GALA Curios

GALA Curios is the name of the gorgeous jewellery created by Sydney based designer Jasmine O’Loughlin. The idea behind each collection comes from a theme inspired by nature, curiosities and the human connection to memories and objects. By combining her talent with unique ideas, the outcome of Jasmine’s designs are like nothing I have come across before, from log rings to hand holding bracelets to my old favourite, bows. These beauties fall in the “investment” catergory for me, but they are definitely worth it if you want a piece that will start a conversation no matter the outfit.

Shakuhachi Pre-Fall 2011

Australian brand Shakuhachi released images of their Pre-Fall 2011 collection just before Christmas and it’s fair to say the pieces HOT! Featuring satin, sheer and fringing in a bright palette including yellow, orange and gold, these are the sort of dresses that just make you want to go out and party.

Images from Predestrian.TV

Oroton

Accessories brand Oroton was founded in Sydney, Australia in 1938 where it first traded under the name Boyd Lane & Co. 70 years later they are still producing gorgeous pieces made from high quality fabrics, which blend contemporary elegance with understated luxury.

From sunglasses and make-up bags to notebooks and business card holders, Oroton have diversified into several lines over the years, which belong in every fashionista’s handbag. Tortoise shell, patent leather and metal hearts will make even the most high powered of women feel uber feminine.

Here are a few of About your Dress’ favourites:

Friends of Couture

If it’s one look I love it’s old Hollywood glamour, not something you can usually wear from day to day, but spectacular none the less. However, recently I was told to check out Friends of Couture, an Australian brand that, with their S/S10 collection, has given Old Hollywood an everyday twist. Whether you are a young ingénue or a femme fatale there is something to suit your style, floral tops and polka dot frocks are mixed with sculpted cocktail dresses and hot red knits to cover everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Grace Kelly. The best thing about the collection is that even though it is designed for the Aussie summer, most of the pieces can be styled into the English autumn for that “Oh, I look fabulous? But I just threw it on” look.

Here are a few of About your Dress’ favourites:

Friend of Mine

Australian label Friend of Mine, designed by Teale Talbot and managed by Letitia McLean, which debuted in 2009 caught my eye in a big way. With their inspiration coming from a cult Bob Dylan track, they deliver exactly what you expect, effortlessly cool style, basics with a twist and stand out accessories. The prints are gorgeous, the shapes are flattering and the styles are right on trend, as a fairly new brand they really have nailed this collection, make sure you check out their leopard print pieces, they really are stunning!

Here are a few of About your Dress’ favourites:

One Teaspoon

Australian brand One Teaspoon was the creation of Jamie Blakey 10 years ago, and I am kicking myself that I only discovered it recently. Starting off with a 10 piece collection in 2000, One Teaspoon soon developed and now they have a huge selection of garments that are distributed world wide. The styles are edgy, the cuts are obscure, the prints are refreshing and the prices are reasonable; a much needed change to what is cloned throughout high street shops or presented in designer boutiques. Also, they are now stocked in the Oxford Circus Topshop, so what are you waiting for?

Here are (quite a few) of About your Dress’ favourites:

Fairground

One of About your Dress’ favourite brands for simple summer dresses is Fairground, who take note of current trends and deconstructs them to produce memorable and timely pieces. Through the use of quality vintage fabrics and unique cuts the Spring/Summer 10 collection features many dresses in different styles, but in a small selection of fabrics, essentially there is a different shape for every occasion.

As well as dresses, the collection features many other garments that are perfect for a bit of daytime glamour such as jumpsuits, tops, skirts and shorts. Throughout the collection there is a constant theme of floral fabrics, but it stops itself from being too cutesy with structured shapes, flashes of lace and daring hemlines. Fairground can currently be found in a selection of boutiques around the UK and Australia, as well as online at ASOS too, though they will have their own online store up and running soon.

Here are a few of About your Dress’ favourites:

Virginie Castaway

French born designer Virginie Neumann spent years in fashion school and working as a buying chief manager before deciding to move to Australia, where Virginie Castaway was born. In 2006 she flew back to France to start up her own company around the label, which has been going from strength to strength ever since.

The Spring Summer 10 collection for Virginie Castaway features several new trends including utility and double denim, as well as some summer classics like nautical and florals. Along side these there are a few gorgeous coats and jackets that a perfect for the unpredictable British springtime and stylish basics that will last you well into next season even after many wears.

Here are a few of About your Dress favourites:

Alpha60

Georgie and Alex Cleary are a brother and sister design duo from Melbourne, who created the label Alpha 60. They never set out to start a brand, and neither of them has a background in fashion, the t-shirt designs started out as a teenage past time, which spread through friends from word of mouth. The launching of Alpha60 officially took place in 2005, alongside a Vivienne Westwood Retrospective at the acclaimed National Gallery of Australia.

Their designs show beauty with a dark edge, they are dramatic but accessible, featuring a strong colour palette, jersey drapes, tucks and spliced garment. Georgie and Alex draw a large amount of their inspiration from iconic films, featuring their heroes of the moment and view their clothing as “sophisticated quirk”. There is definitely something different about Alpha60’s garments, for starters the designs are printed on gorgeous fabric, rather than a plain tee, and their non printed pieces offer designs that are just as beautiful.

Here are a few of About your Dress’ favourites:

 

Robinson Pfeffer Sweet Treats

 About your Dress was lucky enough to get invited to Robinson Pfeffer’s press/preview event Sweet Treats on Wednesday night, as you probably saw on twitter. Mixing four of my favourite things fashion, wine, music and sweets (I seriously love a good pick and mix), meant that I had high expectations of the evening, and I was not disappointed. Since I was a long time lover of Stolen Girlfriends Club, I was uber excited to see what other brands they had to offer and it was fair to say that I wanted most of the clothes, but there were a few that I really fell for.

Firstly, Tina Kalivas’ Aztec/African prints seriously captured my eye, imagination and heart, I pretty much wanted everything on show from her collection. Secondly, the statement jewellery courtesy of Lucy Hutchings was gorgeous, exciting and wearable at the same time. Alpha 60 had some amazing prints and designs; I loved the men’s tees as much as the womanswear. Finally, my favourite brand for everyday wear had to be Zambesi. There will be more to come about these brands over the next few days; I just felt the need to tell you a little bit about them now!