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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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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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Paper Crown by Lauren Conrad.

Best known for her role on “The Hills”, reality TV star turned fashion designer, Lauren Conrad, recently debuted the Lookbook for her newest self-funded clothing line, Paper Crown. Although unavailable in Australia, you may be familiar with the “LC Lauren Conrad” collection for Kohl’s, Conrad’s prior attempt into the fashion industry, which in comparison to this newer line, appears bland and tame.

A paper crown, Conrad explains, is taking something simple and “creating your own glamour” – exactly what this line portrays. It is subtle and sweet, just like Conrad, which former “Laguna Beach” co-star, Kristin Cavallari, believes is the reason behind MTV’s decision to drop the reality star’s latest docu-reality show, primarily focused on the making of the line.
The budding designer features a range of girly and flirty, on-trend pieces, including ruffled maxi dresses, silk blouses, leather shorts, fitting cocktail dresses and boyfriend blazers – my personal favourite. Inspired by her love for “fanciful design elements”, Paper Crown echoes the best of Conrad’s California style, and has already been compared to the likes of Elizabeth and James only skewed for a younger audience.

Kudos to Conrad, Paper Crown is a notch up from her previous work and it seems as though the public agrees. It is currently unknown if the collection will be heading down under but rumour has it that Paper Crown will be available in selected stores and online throughout The U.S next Fall.

For more information on Paper Crown, you can visit the official website, FaceBook or Twitter pages:

www.paper-crown.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Paper-Crown/124228090981608
www.twitter.com/PaperCrownLuvsU

- Snitta.

2 Mar 2011, 7:36am Blog Fashion by admin
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Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Melissa.

Remember those beautiful spring days when you were younger circa the early ‘90s and all you wanted to slip on your feet were your favourite candy coloured jellies? Well once again you can, as fashion extraordinaire Vivienne Westwood has teamed up with Melissa to bring us the best in plastic fantastic!

The Vivienne Westwood and Melissa collaboration was founded in 2008 and will continue to bring us these uber cute shoes until 2012. Melissa shoes are made from a special injected plastic that is 100% recyclable. So as well as looking totally chic you are helping to save the planet- bonus! These quirky, unique, and fun shoes are so loveable your feet will never want to be seen in anything else.

“The most amazing thing about this partnership was to be able to create modern products, with very high quality, for affordable prices,” Westwood said. The shoes are a mixture of her new designs and classic re-makes of her leather products that express true Westwood characteristics in each shoe created.  They’re practical and timeless fashion pieces that will be the perfect addition to any spring wardrobe.

The fusion of Anglomania and Melissa brings you high fashion with a not so high fashion price tag. Accessorised with beautiful bows, hearts and cherries this is what plastic dreams are made of. Undeniably feminine and fearlessly bold in the cutestest of colours which are so adorable, so fresh and oh so now!

nina. ♥

22 Feb 2011, 6:51pm Blog Fashion by admin
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Thread People is proud to announce it’s sale integration with top Australian shopping site, Shop Til You Drop!

http://bit.ly/shoptilyoudropthreadpeople

Have a look then tell us what you think on our Facebook Fanpage

http://www.facebook.com/threadpeople

Happy shopping!

xx Thread People

16 Feb 2011, 8:33am Blog Fashion by admin
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Breaking Beauty Rules 101.

Backstage at Marc Jacobs Spring 2011. Photo: Style.com

I have an obsession with skin care. I always wash my face before I go to bed, I use a face mask and exfoliant once a week and I always wear SPF (Hello, Casper!). I follow ever rule in the book when it comes to my skin and pressure my friends and family to do the same. For all my prissiness about my skin care routine I have never understood the rules of make-up. Make-up is like another accessory to wear and people break fashion rules all the time right? Sure, there are some rules you should stick too, like non-STD looking lip-liner, the right foundation colour and not mistaking oompa loompa orange for a natural looking glow but should we really be so hung about them?

Out of the all the beauty rules out there the one that has always struck me as the most silliest and useless is the “play up only one feature” rule. For as long as I can remember this has been shoved down my throat by experts who say its looks clown like if you don’t follow it. Smokey-eyes mean nude lips, red lipstick means only mascara and forget about visible blush when wearing a bright lip colour. A bunch of hypocrites they are.

Eva Green, the hot French bond girl, is a fan of a smokey-eye with blood red lips and always looks amazing. Mary-Kate wore red lips with complementing bronze eyes and wild curly hair. At Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 Francois Nars paired deep green glittery eyes with bleached brows and a berry lip. “It’s always nice to keep pushing buttons and surprising — you never want to get bored.” Nars said to Stylelist about the look.

I wore copper eye shadow, with a berry lipstick on my super pale complexion last weekend and got plenty of compliments.

So rules be damned. Push the buttons. Do what you want with your make-up, wear that orange lip with purple eye shadow or that plum lipstick on a pale complexion, you know you can burn the photos later.

Quote from http://www.stylelist.com/2010/09/13/marc-jacobs-spring-2011-backstage-beauty/

Photo: Style.com

15 Feb 2011, 4:28pm Blog Fashion by admin
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FLAMINGO SANDS PREVIEW : ON SALE TOMORROW 8AM!

Here is a special sneak preview of the gorgeous swim wear by Flamingo Sands – on sale tomorrow Saturday 12th February at 8am. Enjoy! x

11 Feb 2011, 5:42pm Blog Fashion by admin
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Be Mine xx

In preparation for Valentine’s Day… even if you don’t get lucky.

ITEMS IN THIS SET (LEFT TO RIGHT/TOP TO BOTTOM)

ELLE MACPHERSON INTIMATES BOUDOIR LACE BONED-CUP BRA $79

VANESSA BRUNO LACE BRA $110

OSBALDWICK BRA $62

STELLA MCCARTNEY MARGUERITE RIDING ANIMAL-PRINT $73

MARNI BRA $230

MANOUSH LACE BRA $105

11 Feb 2011, 11:05am Blog Fashion by admin
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CAT EYE

2011 is seeing a wave of sophisticated 70’s fashion trends hit the international runways, and one of our favourites is the resurgence of the cat-eye-frame. This purrfect style channels old school chic and is guaranteed to add a glamorous edge to any outfit. Not only does this style suit almost all face shapes, it comes in about a zillion different variations. We’ve picked a couple of low-key pairs with a more subtle flare to ensure they work effortlessly with many an outfit.

ITEMS IN THIS SET (TOP-BOTTOM/LEFT-RIGHT)

ELLERY ET GRAZ SUNGLASSES – STREAKED AMBER & GRADIENT LENS $335

YVES SAINT LAURENT CAT-EYE FRAME $275

RUNAWAY PINK ANIMAL $140

ELLERY ET GRAZ SUNLGASSES – GLOSS BLACK & GRADIENT LENS $335

TOM FORD CAT-EYE FRAME $355

TOM FORD CAT-EYE FRAME $355

- Michelle Simmonds

(CAT EYE OLIVIA PHOTO SOURCED FROM CAROLINES MODE –

http://carolinesmode.com/caroline/art/189358/olivia/)

10 Feb 2011, 11:29am Blog Fashion by admin
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FLAMINGO SANDS.

Although I’ve spent the last four months in nothing warmer than -4 degree weather around the other side of the world, I have been lusting over what it must feel like to have the warmth shine down on your sun kissed skin, to wake up and throw on your swimmers and a sun dress and to walk around in nothing but the sand under your feet.  And in four weeks I will be back on the old Australian home turf and straight to the beach (after fake tanning of course no one wants to see an albino whale at the beach!). So I have been scouring every swimwear label imaginable trying to find the perfect one to buy as soon as I get home, and the winner I announce to you: Flamingo Sands.

Famingo Sands is identifiable, unique and is a modern day statement crafted in the hottest shades and perfect silhouettes. Cute prints, splashes of colour and retro inspired cuts, this glamorous label is what you want to be seen in when parading around your local beach side. Their latest collection titled LA Women is flirty, stylish, fun and cutesy and with a variety of cuts and shapes to choose from there is something for every body type.

This summer Flamingo Sands has also teamed up with one of my favourite cosmetics label Bloom to create two new nail polish shades: dreamy peach and high voltage mauve. Inspiration for the colours were taken straight from their SS10 collection LA Women and an added bonus is that every $2 from the sale is donated to the Children’s Hospital. How could you resist the hottest swimwear, hottest nail polish shades and donating to charity all at the same time… not me!

nina ♥

FLAMINGO SANDS IS ON SALE ON THREADPEOPLE.COM.AU NEXT WEEK, CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DESIGNER PROFILE

4 Feb 2011, 7:45am Blog Fashion by admin
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