Us Folk Magazine Launch Party

Kittens,

Last Friday my friends and I attended the fabulous launch for Indy publication: Us Folk. It was a lovely evening networking and finding my fellow Canberran artist folk (I've often wondered where they all hang out). Refreshing being in the proximity of like minded peeps, also driven and focused on art. A welcome change from the monotonous public service surface level pleasantries.

Smith's Alternative Bookstore was exploding with hipsters and kindred spirits alike. The kind of night time activity you wouldn't normally see at a local bookstore. Although, I'm told it's not your average bookstore. They supply vino to the masses! day or night. One of a kind, indeed. Felt immediately at home and in good (attractive) company. Naturally, the first person I meet also works in the creative space. Instant conversation and smiles flow.....

Funny, attending parties like this it's so much more Melbourne than it is Canberra. Which is if you know anything about Australian states - you'll know I'm referring to a certain cultured community. Where the beautiful and creative are never found alone, yet you can't find one without the other.

Congratulations to Ash Peak and Juliette Dudley on the creation of this exciting new local mag. 
It's beautiful, glossy pictures (esp love the photograpy & quirky illustrations) and full of interesting content. Can't wait to see what they create next!

THANK YOU to amazing street style photographer Si Pham for permitting use of shots from the night, as featured below.

things to note: rockin' baby with faux fur vest - fashion forward & totally rachel zoe (circa '2010), awkward pose by me & muso friend and close up of my shoe addiction....need I say more?!

allura xo

Collette Dinnigan: Creates Ice Fantasy in Paris

As the only Australian designer showing at Paris Fashion Week, there's understandably a lot of pressure riding on Collette Dinnigan's much anticipated darker 'Snow Queen' collection (inspired by the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale). As if there really was any doubt in anyone's mind that the artista would disappoint. Shock, maybe. Of course, but disappoint, it's near impossible when you are a creator of such renowned feminine allure. I find myself captivated once again by the pull of mysterious make-believe. Lost somewhere between the icy delights of high end lace and the ever so inviting eye catching luxury bead work. There is a strong Gothic influence evident in the materials and custom lace used. As a lover of all things lace, crystal + beaded; this is basically the visual expression of my fashion hearts' desire.  <3

Dinnigan's self described 'Snow Queen' Ready to Wear 12-13 Fall collection showcases a maturity and depth new to her repertoire. Not to say previous designs were without inherent meaning, but simply show a softer more pretty range of emotion. I adore the exploration of darkness.

Although her pulchritudinous trademarks have not been forgotten, Dinnigan discovers a more edgy dramatic rocker style (with a rock n' roll soundtrack to boot!). There's a certain whimsical fantastic quality to the dreamy fairy tale creations.
I know if I ever found myself wearing one of her opulent designs, it would be something where dreams might align with reality. If only for a moment. One of those poignant milestones in your fashion life, where you get to be the Snow Queen. One night only.

At the end of the day, that's what fashion is all about! Creating beautiful illusion where we get to be anyone we want. With the right hair, makeup, clothes, heels & accessories.... WE OWN THE NIGHT!

Must see - lush lush lush black velvet trench, delicate lace knee highs & ankle socks, custom french lace + icy snowflake beaded structured dresses & navy silk show stopper with sparkling crystal embellishments....TDF!!!!!!!!!

My personal faves (almost half the collection!):

last image: the showstopper 'hero' dress of collection.

(all photos courtesy of style.com website respectively)

posing off until next time fashion kitties.

allura xo

Featured on Wardrobe Worship! yay! x

Meow!

Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to the lovely Meg of Wardrobe Worship for the feature. <3

Totally appreciate your support. Meg, one of my oldest dearest sweeeetest friends (& muses!) I met through working in the industry. Whom I am also hoping to interview (+ shoot) while she's visiting Australia on a mini holiday from London this weekend.... ;) Fingers crossed our schedules work out!

In case the suspense is already killing you - I'll leave you with some vintage meg + allura creative collaboration....

She's the bella on far right in the first foto. Was a fantastic day working with some of Canberra's most talented beauties & an international Mexican model. The conceptual photoshoot was for my portfolio, cK inspired. The main focus being working with different elements such as a large group of models, in a studio environment and getting water-happy! Great day. (To see some of the BTS: click click)

Please follow the link to check out the feature!

peace, love + chanel,

allura x

Style Kitten #2: Georgie Maguire

Hola Kittens,

ahhh.....Deliciousness. Finally my first shoot + interview has arrived for the year of twenty-12. Good to be back. It has to be said, kind of excited for my return to fashion photography. The mini summer break was nowhere near long enough, if only to momentarily allow palpable workspace for new creative thought and once returning to normal (real) life - left with that same feeling of missing bohemian abandon. *sad face*

Meet my gorgeous muse with style, poise and class well beyond her 17 years of age....

Georgie Maguire. Model. Dancer. Zumba Instructor. Fashionista.  Kokobaby. Lover of all things GG and quite possibly my fave partner in crime for the late night facebook goss & boy talk sesh.  XOXO

For someone so green in years, the kids got wisdom beyond those baby blues. It's a curious story how we met, she was learning dance through my sister's studio Kokoloco. ( & yes you guessed it, shameless plug o'clock strikes again! click click). I've known Georgie since she was kitten-size starting her training in latin american dance as a performer and proud to say I recently got to see her fast paced Salsa team routine at the Canberra Multicultural Festival. It was totally ahhhmazing! All of her hard work and committment paid off. Nothing but front row love + cheer for my koko familia! (curious? check out the videos from the performance here, under feb updates)

Some hot chocolate dates, an instant friendship, a portfolio photoshoot and intense discussions on fashion later, we get down to bidness.....photo bidness. We decide as her style is refined and classic to go with a BW-esque approach. Seeing as I basically idolise, adore but not entirely limited to worshipping the Fashionista + Queen Bee that is GG's Blair Waldorf. Inspiration ignites!

Unfortunately our gorgeous chuck bass model was unavailable on the day. But not to worry kittens, you'll meet him soon enough.... let's just say, you won't be disappointed. ;)

We shoot on the worst day in the history of Canberran summer weather. ever.  Agust with thunderstorms, harsh sunlight, random rainbows <3 and other unfortunates that made the day unpredictable. Challenge accepted. Your move, mother nature. Come at me! 

....Pretty sure we laughed the entire time whilst surviving flash flooding showers and overly keen sun bursts. We shot majority of editorial at the National Library of Australia and her house.

Hope you enjoy the mini editorial and BTS! We'd love to hear your feedback. so... don't be shy :)

<3 allura x

Question 1: Tell me about yourself. - What do you do, What are your passions, What brings you happiness?

Georgie: "I am a student in the last year of college. My passions consist of a wide range of things, but my main passion would have to be dancing! I dance at a latin dance studio (Kokoloco) and absolutely love it! The people, the atomosphere and the dancing make me who I am. I am also a Zumba Instructor, which is so much fun, I love teaching! Making people smile and laugh really does bring me joy, I know that is a bit of a cliche response but it is totally true. Seeing someone smile makes me smile too!"

Question 2: Tell me about your hopes for the future, What would you like to do when you finish you school?

Georgie: "At the moment I am not entirely sure what I'd like to do. I am just following my passions and getting as much experience as I can in the fields I think I'm heading towards. I would love to say something artistic but you just never know! I'm definately taking a gap year next year and going travelling"

Question 3: Describe your style in 3 words

Georgie: "Fun, classy and creative"

Question 4: Who inspires you, What style icons do you look to for inspiration?

Georgie: "One of my inspirations would have to be Audrey Hepburn. She had such class and flair (and totally gorgeous!) What more could you want?!
I also get my inspiration from the TV series Gossip Girl, I absolutely love the fashion. Blair Waldorf and Serena Van der Woodsen have such different styles but I admire both!"

Question 5: Who is your favourite designer?

Georgie: "My favourite designer is the late Alexander McQueen. He had such beautiful collections and raw, provocative fashion shows. My favourite Australian designer would probably have to be Alannah Hill, just love her work!"

Question 6: What are your favourite fashion/accessory items of the moment?

Georgie: "Favourite fashion item would have to be black lace tops and dresses, when paired correctly can look so classic and stylish! I am also wearing a lot of rings and bangles at the moment, love them!"

Question 7: What are you dying to wear this autumn?

Georgie: "I would love to wear more dresses! It hasn't really been a true summer, so I didnt get to wear many! Although, I do love wearing big trench coats paired with a nice scarf and beret! So chic!"

Question 8: What do you predict will be trending this autumn '12?

Georgie: "Going off what I saw online from Milan Fashion Week, lines and patterns will be trending this autumn, but then again, Paris Fashion Week had a lot of designers tending to move towards earthy colours so I'm just not sure! Mixed feelings on this one, all I can say is that I cant wait for something new!"

Question 9: What is your favourite colour?

Georgie: "I dont really have a specific favourite colour but if I had to choose it would be either blue or purple"

Question 10: If you could choose a song that describes you, What would it be?

Georgie: "Dont worry, be happy" - Bobby McFerrin 


 Behind the Scenes with the Amorosa Street Style series....