After agreeing that their ‘sartorial’ requirements had not yet been met in the Australian marketplace, Paul Weingarth and Ross Denzil Simon began working to re-define menswear in Australia. Paul Denz was the name they gave their creation.

Denzil and Weingarth joined to combine their creative spirits with their inner entrepreneur to create a men’s fashion label that embodied the perfect blend of the relaxed Aussie
lifestyle and classic European charisma.

Think Bondi Beach meets polo field and you will gather an understanding of the Paul Denz look.

Each piece in the Paul Denz collection was designed knowing how to flatter the physique while maintaining a masculine edge.

With quality and class in mind, ‘Paul Denz’ provides an element of affordable luxury, quality without the exuberate price tags. Proudly made in Australia, all pieces are
crafted meticulously and ardently fashioned to provide the Paul Denz man with a
superior product.

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In the lead up to the 2010 Australian Open, the first grand slam tennis tournament of the year, Lacoste has announced it will be re-releasing a limited edition of the 101 sunglasses range. 30 years after it’s original conception, the aviator style shades will no doubt reclaim its popularity and appreciation, becoming a must have item for tennis fans and fashionistas alike.

It was Rene Lacoste’s desire for the ultimate playing shirt that saw the establishment of the clothing line back in the 1930s. The French tennis star designed the 1212 polo as a way of gaining more comfort on the court, striving to find a replacement for the overly starched, long-sleeved shirts exclusive to the era. 75 years after its creation as a brand, Lacoste has continued to design luxury attire renowned for its quality and comfort. The label has successfully maintained its connection to the tennis court in obtaining unrivaled heritage in the sports fashion market and has gone on to compete with labels such as Polo Ralph Lauren as one of the superior labels for up-market mens and womenswear, showcasing it’s latest collections twice yearly at the New York Fashion Show.

Back in the 1930s it was unheard of for a sportsman to design his own outfits, especially styles as daring and unique as the 1212 polo shirt. Lacoste’s avant-garde approach as a pioneer pathed the way for a tradition in the sport for tennis players to release their own brands and labels. British tennis player Fred Perry was one of the first to follow on from Rene Lacoste with his label becoming an alternative in tennis wear during the 1940s and 1950s. Today, Roger Federer, among others, has designed a signature brand in partnership with Nike with his initials emblazoned on his shirts, blazers and hats. However, as opposed to Lacoste’s desire for a more comfortable playing shirt, today’s stars merely see their designing input as a lucrative form of propaganda.

The Lacoste brand is famed for its iconic logo of the green crocodile. The 1212 polo shirt was the first occurrence of a logo being adorned to the outside of an item of clothing, again proving its heritage and importance as a label in sports fashion history. The creation of the logo is said to have stemmed from a bet made between Rene Lacoste and his Davis Cup captain. If Lacoste were to win his next match then his captain would buy him an alligator suitcase. One American journalist coined Lacoste’s nickname, writing, “he didn’t win the bag, but he fought like an alligator”. Soon the legend of the alligator became a crocodile logo embroidered on the breast pocket of the Frenchman’s blazers. The icon was established.

It wasn’t until 1980 that Lacoste began designing and manufacturing lifestyle products such as footwear and eyewear. The inaugural pair of ‘La Lunette Lacoste’ had to match the unique style and iconic stature founded by the 1212 polo shirt. In keeping with the label’s sporty elegance the ‘101’ range of sunglasses were fashioned.
The distinguishing factor between the 101 range and other aviator-style sunglasses is the inclusion of the striking green enamel inlayed on the dual bar bridge of the glasses. Design director of Lacoste eyewear, Christophe Pillet, describes this special feature as “a perfect representation of the two worlds of Lacoste: sport and elegance.” Pillet goes on to talk about the importance of focusing on the iconic products of the brand, such as the 1212 polo. “When we found the 101 sunglasses range in the archives we decided to reproduce them immediately.” The only altering made to the original designs is the upgrade in quality of the iconic logo on the temples and the packaging. The sunglasses now come in a more modern green and white box, which is meant to invoke the spirit of the line’s tennis-wear origins. Limited to only a thousand pairs of the range being recreated, each individual pair will be marked on the inside of the temple with a serial number denoting its place in the series of 1000.

The idea of restoring and modernizing tenniswear echoes the state of play in the game itself. The golden age of tennis is continuously recreated throughout each era with ever more competitive and determined players. Each decade, it seems, the rulebooks are rewritten. This cyclic method is healthy and allows for previously impossible feats to be smashed both on and off court. There will undoubtedly be heavy competition for the limited edition sunglasses with only 1000 pairs being made. Hopefully the contention to obtain a pair of the prized shades will match the contention for glory on the courts in Melbourne this summer!

BLK1 Article: JULIAN CHAUNDY

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2010. All Rights Reserved.

Sydney’s hottest up-and-coming fashion label ‘I AM’ will debut their new range at Cargo Bar
for the official Summer 2010 Collection launch party on Thursday 21 January, 2010. The event
will kick off at 6:30pm and will feature an exclusive preview fashion parade showcasing the
entire ’I AM’ 2010 Summer Collection along with a live performance by Georgia Fair.

The ‘I AM’ Summer Collection is a contemporary breath of fresh air to the fashion industry.
The essence of the brand is all about a new culture of fashion which encourages women to
be confident and individual, transcending all stereotypes and the definition of ‘everyday’.
The pieces are comfortable, versatile and above all beautiful. The 2010 Summer collection is
made from the highest calibre fabrics and features a selection of dresses, blazers, shorts, tops
and boho pants drawn from an eclectic colour palette.

‘I AM’ pride themselves on their ability to create and distribute unique, high-quality clothing
at affordable, ‘GFC-friendly prices for young women across the nation.

Driving the’I AM’ brand is company owners and directors Claire Murphy, Brigid Whelan and
Polly Epov. Between the young women they are juggling degrees in Business, Economics
and Law to further enhance their company. Each girl has a unique quality that they bring
and inject into the ‘I AM’ brand; however they all share a love and flair for all things fashion
and design.

BLK1 PHOTOGRAPHER:Tony Chymes

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Wet look mini dresses, zebra print and a whole lot of acid pink – nope, it’s not Lady Gaga’s dressing room, it’s the premiere range from hot new label, By Johnny, and it’s just as much fun!

Sydney designer Jon Schembri received rave reviews when he debuted the By Johnny label at the 2009 Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival, and his transeasonal capsule collection is fast gaining popularity with party girls all over Australia (including quirky Melbourne fashionista, Michi Girl, author of Like I Give a Frock.)

By Johnny combines on trend designs with a hint of elegance and a heavy injection of glamour. A must have for the modern party girl, the five piece capsule collection offers simple silhouettes and flattering cuts for dresses that are bound to draw attention. Warning: wallflowers need not apply.

Every party girl needs a little black dress and By Johnny provides a selection. There’s the decidedly eighties One Shoulder Wonder Dress, a range of backless body con dresses with hardware embellishments or the wickedly sexy Spike Me spray on dress with cap sleeves. The real stand out, though, is the range of Diva Drape dresses; these slinky mini dresses in wet look black and sparkly blue or pink really do belong under a flashing disco ball. For a cheap fashion fix, try one of the jeni from the block rock necklaces in aqua, yellow or pink.

Designer Jon Schembri was a finalist in the 2006 Australian Cotton Awards, and his previous designs have been featured in Shop Till You Drop magazine. In 2008, Mr Schembri had the honour of being crowned official designer for the prestigious Golden Slipper Stakes. He describes his latest endeavour as a ‘designer label without the designer price tag… I wanted to give my customers the opportunity to purchase a fun party dress without having to break the bank.’

Sydney residents can purchase these party staples at Paddington’s Fringe Bar Markets, while non-Sydney residents may e-mail their orders through the website. An online store will be ready in 2010.

BLK1 Article: CARLY OGBOURNE

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The eye-catching prints of the Lisa Blue ‘From the Dreamtime’ story are sure to capture the attention of beachgoers across the country this summer, with the swimwear featuring a special print from Aboriginal artist and close friend of designer Lisa, Bunna Lawrie. The print is the focal point for the current range which donates 25% of profits to the Australian Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.

Lisa was granted special permission to use Bunna Lawrie’s White Whale painting in her swimwear, signifying her unity with the Mirning (Whale) Tribe as a passionate supporter of whale and dolphin conservation within Australia. Lisa created three different prints from the Whale Dreamer painting, one in traditional Aboriginal earthy colours, another with a more colourful print with bright pinks and warm colours and a black print with striking spot pattern.

The inspiration for the collection came from an experience designer Lisa Burke had swimming with whales in Tonga. Lisa says;

“During a swim I came face-to-face with a humpback whale and her baby; the babies eyes started into my soul and in that moment I promised to do what I could to help protect the gentle giants of the sea. From the blue, my dream was born to help protect the whales and collaborating with Bunna Lawrie from the Whale Tribe has been an exciting step for Lisa Blue and eco-conscious fashion lovers.”

In a move to support the local manufacturing industry and ethical working conditions, Lisa Blue swimwear is designed and made in Australia. Inspiration for the collections are drawn from designer Lisa Burke’s own life experiences which include swimming with whales in Tonga, living in a mud hut in India and time spent in a Japanese fishing village teaching English.

Hailing from Byron Bay, the eco-coastal capital of Australia, Lisa launched her debut collection at Swim Fashion Week earlier in the year. The collection features themes connecting strongly to the environment with designer Lisa Burke continuing this into the next collection which is being finalised ahead of IMG’s Swim Fashion Week in February 2010.

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From the organisers of Fashion Weekend Sydney, where over 13,000 Sydneysiders
shopped up a storm and splurged on the hottest looks for winter, came Fashion
Weekend Summer.

Featuring more designers than ever before, Fashion Weekend
Summer took place at the Royal Hall of Industries from 12-15 November, and was a
definite fashion go-to for those in the know when it comes to summer fashion.
This ultimate summer fashion event gave fashion diehards the chance to get
their hands on stylish pieces from over 120 designers at fabulously reduced prices.

Saving up to 70% from designers such as Alice McCall, Bec & Bridge, Fleur Wood,
Hussy, Ginger & Smart, Manning Cartell and Shakuhachi there were
sizzling summer bargains.

Spring/Summer Fashion weekend was also a great spot to be updated on the latest fashion trends that came straight from the catwalks.

As well as the fabulous shopping, fashionistas could be primped and preened with
beauty makeovers, hair styling by ghd, and manicures by essie.

The Fashion Weekend Summer featured three different shows on rotation including beachwear, daywear and gorgeous evening frocks to inspire the looks for the long hot summer ahead.

 BLK1 Photographer: VICTORIA RIKA-HEKE

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12th November 2009 was a historic day for Sydney. It was the day that a world record attempt took the posh pea-bodies of the office towers by storm. Hundreds of men and women took to the streets wearing nothing but budgie smugglers- swimwear shaped like underwear briefs.
The purpose of this bizarre parade was to attempt to break the world record for the most amount of people walking down the street in their swimwear.

The swimwear gets it’s name from the rendered appearance of the male genitalia once the swimmers are on- like a budgie or a small bird is being hidden in the front.

The weather was right for the occasion. The sun rays beamed down on all the participants who enjoyed taking photos of themselves wearing nothing but swimwear at iconic Sydney locations such as the Opera House and Martin Place.

The world still waits for confirmation to see if the attempt to break the record was successful.

Stay tuned to BLK1 to find out.

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Make-up can do anything to the face of the wearer. When it’s applied with skill the wearer can become a smoky eyed temptress, a board-room boss or a cutesy cherub. Knowing how to get the right reaction from people who see your made-up face is known to be an art. With so many looks to choose from, knowing how to apply more than one or two colour variations requires an in-depth knowledge of the tricks of the trade.

Look Academy recently launched in Sydney and, as the first of it’s kind, offers visitors a chance to learn how to apply make-up like a pro.

Look Academy perched in a showroom lit with Hollywood lights above the noisy streets of east Sydney. In this plush and glamorous location, Look Academy host make-up tutorials that last all day or can be taken over a number of weeks. All that a Look Academy student needs to bring is a clean bare face to be decorated with the provided make-up. While learning with Look Academy students have an opportunity to experiment with the finest make-up brands such as Make-Up Store, Il Makiage, Dermalogica, Crush Minerals, Vani T and Harlotte Cosmetics.

But don’t get the wrong idea: Look Academy is not just one giant advertisement for these make-up brands. Look Academy is all about giving unbiased advice on what’s right for the individual.

Professional make-up artists supervise and take students step-by-step through the workshops. All the make-up teachers have developed looks on international fashion catwalks, television screens and magazine pages, with this amount of experience they know how to solve any make-up problem.

If you are plagued by dark circles under your eyes, apply concealer to the corner- not underneath- your eye. Always start with the bottom lashes when applying mascara and always apply your lightest colour eyeshadow first. Those are just a few examples of the lessons learned from Look Academy make-up lessons.

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A muse is traditionally thought of as a seductive heroine, a fierce persona of inimitable passion, grace and allure. Notable muses include Catherine Deneuve, who ignited the creative fervour of Yves Saint Laurent and the late Princess Grace Kelly, the inspiration for Hermès’s coveted creation, the 1935 ‘Kelly bag’. In the eleventh edition of the annual Campari Calendar for 2010 – the city of Milan plays muse to photographer Simone Nervi, who depicts with sharp visual acuity the dynamic pulse of this cultural melting pot through the enigma that is Olga Kurylenko.

Since its international launch in 2000, the Campari Calendar has rapidly become an icon of international prestige. The calendar is distributed in international limited editions of only 9,999 copies and represents a small collectible luxury. The 2010 edition of the Campari Calendar is not so much an advertisement for the iconic brand, as it is a storyboard of a city, its people and the fiery passion that ignites their opulent lifestyle.

Milan’s most absorbing ritual – the apéritif – an essential accompaniment to hors d’oeuvres, is a primer at restaurants, artistic exhibits and lavish celebrations. It is a crucial ingredient that incites the tastebuds for the meal that is to come. For Olga Kurylenko, the apéritif marks just the beginning of her journey – her appetite however, is largely insatiable. The Campari woman thirsts for adventure, for challenge. She craves the raw feeling of exhilaration, the distinct sensation that she is an integral part of the city’s landscape – framing its cultural makeup, reinventing the city and her role in it.

The story begins with Kurylenko on a train. She clings tantalisingly to a handle aboard the historic tram 609.Her stance is languid, unnerving. Yet, as she stands, with casual elegance, curious passengers gape through the tinted windows, mesmerised. And so the story unfolds.

The month of February depicts Olga in a bar, as ravenous eyes gaze upon her. The Campari woman is transformed from ingénue to an enigmatic creature. She is just beginning her evening and there is a subtle motif to the visual that implies a raging spirit is just about to be unleashed. As we follow the subject through the storyboard, we are represented with a woman at once indulgent and receiving but also in control of her surroundings. She is always posited at centre stage – as if the tempo of the city moves along at a pace which she dictates.
The strong frame adopted for the September shoot pays homage to Greek mythology, as Kurylenko stands in a fountain of water, inviting her admirer to explore the depths of her world, whilst at the same time remaining detached and just sufficiently out of reach.

The Campari woman is unapologetic about her ardent beauty. The fervour that she injects in her life is at once liberating and confining. She is her own person but understands when it’s necessary to surrender to the confines of the city’s timeless conventions. Campari’s subject is effortlessly beautiful and bold but she understands that a return to refined femininity and understated elegance underpin the core of her mystique.

The city of Milan acts as a stunning historic backdrop to the twelve stories intertwined together through a single protagonist. Kurylenko is incarnate of the woman we all want to be. She is magnificently glamorous, hard to reign in and unnerving in her tenacity. Yet there is the underlying motif that Campari is just a drink. The rest is up to you.

BLK1 Article: NADA MARTINOVIC

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.

Australia’s most well known fashion designer, Collette Dinnigan, showcased her Printemps Ete 2010 collection at Paris Fashion Week earlier this month, choosing the beautiful and exclusive Hotel Meurice to unveil her gorgeous selection of dresses to the public.

Dinnigan was thrilled with the appropriate backdrop. “Salle Napoleon at the Meurice is a perfect setting and backdrop for my Alice collection,” the designer said, with the whimsical turn of the century hotel complimenting a range that “echoes a fantasy spirit.

The 2010 Alice collection is a delightful wonderland of contrasts. Dinnigan devotes half of her collection to every woman’s best friend, the versatile and very flattering little black dress, while the second half introduces a kaleidoscopic selection of bohemian mini and maxi dresses.

The little black dress (as well as the maxi black dress) receives a striking make over in this stunning line. Collette Dinnigan’s wardrobe staple is a tailored, sophisticated and demurely sexy piece that drapes smoothly over the body, creating a flattering effect. They’re modest (like the lace appliquéd shift dress) or sexy (like the very low cut, glittering tutu style mini), and totally fabulous.

Collette Dinnigan’s eye catching boho pieces were easily the best thing about this collection, with the designer producing high class beach chic with ease. Tiny dresses in pretty pastels are designed to be worn over bikinis at the beach, while her theatrical, ruffled maxi dresses in amazing acid tribal prints are perfect for effortless cocktail hour cool. Sheer fabrics and bare shoulders add the sexy sizzle necessary for a hot summer.

This assembly of bold and beautiful dresses makes a refreshing change from the floaty gowns and barely there slip dresses that made the designer famous. The Alice collection is evidence of the designer’s innovation and design versatility.

Not that we really needed convincing. Since releasing her first collection in Paris in 1995, Collette Dinnigan is still the only Australian to show on the Chambre Syndicale du Pret-a-Porter Des Couturiers et Createurs de Mode schedule. “As the only Australian designer on calendar, it is very important for me to represent Australia and continue to show our collection to the global market,” Dinnigan says.

And that she does. By combining classic design with interesting embellishments and just a hint of sex appeal, Collette Dinnigan’s 2010 Alice collection is a daring fusion of modernity and femininity.

BLK1 Article: CARLY OGBOURNE 

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The London Showrooms offers a unique experience for emerging British fashion designers to broadcast their collections to the International market. The Showrooms occupy the first week of October and are located in arguably London’s biggest rival in the fashion Industry, Paris. The event is a strategic way for the British Fashion Council to experiment with and support the rookie designers and maintain the worldwide trade stronghold.

After the recent successes of The London Fashion Week spring/summer ‘10 in September, The London showrooms is the next big event in the British fashion calender.

Whilst the Fashion Week displays the latest masterpieces of the royalty of British fashion, the Showrooms allows an opportunity to witness up and coming designers trying to break into the tough field of fashion design. It is these designers at the Showrooms who will someday hope to earn the right to display their works at the Fashion Week. These designers are the future of British Fashion.

The British Fashion Council, a non-profit trade group for British designers, established the London Showrooms out of a necessity to continue the popularity and prosperity of the biggest names in British fashion design. Designers such as House of Holland and Todd Lynn will one day, with the support of the fashion council, maintain and uphold the high standards set by Britain’s present design aristocracy.

The likes of Vivienne Westwood and Burberry of course spring to mind after another set of outstanding collections at the Fashion Week last month.

House of Holland, by designer Henry Holland, is an interesting new talent on the scene. As well as being a close friend to model Agyness Deyn, Holland has gained exposure from his collection of 80’s, bold print T-shirts incorporating festive, rhyming catchphrases, such as ‘Get your freak on, Giles Deacon’ and ‘I’ll tell you who’s boss, Kate Moss’.

House of Holland’s collection for the spring/summer season presents a combination of his boho designs with aspects of punk intertwined with a modern sophistication and preppy nature. This collaboration is striking and alluring and has already gained the designer an exclusive and unique style.

One example of this collection is the definitive male preppy look (tight formal shorts and shirt with sweater tied loosely around the neck) updated with vibrant colour and daringly short, upturned sleeves. Another example of the provocative collection is the seemingly standard business-woman outfit (tight skirt with well fitted, double breasted blazer) in a warm natural tone complete with a contrasting, uneven polka-square design. The thin lapels and pulled up sleeves again express Holland’s affinity with the 80’s era.

The latest collection by Canadian-born designer Erdem showcased an appreciation for the chic and hippy look. His summery dresses and playsuits, both formal and informal, are assembled with very detailed floral prints. The enchanting designs paired up with the seductive shapes and silhouettes give Erdem a sophisticated and flirtatious style, perfect for the sunny seasons.

The latest collection from designer Todd Lynn differs a great deal from the previous designers somewhat. His designs for woman express a fearless nature with a heart for rock’n'roll. There is also a strong feeling of heavenly and otherworldly inspirations.

His use of plain colours; whites and blacks, with extra detailing in both make up and clothing design suggests a blending of pure and unpure, good and evil or angelic vs demonic. One particular striking design is the tight silhouetted white suit with robe-like tight sarong around the waist, reminiscent of a toga, coupled with devilish, black horned shoulder pads and over exaggerated black eye shadow. Again, a very unique style has been formed here.

The main aim of the London Showrooms is to offer international audiences a chance to view the latest collections by up and coming designers from Britain and to strengthen trade and commerce between countries. The British Fashion Council seek to tutor the trainee designers and offer them as much aid as possible to break through into the evermore challenging field of fashion design.

However, most importantly for all concerned, the London Showrooms is a way of making a statement to the international market that Britain holds the highest competition and is seeking challengers.

BLK1 Article: JULIAN CHAUNDY

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.