Jet-setting nomads at Marc by Marc Jacobs spring 2013

Marc Jacobs’s spring 2013 collection may have been all about “brutal simplicity,” but his secondary line is all about fun.

All the hallmarks of the season’s biggest trends were there – boxy silhouettes, bohemian layers and mismatched prints – while additions of floral and playful denim contributed a classic, Marc by Marc Jacobs flair.

Masai-inspired scarves were worn as obi belts and head wraps, and wooden geisha slippers were paired with chunky socks. Yes, a little bizarre but it totally worked.

Oversized shirts were tucked into patchwork skirts, while prints of jaunty ginghams, pyjama stripes, and perky paisleys – sometimes all at once – made for a vibrant, youthful zest.

Road trip, anyone?


— Leni Andronicos

Marc Jacobs goes ultra-mod for spring 2013 collection

Published: Harper's BAZAAR Australia

It was a mod-rocking 60s-fest at New York Fashion Week, as Marc Jacobs presented his spring 2013 collection: rubberised leather, leopard print and stripes, stripes, stripes!

Australian model Ruby-Jean Wilson opened the show – hair pulled back, bangs forward – donning an oversized tee, casually hung over barely-there briefs.

“Brutal in its simplicity,” Jacobs said of the collection. “Very, very brutal. That’s our new word for the season.”

A varied line-up followed, with Jacobs offering a series of midriff-baring jackets, curvy dresses, micro-sequined checks and low-slung skirts.

For evening, floor-length sequin gowns inset with chiffon strips were presented, offering a glittery alternative to the collection’s otherwise simplistic edge. What woman doesn’t like a touch of sparkle?

“We loved the modern, monochromatic evening looks that closed the show,” said BAZAAR’s Fashion Features Editor Clare Maclean. “Coming to a red carpet soon!”

And, in a characteristic volte-face, Jacobs threw a Mickey Mouse intarsia sweater in for good measure. Classic MJ kook.

For the finale, the wooden panels which formed the set’s background swung open to reveal mirrored interiors – models endlessly reflected within. A nod to Marc as fashion’s most influential alchemist, we’re sure.

— Leni Andronicos

Blake Lively marries in Marchesa

Published: Harper's BAZAAR Australia. 

Prabal Gurung, who? While we were knee-deep in Alaïa boots New York Fashion Week, Blake Lively is believed to have married boyfriend Ryan Reynolds in a top secret, country-themed ceremony over the weekend.   

The Green Lantern co-stars, who have been dating for just over a year, tied the knot in a low-key ceremony in South Carolina, in front of close friends and family. 

Blake is believed to have worn a one-of-a-kind Marchesa couture bridal gown with “a hand-draped silk tulle bodice adorned with custom crystal and rose gold embroidery” – a nod to the bride’s bohemian personal style. 

“The bride and her bridesmaids walked down the aisle in custom Marchesa gowns designed by Blake's friends, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, with shoes created for the celebration by Christian Louboutin,” the Martha Stewart Weddings team, who were on the scene, revealed. 

“The groom and groomsmen wore specially made Burberry suits with custom leather suspenders designed by the groom's friend, Christopher Bailey. The couple exchanged unique wedding rings by Lorraine Schwartz.” 

The actress’s decision to go with Marchesa comes as a surprise, as Lively has been a long-time pal and muse to designer Karl Lagerfeld, who made her the face of Chanel’s Mademoiselle bags. 

The ceremony was reportedly held in a ‘rustic barn’, with Florence Welch – a good friend of Lively’s – performing three songs at the after-party. 

“From the heartfelt ceremony to the fun-filled carnival hour and elegant reception, it was a truly enchanting celebration.” 

While Blake’s choice of dress does come as a surprise, the shoes, however, were always going to be Louboutin. 

— Leni Andronicos

Liberty Ross walks for Alexander Wang S/S 2013

Published by: Harper's BAZAAR Australia

If looking ultrachic is the best revenge, then Liberty Ross just hit the jackpot.

The model-turned-actress, and jilted wife of director Rupert Sanders (yes, he of the K-Stew scandal), took to the runway on Saturday afternoon for Alexander Wang’s spring-summer 2013 show.

Clad in an ivory hooded anorak, the 33-year-old made her appearance mid-show, hair slicked back in a sleek ponytail.

“Alex asked me to do the show and I’m exclusive for him,” Ross told Emily Weiss of Into The Gloss. “If I’m going to do a show, it’s going to be this one.

“I haven’t done a New York show in years. I mean, I have two kids – I quit my job.”

Wang, fashion's reigning prince of cool, delved deep into this season’s ubiquitous sportif-chic trend, adding a hint of femininity to athletic-gone-couture.

Light colours, boxy silhouettes and an aggressive feel prevailed during the show, as a whisper of hard-edged elegance was seen in his staples – crisp white shirts, plaited cable sweaters and leather pencil skirts.

As the show progressed, Wang experimented with volume, dissecting garments with scalpel-sharp slices and sewing them back together with a clever trompe l’oeil embroidery technique.

The experiment reached fever pitch in a series of gladiator boots, laced with understated, yet demurely sexy, peeks of flesh. This season’s über-It accessory, we’re sure.

A pair in every colour, please!

— Leni Andronicos

Andrej Pejic offered lead role in French film

Published: GRAZIA Australia

Androgynous model Andrej Pejic has already caused quite the stir in the fashion world, but word on the street is that he may be about to take his biggest leap yet — to the big screen.

The Bosnian-born Australian gender-bending model is believed to be in talks with French film director Florence Dewavrin, who is developing an adaptation of Honoréde Balzac's novel Séraphita, Frockwriter reports.

The novel, for those who aren't up to scratch on their French lit, follows the story of a youth named Séraphitus who attracts the love of both a woman and a man — a role for Pejic if there ever was one.

While Pejic's Paris agent Arnaud Vanbelus confirmed the reports, he revealed that this isn't the first time his star model has been offered a movie role, he claims to be currently fielding "tonnes" of requests from the French capital.

"Everyone wants to have him," Pejic's agent told Frockwriter. "But the thing usually is, they either don't have the budget or we're not interested in the project."

Combining Pejic's fine boned angelic face with a gorgeous French film — c'est magnifique!

Miranda Kerr poses for VMAN

Published by: GRAZIA | Words: Leni Andronicos

Meet Miss April, Miss May, and Miss July. Miranda Kerr and her fellow Victoria's Secret Angels Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel strike a pose for a special pin-up calendar in VMAN's spring fashion issue.

Styled by Carine Roitfeld, former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, the shots from the new calendar show the supermodels in striking underwear and matching tights.

In an interview with the magazine's Derek Blasberg, Roitfeld shared that Victoria's Secret is the first place she goes when looking for "beautiful girls." And rightly so.

The calendar — shot by Willy Vanderperre — will go on sale with the magazine's 25th issue on February 14. But we can give you a little teaser in the meantime…

Dree Hemingway for ManiaMania

Published by: GRAZIA Words: Leni Andronicos

Cult jewellery label ManiaMania has a penchant for high-profile muses, and this season it’s made no exception, with Dree Hemingway chosen to front the latest campaign.

Photographed by Stacey Mark, the lookbook for the ‘The Modern Utopian’ collection is comprised of a series of dreamy images, inspired by the psychedelic movement of the 60s and 70s. Familiar stomping ground for the ManiaMania girls.

This season also sees designers Tamila Purvis and Melanie Kamsler dive into new territory - unveiling the brand’s very first handbag, ‘Magick’. The long-slung shoulder bag features leather detail work and is crafted from fossil crystal stones and heavy metals and is just as covetable as their jewellery.

Click through for a sneak peek at the collection - and don’t say we didn’t warn you about the chaos when it hits stores.

Five minutes with Kym Ellery

I caught up with Kym Ellery for 30 Days of Fashion & Beauty to find out more about the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship, coping with pressure of the industry and her hopes for the future.

How does it feel to be a finalist for the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship?
I am so excited to be able to be a part of this!

The Scholarship aims to identify Australia’s emerging fashion talent – do you still consider yourself an ‘emerging’ designer despite such success on an international scale?
Definitely. I think one emerges for a very long time as our globe and industry is a big one.

What would winning the scholarship mean for you?
It would be a huge honour to say the least!

You grew up experiencing the world of fashion alongside your artist mother, is she an inspiration to you?
My mother is such a huge inspiration. She is one of the smartest most talented and the strongest woman that I know. Most of all she is incredibly humble; a quality in her that I admire the most.

You moved to London to study at Central Saint Martins – what made you return to Australia?
I had a job offer that I couldn’t resist. Working in publishing is something I really wanted to do and thoroughly enjoyed. I took three and a half years to get to know that side of the industry before launching E L L E R Y properly.

You spend quite a lot of time in Paris – is this where you take inspiration for the label?
Largely yes. I think that the French have this impeccable way of dressing. I love to come here to re-ground my eye through observing “chic” at it’s best.

You’ve revealed hopes to show at Paris Fashion Week, do you feel pressure to take your label to this next level?
I love what I do and I am excited to be able to show new people on new shores what I do and give them a glimpse into my creative vision for garments.

It’s not just your label getting the attention of the fashion community – how does it feel to be considered a style icon yourself?
I’m flattered. I just wish I had more time to dress each morning. Running a business and label is all consuming so sometimes I feel I drop the ball in this department but I do love getting dressed for an occasion and for everyday life.

Do you have any exciting plans coming up?
I am currently working on the E L L E R Y gazette . issue two. I am really excited to launch this book. I am working with some really inspiring people on this project so I can’t wait to showcase their work.

For more fashion and beauty news and to join the 30 Days of Fashion & Beauty A-list head to www.30daysoffashionandbeauty.com.au

DOLLY Magazine July '11

Interview with Lara Bingle for GRAZIA

The Bingle aka Lara Bingle gave Grazia the scoop on what her plans are for Australian Fashion Week and dished up some style and beauty advice too. Start taking notes… Style or trend? I think style. Trends are always changing but style is individual. It's nice having those key pieces in your wardrobe, like vintage that you can wear all year round. Who are your favourite Australian designers? Dion Lee, Josh Goot and Ellery. They're my friends too so it's great having the chance to support them. Even when I go overseas I still wear Australian designers. We just have such great brands! What's your must-have piece this season? Leather pants and a good blazer. Do you have any style icons?I love Chloe Sevigny, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Kate Moss and Alexa Chung. Do you have any exciting plans for Australian Fashion Week? This year I'll be working with stylist and blogger Romy Frydman during fashion week, which is super exciting! What's your favourite city to shop in? Definitely Paris. What's your top body-confidence tip? If you're healthy and happy on the inside it will show on the outside. Can you spill any of your beauty secrets? Drink lots of water and get lots of sleep. I also love products like Dove tinted moisturiser, which I carry everywhere, and I can't get enough of coconut water. Do you have any exciting plans for the rest of the year? I'm just happy to be home in Australia right now with friends and family. Can't get any better than that! Read my full interview at http://www.grazia.com.au/