING MOISTURISER & GENTLE EXFOLIANT WITH 10% GLYCOLIC ACID

Fast absorbing, lightly moisturising lotion that assists in the natural renewal and refinement of skin texture.  Helps to improve elasticity, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is diminished and open pores, acne scarring, pigmentation and age spots are minimised.  I will use this every evening.

LIQUID GOLD SMOOTHING & PERFECTING MASK

A creamy, fast acting, dual performance mask designed to exfoliate, clarify, freshen and brighten the skin.  Leaves skin looking more youthful, firm, plump and radiant. To be used once a week. I will use it every Sunday night during my 'me time' in a hot spa and a glass of red wine! 

 PURIFYING CLAY MASK WITH VITAMIN A

A deep pore cleansing mask that draws out toxins and impurities without stripping the skin.  Impurities are swept away, pores unclogged and skin liberated to enjoy a cleaner, smoother, noticeably softer future. An effective treatment for acne when used in conjunction with our other acne solutions. This is to be applied after using the Liquid Gold Smoothing and Protecting Mask, so I will use it every Sunday!

DAILY ESSENTIAL MOISTURISER WITH SPF 30+

A light non greasy instantly absorbed lotion that will help protect your skin without causing any further congestion. With its SPF 30+ it must be applied in the morning and is a great moisturising base before you apply your makeup. To be applied every morning!

ABSOLUTE EYE COMPLEX

Absolute Eye Complex provides an instant pick-me-up, reflecting light away from creeping fine lines, dark circles and tell-tale puffiness around the eye area.  Uses a blend of botanicals and the latest in skin care technology to firm, lighten, resurface and re-hydrate the delicate eye tissue. I was told to use this morning and evening!

I started the six week regime last night (Tuesday 20th of July) and I made a Vlog on what I think of the products that I have used so far. I also did something very very brave for the Vlog... I wore no makeup! So you will be able to see the before and after effects and I will be letting you know every week how my skin is improving and what I think of the products! The vlogs will go up every Monday!

To see the Vlog go to http://www.youtube.com/user/caselee444

Stay tuned and stay fabulous! x

Alex Perry 'Arabian Princess' Showcase at Palazzo Versace

This was my first time covering such a distinguished designer and it will certainly go down in my memory as a perfectly impressive night! I missed out on going to the Rosemount Australian Fashion week so to be able to see Alex Perry's Arabian Princess inspired pieces first hand was going to be amazing! Opportunities to see top Australian Designers rarely pop up on the Gold Coast so I took it with both hands and ran! I love the Palazzo Versace with all its class and glamour, from the paint on the walls to the chandeliers to the butterflies and flowers, it just screams opulence! Pulling into the entrance on what I swear was the coldest yet clearest Gold Coast night this winter and seeing the driveway decorated with guests Prestige Vehicles made my heart beat with extra enthusiasm! After leaving my car with the Valet and throwing on my faux fur jacket (thank goodness I had brought it brrrr!) I almost ran in with excitement! As soon as I entered through the doors I was immediately reminded to take a breath, fix my posture and hold my head high by the glitz and glamour of the Gold Coast socialites that had come to make the most of this illustrious affair! It was extremely exclusive with only 100 tickets available. Distinguished guests included Chloe Maxwell (who was our MC for the night), Jesinta Campbell (Miss Universe Australia 2010 who is as sweet as she is gorgeous!), Atlantis Dell'Aqua (Owner of Absolute Indulgence International), Aaron O'Donnell (CEO of FTV Oceania) and of course Alex Perry himself! With free flowing sparkling wine, delicious canapes and lavish cages of candles adorned with butterflies, the atmosphere was set and the show was ready to begin! The 'Arabian Princess' SS 10/11 collection colour palette was sandy nude, blush pink, soft lilac and austere black and whites that were given Alex's usual touch of class and edge of attitude! Form-fitting floor-length frocks, embellished mini-dresses and layers upon layers of elegant tulle, every piece was a statement in its own right. The gorgeous nude heels were provided by Australia's own Peeptoe Shoes which seem to be a runway must have. I managed to find a sneaky little spot to be able to get some photos and watch Alex Perry cosseting the models to make sure the dresses sat to his liking on the gorgeous female figures. 

Claudine Dress (left) & Amanda Dress (right).

These black and white print dresses are gorgeous! The Zebra like print is certainly making a come back and looks amazing. The print and cut of these dresses draws the eye to specific areas that highlight your best assets!

Lauren Dress (left) & a Dress that was not in RAFW or on Alex Perry's site so maybe this night was it's debut???

Add a bit of unique bling to your night! These dresses are nothing short of dazzling!

Jade Dress (Left) & Rachael Dress (Right)

I am not usually the biggest fan of lace but these dresses are beautiful, soft and feminine.

Carrie Dress (Left) & Carrie Dress C (Right)

Sequins done right! I also love the use of the corset look that he has embraced with many of his dresses!

Couture Gowns

These gowns are amazing and made the crowd swoon! 

One word... STUNNING!

Monica Dress.

Alex Perry has taken a lot of out dated embellishment styles (lace, sequins, butterflies, etc.) and made them magical again!  

I loved the whole collection. It was stunning, inventive, magical and certainly lived up to the hype surrounding the Arabian Princess collection! Alex Perry was just lovely and was all too happy to talk to star struck fans (including me!) after the show! For more pictures of the night and of the garments go to http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Casey-Evans/122857967749771?ref=ts