Eva's Blog

New Arrivals: SS13 Main Collection

Mon, 06 May 2013 12:07:51 +0000

With the arrival of Spring/Summer 2013 mainline collections at Parlour X, I was excited to see the pieces I had chosen in January in Paris in the flesh!

BALENCIAGA

When the first model strode down the runway for Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2013 show, no one expected that it would be the last collection Nicolas Ghesquiere would present as the Creative Director of Balenciaga. Self described as “the most sensual collection I’ve ever done”, Ghesqueire’s last collection for the iconic French fashion house was as extensively-referenced and conceptualized as his previous collections. Inspired by Balenciaga archives – notably ruffles from a Cristobel Balenciaga dress circa 1968 - asymmetric ruffled skirts and cropped boxy blouses came down the runway in tones of black, white and grey. Heart shaped necklines featured in sleeveless and long-sleeved dresses and blouses, knits dipped in glue for stiffness and the block heeled Derby shoe glided down the runway. Now that this collection has arrived at Parlour X, Ghesqueire’s fine attention to detail can be fully appreciated. Our favourite is the understated and chic Vanity box bag which has just arrived in store.

ISABEL MARANT

Parlour X favourite Isabel Marant and her unrelenting fascination with Americana combined with Parisian chic is evident in this season’s “Elvis in Hawaii” collection. Laid back bohemian luxe is reflected in high hemmed paisley studded skirts, Hawaiian emblazoned cotton blouses, assymetric one shoulder dresses like the Natacha dress as seen on fashion darling Sienna Miller and strappy embellished gladiator sandals like the Caroll sandal, a favourite of bloggers Jessica Stein of Tuula Vintage and the effortlessly cool Leandra Medine of the Man Repeller. As always, Marant’s statement jackets were the highlight of the show, with the studded Craig Leather Jacket and embroidered Johnson Jacket proving why Marant has the cult-like following that she does.

JUNYA WATANABE

Junya Watanabe’s technical design and edgy creative aesthetic was apparent in his futuristic Spring/Summer 2013 collection with models floating down the runway in mirrored headwear and second skin silhouettes in neon, black and primary hues. The combination of mesh paneling and Puma sneakers endorsing Watanabe’s recent collaboration with German sportswear brand Puma reflected one of Parlour X’s favourite designers raw edge and unique sense of style.

MARY KATRANTZOU

Postage stamps and bank notes representing the connection of cultures and tokens of the past are the inspiration for Mary Katrantzou’z Spring/Summer 2013 collection. Boxy shirts, A-line and shift dresses, tailored blazers and slim-cut trousers in summery purples, blues, greens, yellows and contrasting monochromatic black and white evoke this spirit of adventure and travel. This collection marks Katrantzou’s first foray into denim with a collaboration with Current Elliott..

PETER PILOTTO

The Peter Pilotto Spring/Summer 2013 collection is a scene straight from a Mumbai Spice Market with vivid shades of bright colours oozing Eastern inspired chic. Mirrored embellished skirts and intricately beaded and embroidered dresses decorate this collection. Print has been pushed with new three dimensional patterns engineered onto textured fabrics reflected on the R Jumper and onto ruffles and flounces of skirts and dresses to create a ‘rippling’ effect.

SAINT LAURENT

Hedi Slimane’s eagerly anticipated womenswear debut for the house of Saint Laurent has been eagerly welcomed at Parlour X with the Spring/Summer 13 show reinventing elements of the House whilst paying tribute to the understated chic and elegance of the brand. A 1970s mood filled the air as models powered down the runway in 1970s Californian glam rock chic inspired wide brimmed hats, cigarette trouser, sheer pussy-bow blouses and billowing floor sweeping chiffon dresses. Although Saint Laurent will always remain decidedly French it would seem that Slimane intends to take the French icon to Venice Beach!

VALENTINO

Think of 1950s chic a la Audrey Hepburn and “Roman Holiday” and you’ll find yourself in Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli’s latest collection for Valentino. Embroidered cashmere blouses and seamlessly cut lace slip dresses, A-line day dresses and simple shift dresses ooze the romanticism of the feminine Valentino aesthetic. The sleeveless embroidered macramé lace dress featured in noir and the classic Valentino red is our stand out piece featuring a sleek, tailored A-line silhouette and delicate scalloped edges.

Now onto AW13/14 Pre-Collections.....

Australian Fashion Week APRIL 2013

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:04:55 +0000

Australian Fashion week sets the fashion community in Sydney buzzing & showcases the best collections that Australia has to offer. From industry staple Camilla and Marc who celebrated their 10-year anniversary & was the opening show at AMBFW, to fan favourite Ellery and up-and-coming Emma Mulholland - Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was not a week, in the industry calendar, to be missed.

DAY ONE: CAMILLA AND MARC/ROMANCE WAS BORN

Despite giving birth a few days later, I couldn’t miss my very close friend’s Camilla & Marc’s show. Celebrating 10 years at Australian Fashion Week, Camilla & Marc have established themselves firmly within the Australian and international fashion industry.

The invitation from Camilla & Marc.

The Romance Was Born show is another show I always attend every year but unfortunately due to its late start time (and being heavily pregnant) I regretfully could not make it this year. Instead, in my place, Parlour X’s Rebel and Sami, attended.

Before every show at Australian fashion week there is always a chance to mingle and see some great street style.

Here is a snap of Australian actress Gracie Otto.

International fashion blogger Susie Bubble also attended the show and stopped for a picture!

The Romance Was Born show is always more than a simple fashion show. Every year Anna and Luke present a spectacular show with garments to match. This year was no different - with the central theme of the show “Mushroom Magic” models came down the runway, that skirted a magical installation by Pip and Pop, in pastel and neon hues.

Here are some shots from the show

The aftermath!

DAY TWO: ELLERY / TONI MATICEVSKI / DION LEE / CHRISTOPHER ESBER

The second show for Parlour X was Ellery – I sent my buying assistant Rebel to the show with former Harper’s Bazaar fashion editor Kristin Trude.

Kym Ellery this season created a sleek and streamlined collection full of tailored pants and skirts and flowing jackets and dresses, in a monochromatic colour palette. Texture also featured heavily throughout the collection with feathers, raw silk and wool each playing a role in many of Ellery’s designs.

The Maticevski show was another show that stood out at this year's Australian Fashion Week.

Dion Lee

Christopher Esber

DAY THREE: THE INNOVATORS

An important aspect of Australian fashion week is seeing what new talent is emerging, which is why the Innovators show is a must. Romance Was Born and Dion Lee got their big break at this show.

This season there were three stand-outs, Leroy Nguyen, Elissa McGowan, and Indher Dhillon – all graduates from the Sydney Design Studio.

Leroy Nguyen

Elissa McGowan

Inder Dhillon

Bye bye to another great Australian Fashion Week…

EVA'S PARIS FASHION WEEK OUTFITS

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 04:50:00 +0000

I love dressing up for Paris Fashion week. It is a mixture of both challenge and enjoyment. The challenge is in the pre-planning and packing. One must consider the weather and also the atmosphere which isn't known until you arrive. But this trip past, my biggest challenge was dressing up for Paris whilst being 8 months pregnant!

Here I am on the streets of Paris wearing an Isabel Marant Cashmere Cardigan, EK Thongprasert necklace, Dries Van Noten sunglasses, Balenciaga clutch bag and wrap bracelet and Celine brogues.

Here is a snap of me wearing a Valentino cape, Christian Louboutin loafers, Valentino bag and an EK Thongprasert necklace.

Here I am out on the streets of Paris wearing a Dries Van Noten suit, Junya Watanabe puffer jacket, Raf Simons sunglasses, Valentino handbag and Celine brogues.

Here is a shot of me outside of my Parisian apartment wearing a Chloe sleeveless jacket, Aris necklace, Celine brogues and Chanel handbag.

Here is another snap of me on my way to a buying appointment wearing a Rick Owens leather jacket, Raf Simons sunglasses, Missoni pants, Valentino handbag and Celine brogues.

On each of my buying trips to Paris, I always look forward to seeing the beautifully dressed men and women at Paris Fashion Week. This season I managed to capture some great street style shots whilst on the streets of Paris, in the Tuilleries and on my way to showroom and buying appointments.

I managed to get a shot of Giovanna Battaglia in a Rochas coat outside of the Isabel Marant show!

Here are snaps of my two good friends Candice Lake and Jana Pokorny and their street style this fashion season!

AND ITS A PARIS FASHION WEEK WRAP… UNTIL JUNE/JULY PRE COLLECTIONS!!!

Stay Connected With Parlour X

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 01:57:00 +0000

Stay connected with PARLOUR X 24/7! For exclusive behind the scenes news and pictures, latest arrivals and all the pieces you dream about from your favourite designers. Follow us NOW on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and of course, right here on Parlour X online!

Happy Easter

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 01:13:00 +0000

With so many new arrivals in store, there will sure to be some sweet to add into your Easter basket! Wishing all our Parlour X friends a happy Easter! xx

PARIS FASHION WEEK AW13 RUNWAY

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 06:19:00 +0000

Paris in March is all about the runway shows and buying appointments! Being able to see each unique and individual pieces from each designer’s collection up close and in person is most important to my buying process. This blog post will give you a behind the scenes look at my buying appointments in the Paris showrooms!

BALENCIAGA

The Balenciaga show was one of the most anticipated shows of the Autumn/Winter season as it was Alexander Wang’s first show for Balenciaga as Creative Director after the departure of Nicholas Ghesquiere’s last season. Wang’s vision for his first collection for Balenciaga was to go “back to the roots, identifying the codes of the house, and translating them into a functioning, full wardrobe". Jackets, trousers, blouses, and dresses came down the runway featuring many of Cristobel Balenciaga’s classic silhouettes. Wang added his own modern twist with marble prints featuring heavily throughout the collection and a colour spectrum of black white and grey.

I took these shots during my Balenciaga buying appointment.

The accessories this season also feature the marble prints that featured in the runway collection – also can be seen on Balenciaga’s classic bags and wallets.

These are snaps I took of the showroom models wearing Balenciaga ready-to-wear pieces that Parlour X will be receiving next season.

CARVEN:

Carven’s winter runway show was seen somewhat of a departure from Guillaume Henry’s previous French-prep aesthetic with zebra prints and the use of sheer fabrics in pastel hues of pink, blue and green starring in many of his pieces that came down the runway. However I felt that the classic Carven aesthetic was still present in the rounded coats, pinafores and knits that dominated the collection.

Here is a shot from the Carven showroom of a line-book sketch of a few of the collection pieces.

The above model snaps from the Carven buying appointment, is an example of the zebra prints and pastel hues of the runway show which featured throughout many of the pieces, including great skirts, knits and dresses.

COMME DES GARCONS / COMME COMME DES GARCONS

Rei Kawakubo showcased a spectacular collection for the AW13 Comme des Garcons runway show. Held in a converted metal workshop, Kawakubo presented what could be called a response to her SS13 ‘crushing’ collection with the juxtaposition of this collection which in the designer’s own words is a testament to the ‘infinity of tailoring’. Monochromatic hounds tooth and pinstripe featured in many of the intricately designed suits, however there were surprising bursts of coloured printed created by artist Daniel Michiels that kept the collection fun and bright, and of course very Comme des Garcons.

These are pictures from inside the Comme des Garcons showroom of the runway pieces up close.

Model shots that I also took inside the Comme des Garcons showroom of some of the pieces Parlour X will be receiving.

Every season Comme des Garcons line Comme Comme holds an intimate presentation at the Comme Des Garcons headquarters in Place Vendome for a select few of which, I am amongst.

These model shots show some of my selections from the Comme Comme showroom. This season many of the Comme Comme statement pieces have been continued in new fabrics and prints, including the signature peter pan collared shirts in gingham check and velvet respectively.

EK THONGPRASERT

Ek Thongprasert is a huge hit with Parlour X clients all over the world, every season. This season EK Thongprasert designs featured more angular embellishments and darker colour combinations compared with previous collections.

ISABEL MARANT

One of the most popular runway shows of every fashion season is the Isabel Marant show, and as usual for her many fans worldwide, she did not disappoint. Like many other designers this season, Marant’s AW13 collection was a slight departure from the past themes: the elaborate Hawaii-meets-Elvis-Cowboy aesthetic ,that dominated the past two show collections. This season we saw a more reserved and toned down Isabel Marant woman walk down the runway, with tonal embellished jackets, skirts and trousers in tones of black, cream and greys.

Some close up shots from inside the Isabel Marant buying appointment. One of the most talked about accessories this fashion season was the new Isabel Marant boot – which will be arriving to Parlour X sometime in August!

Another shot from inside my Isabel Marant buying appointment of models in some great show pieces from the AW13 runway collection, including the embellished jacket.

JUNYA WATANABE

Junya Watanabe showcased another great runway show this season. Referencing many of his past collections, Junya this season focused on outerwear (as opposed to sportswear like his SS13 collection) with great leather jackets and coats. Like many of the shows this season, punk seemed to be an inspiration for Junya Watanabe, with plaid fabrics and zip panelling featuring through his collection in his jackets, trousers and blouses reflecting this formative influence from 1970’s London.

Here i am in the Junya Watanabe showroom absolutely loving the plaid hats from this season’s collection.

Sanp shots I took of my model in selections from inside the JunyaWatanabe showroom.

KENZO

Kenzo is a recent and very welcome edition to the Parlour X portfolio! This season’s collection introduced Kenzo’s new ‘EYE’ print which looks to be as popular as their signature Tiger print from past seasons. The collection – designed by Opening Ceremony designers – featured a warm colour palette interspersed with swatches of prints including polka dots and stripes.

Shots taken from at the Kenzo showroom. I love the ‘EYE’ print that featured so heavily in many pieces I selected for next season – dresses, jumpers, trousers will all carry the new season print.

Here is another shot from inside my Kenzo buying appointment.

MARY KATRANTZOU

London-based designer Mary Katrantzou’s AW13 collection was distinctly darker this season than her previous season collections. Influenced by black and white impressionist photographic prints by Edward Steichen and Alfred Stieglitz, Katrantzou presented many of her signature silhouettes with a darker and sharper edge. Colour, however was not entirely missing from the collection, with delicate screen prints of blossoming trees being scattered throughout the collection.

Some close-up shots of sketches from the Line-book at the Mary Katrantzou buying appointment.

Inside the Mary Katrantzou showroom I had the opportunity to see many of the runway prints on showroom models, up close and noticing the details in the prints and construction.

PETER PILOTTO

This season, the London-based designer duo behind Peter Pilotto – Christopher de Vos and Peter Pilotto – presented exaggerated structural jackets, severely cut dresses and skirts and boxy cut blouses and shirts in aggressive tones of red, yellow and royal blue. Peter Pilotto’s signature 3D geometric prints were still present throughout the collection however many of the silhouettes this season were new to Peter Pilotto, making the collection fresh and innovative and one of my favourites of the season.

Here are shots of some of the pieces that Parlour X will be receiving next season!

RICK OWENS

Rick Owens is always one of my favourite buying appointments. This season’s runway show theme was “Battle Scarred Heroism”, and as the models came down the runway you could see Rick Owens vision brought to life. Layered pieces, long flowing coats and tunics and shorts reflected the classic aesthetic of Rick Owens, but also showed the designer moving towards a new direction in regards to proportion and cut.

Many classic Rick Owens’ pieces have been recreated this season – including his incredibly popular leather pants and the Robot Jacket. Oversized collars also feature heavily in this season’s collection, as well as the classic tee shirts and jersey pieces that Rick Owens has become synonomous with.

Here is a shot of the Rick Owens runway show from the front row!

SAINT LAURENT

Along with Balenciaga, Saint Laurent was one of the most highly anticipated shows of the season as it was Hedi Slimane’s second show as the Creative Director of Saint Laurent and the follow up to his extremely popular SS13 show. The reviews were of course mixed when Slimane sent models down the runway channeling Courtney Love in Venice Beach California, in baby doll dresses, cardigans, fur coats, pinafores and ripped tights and biker boots. I actually did understand Slimane’s aesthetic and after seeing the runway show, I was looking forward to my buying appointment so I could see the garments up close.

Shots from the Saint Laurent showroom. The Saint Laurent blazer is always a classic piece for Parlour X to carry and this season the biker boot will be sure to be a big hit. Studs will also be very popular this season appearing on everything from boots to bags and belts.

Here are some shots of the Saint Laurent showroom models wearing pieces from the AW13 collection.

VALENTINO

Lace detailing, beading and intricate pattern work all featured in this season’s Valentino collection. The AW13 runway show was one of the most beautifully presented shows of the season. Models draped in china blue, black and white lace came down the runway – white collars featured heavily in this season’s show as well as tailored A-line coats and of course Valentino red evening dresses.

The Valentino showroom is always one of the most beautiful and elegant showrooms to attend at Paris Fashion Week. Next season Parlour X will be receiving the classic Valentino Rock Stud flats in the timeless black colour way but also in Valentino red and a striking royal blue colour!

Here is a shot of some of the Valentino models inside the Valentino showroom and buying appointment – the amount of detail that each garment has is amazing!

Make sure to check out my next blog about my time in Paris with my friends this Fashion season!

Happy Chinese New Year - Year of the Snake!

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 05:49:00 +0000

There is no better way to celebrate the new year than with a new outfit! Treat yourself and come visit us in store or online at www.parlourx.com.au to see all the new season must have pieces, as well as the amazing sales!

STREET STYLE WITH CANDICE LAKE

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 04:30:41 +0000

Another Paris Fashion Week has come and gone and as usual, it was a fabulous and incredibly busy buying trip!

One of my favourite parts of these buying trips is getting to see the international fashion staples in action - men and women from all over the world wearing amazing clothing with the exquisite backdrop of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Paris!

The street style in Paris is always inspiring, but during Fashion Week it reaches another level! And as always, it’s great to see so many Parlour X designers being worn all over Paris Fashion Week - Balenciaga, Peter Pilotto, Carven, Ek Thongprasert, Valentino, Alaia, Rick Owens, Saint Laurent, Mary Katrantzou just to name a few!

Some of my favourite street style shots from Paris Fashion Week AW13 were taken by my good friend, photographer Candice Lake, who has offered Parlour X, some of her exclusive and rare shots of people on the streets and in the Tuileries, of Paris Fashion Week.

Here are a selection of some of my favourite shots that Candice took….

Italy's Grazia stylist Elisa Nalin, All the Pretty Birds blogger Tamu McPherson and casting agent and blogger Natalie Joos looking happy to be at Paris Fashion Week. All three ladies look wonderful and really show off major trends at the moment; florals and lace. I also love the red Stella McCartney shoe - it adds a great pop of colour to the outfit!

Fashion IT girl Miroslava Duma in the Tuilleries wearing an ensemble by up-and-coming London design duo Ostwald Helgason.

Wearing a bowler hat, tuxedo style sleeveless jacket and pants and a pair of Saint Laurent brogues, this women spotted on the streets of Paris, typifies Hedi Slimane's Saint Laurent woman.

The two-toned suit worn by Marina Larroude is on trend this season - it's all about colour blocking!

Going for a luxe sporty look in between shows, this woman pairs her pink Nike Free Run shoes with a printed pink and green sleeveless jacket, baby pink trousers and a hot pink bag.

Keeping warm against the chilly Paris weather, this woman leaving a runway show, pairs a pale mauve wool coat and navy pants with a great pair of heels and a statement bag for an understated (but still colourful) chic look.

Australian designer Kym Ellery in the Tuileries on her way to a runway show looking amazing with a two-toned Celine Clutch and chunky accessories.

Love the pastel colour palette that blogger Anne-Catherine Frey spotted in the Tuileries on the way to the Carven show has used to put her outfit together. Wearing a Carven map skirt, this woman has incorporated cream, baby blue, green and violet in her outfit for a muted but edgy look.

In the Tuileries again, this woman makes a statement in all white, with metallic detailing in her gold clutch bag and silver heels.

Loving the Balenciaga Giant Envelope bag in this red colour - it makes the other colours of her outfit, black white and yellow, really pop! The black and white skewed houndstooth print of her coat is great as it takes a traditional print and makes it new!

In an all leather ensemble, this woman, manages to make wearing head to toe leather look super chic. With inserts of white and purple in the panelling of the jacket and pants, this woman shys away from the biker look and instead chooses to play with proportion and make us rethink how to wear leather. Finishing the outfit she pairs her outfit with a pair of great white heels with metallic detailling at the toe.

Spotted in between runway shows, journalist Stephanie La Cava wears a cherry red Carven coat and pairs her very lady-like coat with a pair of chunky gladiator-style wedges.

Finally, here is Miroslava Duma again outside the Chanel show, wearing head to toe Chanel! Mixing denim with leather, Miroslava would have made Uncle Karl proud in this classic Chanel outfit with a twist.

Make sure to stay tuned for my next blogs which are dedicated to my last Paris buying trip March 2013, and will give you a sneak peak into all of my buying appointments, the runway shows and my time in Paris!

Mardi Gras Celebration

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 06:16:00 +0000

It's that time of year again when all the fabulous people of Sydney come to celebrate Mardi Gras festivities! Parlour X wants to join in the celebration with our very own designer floats! From Isabel Marant to Balenciaga, which float would you be on?

Getting ready for Paris!

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:05:10 +0000

Paris Fashion Week has started and this means that it is time for me to start getting ready to head to the runway shows and my buying appointments in Paris!

I am particularly excited to see the Balenciaga runway show as this will be the first collection by Alexander Wang for Balenciaga after the departure of its former creative director Nicholas Ghesquiere. I am also, as always, looking forward to see what Parlour X's favourite designers will create for this upcoming Autumn/Winter Collection. This season I will be going to see Isabel Marant, Rick Owens, Comme des Garcons, Carven, Valentino, Kenzo and Saint Laurent runway shows (just to name a few)!

It will be a whirlwind trip of Paris but like always I will make sure to get the best of each collection for my Parlour X clients!

Here is a sneak peak at my preparation for Paris Fashion Week!

WARDROBE:

We have so many great pieces in store at Parlour X - I couldn't resist having a play in the shop with all the amazing new season pieces and creating outfits fit for Paris Fashion Week!

In the first pose, I am wearing the new season Isabel Marant Alika Jacket, Rick Owens drop crotch jersey pants, Isabel Marant Craie Baya Sneakers and a Balenciaga City bag - perfect plane outfit. This look will also be great when I am snapping some street style in the Tuileries.

The second outfit sees me wearing a Balenciaga printed shirt and ankle boots, the same Rick Owens drop crotch jersey pants and a Jerome Dreyfuss Igor bag. This look could be perfect for my Balenciaga appointment.

The third look is teaming a Comme Des Garcons peter pan collared blouse -this is Comme's new signature shape - with Saint Laurent pointy heels and a Jerome Dreyfuss Leopard Albert Bag.

In the first look I am wearing a Balenciaga printed blouse, Balenciaga structured leather jacket and Balenciaga ankle boots, with a Jerome Dreyfuss Igor Bag in Souris - a great outfit to wear to the Balenciaga runway show.

My second outfit is another Balenciaga Jacket in Stone, paired with Rick Owens drop-crotch jersey pants, Alaia ankle boots and a Balenciaga Giant Handle Bag in Grey.

The third outfit sees me pairing a Junya Watanabe Houndstooth Cape with Isabel Marant Baya Sneakers in Craie and a great Jerome Dreyfuss Jacques bag in Emeraude

MY MUST HAVE ESSENTIALS:

I LOVE La Mer. I think that La Mer are the best beauty products in the world. I have used La Mer religiously for many years now and love all of the products! Especially after 24 hours of being on a plane, my skin always needs a pick-me up and La Mer always provides this!

Other essentials for my Paris trip are my MAC laptop, my mini Moleskine diary, my Blackberry, my Ipod, international travel adaptors, a scarf, a picture of my man and my daughter, tic tacs, and my rose quartz and citrine crystals!

Also as I am always so busy in Paris during Fashion Week, I need to make sure that I am always on top of my schedule. Below is my buying appointment and runway show schedule for Paris Fashion Week!

MUSIC:

The final element of my Paris Fashion Week preparation is picking my soundtrack for the trip. I particularly like Jazz, blues, reggae, hip hop, R&B and classical baroque; and it's always great to have music to listen to between runway shows and buying appointments.

Check out my Paris playlist!

Now onto snowy Paris for the Autumn/Winter Collections!

Paris Fashion Week

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 02:55:00 +0000

While I am in Paris for Fashion Week, Parlour X pays tribute to our favourite French designers! Whether you're wearing Isabel Marant or Saint Laurent, you'll be sure to feel very French in these amazing designers!

Azzedine Alaia trained as a sculptor and this comes through in the masterful way his designs celebrate and flatter a women's figure. Formerly known as a fashion insider's secret weapon, now Alaia's designs can be spotted on the likes of Kim Kardashian to Victoria Beckham to Gwyneth Paltrow.

Cristobal Balenciaga's namesake fashion house has stayed true to his uncompromising quality, playful voluminous shapes and eccentric designs. Under the direction of Nicholas Guesquiere the house transformed into a modern day trendsetter fusing the house codes with a fresh futurism. We currently have Guesquiere's last collection for the house in store. These pieces are sure to become collector's items.

It is easy to forget that Carven began as early as 1945. The arrival of designer Pascal Millet infused the brand with new life. Millet's expertise, thanks to experience at Givenchy, Alexander McQueen and Galliano, gained the brand loyal fans such as global 'it' girls Alexa Chung and Emma Watson. Expect to see the brand's signature tailoring, cut outs and Parisian je ne sais quoi in store now.

Comme Des Garcons designer Rei Kawakubo is a true original. Since her 1981 debut in Paris, the designer has continued to shock and surprise with her decontructed designs and unusual fabric choices. You are most likely to spot a Comme Des Garcons design on fashion mavens Kanye West and Mary-Kate Olsen.

No one has mastered cool, young and carefree quite like Isabel Marant. The young Parisian designer makes clothes you want to move in, dance in and be happy in. She delivers her signature bohemian luxe look with a splash of colour, daring patterns and tough embellishments each season. Kate Bosworth, Diane Kruger and Miranda Kerr have been long time fans of the brand. Even Beyonce has been spotted wearing her infamous wedge sneakers.

Jerome Dreyfuss, the husband of Isabel Marant, is known for his handbags that are as functional as they are beautiful. The designer makes bags to be truly worn, used and loved every day of the week. Each season the designer reworks his classic bag shapes into luxurious colours and textures such as soft sude and python. We currently have a large selection of the designer's handbags in of-the-moment shades emerald, mustard, leopard and grey in store now.

Junya Watanabe is often referred to as the protege of esteemed Comme Des Garcons designer Rei Kawakubo. Watanabe has developed his very own distinctly modern namesake label. The designer has delivered innovatively, avant-garde designs in cutting-edge fabrics, original cuts and tailoring. In store now we have an edited selection of the designer's sportswear inspired SS13 collection. Junya Watanabe has developed fans from the likes of Victoria Beckham to Michelle Obama.

American designer Rick Owens has made Paris the home of his namesake label. Think glamour-meets-grunge, assymetrical dresses and the perfect fitted leather jackets. The designer steers clear of conceptual collections instead creating functional, urban separates that flatter a range of body shapes. Cool girls Cameron Diaz, Rihanna and Jessica Alba all swear by his supple leather jackets.

When Hedi Slimane took the reins at cult french superbrand Saint Laurent, the PX team were thrilled to stock his very first collection. Yves Saint Laurent's Le Smoking legacy has been reworked for the modern rock chick by Hedi Slimane. Kate Moss has already been spotted wearing several looks from Slimane's first collections. In store now we have a range of tailored separates, mini party dresses and chic accessories that are sure to become the new classics.

Pre-Collection SS13 Arrivals

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 04:34:04 +0000

Every season I am always excited to see my buying trips turn into reality when all the incredible pieces that I have ordered in Paris arrive in store at Parlour X!

ALAIA:

The arrival of Azzedine Alaia in store is always very exciting for Parlour X clients and myself. Each season Alaia creates classic timeless pieces that never go out of style. This season I have ordered beautiful velour zip dresses, floor-length ribbed gowns, coats and zip jackets and a pair of amazing heels that I have plans on adding to my own wardrobe! As always, Alaia’s pieces reflect his timeless adage “it’s about continuity, but also constant evolution.”

BALENCIAGA:

Inspired by a surprise discovery of ballet costumes designed by Cristobel Balenciaga in the 1930’s, Balenciaga’s Pre-collection SS13 pieces reflect the fluidity and colour palette of these hidden treasures. This collection is also special as it will be Nicholas Ghesquiere’s last pre-collection for Balenciaga – everyone at Parlour X and myself especially, am very sad to see him go! Like every season for the past 15 years, Nicholas has not disappointed –Balenciaga’s pre-collection is filled with beautiful dresses, structured suits, silk shirts and blouses and printed skirts. Parlour X has also recieved beautifull crafted Balenciaga heels, sandals and classic Balenciaga boots from the pre-collection which have been a hit with many of our Sydney clients and also clients all over Australia! The classic Balenciaga Leather Biker Jacket has also been re-introduced in a softer, leather (which is a favourite piece of Aussie supermodel Miranda Kerr) and Balenciaga’s classic Velo and City bags have been reinvented using a combination of leather and fabric.

CARVEN:

Carven this pre-collection season, is all about the English garden. With paisley prints and stripes dominant in tee shirts shorts, skirts and tee shirt dresses, Guillaume Henry’s English garden comes to life in easily wearable and perfect summer and spring pieces. Along with these paisley prints, Parlour X has received tailored shorts (which have been sighted everywhere in Paris this summer) and beautiful coats that reflect the timeless Madame Carven aesthetic.

COMME DES GARCONS:

With the arrival of this season’s Comme Des Garcon collection, I was, as always, excited to see the pieces I had chosen in Paris back in October arrive in store. Classic drop crotch pants in black and in a new style of pin stripe (with a great matching jacket) are timeless Comme pieces that will never go out of style. For fans of Rei Kawakubo’s majestic Spring/Summer 2013 show, a beautiful sleeveless jacket and dress, reference the Comme models who paraded the runway in the “crushing” bridal inspired outfits.

EK THONGPRASERT:

One of the newest designers that Parlour X has acquired is Belgian jewellery designer EK Thongprasert; in fact Parlour X is the only stockist of EK Thongprasert in Sydney! EK specialisies in taking vintage and antique jewellery designs and reinterpreting those classic shapes with new materials; specifically silicone! Every piece is individual in its own right, and is a huge hit with all of our clients, including many overseas clients from all over the world! EK’s colour palette this season was one of extremes; fluro orange and green pieces featured heavily throughout while pastel green and lavender were also predominant through the collection. This season has been such a success that we will be receiving another huge order of EK Thongprasert necklaces in April - so make sure to stay tuned!

ISABEL MARANT:

Another season, another great Isabel Marant Mainline and Etoile pre-collection drop. Isabel’s Hawaiian runway theme is dominant throughout in cute blouses, shorts, jumpsuits and pants that have literally flown out the door! Beautiful embroidered linen dresses, blouses and skirts reflect Isabel’s French bohemian chic look and are the perfect trans-seasonal pieces as February ends and we head into Australian autumn. The arrival of pre-collection Isabel Marant also means a massive drop of Isabel Marant sneakers! Isabel Marant's world famous sneakers always create a frenzy with Parlour X clients in Sydney and around Australia every time they arrive in store, and this season was no different! The Bekkett, the Bobby, the Brian, the Baya, the Bayley and the Basley have all arrived and sold out almost instantly! Parlour X will be recieving a new drop of Isabel Marant Bekket and Bobby sneakers in July and the waiting list has already begun!

JUNYA WATANABE:

Junya Watanabe changed direction this season with a distinct sportswear theme underlying each garment that came down the runway. Working with sportswear brand Puma, pieces from Junya’s SS13 collection that have landed in store include classic knits, mesh sleeveless and short sleeve tops and great open cross-pattern woollen jumpers.

PETER PILOTTO:

Design duo Peter Pilotto and Christopher de Vos have once again created a pre-collection for Peter Pilotto that looks to be as popular with Parlour X clients as their main collection! Basing their prints on a digital design created by themselves, the design duo have created absolutely stunning spring and summer outfits. Cocktail dresses, stiletto pants, silk column tops, and knitted vests have all landed at Parlour X. This collection has been very popular with not only Parlour X customers but also celebrities all over the world, including Emma Watson who wore one particular outfit we have in store to the MTV movie awards!

RICK OWENS

Rick Owens is known for his distressed leather, clean lines, and classic leather jackets, and the arrival of his SS13 pre-collection in store at Parlour X reflected his design asthetic perfectly! Classic leather biker jackets in the definitive Rick Owens Noir and a beautiful honey colour called Koolaid have arrived for Parlour X clients and everyone, including myself, is looking forward to the winter season to wear these fabulous jackets! I have also purchased this season the female version of Rick Owens' classic male biker jacket which is sure to be a new favourite for Rick Owens fans!

SAINT LAURENT

Finally, Saint Laurent Ready to Wear clothing and accessories have finally landed in store - exclusively available in Sydney only at Parlour X! The French fashion house has been reinvented by Hedi Slimane but still retains the essential essence that Yves Saint Laurent created when he established the brand. Absolutely stunning blazers, capes, smoking trousers, mini dresses, blouses and bags and heels are the definition of French chic.

Now onto the Main Collections!

London Fashion Week Wrap Up

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 04:13:00 +0000

As London Fashion Week comes to an end, Parlour X celebrates our favourite British designers - PETER PILOTTO and MARY KATRANTZOU! These amazing power print designers will have you feeling at home on Londons front row!

There are two men behind the Peter Pilotto brand. Print master Peter Pilotto brings the digital prints and textiles to life while business partner Christopher De Vos developes the brand's silhouettes and shapes. Clearly a match made in heaven. The thoroughly modern brand draws on classic elegance and organically evoles each season to deliver wearable day-to-night looks. Supermodel Miranda Kerr as well as actresses Emma Watson and Kate Bosworth are frequently snapped wearing the duo's form-flattering printed creations.

We were thrilled to have Mary Katrantzou personally visit the store recently. The staff received a crash course on the designer's rise to the forefront of the digital print movement as well as her inspirations and design methods. The Central Saint Martin graduate's designs have become instantly recognisable thanks to her signature trompe l'oeil and digital prints which have been specialised designed to flatter a women's form. Her collections draw inspiration from anything from postcards to stationary to perfume bottles. The results are striking prints that reveal something more every time you look at it.

Happy Valentines Day!

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:41:00 +0000

Love is in the air today! Treat yourself this Valentines day and buy something extra special from Parlour X. Fabulous new arrivals and amazing sale pieces will make great additions to your Valentine's day wardrobe!

We have rounded up our favourite pieces from the likes of Isabel Marant to Peter Pilotto for you to fall in love with!

PARIS FASHION WEEK : PRE COLLECTIONS AW13

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 04:13:54 +0000

Another fashion season has begun! Once again, I arrived into a very chilly Paris to buy Pre-collections AW13! With buying appointments locked in at some of Parlour X's favourite collections including Balenciaga, Isabel Marant and Rick Owens, this trip was a whirlwind fashion tour of Paris

DAY ONE:

I arrived in Paris to freezing cold temperatures and ready to head to my first buying appointment of the season - Carven.

Here are some behind the scenes pictures from my Carven buying appointment - great new season styles coming to Parlour X in July!

DAY TWO:

Day Two of my Paris trip was extremely busy with buying appointments at both Isabel Marant and Kenzo. Luckily Parlour X girl Gabi - who is currently on student exchange in Amsterdam - was able to meet me for a short 24 hours to assist in these buying appointments.

My buying appointment at Isabel Marant is always a large task as there are many great pieces to choose from every season and every collection. This season we will be recieving many amazing new styles from Isabel, along with some of the classic and highly desired pieces including the Leather Kady Biker Jacket and world-wide favourite, the Black Bekket Sneakers!

The second appointment of Day Two is Kenzo. Every season since the new design team of Kenzo, Opening Ceremony designers Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, was implemented, the agents of Kenzo have been eagerly trying to entice Parlour X to buy and stock the collection. At the time we had bigger fish to fry, however this season the time is right and Parlour X will stock a selection from Kenzo!

Here I am outside the Kenzo showroom

Here is a shot of me in the Kenzo showroom looking over the collection.

Here is another shot of me getting hands on with the Kenzo pieces.

Here is a selection of the showroom looks that I saw at the Kenzo appointment

Here is a street style snap of a woman wearing Kenzo just outside the Kenzo showroom.

Day Two was a BIG day. As a treat and to farewell Gabi, who was heading back to Amsterdam, I took her to Costes for dinner, a Fashion hub particularly during fashion week and pre collections – YUM!

DAY THREE:

My buying appointment for Day Three was Saint Laurent. It is always a wonderful experience to view the exclusive collection in the grandeur of the Grand Palais!

DAY FOUR:

The buying appointment for Balenciaga's Pre-Collection was always going to be interesting - Nicholas has left and Alexander has not yet started. Produced by the Balenciaga design team, the collection was still both inspirational and beautiful!

I managed a sneaky shot of an outfit that will be arriving at Parlour X in July!

Here is another very sneaky shot of a new style boot that Parlour X will be recieving in store in July!

DAY FIVE:

The Rick Owens buying appointment. As usual I have bought their classic style jackets, leather leggings and dresses - they all fly out the door every season at Parlour X!

DAY SIX:

The Azzedine Alaia showroom - beautiful pieces as always at Alaia. Parlour X will be recieving great seperates from Alaia this July - in particular this amazing shirt as seen on style icon Giovanna Battaglia!

DAY SEVEN:

My final buying appointment was last but never least, Jerome Dreyfuss. Great shapes, new leathers and fabulous colours, as usual.

Here is a picture of me in the Jerome Dreyfuss showroom.

Here are some shots of the great Leopard print bags Parlour X will be recieving from Jerome Dreyfuss in July!

Another buying trip over, the Pre-collection selections were amazing and Parlour X will have some of the best pieces in Australia for our clients coming in July! Now onto March and the Main collections and runway shows....

Parlour X End of Year Wrap Up

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 03:56:46 +0000

2012 has ben a great year. With the arrival of Valentino, Parlour X has found itself embracing an atelier state of mind. The constant arrival of new season collections; Balenciaga, Comme des Garcons, and Isabel Marant just to name a few, has meant that 2012 has been a very busy year for all at Parlour X!

Here are my 10 favourite moments from this year:

10. MAGAZINE EDITORIALS

From Harper’s Bazaar, to Vogue, to Grazia Magazine, Parlour X has featured so many great items; supporting the best Australian editorial stories in 2012.

9. THE ARRIVAL OF VALENTINO

I was proud to welcome Valentino Ready-To-Wear Collection, for the first time ever in Australia, exclusively in to store, in 2012. With the arrival of such an iconic atelier brand, Parlour X is continuing its mission statement of providing our clients with only the best in international fashion.

8. PARIS BUYING TRIPS

In January, March, June and October of this year, I attended Paris Fashion Week for both Pre-collection buying appointments and Mainline Runway shows. This is always a big event on my calendar as this is when I carefully choose what Parlour X will carry in following seasons!

7. SOCIAL MEDIA

Parlour X expanded its social media network in 2012, introducing Instagram. Together, with our prominent Facebook platform, Instagram has allowed us to further share new arrivals with all of our Parlour X fans around the world.

6. AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK

Australian Fashion Week is always an important event on my calendar as I love to support Australian designers! I also love to see so many of Parlour X's statement clients adorning Parlour X collections so very very well!

5. WINDOW INSTALLATIONS

This year Parlour X collaborated with the very talented Alex Zabatto-Bentley and his team to create a fabulous window installation for Parlour X's front of store.

4. VOGUE DIARIES

This year I also reported for Vogue.com on my trips to Paris Fashion week. Detailing my experiences and Paris wardrobe, my Vogue online diary gave readers an insiders look into Paris Fashion week.

3. ISABEL MARANT SNEAKER CRAZE

Isabel Marant wedge Sneakers have been another massive hit this year! It seemed that everyone in Australia and beyond has a pair or 2 or 3 on their must-have hit list!

2. PARLOUR X ONLINE BOUTIQUE RE-LAUNCH

In 2012, we proudly redesigned our online boutique to properly represent Parlour X’s true essence. We are now able to show a selection of all our hand-picked collections, not just domestically but internationally too.

1. PARLOUR X WELCOMES YSL

Last, but not least, I am extremely pleased and excited to welcome the first of Hedi Slimane’s collections for Saint Laurent Paris into Parlour X. From January 2013 we will be offering our clients YSL signature bags, RTW and accessories. Its a great feat to begin this working relationship with one of the most iconic design houses in the world.

Looking forward to 2013, another exciting year ahead!

Must Have Pieces

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:12:04 +0000

Our selection of ‘Must-Have' pieces from everyone’s favourite international collections!

From Isabel Marant's Western themed story, to Balenciaga's white lace up heels to Paco Rabanne's metal trimmed skirts to Rick Owen's Robot Jacket to anything by Mary Katrantzou & Peter Pilotto....

Paris Fashion Week - Eva's Outfits

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 02:25:01 +0000

Whether I was going to the Comme Des Garcons show, a buying appointment at Balenciaga or having dinner with my close friends, Paris Fashion Week always means looking and having some great fashion moments.

Here are some of the outfits I wore this week....

Paris Fashion Week - Social

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 05:38:37 +0000

Whilst in Paris I am always extremely busy, however I do manage to find time to have catch up with some close friends.

Here I am at dinner at the Beef Club for dinner with good friends Candice Lake, Thelma McQuillan and Kym Ellery.

With Candice again for lunch at Le Marche des Enfants Rouge.

With another good friend of mine, Katherine Keating at L'Avenue for dinner.

At the Christian Louboutin store in Paris.

PARIS FASHION WEEK - STREET STYLE

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 03:07:52 +0000

As always at Paris Fashion Week, some of the best style are seen on the streets.

Here are some of my favourite street style looks from this seasons' shows.

Style director Taylor Tomasi Hill and fashion blogger, stylist and photographer Hanneli Mustaparta.

Victoria's Secret Model Anna V. and model Bette Franke

Jana Porkony and Natalie Joos

Uknown women with amazing street style!

Some more unknown people in Paris with great street style!

Finally some shots of those who shoot street style! Bill Cunnigham and (my good friend) Candice Lake!

Paris Fashion Week - Buying Appointments

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 06:48:32 +0000

Here is a sneak peek at my buying appointments from this season.

In the Balenciaga showroom

Carven

At Comme Des Garcons

EK Thongprasert's new season jewellary

The models at the my Isabel Marant buying appointment.

Junya Watanabe

Mary Katrantzou

Peter Pilotto

With Parlour X girl Gabi in the Play Comme Des Garcons showroom.

Rick Owens

Shourouk's new season jewellary collection.

In the Saint Laurent Showroom

Saint Laurent Clothing and Accessories in the Paris showroom.

Valentino

Eva's Fashion Week Outfits

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 05:14:58 +0000

From buying appointments, to parties with Jerome Dreyfuss and Isabel Marant, to dinners with Candice

Lake, here were my outifts from this weeks whirl wind trip!!

Street Style Paris July 2012

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 04:07:53 +0000

POST 3

First look at Pre Spring 2013

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 03:35:00 +0000

POST 2

As always my buying trip was filled with back to back appointments of fabulous collections that

my clients are just going to love!!!

Here is a sneak peek at some of the pieces you will be wearing next season.

CARVEN

ISABEL MARANT SHOES

PETER PILOTTO

MM6

RICK OWENS

JEROME DREYFUSS

BALENCIAGA NEW SEASON PRINTS

Paris Buying Trip Pre Spring 2013

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 05:52:21 +0000

POST 1

Have just returned from another whirl - wind buying trip!! As always, so many strong and beautiful collections from our existing portfolio of designers- and a few new surprises that we picked up as well!!

More pictures and information coming shortly.

Eva xx

My Mercedes Benz Australian Fashion Week Outfits

Sat, 05 May 2012 03:12:24 +0000

DAY 1

FORTE FORTE TOP, GINGER & SMART PANTS, CHANEL BAG

DAY 2

BALENCIAGA LEATHER LEGGINGS, PACO RABANNE LE 69 BAG & GUCCI BLOUSE

DAY 3

MUGLER KNIT, COMME DES GARCONS PANTS, BALENCIAGA BAG

DAY 4

COMME DES GARCONS PANTS, MUGLER BLAZER, FORTE FORTE TOP & CHANEL BAG

Parlour x Dresses Fashion Week

Fri, 04 May 2012 02:55:05 +0000

ALL WEEK WE HAVE BEEN SEEING PEOPLE AT THE FASHION WEEK SHOWS & EVENTS WEARING PARLOUR X PIECES !!! HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE OUTFITS WE FOUND

GRAZIA'S EMMA READ IN PETER PILOTTO SKIRT & BALENCIAGA TOP

STYLIST PIP EDWARDS IN COMME DES GARCONS PANTS

YASMIN SEWELL IN PETER PILOTTO SKIRT

CARVEN MOUNTAIN PRINT DRESS

SHOP TIL YOU DROP EDITOR JUZZY CULLEN IN ISABEL MARANT

PETER PILOTTO SKIRT

ISABEL MARANT JEANS

RUSSH AUSTRALIA EDITOR JESS BLANCH IN ISABEL MARANT WOLF VEST

STYLIST KELLY SMYTHE IN ISABEL MARANT JACKET, SCARF, & SKIRT

BLOGGER MONTARNA MACDONALD IN ISABEL MARANT RIO STILETTOS

MBFWA - Day 4

Thu, 03 May 2012 02:53:00 +0000

THE JENNY KEE INSTALLATION HAS BEEN A HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK FOR ME! BEAUTIFUL, COLOURFUL, & STYLED BRILLIANTLY BY ANNA OF ROMANCE WAS BORN.

JENNY KEE

ANNA PLUNKETT IN MY ROMANCE WAS BORN BUYING APPOINTMENT

KATE WATERHOUSE ON OUR WAY TO JENNY KEE

THE MARIE CLAIRE FASHION TEAM OUTSIDE JENNY KEE

CANDICE LAKE OUTSIDE WE ARE HANDSOME

FRONT ROW OF AJE - VOGUE GIRLS & KATE WATERHOUSE

MBFWA - Day 3

Wed, 02 May 2012 02:09:56 +0000

THE ELLERY SHOW- DEFINITELY ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR- HUGE BUZZ SURROUNDING

THE SHOW, WHICH HAD AN IMPRESSIVE AUDIENCE. LOVED THE SILVER STORY BEST.

BY JOHNNY

JOHANNA JOHNSON

CEO DAN ROSEN & LIONEL RAFFRAY AFTER JOHANNA JOHNSTON

GIRLS NIGHT OUT AT NEILD AVE WITH LUCINDA & CANDICE LAKE

ELLERY

TYLER & FERNANDO AT ELLERY

SOPHIE LOWE OUTSIDE ELLERY

MBFWA - Day 2

Tue, 01 May 2012 07:09:18 +0000

THE SECOND MORNING OF MBFWA WAS VERY SOCIAL! LOVED THE MATICEVSKI SHOW, & THE FLOWERS FOR A VAGABOND INSTALLATION.

SAW MANY OF MY PARLOUR X FRIENDS & FAVOURITE FASHION TYPES!

BRYAN BOY

VOGUE'S ILONA & MEG

THE FABULOUS CANDICE LAKE

KELLY SMYTHE & I

LUCINDA ROSE CONSTABLE

TANIA GAJIC

THE GRAZIA GIRLS

MADISON MAGAZINE FASHION TEAM

JODI GORDON

THE INSTYLE TEAM

THE MATICEVSKI SHOW

MBFWA - Day 1

Tue, 01 May 2012 07:06:00 +0000

ROMANCE WAS BORN INTRODUCED FASHION WEEK WITH MY FAVOURITE OF THEIR SHOWS YET.

EXCITING NEW PRINTS ON SKIRTS, PANTS AND PEPLUM PIECES. ALSO LOVED THE HAIR

ESPECIALLY WHEN ANNA CAME OUT WITH BRIGHT MATCHING ORANGE!

GAIL SORRONDA - SURPRISED TO SEE COLOUR FROM GAIL SO USED TO SEEING HER ONLY USE

MONOCHROMES. ENJOYED THE VIDEO INSTALLATION, MODELS ON ROTATION & THE WEDGES

GARY BIGENI - SIMPLE SLEEK ELEGANCE & A LOVELY TONAL COLOUR PALETTE. GARY SEEMS TO

HAVE DEVELOPED A REFRESHING MATURITY.

KIRRILY JOHNSTON - GOOD HAIR IN THIS EGYPTIAN INFLUENCED SHOW. IT WAS INTERESTING

SEEING KIRRILY'S TAKE ON PRINT SINCE I HAVE NEVER KNOWN HER TO USE FLORAL BEFORE!

ROMANCE WAS BORN

GAIL SORRONDA

GARY BIGENI

KIRRILY JOHNSTON

LUKE SALES FROM ROMANCE WAS BORN OUTSIDE GAIL SORRONDA

NADINE OUTSIDE OF GAIL SORRONDA

GLYNIS TRAILL-NASH AT NEILD AVE FOR THE KIRRILY SHOW

Fall Winter 2012 Trends

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 05:53:00 +0000

LOVING THE COLOUR PALETTES DOMINATING NEXT SEASON & TRULY FEEL THAT THE

COLLECTIONS I BUY FOR PARLOUR X, WERE THE ABSOLUTE BEST ON SHOW. THE HARDEST PART

OF THE PROCESS WAS LIMITING MY ORDERS!!

BELOW ARE EXAMPLES OF SOME OF THE BIGGEST TRENDS THAT I INTERPRETED:

- COLOURS- LIME, ELECTRIC BLUE & METALLICS.
-SUITING - ESPECIALLY THE PANTS SUITS IN BOLD COLOURS, PINSTRIPES AND PRINTS
- LEATHER BIKER JACKETS
- CONTINUED 80'S THEMES - PRINTED TEES WITH POSTER PRINT STYLE GRAPHICS, PENCIL SKIRTS, GLOVES, POINTY TOE ANKLE BOATS, SQUARE SHOULDERED JACKETS, ANIMAL - IN PARTICULAR ZEBRA PRINT
-WESTERN INFLUENCES

COLOURS

BLUE AT PACO RABANNE

METALLIC AT PACO RABANNE

ORANGE AT MUGLER

LIME GREEN AT BALENCIAGA

CONTINUED 80'S THEMES -

GRAPHIC TEES AT BALENCIAGA

SQUARE JACKET AND PENCIL SKIRT AT MUGLER

SQUARE JACKET, POINTY TOE ANKLE BOOTS & NEON GREEN AT BALENCIAGA

PENCIL SKIRT AT RICK OWENS

ZEBRA PRINT SQUARE SHOULDER DRESS AT MUGLER

SUITING

JUNYA PINSTRIPE SUITING

LEATHER & BIKER JACKETS

RICK OWENS LEATHER JACKETS

ISABEL MARANT LEATHER JACKET

WESTERN INFLUENCE

ISABEL MARANT BOOTS

ISABEL MARANT SHIRT

Paris Fashion Week - Street Style

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:05:00 +0000

FASHION WEEK IS GREAT FOR FASHION INSPIRATION - BOTH ON & OFF THE RUNWAY. I MANAGED

TO TAKE SOME SNAPS OF SOME STYLIN' OUTFIT COMBINATIONS, IN THE TULLERIES, AFTER THE

SHOWS & ALONG RUE ST HONORE.. HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVOURITES.

ISABEL MARANT SNEAKERS SPOTTED IN THE TULLERIES

TULLERIES

MUGLER DRESS IN THE TULLERIES

TULLERIES

ANNA DELLO RUSSO SPOTTED AFTER THE RICK OWENS SHOW

STREET PEEPER BLOGGER PHIL OH AFTER THE RICK OWENS SHOW

RICK OWENS JACKET SPOTTED ON RUE ST HONORE

RUE ST HONORE

Paris Fashion Week - Outfits

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 03:34:32 +0000

PARIS IS STILL VERY CHILLY THIS TIME OF YEAR, SO COATS & EXPERT LAYERING ARE

PARAMOUNT! HERE IS A GLIMPSE OF MY FASHION WEEK IN OUTFITS.

Paris Fashion Week - Balenciaga Show

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 03:10:28 +0000

I TOOK THESE SNEAKY IMAGES AT THE BALENCIAGA SHOW.

HELD ON THE 27TH FLOOR OF A PARISIAN SKYSCRAPER, THE SHOW CENTRED AROUND THE

CONCEPT OF "BALENCIAGA INC" - EASILY THE BEST DRESSED CORPORATION IN THE WORLD! LOVE

THE BOLD COLOURS & PRINTS & THE CONTINUED EARLY 80'S REFERENCING.

THE VIEW FROM THE 27TH FLOOR OF THE FUTURISTIC BUILDING AT BALENCIAGA

Paris Fashion Week - Thursday

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 02:43:16 +0000

ARRIVED IN CHILLY PARIS ON WEDNESDAY & HEADED STRAIGHT TO THE MUGLER SHOW.

THURSDAY I ATTENDED THE CARVEN, BALENCIAGA & RICK OWENS SHOWS, & ALSO HAD MY

THEYSKENS THEORY BUYING APPOINTMENT FOR PARLOUR X.

MORE IMAGES OF ALL THE SHOWROOMS & COLLECTIONS TO FOLLOW- BUT HERE IS JUST A TASTE

OF WHAT I HAVE SEEN SO FAR!

BALENCIAGA

NICOLAS GHESQUIERE AT BALENCIAGA

CARVEN

GUILLAUME HENRY FOR CARVEN

MUGLER

NICOLA FORMICHETTI & SEBASTIEN PEIGNE AT MUGLER

RICK OWENS

Chanel

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:26:10 +0000

CHANEL

POST 6

ON WEDNESDAY FERNANDO & I WENT TO HAVE A LOOK AT THE CHANEL SS12 COLLECTION AT FOX STUDIOS. WE WERE MET BY BUGGY & TRANSPORTED TO THE PAVILLION, WHICH HAD BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO A MAGICAL UNDERWATER WORLD - A SMALL SCALE REPLICA OF THE GRAND PALAIS FOR THE SS12 SHOW IN PARIS IN SEPTEMBER.

FERNANDO FRISONI & I ON OUR LITTLE BUGGY

THE CHANEL DJ

THE CHANEL SHOW

Peter Pilotto

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:17:54 +0000

I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT PETER PILOTTO ARRIVING AT PARLOUR X I JUST HAD TO SHARE THEIR

STORY -

PETER PILOTTO IS A LONDON BASED LABEL DESIGNED BY TWO COLLEGE FRIENDS - PETER

PILOTTO (WHO SPECIALISES IN CREATING THE GRAPHIC PRINTS) & CHRISTOPHER DE VOS

(FORMERLY AT VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, SPECIALISED IN CUTTING & DRAPERY).

AFTER WINNING THE BRITISH FASHION AWARD FOR BEST EMERGING TALENT IN 2009, PETER

PILOTTO HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS ONE OF THE BEST COLLECTIONS TO COME OUT OF THE UK.

THEIR MOST RECENT COLLECTION WAS INSPIRED BY A TRIP TO INDONESIA, WITH VIVID PRINTS IN

BLUE RED AND GREEN CREATING A MEDIA & CELEBRITIES FRENZY!

PETER PILOTTO & CHRISTOPHER DE VOS

PETER PILOTTO RUNWAY SHOW SS12

MIRANDA KERR IN PETER PILOTTO

CAREY MULLIGAN IN PETER PILOTTO

PETER PILOTTO IN US VOGUE JANUARY 2012

PETER PILOTTO IN INSTYLE MARCH 2012

Mary Katrantzou

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:08:05 +0000

MARY KATRANTZOU IS ANOTHER EXCITING BRITISH LABEL NEW TO PARLOUR X.

THE GREEK BORN DESIGNER IS NOW BASED IN LONDON AFTER GRADUATING CENTRAL SAINT

MARTINS.

AFTER HER DEBUT TO LONDON FASHION WEEK IN 2008, MARY WON THE BRITISH FASHION AWARD

FOR EMERGING TALENT IN 2011.

SHE HAS PERFECTED COCKTAIL & EVENING WEAR WITH HER SIGNATURE COMPUTERISED PRINTS,

& WORKS TO ACHIEVE HER PROFESSIONAL AMBITION OF CREATING GARMENTS THAT ARE BOTH

ARTISTIC & ACCESSIBLE.

MARY KATRANTZOU

KIERA KNIGHTLEY IN MARY KATRANTZOU

ANNA DELLO RUSSO IN MARY KATRANTZOU

MARY KATRANTZOU IN RUSSIAN VOGUE

MARY KATRANTZOU ON THE COVER OF HARPERS BAZAAR

My Paris Wardrobe

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:57:53 +0000

PACKING FOR PARIS WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW ZERO INVOLVES A GREAT DEAL OF

THOUGHT, BUT SOMEHOW I AM ABLE TO MANAGE IT!

DAY ONE - HERE I AM WEARING A STELLA MCCARTNEY CAPE, BALENCIAGA BAG, BALENCIAGA

LEATHER LEGGINGS, & ACNE BROGUE WEDGES

DAY TWO - HERE I AM WEARING ISABEL MARANT KNIT, BALENCIAGA LEATHER LEGGINGS,

GIVENCHY BOOTS

DAY THREE - HERE I AM WEARING DRIES VAN NOTEN BLOUSE, VIKTOR & ROLF PANTS, & ACNE

BROGUE WEDGES.

DAY FOUR - HERE I AM WEARING CHANEL SHIRT, JUNYA WATANABE CAPE, BALENCIAGA BAG,

BALENCIAGA LEATHER LEGGINGS & GIVENCHY BOOTS

One Night In Paris

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:45:04 +0000

POST 2

PARIS WOULDN'T BE PARIS, TO ME, IF I DIDN’T ENJOY HILARIOUS UNEXPECTED EXPERIENCES

THAT CAN TELL A TALE…IT WAS A SATURDAY NIGHT DURING PRE COLLECTION, THAT MY TWO

LOVELY FRIENDS, WHO CAME TO VISIT FROM LONDON, & I WENT TO COSTES FOR DINNER.MANY

COCKTAILS LATER, WE WERE ENTERTAINED & BEGAN SPEAKING WITH TWO VERY FUN & CUTE

LOOKING MEN. WE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHY PEOPLE WERE STARING & TRYING TO TAKE

PHOTOS & EVEN SOMEONE ASKED FOR AN AUTOGRAPH.AS IT TURNS OUT, OUR NEW FRIENDS

WERE PASCAL OBISPO - A VERY FAMOUS FRENCH SINGER- & HIS CHOREOGRAPHER FRIEND

TOKYO.SO OFF WE WENT TO A PRIVATE CLUB IN THEIR PRIVATE CAR & PROCEEDED TO HAVE AN

OVER-THE-TOP, EXTREMELY FUNNY, SURPRISINGLY RANDOM NIGHT!

WITH MY BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS

PASCAL AND TOKYO

PASCAL HELPING US WARD OFF MALE ATTENTION!

AACTA Awards

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:37:00 +0000

On Tuesday night I attended the AACTA awards at the opera house with my wonderful friend and CEO of

the ARIAS Dan Rosen. Great night, with both Australian film and fashion on display. Australia's most

esteemed actors Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush were the nights big draw cards but the many other

fabulous actors, directors, models and fashion designers made this a truly fun and glamourous evening.

MY VERY HANDSOME DATE FOR THE EVENING DAN ROSEN

CATE BLANCHETT IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE SHELLY HORTON TAKE THIS SNAP AS WE CHATTED AWAY - MIA WASIKOWSKA (IN MIU MIU) AND I (IN COMME DES GARCONS)

CAMILLA FREEMAN TOPPER AND KIRRILY JOHNSON

Paris Street Style!

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:18:55 +0000

HAVING JUST RETURNED FROM A 1 WEEK, WHIRLWIND PRE COLLECTION BUYING TRIP TO PARIS, I

ALSO MANAGED TO SNEAK IN A FEW STREET STYLE SHOTS. PARIS IS MY FAVOURITE PLACE IN

THE WORLD FOR PEOPLE WATCHING - WHETHER ITS SUPER STYLISH WOMEN OF ALL AGES, UBER

COOL COUPLES OR OFF DUTY MODELS, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE OR SOMETHING TO ADMIRE!

WINTER CHIC AT IT'S BEST

LOVE THE DOUBLE LEATHER, LAYERED SCARF & LONG TOP

ANOTHER GREAT USE OF LAYERING, BEAUTIFUL (FAUX) FUR & A BOLD LIP!

GREAT USE OF COLOUR, PAIRED BACK WITH SOME SUPER COOL SNEAKERS. & THAT MAN IN THE BACKGROUND REALLY WANTED TO BE IN THE PHOTO!

SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BALMAIN COAT, PERFECT WITH HER STUDDED BAG

IMMACULATELY SELF STYLED

LOVING THE LEATHER SHORTS & TEXTURED LAYERED KNITWEAR

SPOTTED - ISABEL MARANT WILLOW WEDGE SNEAKERS & RICK OWENS LEATHER JACKET!

BOLD CHIC & LOVING HER CROC HERMES BAG

SOPHISTICATED PERFECTION

OFF DUTY MODEL

Hermes Beach Party

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:14:53 +0000

POST 1

EACH YEAR HERMES PUTS ON A SPECTACULAR BEACH SOIREE INCLUDING ALL OF OUR FABULOUS FASHION FRIENDS, & WHICH HAS DEFINITELY BECOME THE SUMMER HIGHLIGHT EVENT. AND EACH YEAR THEY HAVE A NEW & UNIQUE CONCEPT FOR A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY - THIS YEAR WAS A GIANT OVERSIZED HERMES SWING!! YOU CAN SEE ME IN THIS PHOTO WITH ONE OF MY VERY BEST FRIENDS- EVE MISKIN CHECK OUT LAST YEARS PHOTO WHERE I AM WITH ANOTHER BESTIE, FERNANDO FRISONI - CLICK HERE

Top 10 Highlights of 2011

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:14:00 +0000

10

Building our online store:- We have loved the process of increasing our reach to customers who are interstate, international, or unable to pop in to Parlour X! We have poured our heart & soul into continuously developing our website & 2012 will see the launch of a new & improved Parlour X Online.
9

Growing our social media:- Our Blog, Facebook, Twitter & Tumblr have all really taken off in 2011!! We love updating with pictures, information and inspiration for our fans and followers! We now update our Facebook & Twitter multiple times a day and our blog & Tumblr at least once a week!!
8

Our Love Want Launch Party with Style Me Romy: – Held at Parlour X to celebrate Romy's new magazine "Love Want / Style Me Romy", Romy styled a fabulous window & we had a fun filled night with all of our wonderful friends!
7

Australian Fashion Week: – The highlight of the Australian Fashion Calendar gives me a chance to celebrate the exemplary talent within the Australian Fashion Industry!! I love supporting local designers & am always on the look out for the next big thing in fashion to add to Parlour X's portfolio of coveted labels.
6

Judging the various TAFE design studio finales: – Participating in TAFE & design school events gives me a chance to give back to the Australian Fashion Community. It is inspiring watching these students work, & I am able to offer them a unique perspective as a buyer that they may not have otherwise received. And it is always interesting to discover potential new emerging talent.
5

My buying trips to Paris: – I went to Paris four times this year to buy for Parlour X! It is hard work & tough to be away from my my small daughter, but I need to be able to be there in person: to look, feel & touch each & every garment so that I can have a better understanding of whether or not my clients will love it!! Plus I love meeting up with all of my fabulous fashion friends from all over the world!!
4

Bringing New Labels into Parlour X – It's always exciting to bring new collections into store – This year I bought in Mugler, Mother of Pearl, Theysken Theory & Vionnet into Parlour X & Sydney for the first time, & they have all since developed a cult following!
3

Romance Was Born Window Installation and Parlour X & Russh Xmas Party – Romance was Born created an amazing 'white xmas' window display for Parlour X, & to celebrate this & the end of another great year, we threw a party with Russh Magazine which was indeed fabulous!!
2

Our 10 Year Anniversary Party – Parlour X turned 10 this year!! Such a milestone! I was fortunate enough to celebrate the occasion with the media as we launched our Parlour X with Del Kathryn Barton Charity scarf collaboration – every scarf sold raised money for the indigenous literacy program/Ian Thorpe Fountain For Youth Foundation!
1

Continued editorial support from all of our favourite publications – Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, InStyle, Marie Claire, Madison, Grazia, Russh, Australian Financial Review, Sydney Morning Herald, Sunday Telegraph & our online favourites Pages Digital and LifeStyled.

Parlour X / RUSSH / Romance Was Born

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:58:06 +0000

WE CELEBRATED THE END OF ANOTHER FABULOUS YEAR, BY HOSTING A PARTY WITH RUSSH

MAGAZINE & ROMANCE WAS BORN. WITH AN EXTRAORDINARY WINDOW INSTALLATION, THE

PREACHERS SINGING CHRISTMAS CAROLS & ABSOLUT CREATED COCKTAILS BRINGING IN THE

XMAS CHEER…!!!

ROMANCE WAS BORN DESIGNERS ANNA AND LUKE SETTING UP THEIR WINDOW DISPLAY AT PARLOUR X

PARLOUR X WINDOW DISPLAY AND CHRISTMAS TREES BEFORE THE PARTY

THE CROWD SPILLED OUT ONTO GLENMORE ROAD

THE PREACHERS PLAYED A CHRISTMAS CAROL SET

THE GUESTS INSIDE

THE PREACHERS SINGER ISABEL WITH ROMANCE WAS BORN GIRLS

DAN ROSEN, NICK TOBIAS, MIRANDA DARLING AND MIRO

CLARE PRESS, MANDY REINKE, ELLI BOBROVISKI AND CAMILLA FREEMAN TOPPER

PALOMA, LOU AND BEC

RUSSH EDITOR JESS BLANCH WITH RUSSH GIRLS

PARLOUR X GIRLS ANICKA AND GABY WITH ELLI BOBROVISKI

ANNA PLUNKETT AND DEL KATHRYN BARTON

CAMILLA FREEMAN TOPPER AND I

AMBER KEATING AND KIRRILY SAMS

KIRRILY JOHNSTON WITH KIERAN

Fashion Design Studio Tafe Graduation Parade

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Earlier this year I judged the evening wear component of TAFE's Fashion Design Studio's Parades & last week watched the final year students produce unique collections with a wide range of colours, ideas & inspirations. The Fashion Design Studio has a reputation for producing the best talent & the next big thing in Australian Fashion.

Inspirational Designers

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

AZZEDINE ALAIA in bed with Madonna

Steven Meisel, Italian Vogue, 1991

VIKTOR & ROLF- Viktor Hersing & Rolf Snoeren

Balenciaga's Nicolas Ghesquiere with Amber Valetta & Stella Tennant

Madame Carven turned 100 years old in 2009

Isabel Marant and Jerome Dreyfuss

Junya Watanabe

Mary Katrantzou

Theyskens Theory Designer Olivier Theyskens

The duo behind PETER PILOTTO is Peter Pilotto & Christopher De Vos

Yoko Ono & a rare shot of Rei Kawakubo, creator of COMME DES GARCONS

Rick Owens

Guillame Henry, designer for CARVEN

Inspirations for Next Season

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Inspirations for Next Season

Paris Fashion Week is always inspiring, but this season was particularly strong. My customers will be

VERY happy!! There were so many different themes, so there will certainly be something for

everyone!!

BALENCIAGA
This seasons Balenciaga collection was touted as one of their strongest ever collections by many in the industry (& the best collection of the season by Style.com). The clothing we have selected is beautiful & so very wearable. We also have added many new runway bags styles to mix in with the traditional motorcycle style Balenciaga bags.

ISABEL MARANT
I increased my Isabel Marant order from previous seasons because I loved the collection so much!! New fabulous prints & colours…

& don't forget all the coveted Isabel shoes!

PACO RABANNE
One of my favourite collections this season! loving the iconic 69 bag seen here… But the entire collection was amazing…Will be seeing a lot more of it next season I think!

PETER PILOTTO
The colours and patterns at Peter Pilotto are brilliant!! If you can't do a whole printed look.
You can always try one of their divine scarves to finish off your outfit.

RICK OWENS
This jacket is a Rick Owens staple piece. The softest butter leathers…
Can't wait until this drops into store!

COMME DES GARCONS
This all white collection was beautiful & so grand and unashamedly Comme!! Always love the theatrics of a Comme show..

THEYSKENS THEORY
Olivier Theyskens' is going from strength to strength. This collection sees more of his fabulous blazers & oversized cardigans that we all love, with evening wear embellishments & some fabulous open weaved knits like the one pictured above.

Paris Nights Out October

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000

A Fabulous Night Out in Paris Fashion Week

@ CHEZ JULIEN/ AU PETIT FUR A CHEVAL

GAIL SORONDA, CAMILLA FREEMAN-TOPPER, ME & ANNA PLUNKET

DINNER AT CHEZ JULIEN... DELICIOUS !!!

LUKE SALES, A NIGHT CAP AT AU PETIT FUR A CHEVAL

CAMILLA & EVA

OUR COLLECTION OF CHANELS

Melbourne Cup 2011

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Where were you for Melbourne Cup this year?
We were at Centennial Park for The Chandon Turf Club C/O Black Communications…

CAMILLA FREEMAN-TOPPER & NICK TOBIAS

NADINE DUNCAN

ME - EVA GALAMBOS

KINGS OF LEON & ROMY FREEDMAN

HERMONIE UNDERWOOD & FERNANDO FRISONI

KYM ELLERY WON THE FASHION PRIZE OF THE DAY

Hermes

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

A private screening of the insightful, Hermes Hearts & Crafts movie, was shown at the State Theatre.

Sydney's fashion set turned out to catch a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship behind the brand.

KARIN UPTON BAKER & EVA

KYM ELLERY & FERNANDO FRISONI

NAOMI PARRY & ALICE ALEXANDER

JACQUELINE PERRET & KELVIN HO

GABI BOBROVSKI & MANDY REINKE

HERMES

Mrs Press Book Launch

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 03:53:07 +0000

Mrs Press wrote a book… and held a launch

The Dressing Table – Mrs Press' fabulous book on style including a little bit of input from myself on page 26!!

EVA & MRS PRESS

MARY SHACKMAN & JENNY KEE

FERNANDO FRISONI & SAM

GLYNIS TRIALL NASH, EVA & JENNY KEE

MARNIE SKILLINGS

MORNA SERIES & JENNY GARBER

EVA, SAM & ANTONIA

CAROLINE PAIDASCH

MELISSA BOYLE, EVA & FELICITY LOUGHRE

A French Vogue Moment

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

"A FRENCH VOGUE MOMENT"

As Giselle & I exited the Rick Owens show at Palais Omnisport De Bercy, we headed for our SmartCar

& in the same direction as this super chic trio & was captivated not only by their footwear, but by their

graceful movements too…

Emmanuelle Alt - editor in chief French Vogue
Capucine Safyurtlu - fashion & market editor French Vogue
Geraldine Saglio - Emmanuelle Alt’s assistant and French Vogue stylist

Absolut Mode Launch

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Last Thursday night Absolut Vodka threw a fabulous fashion party at Jackies in Paddington.

MRS PRESS & EVA

ALETHEA GOLD & FERNANDO FRISONI

PARLOUR X'S ANICKA

CAMILLA & MARC

GRAZIA'S THELMA McQUILLAN & EVA

MELISSA HOYER

FAB DRESS !!!

PAGES DIGITAL'S LUCINDA WITH A VERY FRIENDLY TARZAN!

GRAZIA'S EMMA READ & MONIQUE SANTOS

EVA BEING INTERVIEW BY ABSOLUT MODE

Paris Buying Trip October 2011

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

OUR FIRST IN A SERIES OF PARIS POSTS

BONJOUR PARIS!!

MY LOVELY APPARTMENT IN THE MARAIS ON RUE DES ARCHIVE – NEAR RUE DES BRETAGNE

THURSDAY'S OUTFIT - BALENCIAGA DRESS & HANDBAG, MIU MIU SHINY SHOES

I TOOK THIS SNAP AT THE CARVEN SHOW

A MODEL IN OUR PETER PILOTTO APPOINTMENT
– HOW EXCEPTIONAL IS THE PRINT & CUT OF THIS DRESS!?!

CATHERINE BABA & DIANE PERNOT SITTING NEXT TO ME AT RICK OWENS

BUMPED INTO KELLY (INSTYLE) & JANA (MARIE CLAIRE) AT THE VIONNET PRESENTATION.

RACHEL ZOE & HUSBAND ROGER FINDING THEIR SEAT AT THE ISABEL MARANT SHOW.

THIS IS PARLOUR X'S FABULOUS PARIS CORRESPONDENT GISELLE

DINNER AT LA MAISON (DESIGNED & DECORATED BY MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA)
WITH CANDICE LAKE, JESS BLANCH, CAMILLA FREEMAN-TOPPER.
ENDED UP AT SILENCIO, THE LATEST CLUB DESIGNED BY DAVID LYNCH

SUPER COOL FRENCH DUO BRIGITE AT VIKTOR & ROLF

DEFINITELY MY FAVOURITE SHOW BECAUSE I LOVE THE THEATRICS

ANNA DELLO RUSSO LEAVING THE COMME DES GARCONS SHOW

MANAGED TO CAPTURE CANDICE WORKING IT & SNAPPING ANNA AT THE SAME TIME AS ME

INSIDE THE HECTIC ISABEL MARANT SHOW ROOM!
I WAS VERY SNEAKY TAKING THIS SHOT AS THE DON'T ALLOW PHOTOS...

THIS IS ME TRYING ON A SHIRT FROM THE BALENCIAGA COLLECTION IN MY APPOINTMENT. NOTICE THE AMAZING FLOOR THAT THEY DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR THE SHOW

HERE I AM IN MY JUNYA WATANABE APPOINTMENT ADJUSTING THE HEM ON THE MODEL.
I CANT HELP IT!!

KATHERINE KEATING FLEW IN FROM NEW YORK SO WE COULD STEAL SOME TIME TOGETHER.
FABULOUS NIGHT AT COSTES WITH MANY FRIENDS, INCLUDING JIMMY (PICTURED) & MIMI XU…

MANAGED TO CONVINCE THE AMAZING CAROLINE FABRE BAZIN, MR ALAIA'S RIGHT HAND WOMAN TO POSE FOR A RARE SNAP SHOT AT THE END OF MY APPOINTMENT.

MY OUTFIT ON THE LAST DAY - WEARING AN ALAIA SKIRT & HERMES SCARF!

OUR SEXY LITTLE SMART CAR WHICH GOT US FROM A TO B. GOOD WORK! BISOUS BISOUS GISELLE.

THIS RANDOM SHOT OF THE EIFFEL TOWER WAS TAKEN FROM THE SKY ROOF WINDOW OF OUR SMART CAR

AU REVOIR PAREEEE... UNTIL NEXT SEASON...

Parlour X Press September 2011

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 05:17:56 +0000

COOL RECENT PRESS

POST 3

GRAZIA : 12th September issue

SMH: 11th September issue

INSTYLE: September issue

Tafe Parade 2011

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:00:00 +0000

This year I am judging Sydney Fashion Design Studios' Fashion Parades. The evening wear parade was all about Ballet Russes, Leon Baskt & Middle Eastern culture, Showcasing the talents of this years graduating class. The crowd was colourful, fun & fashionable, & taking full advantage of the amazing cocktail bar!! I cant wait until the end of year parade...

The winning gown	The Parade	The Parade

Eva with fellow judges: Gary Bigeni, Assia Benmedjdoub & Damian Woolnough	Guests watching the parade	The 5 winning gowns

Eva with Tafe Director NickolasHuxely	Eva with Assia & Fernando Frisoni	Announcing the winner: Eva with Gary & Assia

Guest	Guest	Guest

Favourite Style Icons

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:00:00 +0000



ISABEL MARANT wearing her Navajo jeans.

FERGIE turns heads in Balenciaga.

KATIE HOLMES in Azzedine Alaia.

MEGAN FOX in Isabel Marant

ALEXA CHUNG in Balenciaga


JESSICA ALBA wearing MiH Marrakesh
All these fab styles are at Parlour X ! Happy shopping…Bisous bisous!!

Buying Trip Diary

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 06:34:10 +0000

NEW YORK

MONDAY 27TH JUNE

- Fly to NYC to visit Katherine & Alexandra Keating & for a few days of shopping, taking in the Alexander McQueen exhibit & a few days of fun, fun, fun!!!
- 5:30pm - Dinner @ The Waverley Inn
- Meet friends at Breslin Restaurant @ The Ace Hotel
- Then onto a new bar upstairs at The Dream Hotel


Waverley Inn	Ace Hotel	KK & I @ The Dream Hotel

TUESDAY 28TH JUNE
- A.M. - Shopping Uptown @ Barneys
- Lunch - back Downtown @ Bar Pitti with Katherine, Kristin and Pensiri
- Afternoon: Shopping in Soho
- P.M. - Dinner with Katherine & Alexandra @ The Standard Grill
- Followed by drinks @ Soho House where we meet up with some friends
- Then onto The Standard’s Boom Boom Room
- End up at Miss Lillys Reggae restaurant/bar for a birthday party


Barneys New York	The Standard’s Boom Boom Room	Soho House

WEDNESDAY 29TH JUNE
- A.M. - The Met Museum: Alexander McQueen Exhibition
- Lunch: @ Freds – 5th floor of Barneys with Katherine & Kristin
- Afternoon - Last minute shopping for mini converse for Alexa & my favourite make-up supplies: Smashbox at Sephora
- P.M. Fly out to Paris ...


The Met	McQueen exhibit	KK & I

PARIS

THURSDAY 30TH JUNE
- Arrive into Paris midday: Staying in The Marais
- Meet a friend for lunch at Café Charlot
- Afternoon stroll through some of my favourite haunts & little galleries in the Marais…
I love the Marche Des L’Enfant Rouge & Rue Vielle Du Temple…
- P.M. - Dinner with Dan & Emily @ La Societie - 6th


La Societie	Les Marche Des L’Enfant Rouge	The Marais

FRIDAY 1ST JULY
- A.M. – 1st pre collection buying appoint at Isabel Marant
- Lunch: @ Café Charlot - 3rd
- Shopping in the Marais: L’Eclauirer, Merci, Bon Ton, Petit Bateau…
- P.M. - Dinner with Maree & Ellie @ Lily Wang – 7th


Petit Bateau	Café Charlot	Lily Wang

SATURDAY 2ND JULY
- A.M. - Shopping @ Le Bon Marche - 6th
- Lunch with Giselle @ L’Avenue - 8th
- Afternoon stroll along Ave Montaigne shopping
- Early evening: Top secret appointment, viewing an amazing collection that we are launching new to Parlour X for our Winter 2012 !!!
- P.M. – End the evening with an intense & rewarding Massage!


Le Bon Marche	Avenue Montaigne	L’Avenue

SUNDAY 3RD JULY
- A.M. - Alaia appointment – pre collection showing
- Lunch at Au Petit Fur A Cheval – 4th
- Spent the entire afternoon baking in the sun, eating baguette, reading & relaxing lying in the gardens at Place Des Voges – 4th
- P.M. - Quiet dinner with friends at home


Place Des Voges	Au Petit Fur A Cheval	Délicieux !

MONDAY 4TH JULY
- A.M. - Balenciaga pre collection appointment – 6th
- Lunch at the Ralph Lauren courtyard Café – St Germain – 6th
- Afternoon: Sonia Rykiel showing – 6th
- P.M. - Dinner with Kirsten, Jean Marc & Ellie @ Costes – 1st
- Nightcap at café Charlot – 3rd


	Sonia Rykiel

TUESDAY 5TH JULY
- A.M. – Maison Martin Margiela: MM6 appointment
- Noon - Theyskens’ Theory pre collection showing
- Afternoon shopping along Rue St Honore: Collete, Givenchy, Chanel, Comme Des Garcons
- P.M. - Drinks @ Kong – Chatlet – 2nd
- Stroll over the bridge over river Seine to the 6th where we have more Drinks @ La Palette


Maison Martin Margiela: MM6	Maison Martin Margiela: MM6

WEDNESDAY 6TH JULY
- A.M. - Carven pre collection appointment – 8th
- Lunch - Laundree – 8th
- Afternoon – visit to ‘Le Bain du Marais’ – an Arabic style bath house for a steam & massage – 4th
- P.M. - Dinner & drinks with Giselle & Ruby @ Rosea Bonheur - tres cool new indoor/ outdoor bar in park in the 10th
- Night cap at Les Progress - 3rd


Carven Pre Collection	Carven Pre Collection	Carven Pre Collection

THURSDAY 7TH JULY
- Au Revoir Paris…

Parlour X 10 Year Anniversary

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:30:40 +0000

PARLOUR X Celebrates a Milestone
Parlour X celebrated its 10 year Anniversary in style & it was chic, fun & fabulous!
On Tuesday June 7th Parlour X was transformed into an extraordinary, enchanted garden designed by Saskia of Grandiflora. Parlour X collaborated with Archibald Prize Winning Artist Del Kathryn Barton to create a beautifully printed, limited edition scarf, the proceeds of which went to the Ian Thorpe Fountain for Youth foundation. With DJ Annie on the decks, and a surprise performance from Sneaky Sound System, it was such an amazing night!! Here's to another ten years of Parlour X...



A transformed Parlour X	Eva & Del Kathryn Barton

The Collaboration scarf	Camilla Freeman-Topper

Damon Downey, Miranda Darling & Nick Tobias	Anna Hewitt, Pete & Rosie Metzner & Lil Jenner

Marc Freeman	Fernando Frisoni & Romy Freedman

Carlie Fowler & Jen Kassel	Maurice Terzini

Dorit Beck & Lisa Alexander	Mary Shackman & Debbie Coffey

Connie Mitchell & Black Angus	Juliana Forge & Julian Tobias

Kirstie Clemmens & Del	Kirsten Carriol & Mrs Press

Steph Leslight, Miranda Darling & Vanessa Brajtman	Meg Grey

Marnie Skillings & Holly Garber	Samantha Harris & Juliana Forge

Maree Andrews & Marly Calendine	Anicka Wintle

Anna Plunket, Nel, DBK & Luke Sales	Connie performing

Miss Annie	Listening to speeches

Australian Fashion Week 2011

Sun, 01 May 2011 05:17:10 +0000

Another hectic Australian Fashion Week has been and gone.. and here are my thoughts, the highlights, the inspiration and the trends that we will be seeing during Australian Spring Summer.

PRELUDE TO RAFW

CARLA ZAMPATTI

A beautiful sophisticated day-event at the Carla Zampatti headquarters on Kent St.
The perfect collection for events such as races, a day wedding or garden party.
Loved the floaty soft suiting, georgette halter knotted tops. I also really loved the romantic music that was played at the show, it really set the tone for the collection.

GINGER & SMART

Fabulous location - The Blue in Woollomoolloo Great setting & a fun enthusiastic crowd set the tone for a playful collection. Their style is typical feminine & girlie with lots of prints & georgettes.

MRS PRESS

Seemingly inspired by Prada's last Summer Collection, Mrs Press continued the festive ‘Carmen Miranda’, carnival style... Cute, playful, fun & absolutely wearable... I imagine Sydney women will love this look & it will retail well. Well done Claire. Another great location – one of the winding function rooms in The Wentworth Hotel - Loved the pineapple wallpaper.

Fabulously contrasted friends and creative identities Jenny Kee & Mary Shackman front row at Mrs Press.

The beautiful Terry Schwamberg - post Mrs Press Show

ROMANCE WAS BORN

The State Libary was the perfect backdrop for this dramatic theatrical, avant guard, much anticipated 'highlight' show. The choir & orchestra was the right touch to add to the theatrics.. Their quality showed a maturity & coming of age. Many different fabrications from floral to lace to brocade. So much to tantalise the senses but it still seemed cohesive & styled very well.

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week

DAY 1

KIRRILY JOHNSTON

As you can tell, I think our designers are really choosing some amazing locations/venues as the backdrop to present their collections, Kirrily's is no exception- Icebergs Restaurant on Bondi beach.
Kirrily's signature is so strong & this season the earthy undertones & colour palette complimented her floaty loose sense of style perfectly. Golds & bronzes reigned. Perfect for Summer!

FLANNEL

Tailored with whites & beiges, a muted print & bold lipstick shades of pink & luxurious velvets…
Simple, cohesive collection with structure & elegance. Well styled & loved the yellow booties!!

KARLA SPETIC

Cute collection - loved the swimsuits. Bright colour palette with lovely 70s graphic prints & a touch of metalic. Great styling.

GAIL SORRONDA

Very typical signature Gail with lots of black & white mono chrome, avant guard collection with lots of sheer georgette & pleating.. Hair & make-up - my favourite so far - LOVED!!

DAY 2

SARA PHILLIPS

Lots of interesting prints. Fun flirty collection. Loved the Australian floral arrangement & everyone front row receiving native flora. Great music – modern aboriginal tribal.

LITTLE JOE WOMAN

Very typical Gail. Her signature look is always apparent & recognizable. Her introduction homage to her past is also apart of her signature presence. Yasmin le Bon opening the show was always going to be fabulous to watch as was the show ending & their warm embraces of love & support. Cute satin print figure hugging dresses with little ruffles.

MANNING CARTELL

Highlight of the show were the 2 wonderful models that managed to walk & strut the catwalk as their stiletto heels feel off without a hitch!!! Climbing up & down stairs & a 80 meter strut…well done.
Lovely colour palette of rusts & beiges with hints of strong blue & a 70s rope trim & huge gold dangly earrings. Beautiful make-up.

MARNIE SKILLINGS

Yay to Marnie who produced a lovely show & just had a baby last month!!
Marnie’s eclectic feminine signature style is always such a great hit with the true fashion urban bohemians out there who certainly wouldn’t have been disappointed with this collection… Marnie loves floral & there were many variations & lots of floor length looks & floaty styles.

DAY 3

FERNANDO FRISONI

A glorious sunny day at Sydneys Opera house provided a wonderful backdrop. It was a clean, minimalist mono coloured sophisticated collection. Elegant textured fabrics in whites, blacks with a hint of gold & floaty loose fitting silhouettes. Very well styled & loved the clean simple ponytails.

Front Row at Fernando's show - Super Chic Tobias Clan

Susie Bubble, guestblogger at Fernando's show.

GARY BIGENI

This designer loves to work with jersey & this collection was not exception.
A new season of pastel palette blues mixed with neutrals…Perfectly polished hair & makeup.

The gorgeous Candice Lake, Vogue's guest street-style photographer ...Outside & after Gary Bigeni show.

ALICE McCALL

Loved the hair which was a romantic loose plait that casually fell to the back…
Lots of embroidery & georgette printed mini party dresses with middle cut outs & sexy short shorts in floral & appliqué.

Hanging out with Luke Sales (Romance was Born) at the Rosemount bar pre Alice McCall show.

CAMILLA & MARC

Beautiful location. Plush foyer of the State Theatre. This collection had impact & excitement!
Fluro brocade & fabulous new prints that popped on fun exaggerated shapes that were cool & contemporary…
Love the colour tinted perspex box bags that complimented & finished of the look…
Well styled - well done!!

Our Buyer Evas look of the day: Carven Jacket, Fernando Jumpsuit

DAY 4

DION LEE

Dion is a construction whiz!! He showed beautifully tailored &structured collection & his first few exists where my favourites...
I like sharp edges which always gives a futuristic vibe…
The stark silver neckpieces & silver hardware found in his shoes also added to this contemporary feel which has come to reflect his signature…

ELLERY

The off-site Art Gallery setting with guests sitting both upstairs & downstairs set the alternate tone for Ellery's racy tight (only 20 exists) collection.
Guests all received a very impressive magazine called the ellery gazette reminding us that this multi-talented designer has alot to offer…

JOSH GOOT

Super cool eerie location in an old abandoned parking lot in East Sydney…
Ultra modern vibe - models moved like robots down a huge square shaped catwalk giving the femininity of his designs a masculine & futuristic edge.
Loved the wetsuit exits & the vertical patchwork stripes.
This was a real show & I love that level of excitement…

Our Buyer Evas look of the day: Thierry Mugler top, Balenciaga bag and pants

DAY 5

TONI MATICEVSKI

Toni offered a beautiful ‘show’ that was typical of his heightened craftsmanship & signature romantic eveningwear.
Lots of features, pleated chiffon, tulle & organza.
A RAFW highlight!!

YEOJIN BAE APPOINTMENT

I visited The Westin to see this collection up, close & personal…All my other appts are next week & this is the only appt during the show week so that I can go away & process & then arrive at my showroom appointments with a clear perspective…
I loved the floral appliqué detail & the tulle netting detail which gave this collection a point of difference & will be perfect for the races & daytime events…

CHRISTOPHER ESBER

I was very enthusiastic about many of the pieces in this show & look forward to seeing them up close in my buying appointment next week… I loved the floral suiting story & also loved many of the bright red jersey pieces especially the dresses with little twists & knots.

Eva's look of the day

Paris Fashion Week March 2011

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 04:12:36 +0000

Paris Fashion Week March 2011
POST 1 Another great season & so beyond hectic... I worked all day, every day in Paris (yes - attending show is considered work!!) & went out every evening for dinner with different industry friends from all over the world who I have connected with over the years as a result of my many buying trips: sales agents, heads of commercial teams, stylists, editors, designers & even other buyers... And we always try the new latest restaurant & also visit old favorites... It's so great to be in & amongst the action, speak fashion & purchases for the bulk of the conversation & not have to be embarrassed or apologise for it!!! Usually best friends who live abroad come to visit me & hang in Paris... On this trip Alexandra Keating arrived to stay with me a few days into my trip & it was so much fun even though we were on completely different schedules. She was out all night partying, being fabulous & coming home right about the time I was surfacing & getting ready for my first appointment of the day... My favourite show of the week was MUGLER because Lady Gaga performed. It was right at the start of the week & truly amazing & a major trip highlight... But what captured my attention the most this season, wasn’t a fabulous show or a brilliant collection, but rather the strange under current of industry 'fogginess', with lots of talk about the major shake-ups & changes: from the Galianno fiasco to all eyes being fixed on the new French Vogue Editor, Emmanuel Alt & the missing Carine Roitfeld from the front row; the head of commercial at Comme Des Garcons, Tony Newsham was missing & the Balmain designer, Christophe Decarnin resigned & wasn't even at his own show... So much gossip & so much more than usual... There was lots to speculate over & consider... Who's taking over from whom? Will they do a good job? What will happen next? Who is the best? Who has fallen short? Who are the new ones to watch...? Blah Blah Blah… Fun Fun Fun!! Following is my account, my little ‘insider SCOOP’ of the Paris Autumn/Winter 2011 shows... This is where I gather so much of the inspiration for my selections for next season. And it is within my showroom appointments, that I pick the hottest, most fabulous pieces, from catwalk collections, for my clients at Parlour X. So take a peak at my view of the best of Paris Fashion Week...
Thierry Mugler
For his debut women's RTW show, creative director, Nicola Formichetti called on his friend & top client, Lady Gaga to perform her latest song & lead the models down the runway. The show was fast & furious, Sometimes the models looked quite alien & creature-like other times they were simply andgrodenously spectacular. But it was Gaga that stole the show. Her theatrics & ability to manage those impossible platform heels far better than any model, caused an absolute media frenzy. What a scene, definitely my highlight show of the week!The show referenced much of Thierry Mugler’s signature peaked shoulders but had Formichetti’s unmistakable, Skin tight, slick, out-of-the-ordinary, controversial edge.Love that Parlour X have the Australian exclusive for Mugler!
Isabel Marant
Last seasons show was a Californian theme and this season the show remained in America but went tribal. The shows are always filled with the best of the best models in the industry that manage the cool, effortless chic style that Isabel Marant seemingly created and now everyone is obsessed with!As usual seriously cool French chic – but this time Isabel Marant had taken a wild ride to Central\Native America with Navajo as her inspiration. Lots of sexy, fringing dresses perfect for Australian Summer!
Vionnet
This showroom was by far the most creative. They staged the mannequins. Vionnet hosted a private presentation instead of a catwalk show but all the most influential fashion identities were present. The collection was amazingly beautiful and one of my most favourites of the week. Vionnet designer Rodolfo Paglialuna found his inspiration starting point online, turning the image of a black and white knot he discovered into a swirling graphic patter that could almost be floral, take a look at one of the dresses Parlour X are bringing in…LOVE!
Junya Watanabe
Leather featured in a big way on Junya’s Paris catwalk, There were leather jackets and more dresses too, taking on a sash-like or warrior quality, perfectly exemplifying a fighting spirit. This coming season all the variation were so inspirational… I particularly loved this tunic dress& not just because you can wear it in so many ways but because it’s actually quite flattering on the figure as well, and it also comes in chocolate.At the show as I watched the girls walk the runway all I could think was it was the best looking faux leather I had ever seen… Ha! To my surprise in the showroom, it was REAL! Still ever globally conscious & will never use fur, the use of leather was interesting to say the least. At Parlour X we are ANTI FUR too… But we do sell leather.
Balenciaga
They tiled the Crillion floor with Balenciaga’s tile print of the season especially for the show !!! So super cool! A beautiful show. The shoes set the tone …Nicolas Ghesquire left behind his biker punk girl of last season to replace her with a much more feminine and ladylike counterpart. Visiting Balenciaga’s showroom is always one of my favourites, take a look at Balenciaga’s print of the season shot in the showroom. Floral is huge for summer but hard to get a floral right…Of course Nicolas Ghesquire nailed it, this print is totally divine. This particular floaty blouse will be perfect for our summer season!!!
Carven
The Carven Paris runway show was actually an intimate media presentation. The collection true to spirit was fun and wearable & consisted of layered separates that slid easily between being smart & neat, &kooky & playful. In particular what caught my eye for the store was this blue lacedress. LOVING this colour. Blue hues are still huge going forward…but the lace styled the right way is also soft, feminine, edgy & fabulous!!! We actually have this piece coming in Khaki lace too…
Theyskens’ Theory
One of my new favourite labels, Theyskens’ Theory just keeps getting better. Olivier Theyskens’ knows how to cut an amazing jacket. Visiting the Paris showroom and seeing the collection in its entirety, allowed me to envisage the theme: poetic grunge-meets-Victoriana. Putting all this aside & getting down to basics, Theyskens’ Theory surprised me by producing the coolest Ts & tanks, that I want to wear right now!!!!
Comme des Garcons
Visiting the Comme showroom is always an adventure, To see what else Rei Kawakubo has presented for the season further to what was shown on the catwalk in Paris. Always inspiring to see the show, this time at Hôtel de la Monnaie. One of my favourite pieces I picked up from this collection is this twisted knot detail shirt that is so quirky & super cool & so Comme!!!I ordered an extra one just for me!
Viktor & Rolf
So pleased that we have brought Viktor & Rolf back to Parlour X! This collection that was picked up for the store took cues from knights armour this season because, the Dutch designers said "We felt the need for protection” "Fashion's ever-increasing speed reminds us how important it is to battle for our creativity.” (Quote taken from Style.com)Viktor & Rolf always have a story to tell and this time is no exception. As the drawbridge came down & models piled onto the catwalk, the cohesive collection didn’t fail to inspire & influence …

Hermes Summer on the Beach

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 04:07:49 +0000

The Most Fabulous Party to kick off 2011!

This Sydney party is one that we were all looking forward to, "Hermes Summer on the Beach" and it did not

disappoint.

The location was Nielson Park in Vaucluse & it was the perfect back drop to a gorgeous, chic giant Tee Pee

which was placed near the water’s edge.

We looked out to the Harbour through 5 bespoke, larger than life sized Hermes signature bracelets which

were perched up on the sand & looked magnificent!

Would you expect anything less?!

I wish I had taken a photo of how this scene looked as the sun was falling but alas I had other things on my

mind…

Mix this setting with a great guest list, constant flowing Champagne, a rocking DJ and a real life photo

shoot...

Everyone really got into it as more champagne was consumed through the night.

Check out the picture of me with my bestie Fernando Frisoni using the trampoline that was set up as a

theatrical prop.

Sooooo much fun!!

Big thank you Hermes! xox

Paris Fashion Week September 2010

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:04:40 +0000

It's Paris fashion week!

And this BLOG is a small snapshot of my 'buying' time in Paris.

I come to see the many shows of the collections that we buy & visit the showrooms, not only to place orders for our

existing designer portfolio, but also to source exclusive new labels...

DAY 1

Today is a busy show & buying day... I attend the Balenciaga show at the Crillon, and it's another fabulous collection.

Next stop is Thomas Showroom in Rue Charlot where we buy Italian contemporary collection Forte Forte & Falerio Sarti...

Sarti do the best scarves in the world & are always a major sell-out, so i order way more stock than usual...

DAY 2

Giselle & I kick start the day with a coffee & croissant at Les Progres before heading to our Anne Valerie Hash

appointment in the 10th.

Next we head to our MIH appointment also in the 10th – this is an exciting newly ‘re-created’ British denim brand…

Fabulous history and the cuts & washes are all great.

Next we head to Carven...

Carven is the collection on everyone's lips as the supper cool re-created French house makes its mark on fashion chicks

all over the globe. A huge favourite with OUR favourite Alexa Chung... I describe it as classic French with a giant twist!!!

We excitedly head onto the Isabel Marant show which is another highlight of the week especially since EVERYONE

loves this label sooooo much so we can pass on as much information to anyone & everyone that asks us about it...

Next we are off to our Theyksen’s Theory appointment.

SUPER excited about carrying this contemporary line...

FINALLY Olivier Theyskens has produced a new accessible collection that truly reflects his style…

We learn that part of the reason that he had fallen out with his former house, Nina Ricci, was because it's said that he

wasn’t happy that his designs weren't as accessible to his fans.

This new collection is affordable yet still exclusive & more urban cool….

DAY 3

Today I went to Mercii. The night before I was at the store's collaboration launch event: a celebration of a new line that

Forte Forte has introduced which is based on lifestyle.

DAY 4

Even though it is Paris Fashion week & one would think that the shows are paramount, which they are, as a buyer you

can not possibly attend them all..
Much time is wasted getting from A to B & waiting around for shows to start, when instead, you could be in showrooms

buying the actual collections. The selling period is confined to just 10 days so you have very limited time to see

everything. As such, aside from important relevant show, I usually just allocate 1 full day to see as many shows as

possible... & its always my favourite, the Comme Des Garcons show day when all their lines have a catwalk

presentation…
Comme is one of our majors & the shows are so avant garde that it really is very important for us to see the shows in

person to get the feel so that when we do visit the showroom, we are already inspired & have a vision in mind that helps

us buy better… This is me outside the Junya Show– my favourite show of the season!!!!

DAY 5

I went and saw a Karl Lagerfeld Photographic Exhibition at the Maison Europeenne De La Photographie Ville Des Paris

in the Marais – it is brilliant!!!!

DAY 6

Had a long long appointment for Isabel Marant BUT we love the collection!!!

DAY 7

Today we head to our Balenciaga buying appointment.

This is another major & another favourite. And I love the sales team...

At our appointment Grace Coddington is there checking out the collection…. She is such a fabulous vision with her fire-

red hair. I love it & love her work!!!

DAY 8

After our appointments we head to La Bon Marche.

I love shopping in here. Its my favourite department store, 160 years old. I love the building & the layout & I love all their

brand selections. Its such a fun shopping experience.

And their children’s section is wonderful especially the toys & books – I buy so much for my daughter here too!!!

DAY 9

My last appointment of the day is to see Thierry Mugler.

We are Particularly excited by the new creative director & team.

We pick up the capsule line which is tiny because the team had just been announced 2 weeks before Paris Fashion

week started!!!

Can't wait to see the full collection next season…

DAY 10

I seem to spend the longest time in my Comme Des Garcons & Junya Watanabe appointments, they take all day…

Fortunately they arrange a fully catered lunch which we eat with pleasure & plus we need the energy to fuel up on –

buying is exhausting & hard work!!! – These showrooms are hectic!

Pharrel Williams is sitting right next to us being given a collection overview.

In the afternoon we visit Florence’s showroom nearby in The Galleries Vivienne behind the Palais Royal to see Mother

of Pearl – another new collection designer by David Hirst's wife using prints by prominent contemporary British artists...

Tres COOL!!!

DAY 12

The Jerome Dreyfuss section in MERCI is so beautifully merchandised, it makes me excited to receive my new season's

bags in January. Merci is a large, especially by Parisian standards, concept store…

There are stores within stores; a book store, a florist, a café, a large homeware section, a large fashion section which is

quite urban & then little art displays & installations throughout that all look intricate & fabulous...

DAY 13

We revisit the Viktor & Rolf showroom & decide to pick it up again for Parlour X – Viktor & Rolf are the greatest of

conceptual designers.

We LOVED the show & definitely see pieces that will translate well with our clientele.

Some of the show pieces were not so wearable but truly amazing and even more so seeing it up close.

Australian Fashion Week May 2010

Sat, 01 May 2010 04:06:08 +0000

As you all know RAFW has started and to keep things simple I’m just going to mention the shows that I

actually really liked…so here goes fashion week so far…

DAY 1 - Monday 4 May

Ginger & Smart

They had a very well styled and cohesive show, very wearable fashion with a lovely colour palette, typical of

Genevieve and Alex’s personal style which I always love. They get a definite thumbs up from me!

Uscari

This was the first time I had heard of this designer and there is possible potential! I thought the show was

slightly over styled with unnecessary armbands which toughened up the look but just confused the overall

sense of style. I did like the corset inspired silhouette mixed with ropes and if the hemlines had been all one

length rather than so asymmetrical and maybe slightly longer, I would have been actually quite impressed!

Zambesi

I always love Zambesi collections – ALWAYS! This time didn’t disappoint, I love their whole aesthetic, their

layering, their fabrics and shapes. I was particularly delighted to see cream lace pants sashay down the

runway and I started imagining all the fabulous different ways I could wear them! And then black appeared

- fabulous! But then they appeared again and again, and again and for what was a long show they could

certainly have done some editing. But I did love the prints and so many of the other pieces that I can over

look the lazy styling, this time! Bassike Deb and Lou have taken their cult bran to a new level! Everyone

thought these guys were going to be, as the title of their label suggests, basic, but indeed they have proved

otherwise! Strong prints and great stripes means these girls are now rivalling new territory – yay! And well

done! Christopher Esber This show was well styled and also a lovely collection. Although I wasn’t wowed I

really enjoyed the show and I think the designer has some true talent. His garments look well made and

wearable and he is definitely now on the radar. I’m looking forward to seeing his collection up close and

personal next week!

Bassike

Deb and Lou have taken their cult brand to a new level! Everyone thought these guys were going to be, as

the title of their label suggests, basic, but indeed they have proved otherwise! Strong prints and great

stripes means these girls are now rivalling new territory – yay! And well done!

Christopher Esber

This show was well styled and also a lovely collection. Although I wasn’t wowed I really enjoyed the show

and I think the designer has some true talent. His garments look well made and wearable and he is

definitely now on the radar. I’m looking forward to seeing his collection up close and personal next week!

DAY 2 – Tuesday 4 May

Camilla & Marc

A great start to the day, finally a chic, fun and glam show! It all started with delicious coffee, great location

followed by beautiful styling and exciting new standout jewels and bags. I LOVED the suede and leather

caps with gold buckles and what a stunning colour palette. This show made me excited about fashion

week!!

Ellery

All I can say is WOW!! Soooo impressed, not that I didn’t think Kim was capable of producing such a great

collection, but I haven’t seen her reproduce anything like this before. The show was so worth the wait and

especially being the last show of the day starting at 10.30pm I wasn’t sure if could hold out until then, but I’m

so glad I did. I really loved the high glamour and wanted to personally own many of the pieces – very

exciting!!

DAY 3 – Wed 5 May

Konstantina Mittas

I really liked this lovely avant guard show and thought the styling was clever too. It flowed smoothly and had

calming music as well as great hair and make-up!

Romance was Born

Wow wow wow!!! High expectations and didn’t disappoint. Also I can see a real maturity in their attitude to

commercial viability because they managed to still show majorly creative theatrical looks but you could still

recognise wearable pieces. Also they have taken the next step with their production because the quality of

make appeared better than ever. These guys just keep going from strength to strength –truly fabulous!!

DAY 4 – Thurs 6 May

Dion Lee

Brilliant! THE standout of 15 years of fashion week. He will very soon be a major, internationally

recognised designer who influences main trends and forecasts. And how proud we will all be watching his

success flourish – I LOVED this show. The prints, the dresses, the tailoring, the jewels, so easy to go on and

on…beautiful styling by Christine, and Mark’s art direction at the end - the finale just topped off an amazing

effort all round!

Fernando Frisoni

I had already seen the collection in the showroom and loved it enough to buy well for Parlour X. So I was

excited to see how it all came together and what would happen on the catwalk and I wasn’t disappointed at

all, in fact I was thrilled! Women came pelting out fast and severe down a red perspex runway – it was flash

and glamorous and worth the hour and a half wait. Another great show at RAFW that’s way up there

amongst the best of the week!

Overall the true standouts of the week were so seriously good and exciting that they over-shadowed the

many less than average collections being shown at RAFW. I left the week feeling inspired and confident

that Australia really does have true talent that would certainly rate on an international level / platform. And

let’s not forget the Australian favorites that are also fabulous that didn’t show this week – Yeojin Bae, Tina

Kalivas, Josh Goot, Sass & Bide and Willow.

Paris Fashion Week March 2010

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:38:44 +0000

Paris was FREEZING! It seemed colder than I’ve ever known before, and Paris is a city that you do sometimes want to do on foot especially by day. I arrived at my Isabel Marant appointment and literally had to thaw out before I began! I had altitude issues too but nothing an orange presse couldn’t fix – apparently everyone was feeling it! Maybe it was this ‘brain freeze’ which led us to a very un-theatrical season whereby everybody designed collections that were more wearable than usual, and you might well you ask what is wrong with this?? Well, I think nothing actually – as a buyer it makes our job fabulously easy, BUT for inspiration it can leave us feeling a bit flat! There was no ‘wow’ factor for me, the most considered ‘wow’ parade was an over-the-top fur indulgence that was so scary and devastating, all I could think about was those poor little fury friends piled on top of each other, like an obscene mass murder, all to create an abdominal snowman like creature, for the sake of what?? I’m sorry but I normally LOVE Chanel, but this show was scary!!

The latest theme is a 50s revival – chic and elegant – but is this really how woman today want to dress? It remains to be seen, however, I did love Isabel Marant’s sexy ‘happy days’ take on the 50s with the skinny jean rolled up worn with pumps. I definitely think her vision will translate into a look that woman will want to adopt. The cuts of her jeans are so great that we have practically sold out of them this season already. I have ordered so many different colours for next season, and Isabel Marant’s price points are all wonderfully competitive too! I’ve ordered many runway looks for next season so go to style.com and check out her show. This was my quickest Paris trip ever! And yet I saw more collections than usual. Here are my highlights which will be in store next season!

Isabel Marant

We began dabbling with accessories but are now properly introducing jewels, belts and scarves. For the main collection we have gone heavy with denim which has already been a sell-out this season because of the great shapes, and I’ll say it again the fabulous price points! Isabel Marant went for a rockabilly, happy days version of the 50s – very cool and fun – skinny tight jeans and lots of shine, think glittery tops and dresses.

Balenciaga

As usual had its futurist touches and its colour pallets of soft green pastels and floral paisleys are absolutely delicious! I LOVED buying next season’s collection and believe that it will be as longed-for as the current season which is being so well received by our clients. Next season new style bags and colours, and a 10 year celebration for The City bag, will be hitting our shelves.

Azzedine Alaia

Amazing as always! Strong tailoring with shiny, jewel tone fabrics.

Comme des Garcons

As the title suggest very masculine meets feminine with signature monochrome palette of striking black and white.

Junya Watanabe

The army / military chic expert! Crisp and elegant tailoring combined with hourglass shapes with nipped-waist jackets, slim coats and patch pockets.

Herve Leger

I was really excited to see new styles and a new direction. The show was very inspiring and we’ve decided to follow their direction with lots of graduation bandage colours, new hues and new styles – one shoulder and strapless dresses, skirts of all lengths; mini, just above the knee, just below the knee, new features; lace-up and mesh! New season Herve Leger is a MUST HAVE, must invest!

Forte Forte

This Italian label is establishing itself as a cool, urban, chic and relaxed brand. So much so that everyone is now filling their wardrobe with Forte Forte staples – their super soft thin shirts and blouses feel so luxurious on the body and are proving very popular.

Jerome Dreyfuss

Husband of Isabel Marant is also VERY busy designing his cult bag brand. Next season has a gorgeous colour palette with reds, yellows, greys, blues, rust and blush / powder, with many new styles to match.

I Love My Tees

These have been flying off the shelf since they arrived in store! This French brand is seeing huge success at Parlour X for their edgy design and for being so well priced. And everyone loves the cause, the brand is associated with the campaign against domestic violence towards women, organized by the French National Federation for Women’s Solidarity.

Eva's Blog

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CHANEL

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AACTA Awards

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Hermes Beach Party

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8

7

6

5

4

3

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Parlour X / RUSSH / Romance Was Born

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@ CHEZ JULIEN/ AU PETIT FUR A CHEVAL

Melbourne Cup 2011

Hermes

Mrs Press Book Launch

Mrs Press wrote a book… and held a launch

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"A FRENCH VOGUE MOMENT"

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AU REVOIR PAREEEE... UNTIL NEXT SEASON...

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DAY 1