ksubi set the "who owns us" record straight . . .

In a detailed media release, the directors of the Australian fashion brand, ksubi, have set their business re-structure straight . . . .

"KSUBI RE-STRUCTURE COMPLETED: BACK TO BUSINESS

The new Directors of ksubi Pty Ltd today announced that the re-structure of the business operations has been completed.
In January 2010 ksubi entered into Voluntary Administration through Grant Thornton in an effort to re-structure and consolidate the denim fashion label’s business. This process is now complete.
The company is now controlled by a consortium of industry-experienced management including ksubi investor, Harry Hodge, ksubi founders, Dan Single and George Gorrow and shareholders of Bleach Pty Ltd.
Australian based Bleach Pty Ltd are the owners of one of surf’s leading street wear brands, Insight, and fashion brand Something Else. Bleach is also a renowned strategic supply chain expert of apparel and fashion accessories.
Harry Hodge has been appointed Executive Chairman of ksubi Pty Ltd. Joining him on the Board of ksubi will be Bleach CEO Tim Grainger and Bleach CFO Mark Byers. The remaining Board Members will be appointed at a later date.
“The new business model will allow ksubi to focus on the creative development of the brand whilst leveraging the significant production strength of the Bleach group.” Hodge commented.
Co-founders Dan Single and George Gorrow will continue in their roles as the Creative Directors of ksubi.
“The past year has been very difficult, this new business model with experienced management is what ksubi has always lacked. Both Dan and I have never felt more inspired and positive about the brand. We have already experienced a huge change. With the right funding and great management we are experiencing the creative freedom that will allow ksubi to grow,” said George Gorrow.
The new ksubi apparel range “Speed bomb metal mom” is in store now in 22 countries around the world and nationally at General Pants, David Jones, selected boutiques and ksubi stores.
In 2009 ksubi signed a worldwide footwear licence with “Six London” The new ksubi footwear range be available in all ksubi and David Jones stores in Australia and selected department stores and boutiques world wide from March.
Sunshades Pty Ltd signed on for the worldwide licence for ksubi eyewear in April 2009 and the new ksubi optical range will be available in optometrists and selected boutiques globally this March.
Company Contacts:
Aimee Bayliss
PR Manager
aimee@ksubi.com
T + 61 2 8373 8601
Paul Wilson.
Brand Manager
paul@ksubi.com
T + 61 2 8373 8601

Drum roll please . . and the Logie goes to . . .

"MEDIA RELEASEMARCH 29, 2010
NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2010 TV WEEK LOGIE AWARDS
Excitement is building for this year’s TV WEEK Logie Awards after the nominees were announced this morning at a breakfast held at Sydney’s Ivy Pool Bar.

This year’s Gold nominees are a mix of old favourites and first-timers, with last year’s winner, Packed ToThe Rafters star Rebecca Gibney, one of the eight contenders up for the coveted award, alongside Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation’s Shaun Micallef, who is nominated for his first Gold Logie.

The other Gold nominees include long-time Home And Away star Ray Meagher, Good News Week host, Paul McDermott, Rove and Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? host, Rove McManus, Home And Away star Esther Anderson, The Gruen Transfer host, Wil Anderson, and Spicks And Specks host, Adam Hills.

Nicole Byers, Editor of TV WEEK, says this year’s nominees represent the diversity of local talent gracing Australian television screens.
“The line-up of stars nominated for this year’s TV WEEK Logie Awards is fantastic and a great representation of the quality television being produced in Australia,” Ms Byers said. “The TV WEEK Logies are a great opportunity to recognise and applaud the most popular and most outstanding stars and programs on television. The event always creates so much excitement for the industry and this year is no different.”
Television fans have until 8pm on May 2, 2010 to vote for their favourite star vying for the TV WEEK Gold Logie.
A full list of all nominees is attached.
All winners will be announced at the 2010 TV WEEK Logie Awards on May 2, 2010 at Melbourne’s Crown Casino.
The 2010 TV WEEK Logie Awards will be telecast on the Nine Network.
2010 TV WEEK LOGIE AWARD NOMINEES

POPULAR AWARDS
TV WEEK GOLD LOGIE – Most Popular Personality on TV
Esther Anderson (Home And Away, Channel Seven)
Wil Anderson (The Gruen Transfer, ABC1)
Rebecca Gibney (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Adam Hills (Spicks And Specks, ABC1)
Paul McDermott (Good News Week, Network Ten)
Ray Meagher (Home And Away, Channel Seven)
Rove McManus (Rove/Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?, Network Ten)
Shaun Micallef (Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation, Network Ten)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE – Most Popular Actor
Luke Jacobz (Home And Away, Channel Seven)
Todd Lasance (Home And Away, Channel Seven)
Ray Meagher (Home And Away, Channel Seven)
Hugh Sheridan (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Erik Thomson (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE – Most Popular Actress
Esther Anderson (Home And Away, Channel Seven)
Rebecca Breeds (Home And Away, Channel Seven)
Rebecca Gibney (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Jessica Marais (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Jessica Tovey (Home And Away, Channel Seven)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE – Most Popular TV Presenter
Natalie Bassingthwaighte (So You Think You Can Dance Australia, Network Ten)
Melissa Doyle (Sunrise, Channel Seven)
Adam Hills (Spicks And Specks, ABC1)
Rove McManus (Rove/Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?, Network Ten)
Shaun Micallef (Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation, Network Ten)

MOST POPULAR NEW MALE TALENT
Luke Mitchell (Home And Away, Channel Seven)
Charlie Pickering (The 7PM Project/Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation, Network Ten)
Matt Preston (MasterChef Australia, Network Ten)
James Stewart (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Josh Thomas (Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation, Network Ten)

MOST POPULAR NEW FEMALE TALENT
Kate Bell (Home And Away, Channel Seven)
Carrie Bickmore (The 7PM Project, Network Ten)
Ashleigh Brewer (Neighbours, Network Ten)
Mirrah Foulkes (All Saints, Channel Seven)
Katherine Hicks (Rescue Special Ops, Nine Network)

MOST POPULAR DRAMA SERIES
All Saints (Channel Seven)
Home And Away (Channel Seven)
Neighbours (Network Ten)
Packed To The Rafters (Channel Seven)
Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities (Nine Network)

MOST POPULAR LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM
Deal Or No Deal (Channel Seven)
Hey Hey – The Reunion (Nine Network)
Spicks And Specks (ABC1)
Sunrise (Channel Seven)
Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation (Network Ten)

MOST POPULAR LIFESTYLE PROGRAM
Better Homes And Gardens (Channel Seven)
Domestic Blitz (Nine Network)
Getaway (Nine Network)
Ready Steady Cook (Network Ten)
Top Gear Australia (SBS ONE)

MOST POPULAR SPORTS PROGRAM
Before The Game (Network Ten)
Sports Tonight (Network Ten)
The Footy Show AFL (Nine Network)
The Footy Show NRL (Nine Network)
Wide World Of Sports (Nine Network)

MOST POPULAR REALITY PROGRAM
Dancing With The Stars (Channel Seven)
MasterChef Australia (Network Ten)
So You Think You Can Dance Australia (Network Ten)
The Biggest Loser Australia (Network Ten)
The Farmer Wants a Wife (Nine Network)

MOST POPULAR FACTUAL PROGRAM
Bondi Rescue (Network Ten)
Border Security (Channel Seven)
Find My Family (Channel Seven)
RPA (Nine Network)
RSPCA Animal Rescue (Channel Seven)

MOST OUTSTANDING AWARDS
TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE – Most Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie
A Model Daughter – The Killing Of Caroline Byrne (Network Ten)
East West 101 (SBS ONE)
Packed To The Rafters (Channel Seven)
Tangle (Showcase)
Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities (Nine Network)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE – Most Outstanding Actor
Roy Billing (Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities, Nine Network)
Don Hany (East West 101, SBS ONE)
Garry McDonald (A Model Daughter – The Killing Of Caroline Byrne, Network Ten)
Ben Mendelsohn (Tangle, Showcase)
Aaron Pedersen (The Circuit, SBS ONE)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE – Most Outstanding Actress
Justine Clarke (Tangle, Showcase)
Claudia Karvan (Saved, SBS ONE)
Asher Keddie (Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities, Nine Network)
Susie Porter (East West 101, SBS ONE)
Kat Stewart (Tangle, Showcase)

GRAHAM KENNEDY AWARD FOR MOST OUTSTANDING NEW TALENT
Anastasia Feneri (My Place, ABC3)
Anna Hutchison (Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities, Nine Network)
Camille Keenan (Satisfaction, Showcase)
Eva Lazzaro (Tangle, Showcase)
Matt Preston (MasterChef Australia, Network Ten)

MOST OUTSTANDING NEWS COVERAGE
“Bushfire Disaster” (Ten News Victoria)
“Godwin Grech” (ABC News)
“Samoan Tsunami” (Nine News)
“Victorian Bushfires” (Seven News)
“Victorian Bushfires” (ABC News)

MOST OUTSTANDING PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT
“Code Of Silence” (Four Corners, ABC1)
“Liberal Leadership Meltdown” (Sky News)
“Matthew Johns Interview” (ACA, Nine Network)
“Proof Of Life” (Australian Story, ABC1)
“Rising From The Ashes” (60 Minutes, Nine Network)

MOST OUTSTANDING LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM
Chandon Pictures (Movie Network)
Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation (Network Ten)
Thank God You're Here (Channel Seven)
The Chaser's War On Everything (ABC1)
Wilfred (SBS ONE)

MOST OUTSTANDING SPORTS COVERAGE
Golf – Women's Australian Open 2009 (ABC1)
Horse Racing – Emirates Melbourne Cup Carnival (Channel Seven)
League – 2009 NRL Grand Final (Nine Network)
2009 AFL Grand Final: St Kilda Vs Geelong (Network Ten)
V8 Supercars – Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 (Channel Seven)

MOST OUTSTANDING CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
Camp Orange: The Final Frontier (Nickelodeon)
Dirtgirlworld (ABC1)
Hi-5 (Nine Network)
My Place (ABC3)
The Elephant Princess (Network Ten)

MOST OUTSTANDING FACTUAL PROGRAM
Bombora: The Story Of Australian Surfing (ABC1)
Bondi Rescue (Network Ten)
Darwin’s Brave New World (ABC1)
Last Chance Saloon (SBS ONE)
Law And Disorder (SBS ONE)

Knock, knock, knocking on god's waiting room door? Or the party to re-launch an old faithful munchery. . .

It was like being back to the future (or knocking on heaven's door?) as Sydney's Double Bay believers celebrated the re-opening of a meeting and munching institution.
The Cosmopolitan was an epicentre. It was always the hang-out for quite the power pack - Packer, Rivkin et al - but in amongst the constant closings and openings of venues in Double Bay, the Cosmo suffered a mild deprivation/irrelevance/old school stroke.
Well, it is now back with its signature outdoor, stare-at-me area and a very cosy indoor restaurant and bar that looks nicely refreshed. Bit like some of the guests faces, really.
Looking just a tiny bit frayed around the edges (some of the guests not the schmick-looking venue) there were smiles that looked like they belonged to people I once knew. There were also people who I thought had already passed on . . .
There was Maria Venuti (whose hair, make-up, jewels and breasts appear to be getting more pronounced and says she's doing a gig at the Cosmo on May 1) and there was Ita Buttrose and niece Lizzie Buttrose, both putting brave and solid faces since the conviction of their beloved family member, Richie, for cocaine crimes.
"We've been keeping a very low profile over the last few months,'' Lizzie confided. As you would.
The was the infamous PI, Frank Monte (in a red shirt and black jacket) standing with a tres pretty blonde that I am sure was a hairdresser I used to know and there was the author and now therapist, Alexandra Joel and her husband, the publisher Philip Mason.
The Moet magnums were flowing as was the seriously delish bar food as faces like Jane Ferguson and John Scott and Jai Evans and Sonya Vidic and Paul Joseph and the eye-patched snapper, Bill Rankin
and his fellow snapper, Jon Lindsay took in the Cosmo digs .
Yep, 'twas a heady night indeed . . . .

Is the much loved and loathed Snuggie dead this Aussie winter? It may be after you look at these . . . .

The words Iceland and style may seem incongruous (hang on, it did bring us Bjork) but not any more . . .

Direct from the land of geothermal spas, glaciers and waterfalls, a crew named Third Drawer Down Museum of Art Souvenirs has secured the selling deal of Iceland’s Vík Prjónsdóttir . . . woollen capes and blankets from that fare land . . .

And yep, I reckon the Snuggie folk will be quaking in their blue and red rugs. And boots.

Currently available in Iceland, Europe and the USA, 'Vík Prjónsdóttir' was was created in 2005 by the designers Brynhildur Pálsdóttir, Egill Kalevi Karlsson, Guðfinna Mjöll Magnúsdóttir, Hrafnkell Birgisson, Þuríður Rós Sigurþórsdóttir and the Icelandic knitting factory Víkurprjón. (Try pronouncing those names let along saying them all at once.)

"Inspired by myths and stories from the past and present, Vík Prjónsdóttir is fascinated by nature as well as urban life, evident in her esoteric woollen designs,'' spiels the media release.

"A belief in the beyond and respect for the hidden world, Vík Prjónsdóttir has a passion for local cultures, materials and production.''

The 'designs' are produced by Víkurprjón Ltd, which is an old knitting factory located in Vík, about 200 kilometres from Reykjavík and uses the best quality local Icelandic sheep wool and traditional methods.
The first Vík Prjónsdóttir collection to grace the Australian shores includes a Beardcap (RRP$170); sealpelt ($510); baby seal ($210) and a two-some blanket ($525) plus there are sea blanket's priced from $480.

Snuggie? Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Third Drawer Down Museum of Art Souvenirs at http://www.thirddrawerdown.com/

Life on the info autobahn . . or a blog about taking a long time to achieve absolutely nothing . .

How long is it since I have sent a FEW HOURS on one project? Or read one book in one sitting. Or an entire TV programme or movie. Or one magazine. Or one newspaper. Back to front?
It gets to me every day, that I can never, ever, spend a whole lot of time doing one thing. To work on one project without the distraction of everything else. We have become a culture of short and sharp consumers. We soak up shots of info like they are a quick caffeine fix. Forget the detail, we just want to digest the headline followed by minimal words, thanks very much. Whether online, verbally or aurally, our minds dart from one subject to the next like lights on a pinball machine, never fixing on one train of thought, one notion, one idea or ideal. We sit at our computers ready for a day of work. We check Twitter (if it isn't already being checked when it's by the bed). We get caught up with a Twitter train of thought and weigh in on the debate. There's an hour gone. We flip over to email and respond to questions that seem to have a sense of urgency when in fact they shouldn't. We check favorite blogs and news websites and even throw a few comments in. Why not? We get distracted by the Twitter feed and entangle ourselves in a heavy back and forth debate before switching course completely and chuckling at a ridiculous youtube link. Click over to Facebook and time to peruse a buddy's party snaps from last night. Hang on. I don't even know her let alone want her to be my friend as we check our friend requests. Ping! Up comes an FB pop-up message. Close Facebook page for fear of getting stuck in a to-and-fro pop up chat. Look at email inbox. Yet again. There are 4457 messages that have to be deleted or kept?
Time to breathe.
It's after noon. I'm feeling done.
And it's time to go out.
And I still haven't done a thing.

Sydney sizes up trackside style and goes giddy-up . .

The NSW State premier, Kristina Keneally (middle) with this season's STC ambassador, Rachel Finch and the AJC racing ambassador Gracie Otto

Models focus in on millinery for the Sydney Autumn Carnival

Sydney plans to step up its trackside style with the 6-week Sydney Autumn Carnival (SAC) unifying the two major racing clubs.

Both the AJC (Royal Randwick) and the STC (Rosehill Gardens) have joined forces to create one identity over the upcoming racing carnival as opposed to working separately in promoting what has become a mighty huge seasonal money spinner.

Aside from the actual races, the pomp that goes on around them with millinery, fine frocks, corporate marquees (thanks to both Myer and David Jones who have vested interests in the carnival season) and a party atmosphere, Sydney has placed itself on the global races calender. The carnival is now nestled between the Dubai World Cup and the Kentucky Derby.

The NSW state premier, Kristina Keneally officially launched SAC at Luna Park in front of a roomful of corporate heavies from the STC, AJC, State Government, Tourism NSW, Events NSW, Racing NSW, the Inglis Stables and TabCorp.

With over $18 million in prize money with 6 consecutive Saturdays of racing, including the AAMI Golden Slipper and David Jones Australian Derby, for some it is just all about the a good frock, a nice hat and lots of champagne. Well that was my take when I intro-ed the fashion side of the carnival to the assembled throng.

Meanwhile, Golden Slipper Festival was given its official start tonight (Thursday) at a smart launch under Sydney’s Opera Point Marquee.
Celebrity guests and Sydney’s racing set celebrates together as the Festival and Sydney Autumn Racing embarked on a new era with Australia’s richest race day, the AAMI Golden Slipper Day, staged on Easter Saturday.

The launch also acted as a prelude to the Festival’s first day, Myer Ladies Day this Saturday at Rosehill Gardens.
Golden Slipper Festival ambassador and current Miss Universe Australia, Rachael Finch, was there as were the Nine network's sports presenter Cameron Williams, Ali Mutch, Nicola Finetti, Mike Goldman, Tania Zaetta, Laura Csortan and cutie pie jockey, Kathy O’Hara.

The Myer approach to a new season of frocks is sharp and tailored, with a good dose of Jen Hawkins thrown in . .

Cue, above, encapsulated the trends of the season

Jennifer Hawkins, above, in Charlie Brown at Myer

Jen in a bronze toga-dress by Toni Matecevksi and fashion armour from Manning Cartel, above . . .

The next round of the fashion retail salvo was fired by Myer, showing that a sleek and sharp season of fashion lies ahead.

The mega retailer proved it's showmanship worth, producing an autumn season frock show with lots of theatrical elements (designed by the Rizer and Gloss creative gangs) but not to the extent that theatre over-shadowed the clothes.

The simply stellar Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne was the perfect backdrop as the pianist and jazz singer Steve Clisby opened the show with the exquisite Melbourne Symphony Orchestra hidden behind a sheer scrim.

Models were all brunette-moussed so Jennifer Hawkins (avec red lips) stood out beautifully, her blonde locks consolidating her singular 'Myer muse' status. And boy how good and slim is she looking? Each year Jen is looking so much more comfortable and confident within her own skin, so different to the slightly awkward but delicious young girl who once took home the Miss Universe crown.

THE STYLE STATS:

Myer designer roll-call: Toni Matecevski, Manning Cartell, Leona Edmiston, Jayson Brunsdon, Country Road, Basque, TL Wood, Karen Walker, Matthew Eager, Arabella Ramsay, Kate Sylvester, Chalie Brown, Fernando Frisoni, Yeojin Bae, Aurelio Costarello, Bettina Liano, Wayne Cooper

The trends:

-Faux or real fur jackets and vests or the cutely coined 'chubbies' as they are known

-A tailored, sleek and architectural silhouette has taken over anything that is too boho and floaty

-Shoulders are sharp and pronounced while waisted are nipped in and tight

-Leather is everywhere either in an entire piece or as an accent on jackets and skirts (Jen looked fantastic in Charlie Brown's custom-fit red leather dress)

-There are so many muted 'berry' colors but many are being perked up with bronze/silk and gold metallic threads and treatments

-Embellished thigh-high and ankle boots are the only way to dress your feet this season

- shirts are knee-length, tight and pencil in shape

- One shouldered, toga-like, Roman-inspired dresses are the flavor of the minute for evening with Toni Matecevski's gold, bold shouldered dress (pictured above) one of the best around

-Cue had a love affair with feathers; Wayne Cooper went long black with dashes of purple; Jasyson Brunsdon did accents of metallic and Nina Maya proved her worth as a young designer to watch.

The guests:

Kris Smith (Myer's male muse and Dannii M's BF), Geoff and Brynne Edelsten, Rebecca Twigley, winter olympic gold medal winner Lydia Lassila, Kate Waterhouse, Skye Leckie, Fifi Box, Hugh Sheridan, and a posse of fash-magazine editors (maries claire's Jackie Frank, Harper's Edwina McCann, Grazia's Alison Veness-McGourty, Vogue's Kirstie Clements et al)

And the happiest of show endings: waiters with full trays twirled onto the floor like they were part of the show. A very cute (and much appreciated) way to finish . . .

The Jayson Brunsdon collection, above

Matthew Eagar designs, above

The color purple from NF by Nicola Finetti (all pics courtesy of news.com.au)

Lawyers for Lara respond to the AFL investigation . . is this soap becoming more sudsy than a Warnie spa ?

This is a verbatim media release issued at 6.03pm Saturday evening and sent from the office of Lara Bingle's manager/agent, Max Markson.
Fix yoursef a drink, or something . . . .



"MEDIA RELEASE – LARA BINGLE’S LAWYERS RESPOND
• The Chief Executive of the AFL criticised us yesterday as Lara Bingle’s lawyers for being unco-operative with the AFL investigation into Brendan Fevola’s conduct.
• We have today sent the AFL two statutory declarations verifying Lara Bingle’s complaint.
• Since the AFL wants to conduct their investigation in public, we now call on the AFL to release to the public those statutory declarations, Brendan Fevola’s statement and the email correspondence with us since they started their so-called 'investigation'.
• Lara Bingle did not take the photo, did not keep it, did not circulate it and did not publicise it – and in these circumstances the AFL still demanded that she make herself available to a tape recorded interview by their investigator.
• It is not surprising that we have acted to protect Lara from this interrogation by the AFL when she has been subjected to two weeks of one of the most disgraceful and unprecedented attacks on character in this country.
• It was completely insensitive and oppressive for the AFL to pursue her in this manner at this time.
• She is not the one under investigation and she made her complaint publicly and clearly this week in a national women’s magazine. Further, since the AFL refused to accept her public complaint, we made the complaint on her behalf to the AFL. We became very concerned when the AFL would not even accept the complaint we made on her behalf before they proceeded with their investigation.
• The AFL have no right to criticise her or us while we are seeking to protect her legal rights.
• The AFL needs to look at themselves. They have a clear conflict of interest. They are attempting to investigate something, which they have an inherent self interest to protect – their image and reputation.
• The AFL's policy on the treatment of women recently announced should dictate that they are extremely sensitive to someone in Lara’s position.
• We call on the AFL to refer the investigation of Brendan Fevola to an independent body or person, preferably a woman, such as a judge or senior counsel.
• The AFL have have confirmed to us that they have spoken to Brendan Fevola on the phone, apparently with his coach and CEO present. They have not released that statement to the public or us, despite wanting to keep the public informed that Lara Bingle was not co-operating. Any inference that she only wanted to speak 'off the record' as if she had something to hide is false and mischievous.
• The photo speaks for itself. It is incomprehensible to suggest that the photo was taken with consent, that Lara would agree to it being kept on a mobile phone, having no control over where it would end up – and inevitably it has ended up in the national media and now worldwide.
• The public should keep in mind that this was a young woman at 19 years of age who clearly did not want a photo taken of her in the shower or for it to be kept or sent around by anyone and everyone.
• We have a right of action in this country, perhaps not recognised as a right of privacy (although there are plans to bring that in through Parliament for good reason), but there is an action for breach of confidence – confidential information of this very kind. The Victorian Court of Appeal recognised this last year and awarded substantial damages.
• Normally in cases of this kind the victim will demand an apology from the media and compensation for the harm suffered. The apology, if given, is often buried somewhere in the publication and not noticed by the public and the compensation paid confidentially.
• Here Lara Bingle has taken the opportunity to put her side of the story as quickly as possible in the most prominent place in the same magazine that published the photo wrongfully in the first place. She was paid for that statement as she would be as if compensated by the magazine. She will donate some of that money to the White Ribbon Foundation, an organisation which seeks to protect women from violence.
• The public should take a step back and realise how much Lara Bingle has been maligned this past two weeks, initiated by the release of a photo that should never have been taken, and leave her alone to deal with the damage that has been done by people who should have known better and treat her (and women in general) with dignity and respect.
• Finally, we are not seeking publicity by this media release. This is intended to be a response to the publicity sought by the AFL for its investigation. It is intended to address serious matters that needed to be said for the record.
Patrick George, Managing Partner and Rebekah Giles, Partner "

One night in Bangkok . . . . . BLOGGED . . is this the best hotel in that fair city?

Lebua Hotel and Resorts CEO, Deepak Ohri . . . .

Sirocco and the Sky Bar is part of The Dome in Lebua at State Tower in Bangkok

The Dome in Lebua at State Tower: how is that for an outdoor restaurant

Lake Okareka in Rotorua, New Zealand

Being the total hotel freak (if I could live in one, I would) it was great to dine with a man whose job it is to make his hotels and resorts the most luxurious on the planet.

With the chance that most of us (ok, all of us) living the suite life for the rest of our lives but a daydream, Deepak Ohri looks to be doing that on our behalves.

The charming and tres suave Mr Ohri runs the Lebua at State Tower (just have a look at the Sky bar in the Sirocco restaurant which takes in a mighty spectacular view of Bangkok) and he also oversees the elegant Lake Okareka in Rotorua, New Zealand. The lodge was named as NZ's top luxury lodge and can only be booked out by one party at a time. Sweet.

Over a small and cosy lunch at Uccello at The Ivy, he said he is very, very interested in opening a Lebua hotel in Sydney, but the location has to be absolutely perfect: "But it would be smack bang in the centre of the CDB and have ten or eleven rooms. That's it. Super chic as Sydney is a truly international city and I think a small absolutely top-of-the line hotel like that would be perfect.''

With Cartier as the Lebua official perfumer (natch); Bvlgari as their preferred bathroom goodies supplier (of course) and guests sleeping beneath 330 thread count sheets in one of 358 suites (a given) Lebua oozes style and luxury.

So luxurious, Deepak said he opened hotel initiatives called The Tower Club and The Seven Society which provide well-heeled guests with complimentary access to VIP lounges and general, super VIP-inspired service.

With a night of Lebua suite life starting at around the mark US$150 (that was just one price I spotted online) it seems a very affordable vacation experience or couple of nights if you are stopping over en route to elsewhere. (Also, take a look at www.tripadvisor.com for the most objective of 'real people' reviews.)

Indian-born Deepak, was joined over lunch by Vogue Living's Susie Westwood, wine guru Nick Ryan (who also selected the fine wines for lunch) as well as faces from Belle and Time Out.

So luxurious is Deepak's mantra, he will be guest speaker at the annual Financial Times Luxury Summit in LA in June this year.

Take a look at http://www.lebua.com/ for a style fix . . .

Life on the info autobahn . . or a blog about taking a long time to achieve absolutely nothing . .

How long is it since I have sent a FEW HOURS on one project? Or read one book in one sitting. Or an entire TV programme or movie. Or one magazine. Or one newspaper. Back to front?
It gets to me every day, that I can never, ever, spend a whole lot of time doing one thing. Working on one project without the distraction of everything else.
We have become a culture of short and sharp consumers. We soak up shots of info like they are a quick caffeine fix. Forget the detail, we just want to digest the headline followed by minimal words, thanks very much.
Whether online, verbally or aurally, our minds dart from one subject to the next like lights on a pinball machine, never fixing on one train of thought, one notion, one idea or ideal.
We sit at our computers ready for a day of work.
We check Twitter (if it isn't already being checked, periodically, when it's by the bed). We get caught up with a train of thought and weigh in on the debate. There's an hour gone. We flip over to email and respond to questions that seem to have a sense of urgency when in fact they shouldn't. We get distracted by the Twitter fed and entangle ourselves in a heavy back and forth debate before switching course completely and chuckling at a ridiculous youtube link. Click over to Facebook and time to peruse a buddy's party snaps from last night. Hang on. I don't even know her let alone want her to be my friend as we check our friend requests. Ping! Up comes an FB pop-up message. Close Facebook page for fear of getting stuck in a to-and-fro pop up chat. Look at email inbox. yet again. There are 4457 messages that have to be deleted or kept? Mmmm, must start the work I am supposed to be doing.
Hmmm. It's after noon. Time to go out and I still haven't done a thing.

Thinking about giving fashion the bold shoulder? Tread carefully and don't blame it all on Balmain . . .

The elegant Meryl Streep (above) was the only red carpet regular in 'a shoulder'

Above: Joan Collins doing her stuff as Alexis Carrington in the 80s series, Dynasty.

Above: Kate Moss: big on Balmain

I love them. I really do. And while some of the style set are blessing Balmain for bringing back the shoulder pad, truly, there are some god-awful interpretations of the trend.

(For those not fluent in fashionese, the French fashion house Balmain (not the Sydney suburb) unleashed a slew of bold-shouldered jackets and dresses into its 2009 collections. And as 'trends' always do, this same shoulder line has filtered to the mainstream fashion racks.)

Meryl Streep was about the only big name giving some shoulder action in a wrap, tuxedo dress from (US) Project Runway contestant Chris March at today's Oscar ceremony.

But those who were around when shoulder pads started to rear their oversized head in the power-hungry 80s (and heralded by the likes of Joan Collins when she played Alexis Carrington in Dynasty) are a little hesitant about going back there. Again.

It was a great look. Back then. It suited the moment but the problem is some of the variations we are seeing now don't look like the petite bread and butter plate they should be and instead are looking like they could play home to an entire dinner party.

Simply, some are not giving the wearer an elongated, 'power' shoulder line but an extremely horrible 'sticking-out-like-dog's-balls' kind of look.

There are a few things to remember if you are wanting to joining the over sized shoulder club this year.

*If you are already of broad size in the shoulder department, avoid, avoid, avoid, as you will just look like you've come from the hockey rink.
*Make sure you get the shape right and go for a more moulded shoulder pad as opposed to an angular, dinner plate looking pair of pads. Kate Moss can (just) get away with it, but most of us won't.

*Avoid wearing under lace or under silk chiffon . . . no matter what the label is, when you can see a shoulder pad, well, it's just not pretty. VSL (visible shoulder line) is not a good look.

*Forget about dragging out your old 80s jackets as the whole silhouette is different to way back then. Think of a re-interpreted fashion trend as a designer car. A Maserati was great in the 80s, but it has moved on in shape since then.

*Wearing bold shoulders can make you seem slimmer, as they may balance wide hips but avoid shoulder pads in both your Tee shirt and your jacket. That is just too, too much . . .

Tech-savvy, style spy fashion workshops are a near sellout . . .

THE tech and extremely fashion savvy Kate Vandermeer (pictured) will host a 'Fashion Career Workshop' at the start of next week's L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Kate, who knows the nuances of social media (constantly hosting events to explain how SM can benefit fashion names and brands) is one mighty smart cookie.

And this Saturday's panel is about bringing a panel of industry players together to share their knowledge and experiences to those wanting to get into the fashion industry.

Guests speakers will include Mimco creative director Cathryn Wills; celebrity stylist Philip Boon; visual merchandiser Aimee McCallum; Sportsgirl PR and marketing name Jade Roberts; Kate McKibbin, who is the managing editor of ‘Drop Dead Gorgeous Daily’ and the production and events name, Rachel Tuffery, the director of ‘Pronto Productions’.

As the founder and director of her website, iSpyStyle, Kate says she is planning to fill a gap in the market: “After years of speaking on panels about my own career path and lecturing in Fashion at RMIT University and Whitehouse Institute of Design, I felt there was a gap in the market to offer students and emerging creative’s the opportunity to learn about the various roles within the fashion industry by running some interactive career workshops,'' she says.

"They are fun, informative yet realistic about what to expect from a career in fashion. I’ve collated a fabulous group of inspiring but down to earth speakers who will share their journey and advice.

"I only wish I had this kind of opportunity when I was growing up!”
Kate and her assembled fashion team will talk the talk this Saturday, March 13, at the Whitehouse Institute of Design in Melbourne. Tickets through http://www.ispystyle.net/ (PayPal) or Moshtix.com.au