The Lilac Mannequin

Paris Fashion Week S/S 2011 - Elie Saab

Thursday, October 7, 2010

I think it's evident, that I love my pastels. Therefore, a collection entailing never ending pastels....I'm instantly infatuated! Elie Saab... 'I die!' I am in love with Elie's new Paris collection! This collection is really opposite to a lot of the collections I've seen this Spring/Summer 2011 season. Designers have been channelling their inner 1970's, experimenting with kaleidoscopic, electric and bold colours. But Elie Saab decided to take a different approach to the 1970s and stuck to his signature gorgeous and elegant gowns and dresses!

Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 - Chanel and Valentino

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

I had posts lined up that would feature New York, London and Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 collections, however, collections by Valentino and Chanel literally just hit the Paris 2011 runway and they have now taken over The Lilac Mannequin! I love both Valentino and Chanel and I always wait in anticipation for the collections to grace the runway. Karl Lagerfeld always has a way of gasping audiences at every Chanel show, by exquisite pieces and breathtaking surroundings. And of course this collection was no exception! Lagerfeld has a tendency to create his collections through the inspiration of his dreams.. This collection was a little different. Lagerfeld was inspired by the 1960s film 'Last Year at Marienbad' where he recreated one of the most famous garden scenes including gorgeous fountains. With this in mind Lagerfeld created a collection with a little rock edge including clothing with holes and unfinished edges. But that wasn't all, the collection included typical Chanel signature pieces with a young, free spirited touch not forgetting to mention his ladylike, cute pieces. Somehow he incorporated all elements and created a unique, detailed and exquisite collection with over 80 pieces, each with their own individual persona!

The Valentino collection carried on from the inspiration of their recent Haute Couture collection aiming at the younger generation. I love the use of silks, frills and ruffles, lace, bows and Valentino's signature red in this collection. Valentino's collections always have a feminine, pretty, ladylike, simple yet delicate touch. The collection incorporated pretty dresses, elegant maxis, and for a little twist cute little shorts! I couldn't ask for more from a Valentino collection.

And who sat front row at the events.. a few of my favourites of course!

Olivia Palermo at Valentino

Rachel Bilson at Chanel

Stay tuned for more from Fashion Week!

The September Issue - Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar and Elle

Thursday, September 30, 2010

I thought it only seemed right that my last post for September would follow up my post on the 'September Issues.' All the Vogue issues were truly amazing, but I thought I'd finish my September issues with a post covering a Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar and Elle September issue globally. Marie Claire September 2010... thought I'd feature the US issue as one of my all time favourite childhood stars and idols Mary-Kate Olsen is on the cover. The issue also featured an amazing editorial with model Jessica Stam. The issue was in fact a dual cover.

Jessica Stam

Harper's Bazaar September 2010.. As I've already featured the editorial spread on Rachel Zoe from the Harper's Bazaar US issue, thought I'd now feature the UK issue with Gisele Bundchen on the cover. Elle September 2010...I love the lace interpretation that Emily Blunt is wearing on the cover of the UK issue.

Harper's Bazaar UK

Elle UK

Australia's Next Top Model - The Winner?

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

I don't know about you, but I'm still in shock by last night's events at the Australia's Next Top Model finale! For anyone who missed it, or lives internationally, here is what happened....The night started off with runway shows featuring gorgeous Mad Men 1960's inspired wear (which I think I need half those outfits), followed by shows featuring designers Alex Perry, J-Aton, and Elliot Ward-Fear. This was followed by interviews with all three finalist along with the views of Alex Perry, Charlotte Dawson, Josh Flinn, Jez Smith, Priscilla (Priscilla's Model Management) and Claudia Navone (from Harper's Bazaar). We sadly said goodbye to the third runner up Sophie, and we were left with our two finalists Kelsey Martinovich and Amanda Ware. They are both amazing models and it was honestly anyone's game as the close votes emphasized this. As you would probably know, the final vote was in fact 100% left to the public. The gorgeous Sarah Murdoch was fed through her ear piece that in fact Kelsey was Australia's Next Top Model. Everyone cheered for her, her Harper's Bazaar cover got placed on the screen and she had even given an acceptance speech.... Until we see Sarah in shock and turn pale, stating "I'm feeling a bit sick about this. No. I'm so sorry about this. Oh my God. I don't know what to say. This was a complete accident. It's Amanda, I'm so sorry. It was fed to me wrong. Oh God." And so we all witnessed one of the biggest fashion industry's mistakes/miscommunications, or was it in fact a controversy, was it intentional? Did Sarah in fact know? These questions have been circling the media both nationally and internationally. But, whatever the case may be, I feel for Sarah and I think she did the best she could in the situation. Alex Perry however spoke this morning on Sydney's 2day FM claiming that "I would stake my life on it," that Sarah had nothing to do with it and it was not a publicity stunt. I personally feel for both Kelsey and Amanda. I think Amanda missed her victory moment and I feel even worse for Kelsey as she had the moment and it got taken from her. Kelsey was such an amazing sport about the whole thing though. Congratulations of course to Amanda who walked away with the cover and an eight page spread in Australia's Harper's Bazaar magazine, a modelling contract with Priscilla's Model Management, a campaign with the new Levis jeans, a Ford Fiesta Zetec car, $20,000 cash and a trip to New York to meet with Elite Model Management. But.... there is now a second prize for Kelsey who also won $25,000 spending money as well as a ticket to New York! And....that's not all, it was announced this morning by Harper's Bazaar's editor Edwina McCain that in fact they will also be featuring Kelsey on the cover of the November issue of Harper's Bazaar as a dual cover, where readers can choose who they want. They also took into account Kelsey's unfortunate circumstance. All in all, I think everyone was left happy and that's all that matters in the end, both girls have a bright modelling future ahead! Here are a few pictures from the night as well as both girls Harper's Bazaar covers. Which one will you buy?!