Paper Skye by Kirsten Shadbolt

When I first saw Paper Skye's editorial/catalogue image from the Styleaid website I was first intrigued by the use of the model (Pip Bingham), then a feather backdrop and of course the dresses. They are simple. Usually, I'm curious about simple designs because I know too well that it's not easy to make striking images with simple things specially in light colours. In this case, pale pastel blue and off white.

What can I say? My curiosity was s blessing in this case. I was blown away by the beauty of Kirsten Shadbolt, the creator of Paper Skye, and her quiet charm.

I was very surprised to find out that she is only in her early 20s. Her sophisticated demeanour said something else. She looks and sounds a lot more mature than her age. Her response to my comment was simply that she had to attend a boarding school at the tender age of 12 far away from her parents. Hmm I think there's more to it then just that but I'm not the one to argue about finer (maybe pointless) points.

Back to Paper Skye, Paper doll inspired designs she created as part of her study at Central TAFE was the start of Paper Skye. Why Skye? If she were to have a little girl her name would be Skye. That's how she always thought she would do so having a label named Skye is rather appropriate I think. She has been planning on launching the label sometime this year but lots of things happened - Styleaid for one. She must have been one of many applicants - There are only six in the emerging designers' category. This is what she said about the whole experience.

I'm fortunate enough to know Teagan Sewell and she kept me informed of the event all throughout. I put together a my pack with a media kit. From there, I got through to the interview. As part of the pack, I had to present five pieces of garments. At the interview, I was quite nervous. I didn't know who I was up against and also because it was really important to me. I always wanted to be part of styleaid. It was quite intimidating but I got through it. I feel very honoured to be part of this experience.

She is busy getting production together having quite a few orders to fill for namely FashionWA.com.

My question to this young emerging designer is then - where to from here?

I would like to grow my business. I'm busy with current production but I would like to look beyond with the help of my mentors and support around me. I'm teaching at Central TAFE at the moment but hopefully, one day, my business (fashion and textile design) can be self sustainable.

Paper Skye is romantic and poetic. I can't wait to see the whole collection on the stage all nicely styled. It's on tonight. I'm about to pack my bag and head off to Styleaid 2009. If you're going to be there then I'll see you. If you're not then you will have to wait for my full report, won't you?

Mandi Mac by Amanda McKenna

So are you all ready for Styleaid?

Yeah, except for some last minute touches.

Then you'll be delivering stuff tomorrow to WA AIDS council?

No, we are taking them in person because there's this umbrella.

Is that because they are delicate?

No it's just ridiculous big!

This is how my little chat with Amanda McKenna (Mandi Mac) went on. Nicely sized and positioned granny flat off her home is used as Mandi Mac's studio in Menora, suburb that is very close to the city but not that well known - consider it as a hidden treasure with old charming houses.

I first came across Mandi Mac at Fremantle High Street Collective in 2008. I then found out that she dressed a best man (actually a girl) for my friend's wedding. Confusing? Well fear not. It all made sense when I met her. With her cracking personality it's not strange for Mandi Mac to design a suit to dress a girl who's been named as a best man. :)

Are you then doing different things for PFF then? Not completely but we will add fresh pieces for Perth Fashion Festival. It's for us as well for others. We want to keep things fresh. And also we don't do wholesales as we have two shops so we can do different things as we feel like.

So how's Hustle and Libertine arranged and how's the business? It's co-owned by three of us - Mandi Mac, Linpin and Cocoon. Mt Lawley (where Libertine is) is more out there more experimental. Whereas, Fremantle (Hustle) is less so.

Mandi Mac? It's co-owned by three of us - Mandi Mac, Linpin and Cocoon. Mt Lawley (where Libertine is) is more out there more experimental. Whereas, Fremantle (Hustle) is less so.

Mandi Mac how did it all start?

Started late, went to uni and did a couple of degrees.

Couple?

Anthropology and sociology, minor in media. Then I studied part-time at Freo Tafe (Challenge TAFE). And then entered a couple of competitions and did really well so I went full time study at Bently (Swan TAFE). Started my label in my second year and started wholesale in Perth. In the third year, I took my collection to Melbourne Fashion Week and got an agent. Then from there....

When was it then?

2006 no.. 2005

How do you describe your style? Why do people love mandi mac?

Most of stuff comes out of from here has hand worked elements. All of them we’ve touched in some ways. All the tucks in dresses they are done ourselves (Joe and Amanda). There’s always hand crafted feel to it.

Do you think that’s the main attraction?

Ah we also do very small runs. Just to keep it fresh for us and keep the momentum for us. I like doing 5-10 and move onto next thing then move onto next thing.

So you don’t have big collections happening once or twice year then?

Yep, keep injecting new things all through. For fashion festivals, I do more experimental pieces which I love doing. A little break from retail work.

But how you study anthropology and change it into fashion?

In a way, anthropology helped in this industry. Also, while I loved being academic I also loved working with my hands more. I love my tools. Dying fabric etc.

We then somehow got onto talking about her other half. Mandi hates calling him husband so we settled on ‘partner’.

So you have a partner? I’m not assuming anything here.

I love you said that. Yes, I do have a partner. He is a lawyer.

Do you dress him in a Mandi Mac kind of way sometimes?

No, he is fine by himself actually. He does it quite well. The only reason he got a date from me was because he was wearing Dr. Martens. And the second date, he picked me up after work.. he was wearing cufflinks... he’s a bit left a field. Other lawyers don’t understand him. People don’t get it... Nah, he’s cool. Are you with someone?

I’m married.

You don’t look like you’re married to someone!

I’ve been married to my husband for 12 years! So, I know a thing or two about being with someone. Changing each other.. improving..

Growing!

Yes, Growing. He obviously supports you.

Yes, he does very much. He is the person who makes me a cuppa when I'm working at night.

How is it financially for you at the moment?

Self sustaining. There’s no point comparing with other WA’s big labels as we are doing well. And, I don’t want to leave Perth at all. I also have renovations to the house to do. I hate Melbourne weather.

I think you found your niche market here anyway. It’s only going to grow.

Exactly, I think it’s the long term sustainability of the business that is more important. Also going back to why people like Mandi Mac. – They are collectors’ pieces rather than trend based pieces and that’s how I want to keep it. A couple of times West Australian called them ‘must have’s but that’s how they called it at the time.

Well I can’t wait for the show on Friday.

Yeah, I'm quite excited. It's like Christmas for fashion crowd!

We digressed, we laughed and had a good time. No doubt you will be seeing more of Mandi Mac in this space because we need that dose of Mandi Mac happiness (as often as possible).

Flannel by Kristy Lawrence

When I stepped into the Flannel boutique on Angelo Street I was simply trying my luck hoping to see Kristy Lawrence before the Styleaid Parade this Friday. As luck would have it, Brook, Kristy's sister was happy to call her up to just announce that I'll be popping in for a wee interview at her house. Talk about a last minute arrangement! What takes a PR company days to get back to me (I'm still patiently waiting for other designer interviews) only took me 5 minutes to organise it. Why didn't I think of that before?

Kristy's home - true Flannel style

When I arrived at Kristy's home, winter sun was pouring warm light into the gorgeous open space. All doors and windows were open and it felt like we were at a resort in the Pacific.

The aim of this last minute arrangement was to see what she was showcasing at styleaid 2009 but I got more than I bargained for. This is how I got to interview Kristy Lawrence, winner of the New Generation Designer award at Rosemount Australia Fashion Week Summer 2009.

SD: Thank you for seeing me at such a short notice. I hear that you're going to LA right after StyleAid. Boy, I'm so lucky to catch you today.

Kristy Lawrence: (smile) Yes, I'm flying to LA then onto New York to look at who can represent Flannel and looking at PR and Marketing in the US. In the UK, Harvey Nichols and Harrods will be stocking Flannel.

SD: That came about after the New Generation Designer Award? It must have been a crazy time for you and your team.

Kristy Lawrence: It's been crazy. The thing is that no one knew there was going to be even an award. It wasn't until the very end.. Half way on the catwalk the organiser said to me 'Are you ready for the surprise of your life time?' It was announced just at the end with a group of media.

The last I remember at the time was 'Are you ready for the ride to begin?'. It's been a quite a ride since then. Flannel has been going strong but after the fashion week (the award) the wholesale increased by 800% which is incredible considering the economic situation.

SD: Let's take a step back a little. How did it all come about? What is Flannel?

Kristy Lawrence: I started Empire Rose 13 - 14 years ago.

SD: (Gasp) Really, I did NOT know that. OMG.

Kristy Lawrence: I didn't feel the need to leverage that. I decided to do what I believe in, the way we should dress with Australian life style -mix of luxury elegance and casual feel. I sold Empire Rose a few years ago to a business partner and started Flannel as a life style label two and half years ago but kept my design influence at Empire Rose by doing a leisure wear range. Until recently, we've been selling Flannel to life style store (not to fashion stores). It never was just about fashion. It has been about Australian life style.

SD: What happened then?

Kristy Lawrence: It was the grant that we were given to participate in the fashion week (Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in May 2009). I didn't think much of it then. I thought to myself, 'Okay, I'll do this fashion week'. I had a clear direction as to where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do with Flannel. After the fashion week however, Flannel is propelling into a new phase.

SD: Do you pinch yourself now?

Kristy Lawrence: I don't even have time to pinch myself. I'm very excited and grateful but I'm still looking at a bigger picture and the direction of Flannel. That said, I still want to sit down and design. Keep the concept true to the original idea of Flannel. The good thing is that while we are going international it's not just 'work' for me. It's a bit more like hobby. With three small children it's difficult to manage if it was just about 'work'.

SD: You say it's not just work but how do you manage all that and raise small children?

Kristy Lawrence: I have a fantastic team in house. My husband takes care of the business side and I manage the creative side. Of course, I have sisters managing sales, distribution and I have a great production manager. Not only we have a great team but also we have great people working for us with good processes in order to grow the business behind the scenes.

SD: What do you think is the attraction of Flannel then?

Kristy Lawrence: In the begining, the hardest thing was getting my staff and people to understand what Flannel was about. It's that fine line between what you wear to bed and what you wear out. It's been about educating people that they can wear Flannel out and it is very cool. It's that simple layering. Now, people are getting it. Australian standard cuts and sizes for women are very outdated, whereas, Flannel has been sized differently based on real girls - trying with girls - tried and true sizes.

SD: What's next for you?

Kristy Lawrence: We are looking at another couple of stores (Flannel currently has three stores - South Perth, Cottesloe, and Woollahra) next year. Cottesloe (beach suburb) has been unbelievable for us. It's where I live, what I know and understand. We will definately have a store in Claremont Quarter and also looking at a few other places. The space we are after will have to have a vintage, organic and natural feel - mixing old and new.

SD: Finally, knowing how crazily busy you are you could have said 'no' to Styleaid.

Kristy Lawrence: Aly May (from Dept of culture and the arts, working very closely with WA AIDS Council on Styleaid) has really made it for us. After all, she encouraged us to apply for the grant to the Fashion Week which enabled us to go international. Even if it wasn't for Aly I do believe in Styleaid and its cause so I wouldn't have said 'No' to it anyway.

SD: Well that's styleaid and you're all ready for it but how about Perth Fashion Week? Are you ready for that as well?

Kristy Lawrence: Not yet!

SD: But you are going to be mostly away?! (laugh)

Kristy Lawrence: Well, I do have a great team. (laugh)

Oscar, Kristy's son, with a cold, was not in a mood for having photos taken. :)

Styleaid 2009 Preview - Love in Tokyo's Sheree Dornan

I feel sort of guilty showing you just a little bit of what I saw and heard while I was talking to Sheree at her studio today. A little chat I had with Sheree Dornan, the owner of Love in Tokyo deserves much more than just a quick post. So here I promise you to deliver much more very soon - her creative space and interesting stories. What I give you tonight however is another sneak preview of what Sheree is showcasing at Styleaid this Friday.

While student designers will be showing WOW (White on white), other designers will be doing their own thing. What will we see from Love in Tokyo then? Signature style - shimmery silk goodness with right mount of tasteful bling. Does it sum up her designs? Not quite. You have to really see, touch and feel them to appreciate all that is Love in Tokyo or Sheree Dornan collection. What I really like about her timeless, elegant and pretty dresses is the design's gentle kindness towards real women's curves. We girls want to be elegant no matter the size. Sheree's design does give us that and her loyal customers know it too well I think.

From what I gather there will be another couple of dresses at the show which aren't shown here. I'll save that for the show, shall I?

I created an set Love in Tokyo by Sheree Dornan in Style Discovery flickr account so I'll be adding more photos soon.

Made On The Left market day

It has been so wet and cold in Perth that having a market day seemed so irrelevant but luckily it didn't rain (sigh of relief) and Made On the Left market day was held at warm (another sigh of relief) Hyde Park Hotel today. Having missed out on yesterday's 40 artists I was determined to get my ass out the door as soon as humanly possible. Yep, that was after 12. After all, it's been a kerrrrrazy week.

Interestingly enough when I go to markets I don't usually buy anything. First of all, I tend to like a lot of things - budget constraints. Secondly, I have so many favourite designers that doing what I'm doing it's important to remain partial... taking my guy along to a market is a different thing altogether I found out today.

As soon as he spotted Magali's delightful water coloured prints he had to buy one so that was $250 out of his wallet. Then he saw Ali J's illustration which was a lot more affordable seeing it was just a colour print of an illustration so he had to buy that as well. I'm not complaining. He is happy so I'm happy. Market days make me happy with colourful things and interesting people. It was a fantastic day. There were lots of people. Pity that I couldn't check out the other bunch of artists yesterday. Isn't that interesting that they had to split them into two groups considering the doom and gloom over the economic downturn? Not bad going I say.

Supporting local artists is always a good thing so big pat on the back for both of us - the spender and the photo taker?

• Odd Girl Out
• Franc,
• Anna Hadwin - Crochet Toys for ages
• Le Beau est Mien's Magali Dincher
• Magali's print my guy bought which set us back A$260 or so
• Little Mo and Friends - check out its website. Super cute.
• Ali J's illustration prints - again my guy bought the top one for around A$40
• Ali J, super talented and her helper. I hear she is the brain behind the Made On the Left movement.
• Delight Society - delightful soap company
• Cool looking shoppers who weren't very enthusiastic but I talked them into taking this photo!
• TeShi Pets - Little Rocks with attitooood by Georgi Ivers (8yr old raising funds to to to Italy)
• Planet Lime's display with birdcage - interesting name but Jane has some really cool stuff.
• Sarah-May's handmade ceramics bursting with colours
• Planet Lime's Jane
• Little Mo and Friends - illustration used for Made On the Left market's poster for July 2009

Styleaid 2009 // WOW Sneak Preview with Saschy

Styleaid 2009 WOW (white on white) is just around the corner (Friday, 31 July at Burswood in Perth). I'm excited not only because of the upcoming show but also because I'm getting to see the designs before the show. How about that for a proper sneak preview? I give you Saschy Singh's White on White. She is one of 10 student designers (currently with Swan TAFE) who will be showcasing at StyleAid.

This is also a preview of Saschy's Creative Space. I cannot possibly do just one post on Saschy. She is a true fashionista commanding a proper series.

Back to White on White. Sashcy's origami inspired silk dress is sculptural and it is nicely detailed. I got to hear how these birds were able to cling onto the dress. To achieve that she had to find materials other than paper. These are not paper birds - they are proper fabric birds sharply constructed with raw silk.

More on Saschy's style and her incredibly creative but very neat space later on so for now.. enjoy the White on White by Saschy.

Whimsicality by Erin Vanhaeften

Meet Erin Vanhaeften, the natural dye and eco friendly fashion extraordinaire. After getting contacted by Zoe, Erin wasn't afraid to talk to me about her passion for natural colours and her love for fashion. Don't get her wrong. Erin didn't come across as a 'go-getter' in any way. Somewhat reserved and quite soft spoken, I think that is her charm. Quiet but resolved. Did I get that wrong, Erin? Hope not. :)

It is a lot of fun dressing designers up with their garments remembering that some designs are made to fit certain size models. Not all models are skinny as we know but it still is a daunting task fitting through couture dresses sometimes. Fortunately, Erin's couture dress wasn't a big deal for her to fit through. Good stuff. Copper wired and dyed with mixed berries and logwood, the dress is quite covettable. Erin talked about expanding that concept - maybe not with wire but with embroidery for bodice - for her ready to wear collection for her SWAN TAFE (West Australian Institute of Fashion and Textile) graduation show. Ah yes, Erin is one of 2009 graduates.

Guess what she used to dye jacket's fabric - good ol' tea. How about the yellow dress? Turmeric. Clever, don't you think?

Studying fashion doesn't automatically turn people into fashion designers. In most cases, it is just a part of life's journey we take to get to places or to do different things. It may well be the case with Erin not because she isn't interested in fashion or she is less talented than others. It's more to do with the fact that she might have found something that she is more passionate about. Could you guess?

No matter what she decides to do I have a feeling that she will do well. Well, just the fact that she wasn't freaked out about contacting a total stranger to talk about herself and her love for things. That to me means a lot of courage. Added to that I like her style. So here we have another entry to the 'Creative Spaces'.

I know that I'll get to see her graduate collection designs before the show - AKA sneak peek - she will probably call me. Wouldn't you Erin?

Until next time, Ciao.

Click the image to see Erin's album

Styleaid 2009 // WOW - ABSOLUT Emerging Designers

Vodka Absolut is sponsoring this part of StyleAid (Grand Ballroom at the Burswood Entertainment Complex, Friday, 31 July 2009) - supporting emerging designers. There's a familiar name Mandi Mac by Amanda McKenna which I've seen as part of Fremantle High Street Collective (which has now become Fremantle Collective).

StyleAid is on in the middle of winter but we will get to see swimwear by Lady Lasvicious and summer Kaftans from Almond Trees by Linda Ellis. Getting well and truly ready for really chic summer I hope? I'm also quite excited to see Paper Skye, Garth Cook and ADDAM as well. I've only got 10 days to go so I wonder how many designers I get to see. I'll be getting together with Sheree Dornan from Love in Tokyo as a start. I'll see how many I can fit in..Fortunately, I was able to get a media pass for the show so I'll see the show at the photographers' pit while guests will be dining. Hmmm.

Vodka Absolut emerging designers;

• Almond Tree Colourful Kaftans by Linda Ellis
• Mandi Mac by Amanda McKenna
• Lady Lasvicious by Nyssa Ashling
• Paper Skye by Kirsten Shadbolt
• Garth cook
• ADDAM

Anyhoo, it's so wet and windy in Perth of late I cannot possibly think of anything other than snuggling up in bed. That said, I did a couple of interviews to continue my discovery of creative sapces and designers in two days. Not bad huh?

I just hope that I'll have enough time to get to talk to more than just a few designers before the show if not all. Wish me luck and keep warm.

Creative Spaces - Christobel

My quest to discover creative spaces started with Lonely 8bit heroes' creator, Zoe Trotman's 'chaotic design studio'. The second instalment comes in an all together different package. Think vintage, antique market and sweet childhood dreams. That's exactly what came to my mind when I stepped into the Christobel's studio. Christine kindly invited me on a lovely Saturday afternoon to let me have a sneak peek at her latest creations for the upcoming Made on the Left street market. (July 24 and 25 at Hyde Park Hotel)

I've encountered Christobel for the first time in April at the Unwrapped South Perth market day. So curious about its style and whimsical materials used I wanted to see where all the goodies were created. Nested in a quiet area of Mt. Lawely amongst 1920's old houses, the exterior of the house had well trimmed rosemary hedges and an old kids' bicycle was sitting on the veranda. It was such a lovely space all throughout. At every corner I saw bits of old and new displayed in harmony. It didn't seem like she had to do some massive re-organisation or cleaning because someone was coming to take pictures of her space. The whole house was simply packed full of stuff - impeccably organised I must add - that it could not have been possible to create that space just for one off photo shoot. According to the artist, it has to be organised as she had so many things. Many things indeed but they were all incredibly beautiful.

Our conversation naturally drifted to her next outing, Made on the Left where she will be showcasing cuffs made with colourful fabric and vintage buckles. You can buy these on Saturday, 25th July at Hyde Park Hotel. You might have to hurry.. knowing the intended price I think they will sell fast.

Christobel goodies are created based on 'findings' - antique buttons, books, vintage buckles and other small pretty things- I cannot wait to see what else will come out of this charming 'studio'. There's an afternoon tea planned at the Christobel studio at the end of this month. That should be pretty cool. Watch this space to see what will come out of that little girly gathering.

Styleaid 2009 // WOW - White on White

Perth Fashion Festival 2009 Program/Schedule is downloadable here. The entire program should be downloadable soon.

Not having a TV is mostly good but it's bad when I miss out on things such as Styleaid. While the WA AIDS council has been promoting the annual premium fund-raising fashion event Styleaid on TV I had no idea that it was happening in my neck of woods. Obviously having a broken rib didn't help as I've been missing in action for good five weeks. Now I'm trying to get back into it only to find out that all tickets are sold out. They were going for AUD$200. Not cheap but don't forget that this is a fund-raising event for good causes.

The proceeds from Styleaid support a number of community projects. Just name a few (this is what I learned from Styleais website) - education for young people on HIV/AIDS, safe sex and safe drug use. DVD project titled 'Being positive' featuring three young people with HIV and their life stories. The most interesting this for me is the Freedom Centre where young with all different sexual orientation (they call it LGBTIQQ - Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Inter, Queer and Questioning) can hang out and support each other. We've truly come a long way since the movie, Priscilla the queen of desert.

Now, that was my little backgrounder. If you were lucky enough to score tickets for Styleaid on July 31 2009 bless you and I envy you. Anyway, this year's concept is White on White (hence WOW), the photographs have been taken by none other than Stefan Gosatti (I have a couple of photos of him check out my coverage from the last year's Perth Fashion Festival) .

UPDATED to add: This amazing photoshoot was only possible thanks to generous volunteers. Models - Adam and Bec from Scene, makeup Carol Mackie from MAC and Sue Morgan from Be Ba Beau.

Creative Director was Aly May and of course, photos by Stefan Gosatti.

Now onto designers - I didn't list all of them. These are my favourites. Another proud moment as these are all fabulous West Australian fashion designers. Some of them are already making it big internationally. I listed them left to right and top to bottom in the photos below. Tomorrow, I'll have to check out the emerging designers for 'ABSOLUT Emerging Designers'

• ae'lkemi
• Aurelio Costarella
• Alister Yiap
• Flannel - this is actually in my neighbourhood.
• Love in Tokyo
• Panache
• One Fell swoop
• S2
• Tarvydas
• Antipodium
• Empire Rose

Perth Fashion Festival 2009 Program Launch

Face of Perth Fashion Festival 2009, 2008 WA model of the year Emily Cattermole

Finally, Perth Fashion Festival 2009's program has arrived (Friday 4/09/2009 to Thursday 10/09/2009). This was a near miss. I barely got myself organised to get to the launch show at 9:30 this morning. Having only a couple of hours to spare I snapped away and said hello to a few people I know. It was a relatively cold morning but the venue - old GPO in Forrest Chase - was charming and I was so excited to see the program.

The thing is since the economic downturn there was a talk of downsizing the festival (it's now running for 7days instead of 10). For example Ray Costarella (local designer exporting to the US ) apparently refused the covetted invitation to the NY fashion week as it was deemed not viable. I say 7 days of fashion is better than non at all and looking at the program it is pretty jam packed. I'm pretty sure that WA's economy is better than most other places looking at new designer store opening in the city namely Emporio Armani and Burberry.

Perth Fashion Festival is now into the second decade celebrating its 11th year. Oh I didn't know that until today but it is certainly the biggest event in my calendar after my guy's birthday. The launch show - if I could call it a show - was all about acknowledging the sponsors, organisers and most of all the release of the official program. Who's who of Perth fashion scene were there to have some chitchats and drink some champagne - a little early I thought.

I had some exciting moments without having any champers. Jack Be Nimble's Alister Yiap and the last year's WA student designer award winner, Leanne Lim will be showing off their work as part of the WA designer collections #2 on September 5.

Also, I met Sheree Dornan from Love in Tokyo - one of my favourite stores in High Street in Fremantle. She is flat out not only preparing for the festival (WA Designer Collection #1) but for the show StyleAid 2009 which is due to happen in two weeks time. I might be able to have a sneak peek at her designs before the show.

Alister Yiap's design

As you can see Perth Fashion Festival is all about supporting WA local designers and industry. On a day like this I'm quite proud to be living in Perth. We've got only 50 days to go. Running up to the launch show I will be catching up with student designers, WA designer collection participants and visiting local boutiques participating in the festival.

Tomorrow, I'll reveal the whole program.....but not before I go though a few more shots from this morning.

Tom Bull is our Youth Ambassador for the Festival. He is studying at UWA (the BEST in WA ) and jet-setting around the world modelling (who says all models are bimbos... ?) for Etro, Vivienne Westwood, and Ferragamo. Lisa Scaffidi is the Perth City Mayor and also the Festival Ambassador and finally Lisa Cattermole, the face of the festival.

You would think by now I wouldn't make such a big deal out of goodie bags after each event by showing you a photo but I still get excited by show goodie bags. Here I have some hair products from L'Oreal, Bella Hart's perfume sample and some tube of fancy cream. Of course, there you see the program. Ok. it's been a long day and I'm off to sleep. Ciao.

UPDATE: Perth Fashion Festival 2009 Program (calendar) in JPG. Download HERE so that you can manage your fashion schedule more wisely! This is just a single page document. If you'd like a full 2009 program follow the link below.

Big THANK YOU to Renee Glastonbury for granting my request of changing the PDF program to include the full calendar and making it slim - she removed all the pages except the calendar for easier download. http://www.perthfashionfestival.com.au/assets/pdf/program2009.pdf

UPDATE: Perth Fashion Festival tickets will be available online at Ticketek or check the Perth Fashion Festival website's ticket page for more details.

Lonely 8bit heroes by Zoe Trotman

I kick off my WAIFT (West Australian Institute of Fashion and Textile) 2009 graduate interview series with the creator of Lonely 8bit heroes. Creative people come in all different flavours. If I were to be moronic enough to categorise them Zoe Trotman would fall into the 'wild creative' category.

Zoe studied Photo media at ECU. I asked her how she got into studying fashion after having completed a degree. It turned out that she was doing a photo shoot one day and she had to dress a model. That little moment was a turning point for her. Ditching a camera for needles and threads.

Lonely 8bit heroes' experimental designs are all very fun. Quite fittingly, she was given the opportunity to spend three weeks at the studio of Romance was born in Sydney in April this year as part of the graduate work placement. She spent very long hours cutting and stitching up a storm to get their collection ready for the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. Who would have thought I'd get to meet one of those who worked behind the scenes of that fantastic collection. After that amazing experience Zoe is getting geared up for the graduate exhibition in December.

Don't you want to buy her colourful tights? I suggested to her that she should start selling her creations in Etsy. We will see if that does happen. I cannot wait to see her florescent silicon tin dress on a runway. Only five months to wait. Not long...now.

I did see Zoe's design during 2008 Perth Fashion Festival.

Lonely 8bit heroes' dress and a jacket. Jacket made out of curtain. I don't know but that curtain was supposed to be made into a jacket I think. I don't see how it was a curtain in the first place.

Tin dress. Not quite finished but nearly there .

Fun drop skirt. Zoe with her cheese ring.

Check out other cool photos of Zoe and her crazy creative space.