WHO snars Megan Gale cossies: this is why models get paid the big bucks on a freezing night . . . . . .

All pictures by Belinda Rolland for WHO magazine

WHO Magazine hosted the official launch of Megan Gale’s swimwear range – Isola by Megan Gale – at a extremely smart eastern suburbs home in Sydney, models revealing over 40 looks.

It may have been a damn cold night, but the models who did show made sure the show went on, goosebumps and all . . . .

In her role as Creative Director/Designer, the David Jones 'face' has overseen the design process on every aspect of the range. "Creating Isola by Megan Gale has been a challenging but amazing experience,” Megan says. “I am thrilled with my first collection and how well it has been received.”
Isola (Italian for island) is the cossie collection born out of Megan’s lifelong passion for the beach.

"With the extensive range, Megan has encapsulated what she loves about summer – white sand, turquoise waters and long days under the shade of a giant palm,'' goes the media spiel.

"Gale’s chic, sexy and sophisticated designs are predominantly aimed at women in their 30s and 40s, although there are several styles for women in their 20s. The entire Isola by Megan Gale collection is created as “separates”, which was essential for Megan as she acknowledges not all women are perfectly proportioned.''

“We’re excited to be a part of Megan’s first venture into design – we predict her first of many - as we have always been a huge supporter of Megan, having graced many of our covers in the past including last year’s Sexiest People issue,” said WHO editor, Nicky Briger.

“Like all Australians, we’ve followed with great interest Megan’s stellar career from international model to actress to designer. Her talents, professionalism and vibrant personality never fail to impress!” '

Isola by Megan Gale is in stores mid July 2010. For a full stockist list – 02 8339 8222.

A swag of lotions and potions take home the Aussie beauty gongs . .

Chanel's Susie Stenmark and Bronwyn McCahon

Nine's glam Getaway reporter Kelly Landry

THE "Best Beauty Buys", as decided by readers of ACP mags and also judged by magazine editors, were announced at a breakfast at Sydney's Bennelong restaurant in the Opera House . .

Here you go. Here's the media release . . .

" The best of the beauty industry was announced yesterday at the Australian Beauty Awards 2010 at a breakfast event hosted by Brand Ambassador Bronwyn McCahon (Cosmopolitan) at Guillaume at Bennelong.

Five awards were announced by Alison Veness-McGourty (Grazia/Harper’s Bazaar), Bronwyn McCahon, Elizabeth Renkert (madison), Edwina McCann (Harper’s Bazaar) and Helen McCabe (The Australian Women’s Weekly) to industry, media and special guests including Charli Delaney, Kathryn Eisman, Kelly Landry and Kylie Speer.

Chanel received the award for winning the most categories in Fragrance – Best Fragrance (Citrus), Reader’s Choice Favourite Brand Perfume (Day) and Reader’s Choice Favourite Brand Perfume (Night) presented by Helen McCabe.

Jo Malone received the award for winning the most categories in Body - Best Body Oil, Best Luxury Body Moisturiser and Best Beauty Accessory presented by Bronwyn McCahon.

Olay received the award for winning the most categories in Skin – Most Innovative New Product in Skincare, Best Eye Cream, Reader’s Choice Favourite Brand in Facial Moisturiser, Reader’s Choice Favourite Brand in Facial Sunscreen, Reader’s Choice Favourite Brand in Anti-Aging and Reader’s Choice Favourite Brand in Eye Cream presented by Edwina McCann.

Revlon received the award for winning the most categories in Makeup – Best Lipstick (Matte Finish), Best Budget Foundation (Medium), Best Powder, Reader’s Choice Favourite Brand – Foundation, Reader’s Choice Favourite Brand – Eyeshadow and Reader’s Choice Favourite Brand – Lipstick presented by Elizabeth Renkert.

Sebastian received the award for winning the most categories in Hair – Best Shampoo & Conditioner (Dry Hair), Best Volumiser, Best Styling Cream, Best Gel/Wax/Pomade and Best Hairspray presented by Alison Veness-McGourty.

Brand Ambassador of this year’s event, Bronwyn McCahon, Editor, Cosmopolitan and Editorial Director, Dolly said: “We are thrilled with the response we have had to this year’s Australian Beauty Awards receiving an overwhelming number of submissions and reader recommendations. These awards give us the opportunity to share the best buys in the industry and also gives our readers a voice to share their favourite products.

"We congratulate this year’s winners and look forward to the Australian Beauty Awards in 2011”.

The country’s biggest ever magazine media beauty initiative saw 18 of Australia’s leading magazine editors, beauty editors, journalists and industry experts process, test and judge this year’s submissions from over 2,500 new release products from the categories of body, fragrance, hair, make-up and skin (Criteria included – product launched to market between April 2009 – April 2010 and only those that are permanently available, not limited edition).

ACP Magazines’ readers also had the opportunity to have their say with over 11,000 online votes received via the Reader’s Choice Awards website – http://www.beautyawards.com.au/ – for the best products, most trusted brands and favourite buys of all time . "

Can I borrow that? . . frock hire hits the serious designer trail . . .

Top: Dolce & Gabbana and below, John Galliano

Hiring clothes may not be a totally new concept but this one made me take notice.

Cutely called "Can I Borrow That?", it basically allows you to have a lend of a designer frock, that you may never be able to afford, and at a fraction of the retail price.

And I sure get the whole idea. Chances are you may want one amazing outfit for one special event - mega birthday party, hot date, wedding etc etc - and chances are you may never, ever have the need or even inclination to wear it again.

The rationale of 'CIBT' is, that considering 'designer labels have always been a luxury rather than a necessity and as the world recovers from the Global Financial Crisis, consumers have grown more conscious of how far a dollar will take them.' goes the media spiel.

While CIBT says this new mindset doesn't denote a lack of demand for designer clothes, it's saying that customers are becoming a bit more savvy.

Managing Director, Michelle Auraha , says she has found the perfect balance between indulgence and thriftiness: "‘Can I Borrow That?’ is an online boutique, which hires out designer dresses at one sixth or less of the retail price,'' she says.

"Marginalizing the divide between high-end and high street and allowing the majority of women the ability to indulge in international designer wear."

Auraha does two trips a year to Italy and London to purchase the designer wears in a range of styles and sizes that are then displayed on the CIBT website.

There is an option to try the dress before renting, to ensure a perfect fit and 'like' ability and the frocks can be shipped all over Australia. Thae can also be rented weekly or monthly with an option to buy at a lesser cost of the retail price, at the end of the season.

Available designers include Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Just Cavalli, John Galliano, GF Ferre and Roberta Scarpa.

A cute idea indeed . . .

Visit http://www.caniborrowthat.com.au/

Some questionable model behaviour: being genetically blessed doesn't equal enthusiasm.

Happened to be on full-blown fashion shoot the other day - stylist, art director, assistants, wind machines, racks of clothes, great photographer, digital re-toucher, caterer. The whole shebang.
Oh yeah. And the models. Some young girls who barely should rate a mention, such was the extent of their enthusiasm.
The two on this particular shoot just consolidated the reason why some models are and will never be taken seriously.
Okay, it always sound like we're getting really old when we write one of those 'back in my days' pieces, but really, 'back in my day' I adored my teenage jobs (and nope, certainly not as a clotheshorse!) and did everything I could to make it all work.
So why don't some models, who get EVERYTHING done for them, pull their own weight when they're on a big-paying job? God, for the bucks they are getting paid they should.
It's like they are treating this modelling palaver as an interim gig or a gap year of 'work' before meeting and marrying a rock star or actor.
Models are used to be told how beautiful they are and that is where some think being a human 'being' ends. And yes, they are genetically blessed, but boy, if only those same blessings morphed into their personalities and degrees of enthusiasm!
The vast majority of models know how to work it. They come prepared, in all the physical ways they should, but sometimes, some of them need a good kick up the butt . . .
Just saying . . .

Ruby Rose & Pals in modelling mode for Milk and Honey . . .

The well-versed fash-pack already know that tv personality and DJ, Ruby Rose, has moved into fashion and designed a collection for Milk and Honey.

So, here's one of the first PR pics that just landed in the inbox . . .

And just to recap . . . here's what the collection is all about . . .

"MILK AND HONEY ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF "DESIGNED BY RUBY ROSE’ CAPSULE COLLECTION . . .
Australian media personality Ruby Rose announces her design collaboration with Australian fashion brand ‘Milk and Honey’, arriving in-store nationally at MYER Miss Shop, Glue, Globalize, and selected boutique stores in mid August 2010.
Hot Springs Managing Director, Wassim Gazal says of the partnership: “This is a true collaboration between Ruby and our design team. We are delighted to be associated with Ruby as she speaks directly to our demographic through her personal style and her association with the music industry. This is more than a celebrity endorsement as Ruby’s strong design sense and hands on involvement has created a seamless extension to the Milk and Honey brand.”
The capsule collection embodies Ruby’s unique and edgy personal style, containing graphic singlets and t-shirts adorned with messages of equality and self expression as well as original art designed by the Milk and Honey team. Denim makes up the backbone of the collection in a large variety of styles, colours and treatments. These include sandblasted and ripped shorts with studded pockets, classic light wash jeans with knee-pad detail and a denim dress – perfect for the summer festivals. More trademark staples include razorback drop singlets, mini dresses with foiling and rock chick biker jackets. Even Ruby’s dog, Daisy, makes an appearance on one of the designs.
Ruby says: “I think of fashion as art, not clothing and it’s a way to express yourself without words. So when the opportunity came up to work with Milk and Honey, I was ecstatic. Scrap that - I was ridiculously overjoyed and inspired. There were no rules, apart from the fact that I was to be creative and design pieces that I would wear and to make it affordable for everyone - not pretentious, overpriced or unobtainable.” "

Get outta here . . did you know Lara Stone has been tagged the world's number one model? Well, now you do . .

pictures by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot

For those who know their clothes-horses from their work-horses, the world's numero uno model (according to the website models.com) is Lara Stone and she has been confirmed as the 'exclusive' face For Calvin Klein Collection, ck Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein Jeans Apparel Brands.

And so the just-released media spiel goes . .

"NEW YORK, NY, JUNE 7, 2010

Calvin Klein, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation (NYSE: PVH) today unveiled the company’s Fall 2010 global advertising campaigns for Calvin Klein Collection, ck Calvin Klein, and Calvin Klein Jeans, which will each be seen in a mix of media around the world later this fall.
Model Lara Stone, considered to be one of today’s most high profile models, will be featured exclusively in the Fall 2010 advertising campaigns for each of the Calvin Klein Collection, ck Calvin Klein, and Calvin Klein Jeans global advertising campaigns.
Ms. Stone, who has a long-standing relationship with the house, was featured exclusively on the Calvin Klein Collection runway for the Spring 2007 show and walked again in the brands’ Fall 2008 show, before appearing in advertising campaigns for Calvin Klein Jeans (Fall 2007), and ck Calvin Klein beauty (Fall 2008).

She has been photographed by many of today’s most important photographers and has been featured on the covers of the world’s most prestigious fashion magazines, including numerous international Vogue covers (France, UK, Italy, and Japan), as well as covers of French ELLE, V, i-D, Numero, LOVE, and W. Ms. Stone is currently ranked as the #1 female fashion model in the world by the industry website, Models.com.
The Fall 2010 global print advertising campaign for women’s Calvin Klein Collection was shot by photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott in Los Angeles, California and features Ms. Stone, in a stark, androgynous, black and white setting.
The ck Calvin Klein Fall 2010 advertising campaign was photographed by Fabien Baron in San Pedro, California on the site of a former factory, and features Ms. Stone, alongside models Michaut, Oleg Abbey Lee Kershaw, Christopher Antosik, and Chinese model, Yin. An old industrial factory served as the backdrop for the campaign, setting the tone for the film noir inspired imagery, which will be featured in global print and outdoor advertising across Europe, Japan, and Asia.

The Fall 2010 global print and outdoor advertising campaign for Calvin Klein Jeans was shot by photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott in Los Angeles, California, and features Ms. Stone with several male models, including A.J., Sid Ellisdon, Grayson Vaughan and Eric Anderson. The bold black and white imagery features the brands’ latest introduction, Calvin Klein Jeans X, a new jean engineered to enhance and maximize aesthetics in a sultry way, with a lean and slim silhouette.
Additionally, the Fall 2010 global print campaign for men’s Calvin Klein Collection was shot by renowned photographer Steven Klein in New York City and features model David Agbodji. Mr. Agbodji most recently appeared in the Spring 2010 advertising campaign for the brand and opened and closed the men’s Spring 2010 and Fall 2010 runway shows.
All of the campaigns were produced under the creative direction of CRK, Calvin Klein, Inc.’s in-house advertising agency, working with consulting creative director Fabien Baron of Baron + Baron."

Meet some shoes you'll never see those Sex/City girls wearing . . . .

Tis the season . . . for wellies, contrary to the mega heels we've been on the screen and on the streets. Simple, colorful plastic boots that will take the garbage out, jump through puddles, takes the kids to footy and basically never be off your outdoor feet . . .

The Australian company that first brought the designer 'welly' to our shores has just launched its new range of cute and colorful wellies and outdoor shoes for winter.

With trademarked colourful patterns, the new range contains exclusive contemporary prints as well as colourful plain 'Hunter' style wellies and, for urban cowgirls, there's even a cowboy-heeled style.

In keeping with the Pipduck maxim, the new collection is very practical yet completely frivolous with the new season collection being a mix of plain black and bright orange and red patterns in the stylish high leg, Hunter style boots, together with a lower, ankle styles.

I really love them, particularly the 'Black Python' and 'Lace Up' wellies.

Pipduck boots and shoes are made from quality rubber, are fully waterproof and cotton lined for maximum comfort. Available from stores throughout Australia and online at http://www.pipduck.com.au/ in sizes 36-41. Boots are priced from $129 and shoes from $109.

Aussie fashion house, Hussy, successfully sues for design and copyright breach . . .

The Hussy fashion label has successfully taken action against Sydney manufacturer REVERSE for both design and copyright infringement on three of its designs.
While the issue of designer copycats is not new, most designers refrain from going after the accused due to the long-winded and often expensive legal process.
The Hussy group say their win sets a great example for other designers to register their designs.
A win like this (detailed in the media release below) also educates consumers about the impact that these rip-offs have on the industry, in that they are no different to movie or music piracy.

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
HUSSY TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT ITS DESIGNS
SYDNEY, June 3rd, 2010: Australian fashion label "Hussy" has successfully fought against intellectual property theft by registering “Hussy” designs and taking legal action against Sydney manufacturer REVERSE for both design and copyright infringement.
The label, founded by designer Marie Hatzis-Ritchie, decided to take action against REVERSE in relation to three unique Hussy dress designs from the 2009 Late Night Lover Winter Collection that Hussy claimed were copied by REVERSE.
Some eight months after Hussy brought the matter to the attention of its lawyers, the case has settled out of court with a substantial settlement sum paid by REVERSE to Hussy.
Hatzis-Ritchie began registering Hussy designs in mid 2008, after seeing inferior-quality knock-offs being sold in Australian retail stores at substantially-reduced prices. Hussy designs now have protection under Australian design law and copyright rights protect the design and the layout of the embellishments on Hussy garments, which are a strong design differentiator.
Like most true designers, Ms Hatzis-Ritchie did not view imitation of her designs as flattery, but rather as theft of intellectual property.
"I could no longer sit back and watch cheap copies of my garments being sold next door to my originals, detracting from the reputation of the Hussy brand which I have spent 15 years building.
"My decision to take legal action was not taken lightly, but was something I felt was important to do to show that we are serious about ensuring that our customers purchase an original and unique garment,” said Ms Hatzis-Ritchie.
“The three designs we fought for in this case were among many Hussy knock-offs that we’ve seen produced in the past. The design registration system is now something that Hussy relies on to ensure it can protect itself from these cheap imitations", she said.
Lisa Egan, senior associate at Middletons who acted for Hussy in the case, said, "designers like Hussy are seeing the benefits of the design registration system, which ensures protection of their unique selling point of innovative design.
"Designers can register their designs with IP Australia to protect their intellectual property and Hussy has now reaped the benefit of taking this proactive position by being able to sue infringers, and ultimately have their rights enforced by the removal of the offending garments from the market and the payment of substantial settlement monies".
Hussy was started by Hatzis-Ritchie in 1995 and retails and wholesales both in Australia and internationally. Over the past 15 years, the label has developed a cult following for its fresh and innovative designs and recently showed at both the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, and Rosemount Australian Fashion Week.
Ms Hatzis-Ritchie says she implores other Australian designers to follow suit and register their designs to protect the integrity of the Australian fashion industry.
“The exceptional talent in the Australian fashion industry is something to be treasured and protected. Copying designs from Australian labels that have spent countless months pouring blood, sweat, tears and substantial investment into developing their creations must be stopped,” she said. "