Culture Magazine

I am featured in the "Style File" section of the August/September 2007 issue of Culture Magazine, the premier hair fashion magazine in Australia. The photo below, which accompanies the article, was taken by Kylie Coutts at my studio. Here is an excerpt from the article:

How would you describe your style?
I am definitely interested in theatrical and dramatic expression - let it be larger than life.
Define a 'fashion tragedy'?
Somebody who does not try! It's a tragedy to live life without passion.
Who do you think has great style?
John Galliano's recent collection for Dior demonstrates such stylish vision; the whole team must be exceptional. The opening scenes of Madonna's Confessions Tour concert in London took my breath away-mixing tailoring, bondage and equestrian sytle. The music videos of Christina Aguilera also show greating styling.
What do you think is your best feature?
My imagination. I have been accused of living in 'la la' land, but I believe in Unique Beauty and i love being a part of its creation. I'm optimistic-magic does happen and just when you need it! And I'm intuitive and spontaneous, that's a must in our industry.
What are your three tips for feeling great?
1) Prepare good food and share it with others.
2) Dress up! Go on, make the effort.
3) Go to bed early with your lover and don't get out till brunch the next day. Then you can start all over again!


The issue includes an event wrap of Hair Expo 2007. Accompanying the various pictures from our show "The Byrds" is a very flattering review, which I have added to "The Byrds" blog further below.

Whitehouse Shoot

As the head of the Styling and Design Coordination department for the Whitehouse Institute of Design, it fell to me to style a photo shoot for the college. The images are needed for a new institute brochure and for inclusion in the new Whitehouse web site. Tha garments are really ornate in nature, so it was a challenge for the styling direction to keep the detail and still look slick and directional. Of course, the success of any shoot relies upon the skills of the team: hair by Suki Hairdressing, makeup by Vanessa Eisenberg, styling assistance by Claire Hansen, Mirriam Andersen- Ward and Brad Preston, and photography by Kylie Coutts.

Diva Awards

DIVA= Drag Industry Variety Awards. Now you don't get a more willing client than a Drag performer wishing to out do every other drag queen at the DIVA night at the Australian Jockey Club. Damien Ross is a performer working full time in the 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' cast, and needed to make an enterance as 'Freeda Corsett' her drag performer identity. Our mutual friend, Paul Gambin (who is on the board of the DIVA committee), introduced us and it was a designer/client marriage made in heaven. I designed and constructed a black satin 40's glamour gown under a faux fur coat trailing an 8 meter boa around the hem. Of course, I had the expert assistance of Charles Chan to 'build' this beautiful coat as it was physically impossible to push 12 meters of fur under the machine.




Cutting to the chase, Freeda won 'Belle of the Ball' and another drag performer demanded Freeda leave the coat to her in her will. At the event we had the pleasure to meet celebrity photographer Morgan Carpenter. Morgan captured some very descriptive images of Freeda. Here is one I like and you can see Morgans complete portfolio at samesame.com.au


In addition to Freeda's outfits, Paul Gambin and Finbar Leong requested suits in my beatuiful jacquard fabrics for the event.