Dolce and Gabbana Fall 2011 Collection

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2011

Dolce & Gabbana's Fall 2011 collection was all about ultra femininity vs masculinity. There were Dolce & Gabbana's signature, figure hugging, corset style dresses. Sexy dresses with ruching and draping detail. Star motifs were printed throughout on garments as were musical notes and staves. Masculine looks included a cropped jumper teamed with braces, tie, and white shirt. Pork pie hats were tilted back on models heads. There were peg style pants, masculine, boxy vests, leggings, wide legged pants, and Natasha Poly rocked a sequined, tux suit complete with rockabilly quiff. Feminine garments had a Bridget Bardot fell to them. Black lace tops paired with black lace skirts, complete with nude underlay had a sexy yet innocent insouciance about them. High waisted, body con, skirts were worn with pussycat bow, blouses. Domenico and Stefano sent out billowing, chiffon, sheaths in bright shades of aqua and peach.

Animal prints featured in the collection included tiger, zebra and snow leopard but the main colour palette consisted of black and white. Covetable handbags included zebra clutches, sequin doctor bags, white clutch complete with musical note motif, bum bag style, mini satchel and a mini, pink, purse clipped onto a belt. Brogues were teamed with all things masculine and they came in a variety of prints such as aqua blue polka dot. Heels for the feminine look came in shades of pale pink, mint and mustard. White pumps were paired with black socks. Oversized star earrings dangled from models ears.

So whether your style is tough boy meets girl androgyny or ultra feminine this collection will appeal to a large portion of the fashion savvy.

Isabel Marant Fall 2011 RTW

Isabel Marant Fall 2011 RTW

I really loved how wearable this collection was. When Isabel Marant said she "makes real clothes for women", she's so right.

These were clothes that could easily fit into the wardrobe of an effortlessly chic Parisian.

Models shimmied down the runway as the the track "I Want Candy" pumped throughout the room.

The collection had a strong nod towards Native America's Navajo tribe and pants featured Navajo motifs on models thighs.

There was fringing aplenty and there is no doubt that the suede, fringed, wedge heel, boots will gain cult status like previous Isabel Marant footwear. I say get your name on that waiting list now girls!

The collection featured oversized, shearling collars on aviator style parkas. Body con, bandage style, mini dresses in grey marle and black. Knitted, boatneck, mini dresses popped in shades of cobalt blue, bottle green and navy.

Cable knit dresses made a regular appearance, often adorned with Navajo detailing, this gave garments a western twist.

Wool,charcoal, masculine vests were teamed with knitted leggings, tucked into suede,fringed boots. Patchwork denim jeans with denim ranging from indigo to bleached popped up frequently. There were loose, hipster, chiffon, printed, flowing, mini skirts. Streamlined and structured white tuxedo jackets provided a more sleek silhouette. Oversized, graphic tees, anoraks, lace up capes, turtle neck, ribbed ponchos all had a free spirited, hippy aesthetic.

Long, fringed, leather necklaces made a strong statement on the runway. Feather earrings and crochet, bib necklaces were key jewellery pieces.

Models hair was tousled and dishevelled. This look can be achieved by placing large heated rollers in the hair for 5 minutes, for body. Once removed, rake fingers through hair for that natural "undone" look. Makeup was minimal. Skin was dewy, radiating health. Lips were a soft pink/ nude. Cheeks had a rosy, bronze, glow.

M.O.D (Model Off Duty)

M.O.D (Model Off Duty)

This is a term Alexander Wang came up with. He always loves to draw inspiration from models on the street for his collections. They are his muses, he really admires their style. A lot of models have a natural flair for piecing together amazing outfits with very little effort involved. They are among the first to start trends as they witness collections first hand. Many people think when a model does a photoshoot they get to keep the clothes, this just simply isn't the case, unless you're Kate Moss and even then it might only be one garment. On the runway occasionally designers give freebies but this works to the designers advantage as they get a model advertising their clothes and accessories for free. But hey, if you're given a Chanel 2.55 who would be complaining!

To dress like a model here is a list of the wardrobe staples and remember there is nothing wrong with mixing designer pieces with the high street or vintage. This will make your look eclectic and differ you from the crowd.Don't forget the right accessories can add a whole new dimension to an outfit.

JACKETS:

*Fur looks amazing and automatically dresses up an outfit

*Leather looks sleek, sexy and toughens up a look, go for biker styles

*Structured looks polished and minimalistic

*Boyfriend for alternate, grunge chic and masculinity

*Trench for a classic that will never date

*Denim works well with everything and is good for casual wear

PANTS:

*Jeans, because who could live without them? Pick styles that work with your body shape.Just because skinnies are in doesn't mean you must embrace this trend

*Tailored, perfect for work or after hours.You won't have to worry about feeling under dressed .

*Leather, great for the rock star look.I love wearing them when I'm singing on stage.

*Man style, many designers are making more roomy styles which look great paired with structured blazers

*Skinny, because if you've got it, flaunt it!These look great with everything and anything.

SKIRTS / SHORTS:

*Minis, show off toned pins, experiment with different prints and textures, looser styles are more flattering on thighs

*Denim shorts are a major summer staple, carry on through to winter by pairing with opaques or sheer stockings

*Maxis give a strong bohemian feel and evoke memories of summer

*High waisted structured shorts teamed with a blazer is the new take on the suit

DRESSES:

*Body con because every model has one of these in her wardrobe,love Herve Leger

*Balmainesque for partying, look for strong shoulders, micro mini lengths

*Strapless looks sexy with decolletage on display

*Floral looks fresh and youthful

*Maxis are free spirited and flowy, always team with sandals

*Cotton tank dress layered with a vest and scarf

TOPS:

*Bustiers to add va va voom, also look great under a jacket

*Camisoles look soft and the underwear as outerwear trend is not going away anytime soon

*TEES a models fave, look for original prints, slogans, oversized, henley, tank, you name it! Be prepared to pay more for embellished tees, you won't regret it.

*Chiffon blouses, personally I love Equipment, check out Lily Donaldson in the latest campaign donning a snakeskin print blouse.

ACCESSORIES:

I have included a selection of my rings in the photo at the top.As you can tell I adore chunky, knuckle duster rings and finger armour. Brands include; Erin Wasson Low Luv, Soixante Neuf, Family Jewels, Samantha Wills, Mezi and Ebay.

Other accessories to covet:

*Chunky and skinny scarves always add to an outfit

*Wayfarers/Aviators/Oversized sunglasses wear accordingly to suit your mood

*Man style watches look great with everything from a suit to cocktail wear, look to Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs

*Carry all, models have a large bag so they can fit their portfolio in it, exotic leathers such as python are a good neutral print. I dream of owning a Mulberry bag.

*Clutches for night time

*Boots- ankle styles work well with skirts, shorts, dresses and pants

Under the knee- looks great tucked into fitted jeans

Thigh- have to be confident to pull these off, best for the young, look to high end designers otherwise the boot will look cheap, avoid patent

Mid Calf- A tricky length to wear, best for long legs as the height of the boot shortens the leg

*Stilettos- Every woman needs a sexy, empowering pair of heels.

*Sandals- a definite model staple. When a model is working she spends so much time standing in heels.When off duty she wants to feel comfortable and be able to run around as easily as possible to castings. Models always keep a pair of heels in their handbags in case a client wants to see them walk in heels.

*Ballet flats are a stylish alternative and great for the cooler months

*Jewellery, my ultimate fave! Look for individual pieces. I adore American Indian Navajo handmade jewellery. Just bought a gorgeous, genuine, turquoise ring off Ebay, so stunning. Pile on bracelets, cuffs, layer necklaces, chokers in sterling silver from Sass & Bide. Wear bold, attention grabbing rings, cocktail, knuckle duster and finger armour. I tend to favour large, ornamental earrings as I wear a lot of clothes with a boho/ rock chic aesthetic.

*Hats- Beanies, fedoras, trilby, large, felt floppy hats. Great if you haven't had time to wash your hair. Adds an edge to an outfit

*Belts- skinny, wide, waist cinchers, studded, suede, animal print, calf hair, whatever takes your liking

I have included images of models on the street and backstage at the Fall 2011 collections. I think Karmen Pedaru has amazing style. Whether she's rocking a fur chubby and leather pants with a simple oversized tee or wearing a tailored blazer with denim shorts she always looks like a supermodel on and off the catwalk.

Balmain Fall 2011

Balmain Fall 2011

This collection had a 70s, disco theme to it. It was relaxed, undone glamour at it's best and a mirror ball definitely wouldn't have looked out of place.

Slashed tees, man style blazers and embellished, mirror mosaic, mini dresses were key pieces in the collection.

Some embroided jackets had a real Isabel Marant feel to them. Suits featured heavily, one button blazers with plenty of flesh on display and cuffed 3/4 boyfriend pants were tucked into mid calf, lace up boots in shades of black, navy, white and silver.

There were fur capelets and epaulets on singlets. Peak shoulders still had a place on the runway but this time they weren't as exaggerated as previous seasons. There were splashes of glomesh, satin and lame. Skinny belts hugged models hips. Jumpsuits were prevalent with plunging necklines, Kasia Struss wore a crystal embellished one, new territory for Mr Decarnin. White skinnies tucked in white boots were also a new combination.

Even with all the glitz and glamour the collection still remained effortlessly chic.

Burberry Prorsum Spring / Summer 2011 Biker Chic

Burberry Prorsum Spring /Summer 2011

It's time to release your inner bike chick. This Spring / Summer 2011 saw Burberry draw inspiration from motor cross riders.

There were plenty of cropped, leather jackets on display in black, futuristic, metallic silver, white, lime green and neutral beige, rocking quilted, reinforced shoulders, perfect for a day at the track. Studs adorned trenches, Mr Bailey's take on Burberry's staple trench. These tough, luxe, jackets worked ever so well with super sexy, mini, cocktail dresses, with lots of leopard print in hues of purple, blue and citrus green.

Leather motor cross style leggings with reinforced knee pads looked sleek teamed with structured jackets, often drawn in with snakeskin, double buckle, waist cinchers.

Floaty, silk tiered, feminine dresses with raw hemlines, grazed models thighs. Zippers featured heavily on jackets, skinny pants, leggings and clutches.

This collection will appeal particularly to young women. On my ultimate wish list; python trench, leopard t-bar cocktail dress, and leather leggings. Oh if only I could afford such sheer luxury.

Accessories included patent leather shoulder bags in orange, black, and aqua. Clutches in aqua, mint, mustard yellow and snakeskin. Killer heels in croc and patent leather with pointy toes and stiletto heels. Better have good balance and co ordination as these 8 inch heels were reed thin.

I was never much of a Burberry fan but ever since Mr Christopher Bailey was appointed house designer I have loved his creative visions. He has injected youth into the house and put a fashion forward spin on all his collections.

Miranda Kerr and Me 2002

Miranda Kerr and Me

As I was cleaning out some of my many magazines from my modelling jobs, I came across this Impulse deodorant advertisement that I did with Miranda Kerr in 2002. At the time I was 18 and Miranda was 19.

I remember how she drove me to Moore Park netball courts in her little Ford Festiva.

Looking back it is quite funny to think I had to pretend that Miranda had bad B.O. and was in desperate need of deodorant!(as if!!! haha)

The interesting thing is, that when the advertisement was published in Dolly magazine Orlando Bloom was on the front cover. I'm sure at the time, in Miranda's wildest dreams, she never thought she would end up married and have a baby to Orlando Bloom.

On the day of the shoot I remember Miranda being a very friendly and down to earth person.

For all you doubters or non believers I have attached a profile photo of Miranda when she was pregnant. She hasn't aged one bit since 2002.

Givenchy Spring / Summer 2011

Givenchy Spring / Summer 2011

Riccardo Tisci has continued his love affair with the goth aesthetic. This collection was dramatic, dark, and edgy.

Long, sheer lengths and layering made a strong impact on the catwalk. There were structured blazers and vests featuring zipper detail in cross patterns, small and large leopard prints on chiffon, flowing, maxi skirts, often teamed with mini skirts and micro shorts underneath.

Other garments included leather vests, ruffled bibs, tulle camis, button up sleeveless blouses, chiffon capes and fitted, black, hipster flares.

Covetable accessories included minaudieres in snakeskin, leopard satchels, hobos, neutral, snake, envelope clutches, shoulder mini bags, T bar, platform sandals, heels in tortoiseshell and peep toe, ankle, platform boots.

Natasha Poly opened the show with newly coloured, dark chocolate locks. Hair was styled with a centre part, tresses teased out above the shoulders into two plaits on the ends. Eye makeup was kept to a bare minimum and lips were the focal point with crimson, matte lipstick on show.

Plenty of pieces on offer to work back easily into the everyday wardrobe.