Dion Lee 'Line II' Lookbook

I recently received a surprise package from Dion Lee..The Line II Lookbook.  This was no ordinary lookbook, but a true masterpiece!  Dion Lee joined forces with photographer Bec Parsons to create the unique lookbook featuring Dion's new Line II collection.  Line II is a standalone collection and is quite simplistic in comparison to Dion's mainline collection.  The collection emphasizes minimalism with classic cuts and a neutral colour palette for the perfect wardrobe essentials.  However, Dion's signatory architectural design aesthetic is still quite prominent throughout the collection.  The Spring 2011 collection consists of "15 styles, across shirts and dresses.  Fabrications are limited to silks; georgette, double georgette and faille, and cottons; poplin, voile and silk cotton."   The first collection has just hit stores.

'The Row' Handbag Launch

Fashion icons Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are truly unstoppable!  It was only a month ago the girls launched StyleMint.com and now they welcome a new addition to their empire..The Row handbag collection!  The girls launched the nine bag collection at Barneys New York, where the collection will be available as of August.  The bags are simple, classic and sophisticated, made from luxurious materials including python and alligator.  Prices range from approximately $4,700 to $39,000!  Yes a $39,000 crocodile backpack with orders already!...the Olsen version of a Birkin bag perhaps?  I love that the bags are timeless investment pieces, that really do last a lifetime and as Mary-Kate explained “We didn’t want too much branding, we didn’t want an It bag.”  Aside from the bags, Mary-Kate and Ashley both looked amazing in The Row!  Both outfits were completely flawless..classic, yet quite fresh with dashes of colour, complement with their 'The Row' bags.  What will the girls do next?!

Round 3 of Nokia and Elle's Search for the Next Style Correspondent!

As some of you may have heard, I've made it through to round three of Nokia and Elle Magazine's Search for the Next Style Correspondent... And I'm still in shock! From 500 applicants in round 2, the competition has dropped to the final 50!  The final 50 (including myself) have been frantically working on a style portfolio, which will determine the top eight who will be flown to New York Fashion Week in September!  Adding to the excitement of round 3, I was sent an amazing package which included the Nokia Pink N8 phone, a style correspondent tote bag and book, as well as a copy of Elle Magazine US!  So far we have been informed that blogger extraordinaire Bryan Boy and Zephyr Basine of CollegeFashion.net are a part of the judging panel... exciting!  I'll be posting the link for my style portfolio in the coming weeks but in the meantime I'd love your help.. attending New York Fashion Week and working with Elle Magazine is a dream of mine and you can help me live my dream by voting.  All you have to do is press the 'LIKE' link to the right side of my page, or alternatively you can visit Nokia's Facebook page and vote there!  

For more details see: http://thelilacmannequin.blogspot.com/2011/06/vote-for-me-elle-and-nokias-next-style.html

LOVE YOUR STYLE: Olivia Palermo at Fashion Week Couture Fall 2011

Love her or loathe her, there is no denying that Olivia Palermo has impeccable style.  Therefore, I just couldn't resist posting the flawless outfits Olivia wore whilst in attendance at Paris Fashion Week Couture Fall 2011 this past week.  And speaking of Olivia Palermo, rumour has it, that she intends on starting a fashion blog!  Whilst the rumour is yet to be confirmed, I can only imagine how amazing Olivia's fashion blog will be.

Olivia wearing a Topshop dress, Giuseppe Zanotti heels and a Charlotte Olympia clutch

Olivia wearing a Zara dress, Charlotte Olympia heels and a Lulu Frost necklace

Olivia wearing Valentino and Charlotte Olympia heels

Olivia wearing Valentino

Olivia wearing Armani and Cesare Paciotti heels

Stay tuned for exciting news!

Bespoke PR Showroom: Spring/Summer 2011/12 Collections

I recently visited Bespoke Public Relations and viewed their amazing new Spring/Summer 2011/12 collections.  Bespoke PR was founded in 2008 and is currently home to designers including Paper Skye (as seen during Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 2011), Carmen Steffens, Antoine Stanley, Stillier, Sanna, Mister Zimi, Martha Rey, Venice (as seen in the Karla Spetic show), House of Iluka and Miijo.com.  It was lovely meeting the girls from Bespoke PR and visiting their exquisite showroom.  Here is a peek at some of the new collections.

Sanna

Mister Zimi

Stillier

Carmen Steffens

Antoine Stanley

Paper Skye

VOTE FOR ME: Elle Magazine and Nokia's Next Style Correspondent!

I'm a huge believer in following your dreams and now I've been given the opportunity to follow one of my dreams... attending New York Fashion Week!  A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted and told about an amazing opportunity that I couldn't let pass me by.  Thanks to the launch of the new Nokia N8 Pink phone, Nokia and Elle magazine have joined forces to give one fashion fanatic the chance of a lifetime.  The competition has three rounds... Round one - submit a stylish photo..Round two - submit 250 words as to "What would make you the Next Style Correspondent".. and round three -  create a styling portfolio with the help of your Nokia N8.  Then eight finalists will be flown to New York during fashion week and will be given a series of assignments which include attending events and shows, interviewing and blogging.  The eight finalists will battle it out for the ultimate prize, a spread in Elle magazine!.. So we're talking New York Fashion Week as in, Oscar de la Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs oh and Rachel Zoe!...And ELLE Magazine, as in one of the most amazing magazines as seen in season 2 of The City with Olivia Palermo!  I'm not the type to enter competitions, but does it get much better than this?!
So I decided to give it a go and entered the competition.  With a little help from a few friends of mine (I promised them they would model for my blog one day), I've made it through to round two of the competition!  Now I need a little help.  The competition is based around your submission, but votes can help, which is why I've turned to my amazing followers!  If you think I have what it takes to be Elle and Nokia's Next Style Correspondent all you have to do is follow the LINK and press 'like'!  If I make it through to round three my styling portfolio will be posted right here for all to see, and if I make it through to the final, you'll see it all here, straight from New York Fashion Week!  I'd love your help!  Be sure to spread the word..Thanks!
http://facebookapps.nokia.com/stylecorrespondent/blog/468

http://facebookapps.nokia.com/stylecorrespondent/blog/468

Carly Paiker Jewellery

During Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 2011 I was invited to preview two amazing S/S 2011/12 collections at the Presentation Suites at the Westin Sydney... Carly Paiker Jewellery and Amore and Sorvete.  It was lovely meeting Carly Paiker, the designer behind the exquisite jewellery line, 'Carly Paiker Jewellery.'  It's always amazing to meet a designer and see their passion, dedication and inspiration for their collection.  Carly's S/S 2011/12 collection is one of my personal favourites, possibly because of her use of lilac!  The collection is feminine, fresh and fun, and is inspired by the endless days and summer..."Be free of yesterday and embraced the possibilities of Summer with confidence and the freedom to be yourself..."  What makes Carly's collection unique is her signatory use of leather, combined with exquisite little charms, stones and crystals.  Carly has the ability to make leather look so pretty and delicate!  And as for my personal favourites...? the lilac leather cuffs, the amazing lilac and white statement rings and the lilac and silver delicate necklaces with unique patterns and wording.  Carly Paiker Jewellery is definitely one to watch due to her unique design aesthetic and especially after her pieces were featured in the Miss Unkon show at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 2011!  Carly's pieces are available online and boutiques across Australia.  For more information on Carly Paiker Jewellery and to view more of her collection visit http://carlypaiker.com.au/site/
Here is a sneak peek at some images I took of Carly's S/S 2011/12 collection! 

 

Carly Paiker

Stay tuned for Amore and Sorvete Swimwear!