Wool Marks Special Occasion
Last week the Campaign for Wool was launched in Australia, following its launch in the UK last year. The campaign, which boasts Prince Charles as Patron, is a collaboration between wool organisations around the world, including Australia’s Woolmark Company, to promote wool as a sustainable fibre with a diverse range of uses.
The fashion set met at Admiralty House, where the Governor General, Quentin Bryce, chic in a wool dress by Collette Dinnigan, made everyone feel at home. Following drinks and canapés, a fashion show was held in a marquee in the grounds, where designers displayed their wool creations. Australian designers were well represented, including Therese Rawsthorne, Kirrily Johnston, R.M. Williams, Romance Was Born and Josh Goot. Internationals included Mark Fast, Alexander Wang and Jean Pierre Braganza, and Australians abroad Martin Grant and Richard Nicoll finished off the offering. The standouts included Jenny Kee’s colourful all-knitted creations, and Michael Lo Sordo’s minimalist camel jumpsuit, that was so on-trend and chic it almost hurt. For more information, see www.campaignforwool.com.au.
Snakey Style
Bobbi Brown’s Peony & Python collection hits make-up counters this month, a collaboration with US fashion label Tibi, which is known for its clean, modern styles and great use of colour and print. During April, if you purchase two items from the new collection at David Jones (Elizabeth Street, Sydney & Bourke Street, Melbourne) or Myer (Sydney & Melbourne flagship stores), you will receive this adorable Tibi tote bag. Get in quick, it’s only while stocks last.
Luxury Location
The luxury precinct at Sydney’s new Westfield continues to grow, with Bottega Veneta’s first Australian store now open. The 200sq m store is home to a range of accessories, including its beautiful leather handbags, men’s and women’s shoes, eyewear, jewellery and luggage. Now, just waiting on Prada and Miu Miu…
Trouser Stakes
Printed trousers can be a tricky proposition, but Denise Van Outen shows how it can be done. Firstly, she’s kept everything to a black-and-white theme, in keeping with the print on the trousers. Secondly, she’s kept the remaining pieces simple in shape and bold in detail—the bow detail on the top is quite graphic and simple, and the blazer is classic and chic. Oversized accessories in black add extra clout.
Sweet Simplicity
Melbourne actress Emily Browning (of Lemony Snickett fame) hit the red carpet in London at the premiere of her new movie, Sucker Punch, in this gorgeous Azzaro dress. The crystal embellishment, including bow detail, gives the simple shape some evening oomph, and means there’s no need to add much jewellery for extra bling. The shoes are a little uninspired, but they don’t detract from what is a great choice for the 23-year-old actress. Lovely.