PAMELA LOVE, LOVE FOR TOPSHOP

New York jewellery designer Pamela Love is bringing her distinctive tough-yet-romantic aesthetic to British-based chain store giant Topshop. Featuring in the latest issue of Vogue UK, Love explains her pieces will replicate “the true spirit of America.” The first of the five part series titled “Hearts & Arrows” is inspired by the American Indians featuring feathers and bright colours while the second instalment, “Dream Catcher,” is heavily based on South Western influences.

Topshop is just adding another amazing designer to their already impressive list of collaborations including Kate Moss, Christopher Kane and Lanvin. However, Love is going to be the first featured designer from the States and the first one with a line of jewellery. The collection will be cheaper than her signature collection and will hit stores this April. In the midst of the Indian and Western design qualities I hope Love adds her signature and unique qualities like rough spikes, gripping claws and sharp daggers. I Love love, I love Topshop, I feel like I’m about to meet my first true love. ♥

nina.

30 Mar 2011, 8:33am Blog Fashion by admin
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Words of Wisdom from a European Wanderer: Part 3

So we’ve talked about what to pack, how to dress and how to control your spending during European winter but we have yet to discuss the secret to looking European chic this winter. I will take this moment to temporarily name my self the ‘Fashion Spy From Oz’ as I report to you on the trends that will be hitting our shores any time soon.

Fashion Spy From Oz Observation 1: The Military Ankle Boot

This shoe was glued to the feet of literally every Parisian, Londoner and Berliner walking the pavements of these cities. Think a normal military boot, ankle height but folded down and lined with wool. Men, women and children wore them in every dark and dreary colour of winter and in many cases there were high, wooden heels attached to those that belonged to the ladies. Don’t even think of leaving the house without these this winter, despite the fact that it is rarely cold enough to pull out such extreme measures.

Fashion Spy From Oz Observation 2: The Fur Coat

Of course this is slightly irrelevant to city dwellers in Australia as we’re not often met with temperatures below 10 degrees, however if you are adamant, you could slip it on over a singlet top or t-shirt and carry on the trend anyway! Opt for browns or greys and more of a feathery, cropped look rather than a big, cuddly bear imitation. And don’t forget to go faux friendly, unless you enjoy having red paint thrown on your brand new coat (although I’ve heard that only happens in America).

Fashion Spy From Oz Observation 3: Chandelier Earrings

It’s hard to accessorise when your covered in beanies, scarves and gloves but unless you’re wearing a balaclava your earlobes tend to make an appearance. This winter European fashionstas were adorning them with large, dangly earrings, crafted into intricate patterns and covered in gold. Yes gold is coming back according to our northerly friends and whilst it’s not everyone’s best friend, it will definitely help your mates locate your face under all those winter layers.

Fashion Spy From Oz Observation 4: Oversized Handbags

My final observation is not the biggest surprise of all, as oversized handbags have been clogging up our footpaths for quite some time, but Europeans are maintaining that bigger is better. Hide your clutches under your beds and hang your shoulder bags on your clothes racks, it’s time to bring that massive tote back out and dangle it from your forearm. Watch out public transport commuters, the morning headaches are about to resurface.

Fashion Spy From Oz, over and out.

By Melissa Kehagias

30 Mar 2011, 8:32am Blog Street by admin
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ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT

We all know the Ten Commandments of the bible, right? But did you know there was an eleventh one? Not many people know that when Jesus and Moses roamed this great earth they in fact made eleven commandments, with the eleventh being the most important and one we must all abide by. Designers Henry Holland and Josh Oldfield discovered the eleventh commandment, which states: “Thou shalt always dress with tremendous amounts of style and be furiously good looking.”

Aussie label Eleventh Commandment has provided us with some ridiculously styling clothes so we can now all live in peace and harmony and follow the rules that were once laid before us. Their AW 2011 collection is a study in futuristic vintage, the discovery of old and new, past and present. Jersey, knitwear and jackets all make an appearance in metallic hues, bold prints and simple, yet edgy designs.

Known greatly for their ever so perfect denim range, this season they provide us with the perfect fit and cut in a mixture of wax, printed, raw and washed styles. So if your ever sitting and contemplating life and wondering of these Commandments which were laid out before us, just remember the Eleventh Commandment because even back in those Adam and Eve days, Moses knew that style is language.

nina. ♥

21 Mar 2011, 9:02am Blog Fashion by admin
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BINGLE FOR OYSTER #91

Proving that there are two sides to every story Lara Bingle offers a diverse and sensual shoot for Oyster issue #91. Usually frequenting the media for all the wrong reasons, Bingle proves to Australia what an amazing model she really is. Love her or hate her, after seeing this shoot you can’t help but fall a little bit in love with the Sydneysider all over again.

Photography legends Stephen Ward and Georges Antoni offer their own interpretations of the Sydney ‘It’ girl in this black and white editorial. Ward captures the softer, more sensual side to Bingle while Antoni goes for hard edge rock. The normally bikini clad Bingle opts for statement pieces and leather accents. Stylist Imogene Barron uses a Burberry motorcycle jacket and House of Fetish metallic crop top to transform the fierce Bingle whilst demure Bingle chooses the minimalism of Josh Goot and Chanel.

All I can say is that although Bingle has been in the media for so many wrong reasons of late she makes up for everything in a few simple images. Coming along way from her “Where the Bloody Hell Are Ya?” days this Oyster shoot is effortlessly chic, divine, fierce and shamelessly sexy. She is utterly amazing and these images simply take my breath away.

nina. ♥

18 Mar 2011, 11:16am Blog Fashion by admin
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The Future is Here

The atmosphere is one of unrestrained feverishness. Although all in attendance are would-be strangers, for the next several hours they will move, drink and dance as if they had known each other for years. This is the Future Music Festival, where clubbers come out from hiding in dank, murky nightclubs and into the day, overrunning the park and transforming it into a musical playground.

As the crowd moves into the park it disperses into splinter groups, each breaking off to see various acts only to reconvene at the main stage. The crowd moves as one, no longer individuals but a sole entity surging to the dizzying beats of the music.

The majority of the revelers are 18-30 and follow the philosophy of Generation Y; live in the now. Social rules are fluid, only restricted by the edict of the festival organisers. It’s do as you please, not as you should. The dress code is sporatic; some wear the stock standard singlet, shorts and thongs and some are clad in eccentric, idiosyncratic garb. The only constant is hyper colour and wayfarer sunglasses.

The stronger-willed take on a drill sergeant approach, herding their group with shrill commands. The like-minded follow along whilst the inebriated fall behind. Communication is soon reduced to short, sharp sentences and frantic hand signals, with an ominous hum of incoming text messages filling the air.

The music evokes tidal waves of emotion. People turn to hug their friends declaring that they’ll “never forget this!” only to erase the memory with copious amounts of hard liquor. The songs bring the crowd into a cult-like state, chanting the lyrics as if they were anthems unto their own sovereignty.

As the sun set on the last set of the day, the enthusiastic trek to the next part of the festival, the after party which ironically, takes them back to where they began; the nightclubs. The streets become a moving rave with songs from earlier that day are slurred and stumbled through rather than sang and there is frantic dancing at every red light.

The line for admittance is probably the first break anyone has had all day and it appears to be difficult to stop completely. People push against the walls to hear the pulsating beats from inside and others attempt to create a dance floor on the pavement. Once again the crowd are all for one and one for all. People share around anything from water, to chewing gum to cigarettes.

Inside, the atmosphere is a more intimate imitation of the festival. Music from the same artists blast from the speakers but instead of the playground earlier, the party is now confined within walls. It is apparent that their world without rules is slipping, as the bouncers and bar staff slowly bring the crowd back to reality with threats of eviction and refusal of entry, not to mention the dreaded notion of the sun rising, ending the event undoubtedly.

The crowd, disheveled and exhausted file out back into the streets but now, they simply move into taxis or remove their shoes for the walk home. Future is over and it’s back to the real world.

- Paige Richards

18 Mar 2011, 11:14am Blog Street by admin
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more is more

As economies recover (well ours anyway) from the ever more tedious GFC, the austere, reverent minimalism of last season is working its way off the catwalk and giving way to bursts of colour, playful silhouettes, lace, ruffles and a very welcome injection of fun. While pared back, simplistic elegance will always be a staple of high fashion, in S/S 2011 designers have given fashion lovers an excuse to revel in frivolity and celebrate a little indulgence. Even the eternal genius of luxurious simplicity Miuccia Prada said, “I’m tired of minimalism, it’s time to go bold”. Intense colours, playful prints, unconventional silhouettes and intricate detailing were the highlights of many of this season’s catwalks.

Alexandre Herchocovitch

Christian Dior

Julien Macdonald

Lanvin

Cacharel

While some of the prints were decidedly dated, with some designers relying too heavily on both 70’s prints and silhouettes, rather than mixing the two, or bringing a sense of modernism to the garment, some of the designs particularly those included here, are brilliantly executed. This season’s fashions are so positive and fun, it’s hard not to like them. Particularly Missoni’s practically edible runway shoes.

Missoni

They’re even flat. So practical.

xx lily

8 Mar 2011, 3:56pm Blog Fashion by admin
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Missing: One Original Hip-Hop Group.

I found myself in a startling predicament yesterday. I, an out-and-proud music snob, uttered the phrase, “They ruined Give It Up by KC and The Sunshine Band!”

I was responding, of course, to the audio-assault that is the new direction that will.i.am has decided upon for the Black Eyed Peas, and their unfortunately-titled track Love U Long Time. Not content with sampling the above mentioned ‘Sunshine’, both will.i.am and Fergie (which baffles me as she can really sing!) are auto-tuned to unrecognisable levels chanting to each other that they’ll ‘love them long time’.

What happened to the innovative, multicultural group of ‘Behind The Front’ and ‘Bridging The Gap’? The one that used to use their music as a social commentary, instead of promoting binge-drinking and “freaky-deeky” girls. I used to place the blame squarely on Fergie. I envisioned a modern-day Yoko Ono whose hooks of ‘let’s get retarded’ grated on my ears like nails on a chalkboard, but now I see that it is really will.i.am to blame.

At first I couldn’t bear to think that the man behind the brilliant verse on Joints and Jams could be responsible for the current heavily sampled, heavily auto-tuned soundscape of 2010, but I see now that he is simply a product of his own drive for innovation. By his desire to create and produce cutting edge tracks for the masses, he has become a parody of his former self. I can’t help but think about what would happen if 1999’s idealistic, urban hippie Will met today’s pseudo-robot incarnation.

I’m just thankful he’s withholding the demos he cut with Michael Jackson. If I were to hear an MJ5000 instead of a human voice, I’d lose all hope in music.

-Paige Richards

8 Mar 2011, 3:47pm Blog Street by admin
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Australia’s Next Top Model: Model Interview (Belinda Hodge & Alamela Rowan)

It’s been three years since the fourth cycle of Australia’s Next Top Model aired on our television screens, but where did all the models end up? Are they still modeling? Or were they evidently satisfied with their fifteen minutes of fame and have simply, moved on? The fourth series of the popular reality television show, revealed much drama, including in-house bullying by the so-called ‘Bitchketeers’ or better known as the ‘Dapto Dogs’ as Charlotte Dawson (Judge) christened them. But what the series was better known for was the immense amount of talent that these thirteen hopeful model wannabees possessed.

Thread People were lucky enough to catch up with some of Australia’s Next Top Model Cycle 4 Contestants: ‘Belinda Hodge’ & ‘Alamela Rowan’, who revealed their lives as models, memories of the competition and future challenges their yet to face.

Belinda Hodge, 20, who grew up in Ballarat, Victoria, is signed with FRM Model Management and Stars Modeling Agency, and resides in her home town as a commercial model, with aspirations of going to Melbourne for university to study Veterinary Science. Whilst Alamela Rowan, also 20, who grew up in Byron Bay, New South Wales, is signed with i Models International in Singapore and had recently made a drastic career move by setting aside her modeling portfolio for the courtroom, as she recently moved to Brisbane for university to study Environmental Law, after a long grueling two years of modeling overseas.

But before Belinda and Alamela could venture into new and exciting goals and aspirations, they had to explore the world of modeling and take everything that they had learnt from Australia’s Next Top Model, and put it into practice. As Alamela is a decisive and integral person, when something grows repetitive, its time for change. This is why after the last two years of international modeling, with all the underwater shoots and island hopping, Alamela knew the fashion industry was slowly loosing its shine, despite the beautiful places and interesting people she met along the way. Belinda agrees, as she found some aspects of the modeling world ‘very repetitive’ but, a lot of fun. Although Belinda welcomes change and new adventures into her life, she feels she needs to work more on her runway skills.

With a longing to travel, and a desire to work for international brands, such as: Vogue, Alamela is comfortable and fulfilled with her progress as a model, which gives her the ability to be more selective in her work, such as: modeling in the holidays, choosing jobs that mean more to her than money and unique jobs that helps Alamela to progress and explore new goals further. Like Alamela, Belinda has become a little more selective in her work, only choosing the more ‘out there’ jobs. Jobs that are more cutting edge or jobs that can bring benefits for growth, i.e. learning curves from photographers, friends who are studying photography, underwater shoots and artistic nude shoots. Even though Belinda knows there are bigger and better things out there to accomplish, she finds happiness is a key feature in her life, as Belinda explains: “There are always bigger and better things that you need to shoot for. But, once you’re happy with the work you’re producing, you stop moving forwards”.

Despite Belinda and Alamela’s debut on our television sets a good three years ago, and their changing hair styles to disguise themselves from the paparazzi, there is still the occasional whisper or glare from curious fanatics. Whilst Alamela occasionally receives letters from her die hard fans, it has left Alamela feeling appreciative of the impact Top Model had on her and the support she receives from the public on a daily basis. Belinda, who feels the recognition has slowed down in the last six months, is still recognised as the kooky, honest model, that we have grown to love.

Even though, Top Model gave the girls their taste of fame, it has also presented the social scene at their finger tips, as Alamela elaborates: “Having a distinct aversion to loud music, I generally replaced clubbing with a day at the zoo or a romantic dinner”. Belinda agrees, even though she partied and went out occasionally, she was more than happy to be in town with some of her besties, as she explains: “I’ve met alot of new people, and I do go out a fair bit, but for me, I’m happy to settle back into my town with my favourite people”. As some people may disagree with Belinda and Alamela’s way of social life, it is for the same reason why they have retained some great friends from all over the world.

Belinda and Alamela, who had been friends in the Top Model house and who are still friends, had different reactions when each of them was eliminated from the competition. Alamela, who was surprisingly relieved to get eliminated, felt that the competition was slowly starting to remove itself from the realities of modeling and couldn’t be happier to return to the normality of the real world, as Alamela explains: “I felt this focus on drama detracted from the integrity of the program, and was thankful the judges perceived my unsuitability for the coming weeks”. Whereas Belinda, who felt the fear of losing the show and surviving in the modeling world didn’t come together for her, loved being in front of the camera and enjoyed the way the competition worked. Although Belinda felt she was eliminated for being a less interesting model, than over a terrible photo, she felt it was time to go when disputes with the other models, left Belinda feeling it wasn’t worth the drama, as Belinda explains: “I know I had a bad week, but when I was having fun, I got all the compliments in the world. Once I had trouble with the other girls, I didn’t enjoy being there anymore”.

Despite the fame the competition had brought the girls, it’s nice to see that Belinda and Alamela didn’t let it go to their heads. Being more ‘down to earth’ models, Belinda and Alamela want to help out their communities and even use their status as models to help promote causes, such as: charities, events, women’s rights, bullying, etc. Belinda, who is all for supporting charities, such as: WSPA, RSPCA and other animal cruelty agencies, continues to plight her support where it’s needed. Whereas Alamela, who supports charities, such as: ATAAC and CARA, finds it rather rewarding when it allows her the chance to participate in ground work for organisations, such as: vaccinating animals against rabies or teaching underprivileged children.

If there is any advice that these fabulous models can pass on to any future model contestants, it’s that: you should perfect your posture and style, know who you are and above all, work your attitude. As Belinda advises: “I was brought up in a fantastic family with good morals, and as the industry will always ask something more from you, you need to know when and how to say ‘no’. This can really affect your sense of self. If you cave to things that are out side your boundaries, all your doing, is caving to Peer Pressure”. As Belinda raises a good point, Alamela advises: “If a client wants certain characteristics and there are a variety of suitable models, a positive demeanor and healthy radiance are central to being selected. In the shallow fashion industry there is nothing more rewarding than a client saying, you were selected because of who you are rather than what you look like.

It takes a lot of courage and perseverance to tackle a competition like ‘Australia’s Next Top Model’, and for that, Thread People would like to take their hat off to Belinda Hodge and Alamela Rowan, for not only staying true to themselves, but for being the perfect ‘Model Citizens’ and ‘Role Models’ for all aspiring models and devoted fans everywhere.

By Mathew Galea

4 Mar 2011, 10:57am Blog Fashion by admin
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Words of Wisdom from a European Wanderer: Part 2

Shopping in Europe is one of the most exciting things to do – for me anyway. Dancing along Rue de Rivoli in Paris and skipping along Oxford Street in London fills me with exhilaration and blinds me to all the crazy Europeans that are attempting to bowl me over. However the amount of money that slips through my fingers is always a catastrophic issue, so I decided to come up with a technique to control how I spend my money on clothes, and maybe this will help you too.

First things first, if you’re on a budget then one of the most important things to do before leaving the land of Oz is to budget everything – this includes giving yourself an allocated amount to spend on clothes and accessories.

The next step is to look at your wardrobe and decide if there is anything you need to buy. A new jumper because the one you’ve been wearing every day for the past three years has completely unravelled? Or maybe a pretty dress to wear to that party that has been inconveniently scheduled for the weekend you get back? Then make a list and write these items on it. If, however, you intend for your shopping spree to be focused on “wants” rather than “needs” (like so often is the case) then allocate your spending money to only buying one of each item. What I mean by this is that if you buy a jumper on your first day in Berlin, and two weeks later in Switzerland you see the most amazing spotted, yellow jumper you have ever seen, you are in no way allowed to buy it. One jumper is enough, just as one dress is enough, one pair of shoes is enough, one pair of jeans is enough and one extremely expensive designer handbag is enough (on this particular item I once again speak from experience. Budget well.)

Make sure to always bring along that annoying friend who whines that their feet hurt or that they’re hungry so that they can also whine about the fact that you have bought too much. Please refrain from throwing European coat hangers in their faces; they hurt no less than Australian ones.

There is also one major rule when shopping in Europe (or anywhere really), if you’re not sure you like it, or you don’t think it fits well, or you don’t know what you’d wear it with, DON’T BUY IT. It maybe only be 20 euro, but it’s 20 euro that could buy you about five bottles of wine from a Spanish supermarket or that one pair of stilettos you have yet to tick off your list. This is also the point when you tell your whiney friend to “shut the hell up” and take them to McDonalds for a European Big Mac.

By Melissa Kehagias

4 Mar 2011, 10:44am Blog Street by admin
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Words of Wisdom from a European Wanderer: Part 1

I have just arrived back from a two and a half week holiday travelling Europe in near freezing temperatures and as I reflect on my wonderful adventure I am bombarded with memories of the night before I left Australia. It is one of the scariest and most destructive evenings that one faces when preparing for a trip, a night when one specific question hangs over your head, “what clothes do I pack?”

Now, I tend to think that packing for a winter holiday is a lot more difficult than packing for a summer one. For summer, you simply throw in some shorts, a few t-shirts, a couple of cute dresses and a pair of thongs. When you arrive, you spend a little time at the beach and all of a sudden you’re walking around the Mediterranean looking like a glowing goddess.

For winter however, it’s a little different. For starters there’s the age-old question, do you or don’t you pack those dorky thermals your mum made you buy on your last family holiday? My answer to this is: if it’s forecast to be less than 7 degrees at any point during your adventure on ice then pack the thermals or risk a near death experience. And always wear two pairs of socks, I speak from experience, my toes will never be the same again.

The toughest challenge you will face when travelling in winter will be trying to look fashionable whilst at the same time looking like a large, foreign, ball of cloth. You want to be warm yet trendy, chic yet comfortable and you want it all to weigh 20kgs or less [unless you’re lucky enough to have a 32kg limit]. Once you factor in those five coats you need to co-ordinate with your outfits and those seven pairs of boots you need so you can alternate daily, you’ll soon realise that there is room for little else and that it’s rather expensive to pass your whole wardrobe through customs. So here are my words of wisdom:

Empty out your suitcase.

It’s all about necessities. Forget five coats and go with a maximum of two, forget seven pairs of boots and once again opt for that magic number two. Try not to overload on long sleeve tops, take a couple of dresses and a few pairs of pants. Don’t forget your winter accessories like gloves and scarves, but one or two of each is enough. Now if you’re silently, or loudly, freaking out that this isn’t enough clothing, then I have the perfect remedy. Shopping.

If you’re lucky enough to be budget-less then go nuts and shop the city out. If you’re on a skin-tight budget then I offer you this very well known secret, H&M. This store is a godsend, there is one on every corner in every city and it sells up to date fashion for the price of peanuts. Budgeting or not, you can buy all those pretty clothes you wanted to bring with you, have the up-to-date winter fashions before the first Autumn leaf falls in Australia, and you can throw all those daggy clothes you brought with you straight into the closest Parisian bin. Voilà!

By Melissa Kehagias 

2 Mar 2011, 7:40am Blog Street by admin
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