VERA WANG OPENS IN SYDNEY

Last night, we were lucky enough to be invited to attend the opening of the VERA WANG first stand-alone bridal boutique in Australia and view the stunning Spring/Summer 2012 Bridal Collection. And what a magnificent night it was!

The store which occupies 140 square meters in Sydney’s heritage InterContinental hotel is both minimalist and mysterious, which leaves the romance to the bridal dresses showcased beautifully on mannequins within the boutiques arched windows. The opening of the boutique in the InterContinental follows in the tradition established when Vera Wang opened her first store in the landmark Carlyle Hotel in New York. The boutique stocks Vera’s signature bridal gowns and accessories from footwear to corsages, as well as fragrance and highlights from the designer’s Wedgewood home collection.

The collection itself is breathtaking and represents an ode to the Paris Opera, with inspiration taken from the works of famed French artist Edgar Degas. Think floating natural-waist ballerina ball gowns, layers and layers of tulle and degrade floral laser-cut organza. A collection described by Vera Wang as “artful and adorable”

The store is a welcomed arrival for Brides across Australia who no longer have to dream about wearing a VERA WANG creation on their special day. It can now be reality without having to get on a plane to make it happen. Spend more on the dress and less on the travel!

The VERA WANG bridal service is by appointment only and is the first time that Australian brides have had the opportunity to experience the complete range and will also hold trunk shows in the boutiques twice a year.

Be sure to get in touch quickly to make appointments, as no doubt these appointments are going to be hotter then a Hermes Birkin bag waitlist for Australian brides!

FUDGE...An Evening of Artist Inspiration

Last Wednesday at Luxe Studios in East Sydney, over 100 guests gathered to celebrate leading hair care brand – FUDGE.

Guests were treated to a world-class presentation from Creative Director John Vial and Fudge Global Session stylist Snowden Hill, the originators of International hair trends for over 17 years. Both have been responsible for creating the looks for fashion shows for designers Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Prada and Versace to name a few.

The main aim of the event was to re-establish the brands position in the Australian marketplace, remind the audience about the quality and performance of the brand and launch their new range Textures.

On the evening guests arrived to an orange carpet where the gorgeous host of the evening, model Nikki Phillips, interviewed guests on what Fudge meant to them. From there guests entered an orange washed room with an installation of eight beautiful models with incredible, sharp, edgy hair styles and were styled by Fernando Frisoni in outfits by some of Australia’s leading fashion designers including Alex Perry and Ellery. The AV element of the evening was very fierce, capturing the essence of FUDGE and a high voltage presentation of four looks on stage by John and Snowden were showcased on some very willing models.

Throughout the evening guests enjoyed sipping on a signature FUDGE cocktail created for the evening, delectable canapés including tiramisu whilst listening to the cool beats from DJCasette before leaving with a jammed packed FUDGE gift bag.

FUDGE Global Session stylist Snowden Hill  with a guest

The models' getting final touches backstage

Gorgeous host Nikki Phillips with FUDGE Creative Director John Vial

Models showcasing amazing runway looks

FUDGE TEXTURES Range

Snowden Hill recreating the UFO look from the Alexander McQueen Paris show

COUNTRY WEDDING IN THE CITY

We were lucky enough to work with an incredible couple late last year to create their dream wedding. It was important to the couple to bring together their traditions, beliefs, heritage, sense of fun and most importantly their love of travel and food on their special day.

The bride and groom wanted to make their wedding the ultimate party for their 200 guests, while still respecting the traditions of marriage. They also wanted the event to reflect their upbringing - the groom from the country and the bride a city girl who spent a part of her childhood in the English countryside where her mother was from.

And so the goal was to create a Country Wedding in the City, and they had their hearts set on the picturesque Lachlan Swamp in Sydney’s Centennial Park. After gaining approval from the Parklands to build a temporary structure in the swamp, it was time to focus our efforts on taking their inspiration boards and turning them into reality.

This included an outdoor ceremony and dance floor, live music, loads and loads of food, the bride’s family famous banana rum, tongue-in-cheek royal tea towels, and plenty of colour on this September evening . . . in a swamp!

 We faced a number of challenges, to say the least! We were experiencing some unseasonal rain, coupled with the need to fit a marquee in a designated spot without damaging any of the hundred year old paperbark trees (in particular their extensive root systems!) and this was all before the big day had even arrived, which happened to coincide with the park’s busiest day of the year.

It was certainly a challenge, but well and truly worth it when on the day the clouds parted to leave a perfect spring day in Sydney, with plenty of sunshine for the outdoor ceremony, and a party that went well into the night.

Here’s how it all came together…

BASLER Winter Wonderland

On Thursday night we produced an event for Internationally recognised luxury womenswear label BASLER and transported their headquarters into a Winter Wonderland in celebration of the brands ‘new look’.

Managing Director of BASLER within Australia, Robert de Keyser hosted over 200 fabulous and elegant guests of all ages, as they move to capture a younger target market.

In keeping with the brands long standing overseas traditions guests enjoyed their first Christmas celebration of the year, complete with Santa gifting beautiful wool scarves, live entertainment including a hilarious performance by Julia Gillard impersonator, Lesley Kennedy and models sashaying amongst the guests clad in new collection couture, adorned with Cerrone jewels.

Guests included TV personalities Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Anne Sanders, jeweller to the stars Nicola Cerrone and wife Carmela, Julie Singleton, Victoria Morish and Maria Finlay who enjoying delicious Christmas inspired canapés, such as petite turkey pies with cranberry sauce and fruit minced pies, whilst sipping on French champagne by Pommery.

WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO

It has been a busy start to 2012 for Marilyn Grace so we thought we’d share a couple of images with you so you can see what we’ve been up to.

Tuesday 6 March saw a celebration of cool around the launch of HUNT NO MORE in Sydney. The aim of the evening was to create a very sleek, fun atmosphere to showcase the brand to the city’s cool set.

A very NYC styled bar – Since I Left You on Kent Street– provided the perfect venue for the evening with its moody interiors, raw outdoor spaces, side laneway, sandstone entrance and wrought iron gates. The exposed brick walls offered the perfect backdrop to project the brand’s campaign, still imagery and short movies for guests.

The courtyard, and a beautiful balmy night, created a great party atmosphere, highlighted by the custom ‘Dagger’ cocktails, DJ tunes and hot models swanning around the glamorous crowd.

From the city we headed to the beach for the Sydney Carnival Media Launch at North Bondi Italian.

It was jammed packed for a Monday morning, with Cam William acting as MC interviewing the beautiful ambassadors, Jescinta Campbell and Kelly Smythe, The Minister for Tourism, The Hon. George Souris MP, the Chairman of the Australian Turf Club and leading jockeys Kathy O’Hara and Corey Brown. Here the crowd got to hear the insiders guide to the upcoming autumn Carnival, including the hottest styling and racing tips.

And if that wasn’t enough, there was plenty of horse action surrounding the event with legendary racehorse Takeover Target gracing the shores of Bondi Beach on a picture perfect Sydney day.

INSPIRATIONS

We have just got back from Paris on a sourcing trip for some of our very special upcoming weddings, and so far our best find is an amazing supplier for charger plates.

Charger plates would have to be one of my favourite editions to a tabletop. They can transform a simple table to a very chic, classic setting, or provide a great pop of colour in seconds.

Here’s a look at my favourite examples of perfect use of a charger plate.

Dress the table…EASTER

Easter is our favourite holiday of the year. We think it has something to do with the fact that it involves a lot of chocolate and hot cross buns…but the bunnies, pastel colours and cute decorations play a huge part as well!

We’ve put together what we hope you will consider a gorgeous Easter table, to provide you with some inspiration. And if you want to achieve this look for your Easter lunch, we’ve supplied a list of our favourite products to help you along the way. 

Moss Bunnies from the General Trading Company in Double Bay

Decorative tin eggs from Sweet William in Paddington

Painted eggs from Scrumptious in Double Bay

Moss bird nests from Papier D’Amour in Double Bay