SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION: PIÑATEX

In an industry that is responsible for so much beauty and so much destruction, I feel it's really important to embrace positive change within the Fashion & Textiles Industry. Advances in technology are playing a massive role in how we shape the fashion industry for future generations. The development of a new leather made from pineapples could effect change in more way than one.

As an advocate for Sustainable Fashion and as a person that genuinely cares about the planet and its creatures great & small, I'm always excited about a new innovation in Fashion & Textiles Sustainability. Animal rights activists in particular can rejoice, as there is a new leather on the market called Pinãtex. Created by Dr Carmen Hijosa the textile has been developed utilising the leaves of pineapples. This is a wonderful innovation for more than the obvious reasons. Used as a substitute for leather, it is an attractive vegan alternative, absolutely. It's also created using the waste of pineapples, so that's less biowaste for the environment to break down, less space for storage, fewer burn offs required and it's making use of an entire crop, creating money where there was once waste and as far as raw materials go, it's readily available. With development and testing conducted in the Phillapines, the production is adding much needed income to the farming communities. The development of Piñatex is in itself creating a new industry. 

I'm personally looking forward to investing my money into brands that support sustainable innovation and do their best to minimise the impact on the planet and its people.

Find out more at www.ananus-anam.com 

TREND ALERT// HEALTH GOTH

While some of you may have never heard of this term, believe it or not, this is a well established trend across boarders. As the name Health Goth suggests, the look is a fusion of Sports Luxe & Modern Goth. Pioneered by one of my favourite designers, Alexander Wang, I've been keeping an eye on this trend since my boyfriend came home from the US earlier this year with a typical "health goth" Dead Worldwide tee. The look intrigues me & I want to see more of it here in Australia. 

With a monochrome colour palette, the trend is embodied by volumous silhouettes, clean lines & a whole lot of edge. Take a look at my favourite looks from the trend, all images were found via Pinterest. Get the look for less by shopping the guide below the images.

For the gentlemen out there wanting to get the Health Goth look, these dudes have Health Goth on lock!

Now, given the penchant of Health Goths to opt for high end labels, it's not a trend for those on a budget... Oh who am I kidding, it doesn't matter about budget if you know where to shop... Get the look for a fraction of the cost online at stores like ASOS, The Iconic & Nasty Gal. Add new pieces with the monochrome basics in your wardrobe, to extend the look.

Hope you've enjoyed this little insight into the 'Health Goth' trend, I hope more people get on board here in Australia, I love the look.

Don't be afraid to break all the rules and forge your own style too though. Nothing is sexier than an individual that has their own look, beyond main stream Fashion Trends.

Peace & Love to you all.

x x

SPRING RACING

In Melbourne, as the weather gets warmer, Spring arrives & so does the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.

Whether you're planning on going monochrome for Derby Day, blush for Oaks Day or something a little different for Cup Day; Check out my inspiration for this coming seasons events... I've even included a little something for the gentlemen. 

Loving this strong power suit vibe from Sophie Beale Millinery... If it was going to be a cool day, I really would consider wearing a suit... There's something so sexy about a power suit & a giant hat.

Obsessed with Phillip Treacy Millenery, however I think I'll be making my own this season.

Can Olivia Palermo do no wrong? Loving this look from the Royal Ascott earlier this year.

As promised, something for the men.. (Don't worry ladies, eye candy for you too) If you're going to go to the races gentlemen, please take a style cue from one of these dapper gentlemen.

I hope you enjoy the Spring Racing Carnival, have fun responsibly & always in style... Keep those heels on ladies! 

Peace & Love to you all.

x x

:all images sourced from Pinterest.com

THESE DIRTY DISHES

I'm thrilled to announce that I have joined a community of beautiful, intelligent women, who aim to empower women with words. Nel has gathered these incredible ladies together to create, These Dirty Dishes, an online publication written by women, for women & everyone else really... I'll be writing about all things Fashion & Beauty... (everything I love basically) 

My first article '50 Fashion & Beauty Tips that will save your life' is a collection of tips and tricks that I've collected throughout my experience in the industry, my studies & from the incredible people I've had the privilege of meeting.

Check out the article here & like 'These Dirty Dishes' on Facebook & Instagram @thesedirtydishes & myself if you don't already @denver_styles to keep up to date with new articles.

http://thesedirtydishes.com/2015/09/11/50-fashion-beauty-tips-that-will-save-your-life/

Find out the many uses of hairspray & coconut oil, how to look presentable in 5 minutes & so much more. I hope these tips help you as much as they have helped me.

Peace & Love to you all..

x x

ROCKING THE RUNWAY AGAINST BREAST CANCER // FRANKIES BASICS & MY DESIGN DEBUT

Thursday 23rd of October was Frankies Boutique's 'Rocking the Runway Against Breast Cancer', the event was hosted by Prue Garner, Creative Director of Frankies Boutique in the beautiful Warrandyte. Held at the Grand hotel on Yarra street, the event was an evening of Champagne, Cocktails, Fashion, Canapes and all whilst raising vital funds for The National Breast Cancer Foundation.

I was given the opportunity to design a small Capsule Range for the boutique's SS15 Australian Basics Collection. Made locally in Kilsyth, Victoria the fabric is a beautiful Rayon/Elastane Blend, designed to be an essential basic for every closet. For those of you who don't know, Rayon is regenerated plant cellulose (plant matter) it's 60% more absorbent than cotton and holds its shape after multiple washes. It feels incredible against the skin and is perfect for the Australian climate. Prue designed the Frankies Basics Range based on staple basics that she had in her own wardrobe, tweaking them slightly to accommodate for the Frankies customer and Australia's Fast Fashion Climate. My 5 designs are a part of the Frankies Basics Range that is due to hit stores next month.

This is the flier I designed for the Basics, art work by moi.. Not long now until they're all available for pre order online. Until then, pop in store or give us a call on 03 9523 7688 to order over the phone.. 50% deposit required.

 The Geo Tee is one of my favourites, featuring a sheer chiffon godet centre back (a godet is a triangular cut generally at the center back seam, not that you can see it here, but know it's there)

 The Capsule Range I designed features the Audrey Crop & Tubular midi Co-ord set. I designed this to flatter the silhouette of most women, creating an hour glass figure and emphasizing a small waist. The midi skirt is elasticized at the waist and features a kick pleat to improve flexibility and movement of the design. Basic in Black, this look is so flattering and comfortable without loosing the Fashion Edge.

 The Illusion Maxi was a crowd favourite, featuring splits up each side & flattering colour blocking, the dress will be changing slightly when it comes in. We will have it a touch shorter and in a different fabric so that the drape of the dress is improved and not so clingy.

 

Our beautiful model Amy is rocking the Rings of Saturn fascinator that is now sold out.. sorry ladies.

 A beautiful group shot of our models wearing my designs and our incredible makeup artist Brooke Pearson who did amazing work, helping us out with so much! She is beyond amazing!

Amy & I pre show, she's rocking the Frankies Basics Swing Singlet in Cobalt.. already put my order in for this one.. so easy to wear this summer!

 Prue Garner, the woman who made all of this possible & myself, all excited before the show..

 Ester sporting our Frankies Spring Collection that's available in store at the moment, so come and visit!

 

One of those awesome backstage moments

 Our Cobalt Vision dress is just stunning! You can get this online at Frankies or in store and it's only $89!

 The Frankies Basics Circle Tee.. such a great look for Summer & you can wear it with just about anything.. this one is also available for pre order in store & will soon be online.

 The Frankies Basics Swing Singlet in Mustard being worked by the beautiful Ester

 Completely surrounded by my designs, I cannot tell you how happy I was in this moment. It was taken right after the runway show, as you can see I was beaming.. The Ringleader tunic pictured on the far right was another crowd favourite. it can be worn as a dress or a top and has a hi lo hem with tails at the back, I don't have a full length shot of this one but I'll be doing a shoot next month to celebrate the arrival in store.

Stay tuned for the Basics range to hit the store early December and will soon be available for preorder online. This was by far the best day of my life to date.. I hope you enjoyed sharing it with me. A huge thank you to Prue, Emma, Emily, Brooke, Maddie, Fannie, the models, our photographer Jacinta Mae, our DJ Marco Lepore & everyone who made this night possible. Our MC Craig and ofcourse the beautiful Tash York who performed a skit from "These Things Take Wine"with a very talented young man Daniele Buatti.. Any woman that can rap, sing & blow up Balloon Animals at the same time is alright by me. You can catch her full act at The Butterfly Club in Melbourne, checkout the facebook page here. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Thank you to everyone involved for an incredible event raising money for a cause that's so close to our hearts. Stay tuned for what's next at Frankies Boutique.

Peace & Love to you all.

xox