Bonds Campaign: Amanda and Kelsey

Australia's very own top models, Amanda Ware and Kelsey Martinovich are taking over the fashion world, one step at a time.  After making an impression in New York, the girls began shooting for the Summer Bonds 2010 'HipStars' Campaign and I think they both look amazing!  The campaign is cute, colourful and fun!  Thought I'd include a few of the behind the scenes images too.

Whilst I'm on the topic of Amanda and Kelsey, thought I'd also feature an image from Alex Perry's new Spring/Summer 2010 Lookbook.  Here the girls both look stunning, it definitely is one of my favourite pictures! I can't wait to see what the girls have next in store.

Australia's Next Top Model - The Winner?

I don't know about you, but I'm still in shock by last night's events at the Australia's Next Top Model finale!  For anyone who missed it, or lives internationally, here is what happened....The night started off with runway shows featuring gorgeous Mad Men 1960's inspired wear (which I think I need half those outfits), followed by shows featuring designers Alex Perry, J-Aton, and Elliot Ward-Fear.  This was followed by interviews with all three finalist along with the views of Alex Perry, Charlotte Dawson, Josh Flinn, Jez Smith, Priscilla (Priscilla's Model Management) and Claudia Navone (from Harper's Bazaar).  We sadly said goodbye to the third runner up Sophie, and we were left with our two finalists Kelsey Martinovich and Amanda Ware. They are both amazing models and it was honestly anyone's game as the close votes emphasized this.  As you would probably know, the final vote was in fact 100% left to the public.  The gorgeous Sarah Murdoch was fed through her ear piece that in fact Kelsey was Australia's Next Top Model.  Everyone cheered for her, her Harper's Bazaar cover got placed on the screen and she had even given an acceptance speech.... Until we see Sarah in shock and turn pale, stating "I'm feeling a bit sick about this. No. I'm so sorry about this. Oh my God. I don't know what to say. This was a complete accident.  It's Amanda, I'm so sorry. It was fed to me wrong. Oh God." And so we all witnessed one of the biggest fashion industry's mistakes/miscommunications, or was it in fact a controversy, was it intentional?  Did Sarah in fact know?  These questions have been circling the media both nationally and internationally.  But, whatever the case may be, I feel for Sarah and I think she did the best she could in the situation.  Alex Perry however spoke this morning on Sydney's 2day FM claiming that  "I would stake my life on it," that Sarah had nothing to do with it and it was not a publicity stunt.  I personally feel for both Kelsey and Amanda.  I think Amanda missed her victory moment and I feel even worse for Kelsey as she had the moment and it got taken from her.  Kelsey was such an amazing sport about the whole thing though.  Congratulations of course to Amanda who walked away with the cover and an eight page spread in Australia's Harper's Bazaar magazine, a modelling contract with Priscilla's Model Management, a campaign with the new Levis jeans, a Ford Fiesta Zetec car, $20,000 cash and a trip to New York to meet with Elite Model Management.  But.... there is now a second prize for Kelsey who also won $25,000 spending money as well as a ticket to New York!  And....that's not all, it was announced this morning by Harper's Bazaar's editor Edwina McCain that in fact they will also be featuring Kelsey on the cover of the November issue of Harper's Bazaar as a dual cover, where readers can choose who they want.  They also took into account Kelsey's unfortunate circumstance.  All in all, I think everyone was left happy and that's all that matters in the end, both girls have a bright modelling future ahead!  Here are a few pictures from the night as well as both girls Harper's Bazaar covers.  Which one will you buy?!

Amanda in Miu Miu of course on the cover of Harper's Bazaar November 2010

             Kelsey in gorgeous retro swimwear on the cover of Harper's Bazaar November 2010 (I love Spring/Summer's new trends!)

Kelsey, Sophie and Amanda with Sarah Murdoch

Kelsey, Sophie and Amanda on the runway in their Mad Men 1960s inspired clothing

Kelsey rocking complete Zimmermann!

Congratulations Amanda!

Amanda and Josh Flinn at the after party

Amanda, Sarah Murdoch and Kelsey (Kelsey rocking Zimmermann for the second time that night!)

Australia's Next Top Model Final Three!

Can you believe it's already the live finale of Australia's Next Top Model?! My last ANTM post was back at week 2 and since then, what an amazing season it has been.  I'm a huge Top Model follower, I've seen every season of Australia's Next Top Model, not to mention America's Next Top Model and New Zealand's version too, and this has been one of my favourite seasons ever.  Never have I seen a season that has produced such amazing top models, and where the competition is pretty much anyone's game.  I think that's why this year's final decision has been left to the public's vote.  Not only is it the first time it's 100% the public's vote, but viewers were stunned to hear that in fact it was left at a final three!  That's how good the final three models are, the judges can't decide!  Yes, from my previous posts I've had my favourites from the start.  I was sad to see Kathryn and Joanne leave but I'm so excited to see both Kelsey and Amanda in the final!  Kelsey Martinovich from NSW has been my favourite from the very start, there was just something about her!  She really does deserve to be there, okay she's shorter than the rest, but she can walk the runway and take some gorgeous shots.  Not to mention she did win the majority of competitions including the 'Impulse' advertisement, the 'U' advertisment too, and an array of others.  Her Harper's Bazaar shots were my favourite out of the three, they were exquisite, but by far my favourite photo shoot of her was the beauty shot where she just got her makeover, the one where Claudia gave her approval!  Amanda Ware from the Gold Coast, caught my eye in week 2 and since then I've watched her blossom into an amazing model both runway and editorial.  My favourite Amanda shot would have to be the swimwear and the Burberry one on the yacht!  What I love about Amanda is how the world is her runway.  When I saw her at Alex Perry's Rosemount Fashion Festival runway she was truly stunning.  And Sophie Van Den Akker.. from Barbie and 'Paris', to Ken (as Josh Flinn would say), to model material.  She is really the underdog of the competition.  I never thought I'd actually see her in the final three!  I felt so sorry for her when they cut her hair!  But since then she has embraced her inner model and like magic, has produced amazing shots.  I also saw her at Alex Perry's show and she can strut that runway!  Not since Alice, have I seen such model material girls in the final and it really is anyone's game!  Here's a look back at Kelsey, Amanda and Sophie!

Kelsey

Amanda

Sophie

(Images courtesy of Fox8 and Telstra)

Now it's your turn for you to be the judge!  I absolutely love this ANTM new advertisement, I just had to post it!  Every time I hear this song it just makes me want to put on some heels and walk a runway!  Don't forget to tune in Tuesday at 7:30pm on Fox8 for the live finale!!
Australia's Next Top Model New Final Three Advertisement - Click to View

Stay tuned for a very special post featuring Australia's Next Top Model mentor Josh Flinn!!

Alex Perry's Diva Accessories

Stunning gowns by Alex Perry? Check... Alex Perry Diva accessories to compliment?  Check...  Yes, my fellow fashionistas, you heard me correctly Diva accessories by Alex Perry!  The first of four Alex Perry ranges is set to hit Diva stores this September, dazzling the stores with stunning, feminine and gorgeous, bangles, necklaces, earrings, rings, and corsages.  A collection entailing pearls, pastels, tulle, lace, diamantes, embellishments, feathers and a signature butterfly motif.  Alex Perry commented on the collections claiming that he "Wanted feminine and pretty with an edge of contemporary glamour and the fresh, sexy design that Diva is followed for. "The idea is to bring clothes to life with beautiful butterflies and pretty strings of beads that drape and adorn any gorgeous gown."  I cannot wait to see the collections hit the stores, but in the meantime here is a sneak peek featuring model Juliana Forge! 

Just wanted to take the chance to thank all my loyal and fashionable 'The Lilac Mannequin' followers.   Thank you so much for your support!  If you aren't already a listed follower, please join as I'd love to know who my mystery followers are!  If you have any requests regarding what is featured on my blog or just general feedback, please feel free to contact me either via my Email, Facebook, Twitter, or drop me a comment under one of my posts, I'd love your feedback!

Australia's Next Top Model Cycle 6

Australia's Next Top Model...One of my favourite shows, although I'm still trying to recover from the departure of the one and only Jonathan Pease from the show!  However, luckily his replacement is Josh Flinn, who is in fact an ex FBI Fashion College student!  And so this year's models were thrown well, straight in the deep end.  Models participated in Harper's Bazaar's runway show at Rosemount Australia Fashion Week 2010!  At the time of RAFW, I thought it was the walk off finale (as seen in previous seasons), but no it was in fact their debut to the fashion world.. and what a debut!  Models were dressed by the amazing Claudia Navone in outfits by Dion Lee, Willow and even Collette Dinnigan!  Some models didn't make the cut to participate in the show, whilst others made it evident that there was tough competition this season! The show definitely distinguished the models from the wannabes.  Models were given a second chance at an amazing 1960's Mad Men inspired photo shoot.  From 16 finalist a crazy 5 were eliminated from our amazing judging panel.. Sarah Murdoch, Alex Perry, Charlotte Dawson, new comer photographer Jez Smith and guest judge Priscilla from Priscillas Model Management.  Episode two spun the competition up-side-down, where models were tested on their, personality.  This is when things got interesting..clearly!  The photo shoot was an edgy denim shoot leaving many models to overcome their fear of heights!  The judging panel was joined by guest judge, Bettina Liano!!!!  And Megan was eliminated.  I got a feeling episode three is going to be interesting with makeovers!  

And so who do I think has what it takes?  I have a few favourites already, of course!  This year is very tight, finally I see some models in the making!

       Kelsey - Although the shortest model out of the bunch, there's just something about her!

Joanne - Tall and thin?..Check, Takes an amazing shot?..Check, Can walk the runway?..Check, Personality and well spoken?.. Check, A healthy 'model diet'?.. Check, Fashion conscious?  Fashion forward? (which most models lack!)..Check.... A serious competitor and does she have what it takes?  Most definitely.  

Amanda - This week she hit my radar, she has amazing potential!  I'm curious to see how she progresses.

Chantel - She's another one of my favourites, I'd like to see what makeover they have in stall for her.

Ashton and Jessica - I'm not very fond of their looks.  Ashton has that total tough look and Jessica, well you either like her look or you don't and we really don't need another Louise Van De Vorst. 

Sophie and Kimberly- The 'Barbie' and the 'Bogan'.  At first I liked Sophie until the 'Paris' in her came out. And she's cutting her hair? And Kimberly, I'm not going to say anything bad about the Bogan because last year's Cassie was the only one to hit the runways at Melbourne Fashion week and Rosemount Fashion Week.  Although I don't think she's anything like Cassie. 

Kathryn and Brittney - The two quiet ones... Let's see where the next few weeks take them, especially Kathryn!

Day 2 of RAFW 2010 Continued

Finally I've had the chance to post on my blog after the two most amazing days at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week!  It was an experience I will never forget and I cannot wait to tell you all about it, especially the Romance was Born show!  But first I thought I should return to day two and catch you up from where we last left.  Day two, part two, saw the light of one of the most highly anticipated shows of the week.  That's right the collection by the one and only Alex Perry!  Alex Perry has done it again, the Arabian Princess collection was 'expensive' in classic Alex Perry sophisticated style.  Models strutted down a never ending runway at Fox Studios, in the presence of some of Australia's high fashion elite with a guest list of over 1000!  The collection consisted of cute cocktail dresses, tailored numbers and gorgeous, glamorous red carpet gowns.  All contained exquisite detailing, lace, silks, sequins, feathers and tulle.  It entailed a luxurious yet fashion forward (right on trend) colour pallet including, nude, gold, lilac, black, touches of white and a few prints. It was one of my favourite Alex Perry collections and loving the hair and makeup by Napoleon Perdis and Renya Xydis!

Two other stand out collections of the day included Nicola Finetti and Ellery.

Nicola Finetti... Gold! It's all about little gold dress!  I am absolutely loving this collection it's, classic and elegant.  I am obsessed with the first half of his collection 'the gold part.'  Here Nicola Finetti experiments with the little gold dress using various pastels, materials and emphasizes ruffles.  The second part of his collection takes a new tone where he uses the colours white and black and experiments with new shapes. 

Ellery... I didn't know what to expect from Kym Ellery's collection.  I found it really fascinating!  A mixture of texture, leather, embellishments and feathers.  The collection reminded me of arriving to a new land with a mixture of earthy colours and as the collection progressed it's as though we arrived at a dark place with the use of black only.  The super-wide leg trousers intrigued me!

That's a wrap for day 2 of Rosemount Fashion Week, it was truly an amazing day, but let me just say that on day 3 it just keeps getting better!  Stay tuned for a complete recap of day 3 and day 4 and my experiences straight from the runway!