On Location for YP Field Days

I have met some fabulous people this year - it seems that one good thing leads to another... When I met Nadia Stamp, who modelled for my SALA Parade in August, it unexpectedly lead to another Fashion Parade opportunity!

Nadia is a very busy woman - she works for Mix 102.3, was recently announced the new face of Rundle Mall TV, and can be seen out and about at various events around town. On top of this, she took on the massive task of co-ordinating the YP Field Day Fashion Parades (and just quietly, I think she did a fantastic job!)

Now the photoshoot has been published (in the YP Field Day Advertiser liftout), I can share with you a few photos I took on the day... 

[1] One half of the YP Field Day liftout featuring Nadia Stamp (right), Zoe Honeybone (left) & Andrew Schultz from Rachel's Model Management & Training [2] Nadia wears "Trinkets of a Mermaid" Necklace by Melanie-Joy Creations, Zoe wears a necklace from my private collection, both girls are wearing "Wrap-me-in-Vintage" bracelets by Melanie-Joy Creations [3] Love this photo! Nadia has a 'Marilyn Moment' as the wind lifts the hem of her dress.

Last night, Gracious Magazine held their first public event for M2 Charity!...

...and, it was a great success.

'I ♥ Fashion' Night packed in plenty of entertainment: There were market stalls with hand-made & Vintage clothing, accessories & shoes, home-made cup cakes, a Fashion Parade featuring garments by Casper & Pearl, plus a Raffle to conclude.

[1] Mayanthi Dharmabandu is one of the M’s from M2 Charity, and co-founder of Gracious Magazine online.

During the speeches, Mayanthi told us her dream for Gracious Magazine, is to see in print one day! You have to dream it before it can become reality, so she is half way there ~ wouldn’t it be wonderful if this dream came true!?...

[2] Definitely worth a mention: Delicious cupcakes made by Mayanthi’s mum! Seriously, I think I may need to put in an order...

The aim of the evening was to raise funds for underprivileged children in China & Sri Lanka. Read the flyer below to find out more...

~ FASHION PARADE featuring Casper & Pearl ~ (pictured below)

Cute, summery gear for teens & early twenties. Short hemlines, cut-out details, neutrals, soft pinks, lots of lace & florals. Perfect for frolicking in the summer sun!

[4] Drawing the Raffle – 1st Prize donated by Melanie-Joy Creations: ‘Wrap-me-in-Vintage’ Bracelet. Other prizes were donated by Little Blu Bird and Casper & Pearl [3]

"High Tea by CandleLight"

Conceptual Photo Shoot

It's been non-stop since my SALA Fashion Parade on August 10th, but this week, I have finally managed to list all the necklace sets from my new collection on Etsy. With the release of these new pieces, come the release of several new images!...

Months of planning has gone into the concept behind the Exhibition, the Opening Night Fashion Parade, and of course, all the pieces in my new collection. This is what my desk looked like leading up to the event:

Not much room to move, but once I'm on a creative bent, I find that tidying up actually hinders the process! You think a good tidy-up would help my brain to 'de-clutter' - apparently not! ~ I Love my creative mess.

[1] Close up of the initial sketch for "My little Traveller" Necklace Set from March 2011 - at this stage I was working on a joint-entry into the Australian Body Art Carnivale (hence the inclusion of the head-dress in my design).

[2] The final outcome at my June Photo Shoot - this is the sort of powerful image I was aiming to produce - tribal with a 'high tea' twist -- Concept/Design/Styling - by me! -- Lexy wears a beautiful strapless silk dress by Tiger Xiu.

[3] "There's always time for Tea" - This is one of my favourite photos from the shoot - it epitomizes my theme exactly - everything down to the 'whimsical-distant-look' in Lexy's eyes, and the delicate pinky finger, poised and lady-like. Concept/Design/Styling - by me!

[4] The Necklace set in the photo on the left is titled "Bergamot Circus" - I love this photo because it captures the cheeky look in Lexy's eyes. This is an acknowledgement of the words on her teacup: "Why be disagreeable, with a little effort, you can be a real Stinker!"  The photo on the right pictures "Ode du Paisley" Necklace Set. This is a fantastic photo - really capturing the spirit of this particular piece; fun, colourful & celebratory.

Visit my Etsy Store to view the entire Collection

Behind The Scenes:

Highgate Ladies' Night --FASHION PARADE--

with Little Fuchsia

Last night I was privileged to be a part of Highgate Ladies' Night - a selection of my jewellery artworks complimented silk dresses by Adelaide Fashion Label Little Fuchsia during a fashion parade.

This event was held as a fundraiser for Highgate Primary School. A few lucky school mothers transformed into models for the evening, complete with hair & makeup - they did a fabulous job! Smiling and laughing and having fun ~ bringing to life the philosophy of Little Fuchsia: "follow your bliss"

I'll take you for a little back-stage peek... 

[1] last minute touches - ensuring all our model-mums had beautifully painted toenails to compliment Little Fuchsia's colour pallete: neutral with hits of lush peacock & hot coral colours [2] preparing the accessories back stage: colour coordinating. [3] The look is now complete with some fabulous designer shoe-wear!..

Yummy Mummies wearing Melanie-Joy Creations Couture Jewellery Artworks with Little Fuchsia silks on the catwalk!

I Love Antiques & Collectables!

Today I took a day-trip to the 21st Strathalbyn Collectors, Hobbies & Antique Fair. This is the first time I have been to a 'Strath Antiques Fair' -- I heard it
advertised on Radio 5AA. As soon as I found out that Tim Wonnacott from BBC's Bargain Hunt was going to be there, I knew it would be a worthwhile outing!

The streets were bustling with life! -- I overheard local shop owners saying that this had been their biggest year yet! There was an Antique or Collectors store on every corner!...

[1] Harrington's - one of the iconic Antique Stores in Strathalbyn [2] Three little gnomes peering out from one of the most crowded Collector's Store that I've ever seen. Items were piled 10ft high - the walk-ways were barely wide enough for me to walk though. [3] Hundreds of people gathered around the many local bakeries & cafes for lunch!

[1] I fell in love with 'Little Betty' - it took every ounce of strength I had to leave her behind! - this miniature sewing machine was in working order - one day I will have my own! [2] The Open Air Treasure Market was the best part! - fossicking through tables and haggling with stall owners for the perfect bargain!

Unfortunately I didn't get my photo with Tim Wonnacott - I think he was hiding in one of the halls. But, all in all I had a great day and will definitely go again!