Paris: The Home of Couture
Once again Paris turned on its beauty an unmistakable charm for the Autumn/Winter 08/09 couture shows. As always the looks were outrageous, spectacular and full of colour with the big names proving why they’re the kings of couture.
Dior and Elie Saab paid homage to the ball gown sending elegant and ultra feminine gowns in yummy shades down the runway. Gaultier, as always, added his quirky touches to gorgeous fabrics in rich olives and purples. Chanel bought puffy shoulders back with gray’s and silvers ruling their roost. Valentino and Armani Prive kept it elegant and sophisticated with blacks and neutrals being a big hit.



Short bobs were a hit at Chanel



Christian Dior paraded classic updo's


Red lips and nails added impact at Jean Paul Gaultier




Big hair and smokey eyes created drama at Elie Saab



Valentino kept it stylishly sleek



Elegance and sophistication ruled at Giorgio Armani Prive

Pictures Copyright imaxtree.com/vogue.com

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Italian Brilliance
I'll admit that one of my weaknesses is gorgeous dresses. Whether I can afford couture is the next question however I'm happy and content, for the time being, to be the doting fan who gasps in amazement when pics of the latest creations grace my computer screen. Jane, the fabulous Style Guide Art Director, forwarded me this link today and I have to say... well really, words don't do these dresses justice.
The designer is Italian Luisa Beccaria luisabeccaria.it. Made from the most divine tulles, silk satins, brocades and organzas and embellished with feathers and deluxe fabrics her creations look good enough to eat. In shades of a gelati rainbow they truly are works of art. Luisa's pieces have graced the covers of mags such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Instyle and have been worn by stars like Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron. Although written in Italian her website is gorgeous and will make any bride or bridesmaid green with envy. Visit luisabeccaria.it for serious fashion eye candy!









Posted by Emilie Harrison

Flourished Fonts
Not that I'm obsessed with it or anything, but thanks to the Bride's Cafe blog I've found another gorgeous calligraphy supplier in the US, Pretty Pen Jen. The best part is she ships all over the world, so if you're organised enough with your guest list, this would be an elegant option.





Posted by Jane Cameron

Penmanship Power
Ok, who doesn't love, love, love calligraphy? If ever you were going to use this incredibly beautiful art form, it would be for your wedding stationery. I have found the most stunning samples from a calligrapher in New York named Bernard Maisner. He boasts a high-profile client list and a repertoire of elaborate typefaces that he has developed himself.





Try contacting local calligraphy societies for suppliers here in Australia.

Posted by Jane Cameron

Side Profile
Since compiling our Ladies & Gentlemen story for Issue 7, I've been tuned in to anything slightly silhouette. Look at these fun custom-made Carter Kustera portraits I found at Jonathan Adler. Each one is hand painted and finished with a clever line or two describing the sitter. What a great way of keeping a traditional record of family and friends but in a contemporary way. This would be a fabulous idea for a record of wedding guests too - just make sure to get a photograph of each and every person attending for future use!



Posted by Jane Cameron

Issue 7 out today!
We've been waiting for this day for a while now - Issue 7 has hit the newsagent's shelves in Australia today. We think this is our best ever issue and hope you will agree. No rest though as we're well into production for Issue 8, with many more innovative and interesting ideas for the perfect wedding.

This issue's subscription prize (open to Australian residents only) is a gorgeous kate spade Belle Boulevard 20 piece dinner set and coordinating crystal wine glasses. This uber-elegant prize is valued at over $1200!

We'd love your feedback, so please leave a comment.



Posted by Jane Cameron

Couture Parasols Are Here!!
Parasols have become the must-have accessory for modern Australian weddings and garden events, and Australia’s leading wedding and celebration retailer, pinkfrosting.com.au, is proud to announce the arrival of exclusive couture parasols just in time for the Australian Spring and Summer wedding season.
The humble parasol in rice paper, cotton or lace, is quickly becoming the decorative accessory of choice for beach and garden weddings in Australia, with celebrities such as Erica Baxter, Jennifer Lopez and Rebecca Romijn using them at their recent nuptials.
”In some contemporary weddings, the parasol is replacing the bridal bouquet altogether,” said Kathryn Porritt a well-known event and wedding stylist as well as the owner of pinkfrosting.com.au. “Increasingly, we’re seeing beach and garden wedding themes where the parasol becomes the chief decorative element, instead of expensive and impractical flowers.”
For the first time, hand-beaded, painted and adorned parasols are available in Australia from America’s leading celebrity parasol designer Pamela’s Parasols, exclusively through pinkfrosting.com.au.







Posted by Emilie Harrison

More on Vera Wang Stationery
Here are some more Vera Wang designs from Paper Source - another example of the intricate laser diecutting used. Both of these designs would be a perfect complement to our story Moody Hues in Issue 7, especially for a smaller, more intimate wedding whereby hand written invitations or thank you cards are achievable.

Vera Wang Parasol Notebox


Vera Wang Eyelet Spiral Notebox

Posted by Jane Cameron

Mark It
I found these gorgeous wooden bookmarks from Beacon Bookmarks and thought they would be the perfect complement to our Book Club story in Issue 7. They are only $6US each + delivery and would make a thoughtful guest's favour.



Posted by Jane Cameron

Vera Wang on Weddings
As anyone who knows me can tell you, I love stationery. So, I was thrilled to find the newly launched Vera Wang on Weddings site. Here you'll find all things VW including the most divine stationery range, just perfect for a stylish wedding. There are new designs that incorporate intricate detailing like diecutting and embossing.

At present they only ship within the States, but promise to ship internationally soon. Don't forget you can always purchase goods from the US with easy shipping sites like Access USA that allow you to set up an account and purchase goods there, and then ship them on to Australia. Spoken like a true shopaholic!

I have seen some of the Vera Wang stationery range in David Jones as well, so try there too. davidjones.com.au



Posted by Jane Cameron

Shoe Stopper
Many people will agree that finding gorgeous, comfy and glamorous wedding shoes can be a nightmare. Faryaal Chaudhry has come to the rescue with her beautiful collection of handmade heels. Featuring Swarovski crystals, Czeck rhinestones, intricate hand-beading and embroidery they truly are pieces of art. In celebration of the launch Faryaal is offering $50 off any pair of shoes. Available in sizes 36-41. Visit faryaal.com.au to view the complete collection. International orders welcome!


Style: Micaela


Style: Sabbia AUD$320


Style: Alenna AUD$350

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Vivienne Westwood Loves Carrie
To celebrate the release of the most fashion forward movie of all time ‘Sex and the City: The Movie’, Vivienne Westwood’s Conduit Street store recently showcased the spectacular gold-backed ivory silk satin duchess gown, from is autumn/winter 07/08 collection, in its window.

A question I asked myself; did Vivienne personally write the note accompanying the gown she sent to Carrie? She certainly did!
If you fancy yourself a bit of a Carrie the Westwood gown is made to order at Vivienne Westwood Couture and Bridal; call +44 (0) 20 6293757 for more info or visit viviennewestwood.com.


Sarah Jessica Parker on set in the Westwood creation
Copyright Rex Features

Posted by Emilie Harrison