March19th
The stunning show that closed LMFF 2012, Toni Maticevski’s red carpet runway show. From wearable everyday outfits to wedding gowns to full blown red carpet looks, each was a work of art and I loved the cyber princess warrior feel of the show. Simply stunning!
Here’s the complete finale walk!
March4th
When an invitation to a private appointment at Paspaley came up, I simply couldn’t resist. I had only been into the Paspaley store once before, it was while I was shooting Vogue’s online shopping night, I barely had time to catch my breath sort out my photo release forms, let alone browse.
This time round though, it was very different. With a glass of bubbly in hand (Before noon! Gasp!), I was lead away by the gorgeous Kate of Paspaley and Josh of Black Communications to explore the stunning store. Did you know it used to be a bank? It still has big vaults in the basement!
I do have to be honest and say, pearls strikes me as a bit old fashioned. My grandmother loves her pearls, she said it balances out your ying yang, or something like that. Of course Paspaley has many classic designs and amazing pearl strands, but when Kate showed me her favourite earrings (The ones above, oh so pretty), they really took my breath away. The gems, the pearls, everything sparkling at me! Something about them simply speaks to every girl’s heart, really, you need to see them in person! In fact, you need to see everything in person, photos just can’t quite capture the luster of the pearls.
For now I’ll have to content myself with these pretty photos and perhaps one day, those earrings shall be mine. In the meantime, Paspaley has just launched its revamped website, which showcases the heritage of Paspaley as well as an e-boutique. Be sure to check it out!
February7th
Sophie Lowe looking cute and gorgeous at the Sydney Louis Vuitton Maison red carpet store opening.
January26th
Last year my dad took a trip to our hometown Shanghai, when he came back, he not only brought back updates on our relatives, stories about his old friends, but also this necklace, one of my grandma’s necklaces. I’m not sure whether my grandma decided which grandchild should have what and gave this to my dad, or perhaps he picked this especially for me.
I instantly fell in love with this beautiful necklace when my dad handed it to me. How could I not? The gorgeously cut pale blue gemstone, the delicate pendant setting and the inscripted clasp. It’s old gold and made in a time and place where craftsmanship was deeply valued. To think my grandma picked this for herself 20, 30 or more years ago is incredible, even more incredible if she was given this by a loved one, just like she now gave this to me.
To top it off, my mum even has a story about this very necklace. When my mum and dad first got married, they were young and skint with little possessions. Attending one of my uncle’s wedding, my mum had no necklace to wear. This was a time in Shanghai when you either owned real gold jewellery or none at all. My grandma saw my mum’s bare neck and loaned this very necklace to her for the night, so in a funny round about way, this necklace came back to her. To me.
Happy Chinese new year everyone. May the year of dragon bring you plenty of good fortune and maybe an heirloom necklace or two!
January20th
I have no idea how I first came across Sydney jewellery label Petite Grand, but when I did, I instantly fell in love with the simple and delicate pieces. At a time when chunky rings, big bracelets and statement necklaces rule, Petite Grand is a breath of fresh air and something any girl would want to wear.
In December I visited Tanja Kovacevic, the creator of Petite Grand at her home studio. We talked about her lovely jewelleries, fashion, life and of course I took lots of photos too. Tanja is so amazing and down to earth, she showed me around her light filled eastern suburbs apartment, brought out some of her treasured things for me to photograph and even made me a bacon and egg sandwich for lunch! It was delicious by the way.
See all the photos and my Q&A with Tanja below.
Some Petite Grand pieces draped over Tanja’s lovely white bird cage
One of Tanja’s favourite dresses
Name: Tanja Kovacevic
Occupation: Jewellery Designer
Describe your style: Casual and feminine but with clean lines.
Favourite fashion designers and labels: Bassike, LP33.3, Lanvin, Jean Despres, Victoire de Castellane.
Favourite clothing stores: Incu, Somedays, Bloodorange, My Chameleon.
Tanja at her workstation, where all the magic happens
The most lovely moodboard, filled with postcards of artworks and photographs Tanja collected during her travels
When and how did Petite Grand come about?
I started Petite Grand in 2011 – the business is now 11 months old! Petite Grand came about because of my love of making jewellery and wanting to express myself in a more creative way.
Have you always wanted to make jewellery?
Yes, I’ve always had a passion for it, but being an Accessories Buyer at Zimmermann really cemented it for me. I enjoy the thrill of creating something with my own hands and then seeing it on someone else, who loves to wear it.
Tell us about your latest spring summer collection and where its inspirations came from?
The summer itself – fresh, bright, warm, colourful beach days! My travels to Europe and Morocco and the Art Deco design influences in those places. I have used a lot more colour in this collection and I love the combination of mixing different metals together in the one piece.
Petite Grand has garnered a big following in quite a short space of time, what do you think made Petite Grand an instant hit?
Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest impact. I think that my jewellery is so simple that it appeals to everyone. You can wear it in your own way and I think people really love that.
A selection of Tanja’s treasured possessions
What’s your personal story?
I grew up on the Northern Beaches so I guess that has influenced my low-key sense of style. Working for designers like Nicky and Simone Zimmermann and Mela Purdie have taught me so much. Working in London and travelling for several years exposed me to a lot of different people with eclectic style. It has also given me a perspective on other cultures and aesthetics that I draw from daily.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
Clean Lines
Easy
Classic
Feminine
Fun
Where do you see Petite Grand in 5 years time?
With my own Petite Grand team! Hopefully selling overseas and expanding our range of accessories. Having lots of fun!
Said bacon and egg sandwich!
You simply must check out Petite Grand if you haven’t already! In fact, one better that, head over to My Chameleon to order some gorgeous pieces right now!
PS. Thanks for lunch Tanja! xx
