STYLE KITTEN #5: Jessica Cochrane

Jessica Cochrane, the enigmatic, bright eyed fashion-in-veins artist is one of Canberra's finest exports. Now based in Woolongong, working towards a design degree and fashion blogging with the best. (click click)

I have to say when first met Jess, was completely awestruck by her sheer raw talent, drive and ease with channelling her art form. For me, being from a similar arts/graphic design background - in many ways wish I'd been more like Jess - thriving as an artist instead of running the corporate rat race when beginning. To be driven by pure art and organic passion, is one of the most honest things you can do in this life.

Jessica will go far with anything she decides to do creatively. It's inspiring just hanging around someone so lovely! Naturally, this boho kitten comes from an artist family who were kind enough to allow us to shoot around their home and in her studio.

There's so much beauty and depth in what Jess creates. A knowing, story telling fashion illustrative approach to art. I remember visiting her working on the wall for LA DE DA bar, she was able to literally draft and recreate on this massive space. It was beautiful to witness the creative process happening live. I felt shivers - knowing first hand just how much work would go into such a piece of modern wall art brilliance.

Painting wall art at LA DE DA

Among the ridiculously gorgeous closet of high fashion items - one of my faves was a very cute pair of zebra wedge Jeffrey Campbell's. Have no idea how anyone actually walks in those bad boys, but do know I want to find out... ;) Jessica poses with an absolute command of her body, having modelled before as an artists model - she takes direction amazingly and really thinks of how to move in different ways to ensure a better photo outcome. LOVE that.

Hope ya'll enjoy the photos. We had a great afternoon working together on these. Admittedly, this shoot is from last season, and due to a world trip, finally posting today. I love them just as much now as I did then, am happy to share with you, kittens. Enjoy!

Have a beautiful day!

Allura xxx

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

Jessica: "Well I’m Jess. What do I do? Just stuff mostly. I work at General Pants Co. in the city playing with clothes all day and styling people up which is super fun. If I’m not at work then I’m usually avoiding my UNI work by painting naked chicks or taking photos and finding inspiration through clothing, music and late nights, or drinking coffee. Lots of coffee I am the sort of person who, if is not passionate about, or inspired by what they are doing, will fuck it off entirely. So I guess I am passionate about everything I involve myself with. Fashion, art, love, everything. Passion is what keeps me happy."

Question 2: Tell me about your work (& journey) as an Artist? How long have you been creating?

Jessica: "I’ve been drawing since I came out of the womb. I can’t remember a time when I was ever not drawing or sketching or playing dress ups. My dress up box when I was a kid was definitely enviable. The first artistic achievement of mine was probably having my work chosen to be exhibited in Head Space 8 at the National Portrait Gallery when I was in high school. When I got to college I studied art, graphic design and photography. And happily fell victim to hiding out in the art room at lunch sketching out images of models that I had torn out of every imaginable fashion and pop culture publication. I also started attending life drawing classes outside of college, which most people were surprised and curious about considering I was 16 and gladly drawing the naked female form. But I have never seen it as a big deal. The naked body is a pretty beautiful piece of work. I’ve always found women and girls are the main subject in my artistic work. Last year I started studying graphic design at UC but have felt more inclined to work as an artist and illustrator in the last few months. I made a blog to keep as a record of my work and through the blog, I have been offered amazing opportunities around Canberra such as painting a mural at the super cool bar, La De Da, and several exhibitions at other bars and rad spots. I’m currently working on a solo exhibition so I’m really allowing my self free reign. Its really exciting to watch this body of work progress and speak to you."

Question 3: Describe your style in 3 words 

Jessica: "Not too girly."

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

Jessica: "I guess if I had to sum up who and what inspires me and my style it would be anyone that brings their work to a personal, off-beat level and doesn’t give a toss what others think because they are doing it for themselves, not for others. "

Question 5: Who is your favourite designer/ artist? 

Jessica: "I can’t count on fingers and toes how many designers and artists and other things inspire me. I’m inspired every day by something. However, a few favourites worthy of mention are: Alexander McQueen, Gustav Klimt, Egan Schiele, Scott Schuman and his blog The Sartorialist, any dude or dudette cruising the streets, with their own sense of style, and Adelaide based graphic design company MASH. "

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

Jessica: "I have a crush on neon yellow at the moment teamed up with black and white."

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

Jessica: "High waisted jeans and beautiful sheer tops, traffic stopping coats and shoes and curious accessories. I’m also dying over anything with a jungle print or palm tree print on it!"

Question 8: What do you predict will be trending this winter? 

Jessica: "Tessellated digital prints, high waisted jeans that are practically a second skin, And fur coats. Oh, and messy sex hair. "

Question 9: What is your favourite colour? 

Jessica: "I actually don’t have one! I have tried all my life to pick one but its too hard! I love them all! Embrace all colours I say! They’re all great."

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

Jessica: "Hmm, I’ve never had to think about this before. Flume’s remix of Zimbabwe by new navy."

BTS

You Cannot Stop New York City: A Ballerina, SoHo rooftops and BrooklynBridge at twilight

Kittens!

I hope you are having a beautiful end to your weekend. It's sunny here, although literally freezing... Anyone who knows me personally, will attest am quite affected by cold weather. It genuinely offends me, lol so should you wish to kid-nap from the Australian Winter - ready, packed and willing!!!
- Still writing from Melbourne, chillaxing in my hotel room briefly before heading out again. :)

It's so lovely retracing my creative steps from world photo tour that today am sharing my second stop photoshoot: NEW YORK CITY. Featuring a very beautiful Swedish Ballerina Julia Bengtsson, now based in NYC at the world renowned, Joffrey Ballet School.

My friend Kari introduced us, who also happens to be a very talented Australian Opera Singer and together they live in an artists/creatives alike talent household in the big apple. On a very cold windy some might even say - moody NYC afternoon that lead into evening, we shot on the rooftop of my gorgeous fashionista friend ('Timeout's Most Stylish New Yorker'!) Emma's quirky pink apartment in SoHo/East Village area. (link: more of Emma's fabulouso style!) and followed by iconic Brooklyn Bridge, at twilight.

The thing you learn about NYC early on - it really is all about the networking. It took me a little while to get my head around the general concept, but now makes total sense. It's a slightly different way of doing things professionally/creatively than to how it works in Australia but you certainly see results - so why not see what happens & enjoy it if it works for you, too! :):)

Julia is the rare kind of dancer you meet full of pure innocence and a (contagious) lust for life. She's incredibly gracious and humble. All in all, one of those sweet people you look back on working with, think to yourself "that really is the epitome of a lovely person!" and smile. Not to mention, fresh faced Swedish beauty with high cheekbones any photographer would lovelovelove. (NOTE: scroll to end for photos!)


New York, I Love You

When I arrived to JFK airport, after being upgraded to first class from Cancun (yay!) and the inflight soundtrack to my Manhattan experience that played in background was none other than Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" I felt excited for the possibilities the big smoke might hold. The first time my driver went through Times Square, I actually screamed!

Thankfully first impressions aren't always last. NYC and I didn't agree on my first night, people were rude, even one uppity bizznatch threw a $1 bill at me when asked for directions on Fifth Avenue (yes, srsly! people suck) all the while I was dressed in stylish black lace with gold. Clearly, not a homeless person. Bitch Crazy. Of course, this bizarre moment is worthy of laughter now! :)

The concrete jungle did make me often feel small and swallowed by the congestion of endless high rises, swollen masses of people at every turn but once you get into the swing of things, like anything in life, you: evolve. Adapt. Well....almost. I still have 100% zero directional skills (can't be trusted with a map - scratch that even google maps!) and refuse to ride the subway alone, as one fine evening in the early hours of too many cocktails and a great dress, found myself on the wrong side of town.

Apart from getting lost constantly, New York began to open doors at every wrong turn. After getting lost, and finding my friend Alice, who was interning at the UN offices, I there met Emma, who welcomed me with open fashionista kindred spirit arms and from there we met her good friend Frank, who just happens to have worked on my favourite movie ever (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and the four of us went to a fantastic dinner at one of the East Village's finest Lavagna's. Probably the best Italian food, I have ever eaten. In my life. 

We end up at the history enriched punk rock bar, Manitoba's and randomly met some cool well known Aussie musician's from Melbourne band, Clairy Browne And The Bangin' Rackettes, on their US tour.

Later during the week Emma & Frank took me to a Fashion Benefit for Hurricane Sandy in SoHo. We drank way too much, I posed too much with models and met some 'famous' peeps - didn't realise were even famous. (oops!.... famous is such a relative term, anyway)

While NYC wasn't exactly Sex and The City for my time spent in the Upper West Side, paraded with an influx of dates from the chuck bass's of the island or designer sample sales. It was.... real! If you dream about a city for as long as you can remember, of course it's going to be different in real life sans rose tinted glasses.

I love New York more now remembering the quirks, unexpected encounters and even struggles - I miss the rude pushy people, smiling with strangers, and of course the beautiful male models at Abercrombie ;) It's been REAL!!! I'll be back for Fashion Week, NYC. Some day soon.

Allura xxxx

Once Upon A Time in Mexico: Mexican Roses, Frida Kahlo and Paulina

Good Morning Lovelies!

Hope your day is beginning just as exciting as mine. The birds are chirping, the loud roaring sound of traffic below confirms life is happening somewhere and it's fantastic, awakens me. Currently sitting in my hotel room in Melbourne on looking a beautiful view of South Yarra - waiting for the next exciting chapter to begin. Can't say any more yet as don't want to jynx it, but sitting here feeling especially inspired and happy in a city full of creative opportunity. You just literally never know where the day can take you.... Great to be travelling again. You have to keep moving, keep exploring. Find something new every day to appreciate :)

In honour of celebrating travel well spent - this post is dedicated to the first stop of world tour: MEXICO!!!!

Playa Del Carmen with the beautiful Paulina Araujo & talented MUA Zoe Ashley. One of my most favourite shoots: we shot on rooftops, battled a naughty biting parrot in a 7/11 and posed like Frida Kahlo against the colourful barrio. In short - Mexico rules!!

It was lovely working with my mexican team: Paulina & Zoe. Both were such sweet people - even invited me to the cool Playa Del Carmen salsa attraction & nightspot at CocoBongo after our shoot. Paulina has a soft intriguing feminine confidence about her, it's always a privilege as a photographer to shoot and celebrate such a quality. Very happy with how the shoot turned out. Excited to share these photos with you all!

Cannot wait to come back and visit again! The beaches are not only exquisite, clear blue Caribbean waters and relaxing the people are incredibly welcoming, too. Everyone talks about how unsafe Mexico is this and that, sure, maybe in other parts like any country but here in Playa.... every day is paradise. Every person you walk past is a friend you haven't met yet.

Allura xxxx

Update

As some of you may have noticed, haven't been the most consistent blogger of late and this is something I'd like to rectify. Sure, could blame it on my recent world travel, exciting life + location changes and whatever else might keep you from making it a priority... Would like to (officially) work on changing that! -- also start by adding some amazing new content that's been waiting to be posted! (check back tomorrow! hint hint) :)

Over the past few months, have been thinking about where I'd like this little space of fashion free speech heaven to progress towards and before start thinking of the bigger future picture to where that might lead, would like to update more regularly for you, my lovely kittens, to have something fun and reliable in your newsfeed to look forward to ;) (here's hoping!)

This is just a little heartfelt THANK YOU from me to you, my dear followers. To say thank you for reading, agreeing or disagreeing with me through my posts and being part of this wonderful journey.

Much love and positive vibes your way wherever you are in the world. Hope however your day is beginning or ending, that it's a beautiful one....

Allura
xoxox

STYLE KITTEN #4: Emilia

The beautiful Polish-Australian beauty, Emilia, my next feature. Had the pleasure of working with her when just started photography professionally. It was such a lovely afternoon shoot. I was quite 'green' and still finding my feet in the Fashion Industry.

We shot spontaneously by the windy but calming waters of Lake Ginninderra in Canberra. With the help of local makeup artist extraordinaire & one of my now close friends, Tracey Mcmahon of Creative Makeup.

Emi, having not modelled much before instantly hit each shot with poise and model expression purrfection. I remember thinking how exhilarating it was to find that professional connection, with photographer and muse. The kind that just 'worked' flowing in a way that was both comfortable, and productive for the concept at hand.

Shall we say, we have come from humble creative beginnings to our reunion editorial for the KLM feature :)

 first shoot with Emi, MUA: Tracey McMahon

When I think of Emilia, Audrey Hepburn comes to mind. Gentle in nature, birdlike and delicate, with a sensibility of someone beyond her years. She's accomplished, well travelled and extremely artistic - which makes for quite the wonderful conversationalist on set.

Allura xoxox

Question 1: Tell me aboutyourself – what do you do, what are your passions, what brings you happiness?

Emilia: "I’m a 22 year oldinsolvency accountant - I work with underperforming businesses to assist themin restructuring and turnaround planning. While I am an accountant by trade, Ilike to think I’m not quite as boring as the stereotype! I have a love of the outdoors,morning coffee, snow, travel,cheese,photography and movies. Nothing makes mehappier than a walk on a sunny day!"

Question 2: Tell me about yourwork as a Portrait Photographer. What do you enjoy most about shooting people?

Emilia: "I first picked up a camera in 2008 when I starting shooting dance music events.My love of taking pictures of people grew from there.... there is justsomething about faces that I'm drawn to. Feelings and emotions can be capturedso vividly through a person’s eyes and expressions. Each face is so unique - Ireally enjoy depicting the beauty of that uniqueness through photographs. " 

Question 3:  Describe your style in 3 words?

Emilia: "The 3 C’s -comfortable, cute and chic!"

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

Emilia: "I love the styles ofVictoria Beckham, Audrey Hepburn, Miranda Kerr and Lana Del Rey. Classic andedgy."

Question 5: Who is your favourite designer?

Emilia: "To be honest, Ireally don't have one! At the moment, I'm loving Alexander McQueen and RobertoCavalli."

Question 6: What are your favourite fashion/accessoryitems?

Emilia: "I can never go pastan oversized handbag and a bold, statement necklace."

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

Emilia: "Boots boots boots!Given our fortunately warm climate in Australia, these babies only get to comeout of the closet a small period of the year – and I cannot wait!"

Question 8: What do you predict will be trendingthis season?

Emilia: "Burgundy colours and(faux) fur!"

Question 9: What is your favourite colour?

Emilia: "Turquoise!!!! Irecently bought a beautiful eel skin wallet in the most outrages turquoisecolour."

Question 10: If you could choose a song that describesyou, what would it be?

Emilia: "Michael Gray - Theweekend......I am constantly waiting for the weekend to begin."

BTS: