With Christmas cheer in the air, and my eyes glued to my Ebay gift Watchlist, I thought I’d drop everyone a line and let you know what I’ve been up to these past months!
Long time no post I know, but I’m not sure whether you’ll want to know why I’ve been to busy to write. Cue the violin … I’ve just come back from a styling job with the Versace hotel on the Gold Coast. Poor me.
Working back late at deadline and having to compromise editorial for advertising space does pay off when you get the occasional perk. And my recent getaway certainly was one of those perks … along with my new bottle of Marc Jacobs ‘Lola’ – believe the hype, it’s divine.
Helping launch our publishing company’s latest bridal magazine, Queensland Wedding & Bride, I was flown up to work on shoots that were taking place at two of the magazine’s largest advertising venues. The first shoot took place at the Palazzo Versace, the hotel of choice for celebrities and the glamour set, while the second took place at QDeck, a new hotel that boasts breathtaking views of the Gold Coast from its 78th floor.
Upon arrival at the Palazzo Versace, I find out that I have my own suite. Complete with spa bath ensuite, two full bathrooms, living room, study, king size bedroom, walk-in closet and private balcony, the suite was bigger than my new apartment. Of course, everything was emblazoned with the brand’s signature Medusa head motif and resort style Versace fabrics. In the words of R Zoe, “I just die!”
The bridal shoot took place on the second day. After climbing the 5 metres it took to get out of the oversized bed, I treated myself to what can only be described as the largest buffet breakfast this side of Hulk Hogan’s plate. Because as anyone whose worked on set will tell you (even a super keen intern), fashion shoots are certainly not glamorous and it was likely to be the only meal I’d eat all day!
That’s not a complaint, just a pure fashion fact of life. From obnoxious models to egotistical hair stylists to umpteen wardrobe changes and bad weather conditions, fashion shoots seem peachy from the outside but are as fun to be involved in as dental surgery. And this one didn’t disappoint.
The models were a beautiful surprise (anyone who believes a model’s Comp card is in for as rude of an awakening as having water thrown on your dial first thing in the morning), but the photographer on the other hand had a pole up his you know what. Or perhaps it should have been a spare camera, for he took so long to get the shoot done that I thought I might have to step in and take the damn frames myself! The following day called for temporary residence at the pool bar. Ten cocktails in total, enough said.
Arriving back in Melbourne, our team put together the six key bridal shoots for the January 2010 issue of Melbourne Wedding & Bride. Some of the locations we styled at included the gorgeous Tesselar tulip farm, The Spice Market, Brighton beach and a very early 3am call at the Melbourne Aquarium. You’ll have to get a copy of the mag once it hits stands – we forced an underweight model to swim with sharks, literally!
First seen in the 1940's the shirt dress has been a staple fashion classic ever since. Above, we see the 1954 take, including the belted waist and flared skirt, as well as a more tailored look.
