Posts by Laura:
Why we’re not going to the Maldives
May 23rd, 2013
The Maldives is an island paradise for tourists, but it’s not the case for women living there. A 15-year-old girl who was raped has been sentenced to 100 whip lashings in public for ‘sex outside marriage’.
We need to put global pressure on the Maldives government to change these laws by hitting them where it hurts: the tourism industry. So until these inhuman laws against women are overturned, we will not be promoting the Maldives in any way.
Show your support and sign the Avaaz petition.
The best beach in Australia
May 22nd, 2013
Just when the weather started to get cold in Sydney, we headed north to the spectacular Whitsundays as guests of Tourism Queensland and discovered Whitehaven Beach – a picture perfect paradise that’s been voted the number one beach in Australia and the third best in the world.
Located on Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach is hands down one of the most incredible beaches you will ever set foot on. The water is a clear aqua blue and the white silica sand is so soft you can use it to polish your jewellery and exfoliate your skin.
For the best views on the island, head up to the lookout in the national park to see ‘Hill Inlet’ – a beautiful cove that creates swirling patterns with the white sand and turquoise water as the tide shifts.
We cruised in by boat on a half-day cruise with Whitehaven Beach Day Cruises from Airlie Beach. You can also access the beach by yacht or fly in like a rock star by helicopter! Flights go daily from Sydney and Brisbane direct to Hamilton Island with Jetstar and Virgin Australia. For more information on how to get there, visit Tourism Whitsundays.
Chasing summer to the Whitsundays
May 19th, 2013
With summer officially over in Sydney, I was thrilled to be invited to the Whitsundays for a long weekend as a guest of Tourism Queensland. Having never been further north than Brisbane, I couldn’t wait to experience what Far North Queensland had to offer. Since starting This Island Life, I’ve travelled the world in search of the best beaches and islands on the planet. But it turns out, some of the most incredible were right here in my own backyard.
The Whitsundays is group of 74 islands located smack bang in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef – the largest coral reef in existence and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It’s actually the only living thing on earth that’s visible from space!
We flew direct from Sydney to Hamilton Island and hopped off the plane just two hours later in what can only be described as a tropical paradise. The sun was shining, there were palm trees everywhere and our transfer was by boat. We headed over to Airlie Beach on the mainland for a two-day blogging conference before making our way to the exclusive Hayman Island by HELICOPTER!
Over four idyllic days we island hopped around the Whitsundays by boat and chopper, where I shot the latest bikinis for our new Bikinis of the Month section, made awesome blogging buddies, frolicked on the best beach in Australia, drank champagne like it was going out of fashion and learnt the coolest island life fact ever.
Did you know? If a starfish gets lonely, it can detach one of its five arms to grow a ‘special friend’. A starfish arm takes around a year to grow into another starfish, and their arms regenerate.
I loved the Whitsundays so much I’ve already booked a girls long weekend to Hamilton Island in October YAY! Stay tuned, because over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing our stories from this magnificent part of Australia.
Flights go daily from Sydney and Brisbane direct to Hamilton Island with Jetstar and Virgin Australia. We used Whitehaven Beach Day Cruises for our transfers. For more information on how to get there, visit Tourism Whitsundays.
Have you been to the Whitsundays? Which was your favourite island?
Ksubi online flash sale – this weekend only!
May 18th, 2013
Ksubi are having an online flash sale and these leopard print cut-offs are only 30 bucks! Forget paying 200 bucks a pop – Ksubi are clearing last summer’s stock and have heaps of denim shorts in different cuts and colours for between 30-50 bucks including my favourite ‘Alberceque’ style. I picked up three pairs at their last warehouse sale in Sydney and have literally lived in them every since.
If you haven’t tried the ‘Alberceques’ on before and are not sure about buying them online, here’s what you need to know. They are a really nice relaxed fit that seems to flatter most body shapes. Ksubi sizing in general runs a bit small – I’m usually a size 6 in everything, but I couldn’t even do up the 24. I prefer my denim cut-offs to fit a bit looser, so I went with the 26.
It’s not just short shorts up for grabs, this Ksubi sale has both guys and girls covered. It’s only running until 9pm Sunday night (AEST), so get shopping and head on over to the Ksubi online flash sale!
My Ksubi ‘Alberceques’ feature heavily on Instagram – follow This Island Life on Instagram for more!
How to get polished beach waves
May 16th, 2013
Sponsored by Schwarzkopf Australia.
Messy beach waves look amazing with a pair of cut-off Ksubi’s, but they’re not always suitable for every occasion or every outfit. I’ve got a few weddings coming up, so I’ve been looking for a style that’s polished enough to pair with a cocktail dress while still staying true to my casual low-maintenance style.
To get my step-by-step on how to achieve these glossy waves, head over to Schwarzkopf Australia.
Coordinated by The Remarkables Group
Pip Edwards’ top 15 summer looks on Instagram
May 14th, 2013
If there’s one Bondi local that knows how to rock a killer summer look, it’s super stylist Pip Edwards. With her sun-kissed balayage, year-round tan and effortless style, she’s the poster girl for fashiony beach style. What we love about Pip is that she’s just at home in a pair of hi-tops on a BMX as she is in a sleek LBD and sky-high heels. Aussie labels like Sass & Bide, Ksubi and Zimmermann feature heavily alongside coverted international labels like Isabel Marant, Celine and A.L.C. Forget your usual monthly mag, all you need is Pip’s Instagram feed.
Images by Pip Edwards on Instagram.
1. Marle grey layering, Adidas shorts, Isabel Marant sneakers and a freakin’ cool BMX.
2. Red lips and a LBD by Sass & Bide.
3. New season Camilla and Marc and super blogger Bryan Boy .
4. Leopard-print Zimmermann bikini, panama hat and tortoiseshell frames.
5. Mis-matched bikinis and clashing beach towels.
6. Oversized Valley Eyewear sunnies, Isabel Marant tee and paint-dipped jeans.
7. Race day in Sass & Bide dress and Hatmaker headwear.
8. Slouchy summer pants, Isabel Marant sneakers and a Palm Beach pad!
9. Making a life vest look cool with a cream bikini and black trucker cap.
10. Balayage awesomeness and colourful prints by Romance Was Born.
11. The Hawaiian shirt of our dreams by Isabel Marant.
12. Pretty in Sass & Bide polka dots for Polo in the Park.
13. Ksubi denim shorts, A.L.C shirt, Celine two-toned tote and a matt black Electra cruiser.
14. Mirrored bat sunglasses by Ksubi.
15. Nineties grunge in Converse kicks, flanno and old-school backpack.
Raining dolla dolla bills in NYC yo!
May 10th, 2013
On a hot summers night in New York last year, we were initiated into a world we’d only ever seen in music videos. We were at W.i.P (Work in Progress) – a club in SoHo that had recently become the scene of a pretty serious brawl over Rihanna after Drake and his posse had a waitress hand Chris Brown a note that read: “I’m fucking the love of your life”. HEAVY.
Fast-forward a few months to a random night at 1am and shit was gettin’ gansta, with curb crawlin’ trap beats and super bass pumping throughout the club. A bunch of homies who were thuggin’ out hard invited us to join their party and that’s when shit got real. As we walked into their private area, our new friends made it rain dolla dolla bills yo – literally showering us in one-dollar bills upon entry. They had their arms up in the air like kings of the club as their minions scuffled around on the floor scooping up the bills to repeat the shower sequence for the next guest.
Well played NYC, well played.
W.i.P is just as hipster as it is gangsta. Set in a converted warehouse, the club is a modern day version of Andy Warhol’s Factory with rotating art installations in progress that gives the club a unique vibe. You’ll find it on 34 Vandam Street (Between Varick Street and 6th Avenue), open nightly, 6 p.m. to 4 a.m.
One of my New York peeps kept trying to recreate the scene wherever we went. “I’m trying to blog dude!” 
Poolside lounging gets luxurious
May 8th, 2013
If I could wear only one outfit for the rest of my life, it would be a silk robe and bikini. Perfect for lounging by the pool, nothing feels more luxurious than the touch of soft silk on bare skin. But we’re not talking about just any silk – we’re talking about Langdon LTD (luxury, textile, design).
Based out of the sunny shores of Australia, Langdon LTD is the workmanship of sisters Phoebe and Delia Langdon. Using the finest silks and cottons, they make beautiful kimono-style robes, scarves, clothes and cushions where they mix their hand-painted and hand-drawn designs alongside edgy geometric prints.
What do you think of our luxe poolside look? Would you rock it?
Photographer: Mike Flynn.
Models: Myself and the gorgeous Blair Rachael.
Location: The beautiful rooftop pool at Vibe Hotel Sydney (CBD).
Threads: Silk robes in Perfect Pear (and one that’s coming soon) and scarves in Kaleidoscope and Miami by Langdon, sunglasses Salt and Pepper Peach and Salt and Pepper Black Mirror by Pared, floral print bikini by Insight, white Brazilian Bikini Bottoms and String Bikini Top by Seafolly.
A big thanks to Vibe Hotel Sydney (CBD) for the delicious breakfast catering.
Secret surfing escapes of the Pacific Ocean
May 6th, 2013
Ditching our local frigid waters and heading to warm tropical islands is what we’re all about. Sure the surf at home is pumping in winter, but I’ll take tropical waves and boardies over a wetsuit any day. If the usual suspects like Bali and Fiji are driving you nuts with crowds, here are some options that should get you frothing like a young grommie again.
Samoa (Western Samoa)
Think of Samoa as Fiji 30 years ago – before resorts, before hordes of tourists and before surf camps were charging $300 a night for the privilege of perfect waves. Like Fiji, the Samoan locals are awesome, but in terms of waves it’s probably more like Tahiti. Swell comes out of deep water and throws hard, so be prepared for a flogging when the surf gets big.
Flights go a few times a week from Brisbane and Sydney. I believe flights are running direct from Hawaii also – for about AUD$700 return. You’ll definitely need a boat as most of the best waves are at reefs too far to paddle. There are many good surf camps on the islands – The Samoana being easily one of the best with amazing food, accommodation and staff.
Solomon Islands
Who knows why more people don’t hit up the Solomon Islands. The surf is perfect, the weather is sublime and the locals are some of the coolest people around. Plus this joint is only two hours from Brisbane – everyone who goes wonders why they didn’t do it sooner.
The south facing coastline gets the bulk of the winter swells from Australia. There are some great resorts to stay around Gizo, like Sanbis Resort. Alternatively, the north-east coast cops all the North Pacific winter swells. If you’re willing to do some travel, this remote surfing paradise is dripping with virgin waves. Hit up Sol Surfing, for some eco friendly, sustainable travel that will have you surfing pumping waves on one of the most beautiful islands on earth.
Thanks to Nic Duncan for letting us use his killer pics. We haven’t had a chance to get over to the Solomon Islands yet, but they’re high on the ‘next trip’ list. See more more great surf shots over at Nic’s photography site.
Kiribati (Christmas Island)
No, not the detention centre for desperate refugees arriving by sinking boats. Kiribati is about 2,000kms south of Hawaii in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The island has few natural resources and relies on foreign aid and tourism. The stunning blue lagoon atoll brings a few lucky tousists by way of game fisherman, sailors and adventurous surfers. Those willing to make the trip are rewarded. The place is an untapped source of set ups, like the below.
Flights go once a week from Hawaii for about AUD$1,000 return.
The hottest swimwear on the planet
May 3rd, 2013
This is one of the hottest swimwear shoots we have ever seen, so if your boss isn’t cool with tits and ass being splashed across your screen, you’re going to want to save this one for after hours. Palm tree nipple covers, see-through mesh, bottoms hiked up where the sun don’t shine – LA-based swimwear label Minimale Animale sure don’t mess around. With edgy cuts and sheer fabrics, their Spring 2013 collection toes the line between high fashion and pure sex. But enough with the teasing, you’re here for the shoot.
The top 10 summer trends from MBFWA
May 1st, 2013
The best thing about attending Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is getting a sneak peek at what we’ll all be wearing next summer. So to help get you excited about warm weather fashion, we’ve curated our top 10 trends for spring summer 2013/2014 here in Australia.
1. Cobalt Blue
This electric shade of blue was on everything from hot summer dresses to bold monochrome suits.
2. All White
This is one of our favourite summer looks, so we were very excited to see crisp whites dominating the runway.
3. The ‘Jacket Cape’
An on the shoulder, off the arms way of wearing your jacket that’s great for those who oppose winter fashion – it’s like wearing a jacket without the commitment.
4. Side Parts
The middle part was nowhere to be seen this year with side parts working their way into everything from straight and sleek down styles, to low ponytails.
5. Summer Suits
Glamorous pantsuits in colourful prints and solid shades stormed down the runway with plunging necklines and bare midriffs.
6. Aqua
Our signature shade featured heavily throughout the collections in soft pastels and tropical brights – we couldn’t get enough.
7. Neoprene
Neoprene is no longer just for wetsuits – designers showed off their skills creating ball gowns, swimwear and structured skirts out of the material.
8. Mirrored Sunglasses
The mirrored sunglass trend is going to be huge this summer with mirrored lenses in every colour of the rainbow.
9. Nineties Cool
With grungy flannos tied low around the waist, to sleek minimalistic looks reminiscent of the Kate Moss/Calvin Klein era, the nineties was in full swing.
10. Pajama Dressing
Shirts and pants got all matchy-matchy, with flowing silk used to create luxe pajama-like outfits made to see more than just the bedroom.
Meet Mr Puffer
April 28th, 2013
I love, love, love silk scarves and some of my favourites are by Sydney-based label Bay & Fyfe. In their third collaboration with artist Daimon Downey, the label have added three new prints to their ‘Pastel Zoo Collection’ and boy do they make a statement. The new prints include the flamingo, the snake and my personal favourite the puffer fish. Daimon’s iconic art is screen printed onto the luxurious silk by hand in an array of fabulous colour combinations.
Scarves like this aren’t just for wearing – frame one and hang it on your wall as art, or have the best of both worlds and tie one to a stick of bamboo (we got ours from Bunnings) for a flag-like decoration that you can detach to wear.
Worn with Zimmermann Elixir Frill Racer Bikini and Tom Ford ‘Cyrille’ Aviator sunnies.
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Summer in the Whitsundays!
April 24th, 2013
This week, we’re following the summer to the Whitsundays in Far North Queensland YAY! We’ll be heading to paradise with the other Remarkables and our wonderful agents as guests of Tourism Queensland for a conference, sunshine and blogging fun. We can’t wait to share this beautiful part of Australia with you.
Follow our tropical bikini adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!
It’s not a pool party until the Giant Swan arrives
April 22nd, 2013
There aren’t many things that take my breath away, but this Giant Swan pool toy is one of them. If ever there was an icon for a luxurious summer, the Giant Swan is it. More majestic than any other pool toy on the market, this chic monochromatic accessory covers the black and white swim trend off perfectly.
You don’t need access to a pool to make use of your Giant Swan. This year, we kicked off Australia Day on Rose Bay Beach at the biggest inflatable party we have ever seen. Head down to one of the Milk Beach parties over the summer and you’ll see everything from inflatable turtles and dolphins, to lilos and tubes. And remember, it’s not a party until the Giant Swan arrives.
Photographer: Mike Flynn.
Models: Myself and the gorgeous Blair Rachael.
Location: The beautiful rooftop pool at Vibe Hotel Sydney (CBD).
Threads: Sunglasses by Pared, blue print bikini by Anna & Boy and leopard print bikini by Corali.
A big thanks to Vibe Hotel Sydney (CBD) for the delicious breakfast catering.
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My Greek Island Home
April 17th, 2013
On the other side of the world, there’s another Australian living an island life. In search of creative inspiration, photographer Claire Lloyd relocated to the Greek island of Lesvos and hasn’t looked back. Late last year she published her new book My Greek Island Home – a beautiful collection of photography and words that takes us inside her idyllic village life on Lesvos. If ever you needed encouragement to run away to an island in the Mediterranean, this book is it. Claire’s images capture the very essence of island life – the slower pace, the natural beauty, the magical energy. I’ve never been to Greece, but after reading Claire’s book, I get the impression that a holiday isn’t going to be long enough.
I’m half Greek (my family are from a tiny island called Ithaca) and always keen to find out more about the island life of my homeland. So I caught up with Claire while she was back home for Christmas and got the low down on what life is like on Lesvos. If you like what you see (it would make a great Mother’s Day pressie), order yourself a copy of My Greek Island Home on Amazon.
Photos by Claire Lloyd.
TIL: How did you end up living on the island of Lesvos?
Claire: I was living in London and I felt a little jaded. I didn’t feel grounded and I had a sense that I was not connecting with my creativity. I went to see my homeopath, Vicki. Vicki had been my homeopath for about 10 years so she knew me very well. I walked into her room and said I feel ungrounded and disconnected and she held up her mobile phone. It stopped me in my tracks. The image on the screen was of an old stone house in the middle of a field, beside it was a walnut tree and above it piercing blue skies. She said in her quiet way “ I have just bought a house on Lesvos, it’s a beautiful place, you should go and take a look, perhaps it’s your remedy. ” I was overwhelmed not only by the image but by Vicki’s openness and the generosity she showed in giving me something so personal. I ran with it, within a week I was there on the beautiful island of Lesvos with a friend. As soon as my feet touched the ground I felt a connection and for one beautiful week I travelled around the island under the warm spring sunshine looking for a small place where I could reconnect with myself and with my creativity.
TIL: How did ‘My Greek Island Home’ come about – did you always intend on documenting life on Lesvos in a book?
Claire: For years I had been an Art Director and Creative Director and was always working on projects for other people. I had worked all over the world and with some of the best photographers. I took the occasional photograph but really spent my time setting up photographs and choosing the right photographer to execute my vision.
I was inspired by Matthew, my partner who is an artist. Matthew bought me a cannon digital camera and said it was time I started taking my own photographs. It was a real gift, more than I realised at the time. I work very quickly and spontaneously so digital is perfect. When something moves me I know immediately how I want it to look and feel. With my new camera I started documenting our village life and it became very clear there was something emerging that was really special.
I bought myself a little book and began printing out images and placing them side-by-side, my art direction background. I had had my first book ‘Sensual Living’ published by Conran Octopus in 1998 and I had been asked many, many times when I would be producing another book. A good friend introduced me to Julie Gibbs at Penguin Lantern; Julie said she was interested in publishing me. At our first meeting I wasn’t sure what it would be but as I was leaving she said to me “do something that you love” and that was enough, it had to be my Greek island home. At our next meeting I showed her my little pink leather book, which I’d filled with photographs and tied with pink fabric tape. She just loved it.
TIL: A few of the photographs in the book are of your home on the island. How have your surrounds influenced its design?
Claire: All my homes have reflected their surroundings whether it be cities like London or Sydney or an island like Lesvos. Our house is a small village house in a rural area. My main aim was to keep it true to itself. I paired it right back and used the space as economically as possible. The house has been kept very rustic unlike any city home we have ever had. It is more cluttered than any others too as Matthew continues to create, it’s not just painting now he makes a lot of things and as he is a tip rat finds treasures and he can’t resist bringing them home. In our house everything is painted my favourite colour, white.
TIL: What’s your favourite room in the house and why?
Claire: Last spring we made a new room off our bedroom upstairs. The room is only small but it has the most fantastic meditative energy. The ceiling is pitched and all the beams are whitewashed and exposed. There is a large window at the end and from that you can see into the garden. Down the left side there are two sets of double glass doors, which open out onto a small roof terrace. From there you can see over the whole village and out to the sea. Even on a cloudy day the room is lovely and light and on a sunny day it’s just perfect, it’s the most peaceful room in the house. I love it.
TIL: Have you furnished your home using locally made furniture and textiles?
Claire: When we got the house it was full of old furniture and textiles and we kept the best of them but Matthew has made most of the furniture. He really has come into his own on the woodworking front. He made our bed, our dinning room table and pretty much all of the cupboards. He also finds bits and pieces on the tip, which he restores; it’s brilliant.
TIL: Aqua and turquoise colours feature predominantly throughout your home – is this a reference to the clear Aegean waters that surround the island?
Claire: I was influenced by aqua, a colour that was used in the original house. I thought it would be good to reflect it somewhere and the doors and shutters seemed the obvious choice. I love white so all the rest of the house, walls, floors and ceilings are all bright white a mixture of gloss and matt paint. Aqua is a very pleasing accent.
TIL: What are the beaches like on Lesvos?
Claire: Not like Australian ones, that’s for sure. It’s the Aegean Sea, so there are no sharks for a start. The water is generally calm and flat and always looks incredibly inviting. Lesvos is a volcanic island so most of the beaches are pebbly. There are a few sand beaches and the sand is coarse. The island is large, it’s the third largest and there are some really beautiful spots so it’s worth exploring and going off the main routes.
TIL: What’s your favourite beach on Lesvos?
Claire: I have a couple of favourite beaches; one is Efthalou, which is north of Molyvos. From Efthalou you can see Turkey. The water is so beautifully clear. It’s a pebbly beach so you need rubber-soled shoes for getting in and out of the water. It also has a hot spring, one of many on the island.
TIL: Are there any other islands in Greece where you have felt a connection other than Lesvos?
Claire: I love Greece and when I was 23 I traveled around quite of the few of the islands, I have since visited others. I think I could have had lots of connections but Lesvos stood out at a time when I was open enough to embrace it.
TIL: What would you typically wear in Lesvos on a hot summers day?
Claire: Linen or soft cotton dresses with flip-flops or plimsoles and a light tan.
TIL: Winter on the islands can be very cold and dark. Where do you follow the summer to in the colder months?
Claire: Always Australia.
TIL: You’re originally from Australia. What do you miss most about your home country?
Claire: I miss my family, my Australian friends, the beaches, Sydney Harbour and the diversity of the antipodean landscape.
TIL: What’s your favourite summer drink?
Claire: Can I have three please; freshly squeezed lemon in cold water, Campari and soda with lots of ice, and a very cold glass of local white wine.
Bikinis of the Month: Tigerlily and Shakuhachi
April 15th, 2013
I bought these high-waisted bikini bottoms by Shakuhachi on a whim – I usually go for the skimpiest bottoms possible (I blame it on my time travelling through South America), but there was something about these that I just had to have. Steel grey with two stripes of black mesh, they are super chic and perfect to wear surfing. I bought them at the Shakuhachi warehouse sale for 20 bucks – the matching bikini top was nowhere in sight, so I’ve been pairing them with my trusty black triangle Tigerlily bikini top. Worn with Chronicles of Never sunnies.
Photos by James Page at Mackenzie’s Bay in Tamarama.
MBFWA: Day Five
April 14th, 2013
The last day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) was far less hectic than the beginning of the week, with the New Generation show being the main drawcard for us. With seven up-and-coming designers showcasing their collections, we were excited to see what this new crop of fashion designers had in store. While all of the collections were incredibly strong, it came as no surprise that the label I was wearing that day, was the one that stood out.
OFF THE RUNWAY
I saved my favourite outfit of the week for the last day. Made using super luxe silk, this cute matching culottes and sleeveless top ensemble by Natalie & Sarah is unbelievably comfortable and right on trend. The pyjama trend is still going strong and we can’t get enough of this summer inspired interpretation.
Natalie & Sarah silk top and culottes, Maui Jim sunglasses, BCBG Max Azria wedges and bamboo moon clutch from the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok.
We went backstage at Natalie & Sarah with our photograher Lizi:
ON THE RUNWAY
Natalie & Sarah
Having only recently set up shop at the Bondi Beach Markets in September last year, the talented duo are quickly gaining a reputation as a label to watch. Their fun and youthful collection tapped into a number of key trends, with a summer suit in a neon pink oriental print being the standout. After debuting at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia just six short months after starting the label, we can’t wait to see what the girls do next.
The beautiful resin bracelets and rings were by local label Gem Lettuce - we’ve already got our eye on a few pieces!
Photos by Lizi Hamer for This Island Life.
MBFWA: Day Four
April 12th, 2013
There’s a reason why fashion folk wear sunglasses inside and on day four it became abundantly clear. After three nights of blogging into the wee hours of the morning, I had no choice but to work the wanker look I’ve always mocked. Luckily, there was a bunch of great shows on the schedule to keep my energy levels up and my fashion week spirit high. Suboo surprised us by taking the plunge into neoprene, Emma Mulholland gave us an explosion of colour and Shakuhachi presented the summer collection of our dreams. We woke up to a picture perfect beach day, so I ditched my pre-planned outfit for something more casual.
OFF THE RUNWAY
We’ve had some killer summer weather in Sydney this week, so by the time day four rolled around, I was dying to get into a pair of my Ksubi cut-offs. I’m pretty sure three days is the longest I can go without wearing denim shorts. I fashioned them up wearing a Gary Bigeni cape jacket and a ridiculously high pair of BCBG Max Azria wedges. Worn with Maui Jim sunglasses, Bassike white tee and my Fuji X10 camera.
Fashion week is THE best place ever for people watching and day four did not disappoint.
ON THE RUNWAY
Shakuhachi
Cult-label Shakuhachi closed day four with a killer collection that had the audience clapping, gasping and cheering from their seats. With a collection this hot, there was no need for models to carry novelty props. Instead the designer let her clothes do the talking, sending models down the runway wearing one of the most wearable collections we’ve seen all week. Floral prints and mosaic-like netting featured heavily, with ladylike hemlines sitting alongside super short shorts. Round coloured mirror sunglasses and a low ponytail with a side part completed the look.
Colour palette: white, black, fuchsia, silver, gold, metallic lilac and metallic powder blue.
Suboo
Suboo moved away from their signature girly themed pieces and presented a collection with a new direction and a fresh aesthetic. The label replaced last year’s assortment of florals and lace with an edgy collection of sculptural neoprene pieces with clean lines and beautiful shapes. Looks like A.T.G won’t be the only ones stocking the shelves with neoprene bikinis this summer.
Colour palette: purple, white, black, grey, orange and cobalt blue.
Emma Mulholand
Emma Mulholland isn’t known for her subtlety, but tonight she had her collection set to ‘stun’. In what can best be described as Tank Girl goes to the beach on acid, guys and girls stormed the catwalk in splattered neon, translucent plastified tops and jacked-up silver kicks. Accessories ranged from fluro plastic ninja star bracelets to tribal necklaces and surfboard leashes. Emma’s collections are best had in small doses. A skirt here, a top there, but on mass we we’re almost overwhelmed. Our retinas are still burning. Oh it’s a deep burn!
Colour palette: all the colours of the rainbow.
Photos by Lizi Hamer and James Page for This Island Life.
MBFWA: Day Three
April 11th, 2013
We kicked day three off with Alice McCall, where the designer showcased one of her best collections to date. With an ocean theme it was the perfect prelude to We Are Handsome’s fun and playful collection of bikinis and boardies. There must have been something in the water, because they weren’t the only ones channeling the sea on day three. Watson X Watson sent cool surfer girls down the runway, with what could be our favourite beauty look of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA). And with the sun coming out, we snapped the fashion pack in some super sweet summer ensembles.
OFF THE RUNWAY
Unfortunately with Lisa Ho opening the day offsite, these guys were all running from one show to another. We caught them on their way into Alice McCall with some paparazzi street style shots.
I wore a beautiful neon yellow silk top and printed pencil skirt by up-and-coming label Natalie and Sarah. This is definitely a label to watch and we can’t wait to see their MBFWA debut at the New Generation show on Friday. Worn with Jeffrey Campbell wedges, Chronicles of Never sunnies and Alexander Wang bag.
ON THE RUNWAY
Alice McCall
Alice McCall drew on an under-the-sea theme for her collection, taking inspiration from German botanist illustrator Ernst Haekel and the Art Nouveau jewels of French artist René Jules Lalique. Her signature appliqué and cutout lace work gave reference to sea creatures with soft and rounded silhouettes, and transparent layering. Models wore hair in low ponytails with knots and texture, to look like they’d just emerged from the water. Powder blue lashes and silver rings on every finger completed the look.
Colour palette: navy, pale blue, pale peach, white, gold and grey.
Watson X Watson
The sister team sent surfer girls down the runway with casually tied-up beach hair, pretty pink lips and dewy, sunkissed skin. From the very first look, it was clear that grungy 90s surf culture was at play. Plaid prints, neoprene fabrics and unexpected layering with mesh under racer-back singlets and flannies tied around the waist. Models looked effortlessly cool carrying surfboards and a whole lotta attitude.
Colour palette: white, black, grey, nude and blue.
We Are Handsome
Staying true to the loud prints that they’ve become known for, We Are Handsome presented another solid collection of bikinis, one-pieces, leggings and mini dresses. This season they added sheer, floaty singlets and shirts (our money’s on the black and white tiger) to their repertoire, along with beach towels and board shorts for the guys. Models cruised the runway in beach cruisers that we can see right at home on the promenade in Bondi.
Colour palette: black and white, purple and red, green and tan, blue and pink.
Photos by Lizi Hamer for This Island Life.
MBFWA: Day Two
April 10th, 2013
With Ginger & Smart on in the morning and Maticevski in the afternoon, the A-listers were out in force today. The rain put a damper on our street style shots, but the beautiful fashion on the runway made up for it. Our photographer Lizi was back in the photograher pit, battling it out with some of the biggest names in the business. And we discovered an anti-winter fashion trend (on and off the runway), and gave it a test run.
OFF THE RUNWAY
The ‘jacket cape’
We’re only two days into fashion week, but already there’s a serious trend taking hold. Introducing the ‘jacket cape’ – an on the shoulder, off the arms way of wearing your jacket. I suspect this has been going on amongst the fashion pack for some time now (I’m pretty sure I saw an episode of Being Lara Bingle where she was doing it with a Josh Goot puffer jacket), so it’s only a matter of time before it goes mainstream. Pop down to MBFW you’ll literally see every second person parading the look.
I thought it was pretty ridic, but then I tried it with my buttery-soft dove grey leather Maurie and Eve jacket and holy shit it felt good. It’s also great for those who oppose winter fashion – it’s like wearing a jacket without the commitment.
Maurie & Eve leather jacket, Chronicles of Never sunnies, BCBG Max Azria skirt, Jeffrey Campbell wedges, Dallas & Carlos necklace, Alexander Wang bag and Not Going Home singlet.
SPOTTED: Supermodel Jenifer Hawkins amongst the A-list crowd at Jayson Brunsdon.
ON THE RUNWAY
Ginger & Smart
Ginger and Smart opened day two with a breathtaking show that stayed true to their signature style of colourful graphics. Tropical floral prints mixed with prism-like patterns dominated the collection, working alongside a monotone palette. Summer suiting featured heavily with super cute cropped bustier tops peeking out from under jackets. Speaking of jackets – the show was pretty much a homage to the ‘jacket cape’. It takes a bit of practice getting it to sit right as one model found out when her jacket slid off her shoulders at the end of the runway.
Colour palette: navy, white, aqua, cobalt blue, emerald green and peach.
Talulah
Brisbane-based designer Talulah debuted her new swimwear collection alongside her ready-to-wear spring collection. This is how resort wear is done ladies. Slick monochromatic swimsuits were pared with oversized beach clutches that featured fringed tassels and subtle silver sequins. Prints were fun and playful in colourful florals and paint-splattered patterns. And chic all-white ensembles that were made even more glamorous accessorized with gold hoop earrings and arm cuffs.
Colour palette: Aqua, emerald green, cobalt blue, white, grey, light pink and fuchsia.
Maticevski
Maticevski sent models down the runway in a predominately white collection with Yves Saint Laurent’s retirement speech as the soundtrack. We were instantly transported to the Parisian countryside with ladylike silhouettes in soft, sheer shapes and structured peplums. Models carried multi-toned flower bombs as accessories with hair scraped into a chic chignon. Neoprene dresses and neon accents gave the collection a modern twist.
Colour palette: White, black, pale pink, neon tangerine, red and fuchsia.
Photos by Lizi Hamer for This Island Life.
Island dreams can come true
April 9th, 2013
This Island Life may have begun as a hobby, but it has now become an absorbing passion, fulfilling my dream to follow the summer to every exotic corner on earth and sharing my discoveries.
I am thrilled to announce that today This Island Life is joining The Remarkables Group – a blogger talent agency that manages partnerships between brands and bloggers. With the business end of my blog now being managed by my agent Lorraine Murphy, I can spend more time writing about what we all love. SUMMER!
I’ve been working with brands for a while now, so not much is going to change. I’m still only going to work with brands I love and products I believe in. And I’m still going to give you my honest opinion that is 100% my own and totally uninfluenced.
So get ready to discover more of the world’s best tropical beaches, swimwear designers, surf photographers, beach bungalows and bars, as we take the next step on this tropical adventure together.
