J'ATON

Having recently become engaged my world has become engulfed in wedding planning. Whilst on my mission to find my perfect gown I came upon the amazing designer duo, J'Aton. Jacob Luppino and Anthony Pittorino started J'aton Couture in 1995. The Prahran based couturiers are known for their elaborately hand-beaded and meticulously hand-sewn gowns. A J'Aton gown is made in the tradition of a European couture house where they drape, cut and pin their gowns to the body and then sew, by hand, every seam, dart and tiny bead. The European sensibility of J'Aton is born from their Italian heritage, "we love lace, we love detailing, we love embroidery and beads." These images capture the pure elegance and femininity of a J'Aton masterpiece. I am inspired and in love!

{images: aisle perfect}

DIGITAL CRYSTAL

The London Design museum has teamed with my favourite brand, Swarovski for a new exhibition. The show is a collaboration of light, crystals and digital technology featuring exciting new talents such as Ron Arad, Yves Behar, Maarten Baas and Paul Cocksedge. They explore the relationships between the digital age and intangible things and the idea of establishing new connections within this ever changing dynamic.

‘Swarovski at the Design Museum explores the meaning of memory in the digital age, with the demise of the analogue era our relationship and connection with personal memory, photographs, diaries, letters, time and ephemera is changing.’

-DEYAN SUDJIC, DIRECTOR OF THE DESIGN MUSEUM

The artists experiment with LEDs, laser lights, mirrors, light painting, intangible holograms and off course Swarovski crystals within the works. Yves Béhar’s Amplify Chandelier, (above) commissioned in 2010, takes a single crystal amplified within a paper lantern to create a digital pattern, a repeated form, each one different from the next.

The exhibition, "Digital Crystal" opens today, 5 September until 13 January.

{image: artdaily}

LUXE MELBOURNE ARCHITECTURE

I recently came upon this gorgeous home located in Armadale, Melbourne.  This stunning residence was once the historic Golden Crust bakery warehouse. In 2006 architectural firm Jackson Clements Burrows transformed this iconic site into an expansive, eloquent family home. I am inspired by the chic, industrial design of the home. Clean open spaces are complimented by superb attention to detail. The unique combination of materials and design creates a wonderous, lustful elegance.

“The building was in a state of serious deterioration and under threat of demolition as it was not protected by any heritage overlays.” However, the clients were attracted to the building and its potential to meet the accommodation requirements for their large family. The original building fabric was retained and an extensive interior scheme was developed which engaged with the industrial history of the building. A new bridge was inserted which connected the two primary buildings providing a social connection between separated spaces.”

-JCB

{images: home dsgn}

SWAROVSKI AUSTRIA

Some gorgeous imagery of installations from the headquarters of Swarovski. Located in the heart of the Austrian capital on Kaerntner Strasse 24, Swarovski Wien invites visitors into a sparkling, creative world of amazement and shopping. An innovative and multifaceted Swarovski dream world captivates visitors, offering them works of art created by internationally renowned artists alongside magically scintillating product presentations over three storeys.

{images: swarovski austria, press gallery}

HOUSE OF DIOR

Love the Dior website. When I'm looking for inspiration, watching a clip from the "House of Dior in Video" gets my creative mind working. Check it out....sleek, contemporary, refined, lovely.

{website: here}

GARDEN ROSES

The distinct colours and shapes created by the rose is perfectly symbolic of glamorous beauty. It is this breathtaking beauty I seek to capture in all all of my work as a jewellery designer. A couple of shots of stunning garden roses I recently took. They were given to me by a lovely work colleague. I sought to capture their vibrant colour and delicate texture.

DELTA STYLE

Love the styling in the new Delta "Sitting on top of The World" video clip. Just gorgeous. The video was shot over two days on March 11 and 12 in Melbourne and was styled by Melbourne based costume designer and stylist, Jess Daly. Jess was hired by Sony Music and designed costumes for both Delta and her dancers.

"A highlight of the styling is Delta's final outfit in the video, leather shorts and a $45,000 Balmain studded leather jacket" -Jess Daly

Jess works with a palette of soft colour and playful hues to evoke a creative, light filled ambience in the clip  I am an absolute fan. The video was directed by Guy Franklin.

{video: deltagoodrem.com} {image: delta daily}

FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE

Whilst working on my current collections I have been listening to the amazing Florence And The Machine.

The crazy epic vocals of Florence Welch combined with an eclectic array of sounds creates a contemporary style of music that is to be envied. Florence has achieved high accolades for her rich, raw, individual talent. Her lyrics are "out there" but do revert to the simple notion of love and pain. The debut album from Florence and the Machine,"Lungs" has been hugely successful. The latest album "Ceremonials" is exquisite.  Take a listen, wonderful.

{image: musictrajectory.com}

INSPIRATIONAL MECCA

Having recently read some articles on Mecca Cosmetica founder Jo Horgan I have found her story, success and business to be both inspiring and motivating.

As founder of Mecca Cosmetica, Jo has created an empire that includes many stores in Australia and New Zealand. She has also opened Kit Cosmetic stores Australia wide. Mecca Maxima resides at Melbourne Central and reports outstanding success. The store offers a unique cosmetic experience suitable for women of all ages. Horgan was just 28 when she opened Mecca Cosmetica, her abilities as a young entrepreneur are to be admired.

{website: here} {image: stuart miles}

ANDY WARHOL SHOES

Love the shoes art of Pop icon Andy Warhol. These works were produced in his earlier years as a New York City commercial artist in the 1950s. The illustrations were advertisements for retail stores and magazines in New York.

My favourite piece is this print "Diamond Dust Shoes." Warhol wanted to make the print sparkle from industrial diamonds in the silk screen paint. When this idea did not work he is said to have used glass and mirror chips to achieve the desired effect. Absolutely love it!

{image: dougs art gallery}

STEVE JOBS 1955-2011

Saddened to hear of the death of the revolutionary Steve Jobs yesterday. Co-founder of the Apple Corporation, he enabled the company to become a powerhouse in consumer-electronics. Apple is currently the most valuable publicly-traded company in the world.

As a graphic designer I have spent much of my life sitting behind a Mac. Without this technology and the imperative tools the Mac computer offered life would be very different. As a designer the capabilities have became endless with the opportunity to produce artwork and ideas at a highly sophisticated level. Today the Mac allows me to design my jewellery with ease and innovation. Works can be reviewed and adapted succinctly, concepts can be made reality in an instant.

Thanks Steve Jobs.

{image: pixomar}

INSPIRATION

{image: glitter sniffer}

AN INSPIRATIONAL BLOOM

A number of years ago I read an article on the success story of Natalie Bloom, the founder and creator of Bloom Cosmetics. The one time graphic designer has built a brand that is stocked in countries spanning the globe. Her story inspired me all those years ago and continues to drive me in my pursuit of developing and building a successful business. As a one time graphic designer myself, she gives light that there is hope for us all!

{interview: here}

SOFIA FORD COPPOLA AND DIOR

Love the 2008 Miss Dior Cherie perfume campaign. The film piece is directed by Sofia Ford Coppola and features the song "Moi Je Joue" by Brigitte Bardot and model Maryna Linchuk. So sweet!

{image and video: fashiontography}

AN INSPIRATION

{image: isa}