Sunday 10 July 2011

Eliza Mazzone- Fashion Illustration Inspiration

I stumbled across the most amazing fashion illustrations by Australian Illustrator Eliza Mazzone.
She was featured in online magazine Trendland last month. 

I am loving the images below.


What I love most about these illustrations are her use of texture and colour to create a the soft flow of both her 'ladies' as she calls them, and the garments.

It's amazing what she can do with watercolour.

Check out the rest of her featured illustrations at: http://trendland.net/2011/06/02/elisa-mazzone-illustrations/#

Sunday 19 June 2011

Zara comes to Melbourne

Giving affordable fashion a run for its money, Zara is what I would call a refreshing inclusion to Melbourne's Bourke St Mall. Despite the long cues and mixed reviews, it is not the hype which impresses me, it's the quality of the clothing and the affordability.

There are pieces which cost well into the 100's of dollars. However the majority of the pieces are clean, crisp and will make a great inclusion into a Melbournian's wardrobe.

That being said Zara is a billion dollar company world wide. Everybody wants a piece of it. So it is not surprising that they can afford to create pieces that are cutting edge and yet cost 1/5 of their ordinary high fashion counterparts.

So it's good bye Portmans, Cue and Witchery and hello Zara.
Eat your hearts out fashionistas!
Zara Melbourne facade.
3 levels: 1 for men, 1 for women and 1 for children.
Some of the options from the range.
Simple designs in bold colours, that allow you to add your own personal flair with accessories.

My picks from Zara: - Pink blazer (pictured) $199
                                     - Basic Denim Jeans $49.95 (there are many different styles)
                                     - Long sleeve basics from $19.95 (Favourite colours: teal and nude)
                                     - Cardigans $29.95 (Favourite colours: teal and black)

TIPS for shopping ZARA:

No.1 TIP: Know what you are looking for. Make a list of key piece you may be after (ie. pants, tops, blazers). The store may be busy for a while and even though they control how many people enter and leave it is pretty packed in there. You don't want to get lost in the hype. There are many ranges and repeats of things in the different ranges at different price ranges. SO know what you are after and you'll avoid chaos.
Styling: Start with a good pair of jeans and add a basic t-shirt for a clean look. Add accessories to personalise and be bold with a power blazer for a real statement outfit. 
There are a lot of brights instore at the moment in time for Summer 12. They're in-store early so unless you like to be the centre of attention you may want to buy them stocking up for summer as opposed to buying them for now.

Sizing: European sizings are used. Know what your size it before you go in to make it easier to shop. Try online conversion charts.
They tend to be shorter in the smaller sizes.
Pants tend to hug around the ankle.
Be sure to brave the long line to the fitting room in order to ensure you get a great fit. You may be surprised as the sizings are different in all 3 ranges: Zara TRF, Zara Woman, and Zara Basics.

Sunday 5 June 2011

Inspiration at NGV

Following a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria I have compiled this collage of inspirational images.
I don't know what it is about the NGV. Whenever I walk through its halls I find something
new to inspire me.

Today I uncovered a hidden gem: majestical and whimsical gowns worn by emperors, ladies and kings of yesteryear. I'm talking silk, embroidery and embelishments, and that's just the men's clothing.

My obsession at the moment: 17th century mens waistcoats. I have a whole sketchbook full of them from Manstyle on show at the NGV St Kilda Rd. A collection of Male fashion through the ages. Don't know what I'll make of them but we'll see.


One of the waistcoats from Manstyle on at the NGV.













Here are some inspiring images:

Bustier. by Issey Mikake. 1980 autumn-winter
metal, opaque synthetic polymer resin, polyester flocking.
Miss Susanna Gale. c. 1763-64 by Joshuan Reynolds.

Her hairpiece is amazingly beaded. Her dress is fantastically elegant. But what is most intriguing is the way she is playing with some sort of paper doll collection.


 Susanna Highmore. c. 1740-45. Joseph Highmore.

I stood staring at her. Her expression says alot. The picture doesn't really give it justice. I love the colour of her dress and the way it is embellised with lovely lace.


The Singer Farinelli and Friends. c. 1750-52. Jacob Amigoni.

I lover the woman's bustier. The pink contrasted with blue bows and tightly hugging her frame. I really love coursettes in this way; the way that a good piece can hug and flatter a womans assets.
In the same way the male's waistcoat is amzingly detailed.


 Untitled. 1974. Robert Morris

Believe it or not this sculture is made entirely of felt. It reminded me of statement jewellry that is in fashion at the moment.
It is interesting that at the NGV this is draping on the ground and here it is clearly above the ground. It adds another dimention to have it hanging on the ground. You feel as if it is melting into the ground. Instead of symmetrical cresents you get lots of different shapes and shaddows coming from each cleverly sculptured row of felt.
I am thinking of reproducing this effect in jewellry.


The Banquet of Cleopatra by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, 1743-1744 

Colars and couture. Hushed tones and statement pieces.

Samples from Designs By eM Winter '11

Some Designs By eM from Winter range 2011.
Only producing samples at the moment.
Hoping to get some experience behind me
and then begin production for Summer '13.

1. Vintage Lace Bolero
The pride of the range is this 1950's lace bolero.
Hand stiched, it looks great over that little black dress.
It's A-Symmetrical design means that it looks great on all body types.


2. Black Chiffon Vestier
This number can be worn over either a tank, long sleeve tee, or a lace cami.
It can be belted or you can leave it open.
Can be worn day or night. With jeans or even a skirt.


3. Camel Oversized Sleeve Blouse
Based on the oversized 1980's blouse, this blouse makes a great casual statement.
It's slouchy sleeves are teamed with a streamline bodice and scoop neck.

Conflict of Interest


If you are into statement pieces and one off finds then you will absolutley love this shop.

You'll find them on Sydney Rd just up from Barkley Square.

Find out more here.