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  • INTERVIEW with Bella Wetten || The Bella Styling Co.



    Bella (Aka Isabel) is not just any stylist in Brisbane. She has a 10-year long corporate background and she founded The Bella Styling Co. She offers to help those in building Fashion Shows, Editorial Shoots, Fashion Brand Strategy and Personal Branding + Styling. Here I spend two minutes to interview Bella:

    SD: How did you get into styling?

    BW: Like any woman I've always loved style and fashion. I got into styling after re-inventing myself six years ago. I wanted to show my daughter that it's a great thing to put effort in yourself. 

    SD: You worked with Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival in March 2017. What was that experience like?

    BW: Let's just say that it was the most exciting moment of my life as a stylist. I knew I wanted to experience a big stage and Melbourne Museum delivered. It was like a dream. And putting together a fashion show for the Rachel Gilbert, Mischa, Camilla, By Johnny and Thurley I was literally living that dream for 10 straight days.

    SD: What is your favourite go-to outfit?

    BW: Currently loving my leather mini with a T-shirt and tailored jacket, Heels or sneakers. 

    SD: Describe your style in 3 words.

    BW: Elegant Street Chic.

    SD: What inspired you to create The Bella Styling Co. ?

     BW: The Bella Styling Co. started out as a personal branding and styling company but over time I re-evaluated where the company excels and we are now a team of 11 people putting together fashion events in Brisbane. My inspiration is always the fashion greats that have made their mark before us. Fashion is forever evolving and to leave your mark as a contributor to it's growth and evolution is inspiration in itself.

     SD: What’s an important life lesson you learnt from fashion?

    BW: The fashion will have life if you give it life. Celebrate it!

    SD: If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?

    BW: Oh you gotta ask me the hard questions. I think it has to be Carla Zampatti. When I used to work in corporate in Sydney, I would always walk pass the Carla Zampatti on Kent Street and see people carrying fashions in garment bags. Stylish women standing out the front of the establishment on their phones speaking in different languages.

    SD: What’s the most fun part of your job?

    BW: Seeing creations are fun. And to me it's like putting together a puzzle and the end result is always spot on.

    SD: Most challenging?

    BW: Emotions are challenging. You have to deal with them in an appropriate way. Sometimes when it is so busy we disregard how others feel but on the other side of that we should because there is a job to do. A clear and concise explanation works all the time.

    SD: What’s one thing you’d never put a client in?

    BW: I would never put something that will result to a cringe. I dress clients according to body shape and style identity and the result of that is their style. But if a piece makes them cringe then its not a go. 

    SD: Who is your favourite designer? And why?

    BW: Carla Zampatti is one. Then Gabrielle Chanel. It's their stories that make me love them. How they pushed through to make something of themselves and how their brand has evolved through the changes in time.

    SD: Describe a time in your career where you felt you could say, "I made it".

    BW: I think I can say that I made it because I am doing what I always wanted to do. There's so much more to learn and so much more to experience. There might have been a few detours along the way but when I did my first fashion show when I was 14 I knew that I was meant to do this. 20 years on I will be celebrating this on 4 July 2019 so stay tuned.

     

  • JK Couture VIP Night at Morrison Hotel

    Jk Couture VIP Night at The Morrison Hotel was a night to remember. Guests were welcomed into a special function room from 6.30pm. Seats were filled with goodie bags that left me smiling. There were entertainment from a magician, musical acts and platters of savoury and sweet foods. Guests were also spoilt with a full course meal while the musicians entertained everyone. Joanne Hasson's, (the person behind JK Couture) story and motive behind this charity night was based around her mother-in-law's cancer journey and experience, so Joanne decided to hold a charity night for cancer. There were plenty of raffle prizes to win, and I won a $300 Xennox Diamonds giftcard (woohoo!). The program ended at 9.30pm on the dot, and was perfect timing according to the program which was great. I can't wait to go to the next JK Couture's VIP night. They are just so much fun!


    Above: Beautiful styling by Plan and Simple


    Above: The program


    Above: Delicious alcohol-infused cupcakes


    Above: One of the guests, Martha Yuna Lay


    Above: JK Couture dress


    Above: Musical entertainment by Lucy Taylor Music


    Above: Show-stopper


    Above: Martha Yuna Lay and Joanne Hasson

    Photography by Suzanne Dang

  • INTERVIEW with MBFF Brisbane Next GEN Designer - Jordan Hewitt


    ABOVE: Photography by Clive Fox Photography

    Jordan Hewitt was created in 2017 by founders Josephine Garner and Marlene Millers helping daughters and granddaughters bring their dream ideas to reality. A big family affair with lots or ideas, opinions and criticism to create the ultimate designs.

    The whole family is very passionate about Australia and being Australian Made.
    Jordan Hewitt Fashion House designs and sews high quality day wear, formal and bridesmaid dresses distributing via retailers Australia wide.

    Josephine Garner has been a business woman her entire life. Her business skills are impeccable for the growth of this business. Marlene Millers built her distribution experience by representing American Formal and Bridal Labels. These days, her passion to be Australian Made and provide beauty with quality is evident, putting her expertise to good use.

    Since launching in December, 2017, Jordan Hewitt already distributes the label to 13 Retailers and growing.

    Jordan Hewitt provides the fastest ordering system for retailers in the industry. We also have a rare National Dress Register for formal events. This means that all stores Australia Wide will contribute to the same Register for Jordan Hewitt. Customers love this! We are making a positive difference in the Australian Retail Market.

    Jordan Hewitt has just been named Finalist for the Australian Business Champions Awards 2018 for the New Business Champion Category. This “Oscars of Small Business” is being held in Sydney 21st April, 2018 at the Star Event Centre.
    Jordan Hewitt has been invited to participate in the prestigious Ekka Fashion Parade 2018. Also, I spend a few minutes with the designers behind Jordan Hewitt, who is also one of the designers for MBFF Brisbane's Next GEN show:

    SD: What was the biggest inspiration behind your latest collection?
    To provide an Australian Made High Quality Product involving the whole family.

    SD: What helps you get in the zone when you’re designing?

    There is nothing better than a few of us throwing new ideas around collectively to produce a flattering design. We egg each other on.


    ABOVE: Photography by Clive Fox Photography
     
    SD: When did you first realise you wanted to pursue a career as a designer?

    I had previous experience representing American designers and service customers for about 10 years so to me it is auto thinking of what they will want a design to do for their body.
     
    SD: What was your biggest fear when going out and starting your own line?

    The biggest fear is, “ Is your product going to sell?” Well, it is selling and we could not be happier with the results.
    SD: How do you want women to feel when wearing your clothes?

    To feel confident
    SD: There’s so much pressure for designers to come out with their greatest collection season after season. What advice would you give to young designers just starting out and hoping to make it in the industry?

    Design to flatter the figure

    Jordan Hewitt's social media presence:

    Website: https://www.jordanhewitt.com.au/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JordanHewittCo/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordan.hewitt.co/

  • INTERVIEW with MBFF Brisbane Next GEN Designer - Murrii Quu Designs


    ABOVE: Photography by Reeny Jarro

    Murrii Quu Designs offers timeless and fashion-forward pieces for women inspired by everyday beauty. Cheryl Creed, Fashion Designer & Owner of Murrii Quu Designs has refined her own unique styling regarding evening wear for women, and she has developed her label from ideas to realities. I spend a few minutes with Cheryl, who is also one of the designers in MBFF Brisbane’s Next GEN fashion show:

    SD: What was the biggest inspiration behind your latest collection?

    I got inspired from my mother and grandmother, our love of Second-Hand shopping, they would often adding or removing sleeves on blouses, hemming garments to fit. Over the years, I'd collected beautiful dresses that hung in my wardrobe, I'd use them for dress up at family gatherings, taking photos of my family in the hats, gloves, wigs and dresses I'd had.
    An opportunity was given to me, following my second walk on the runway (2016) modelling Indigenous fashion at RIFTS Indigenous fashion show, organised my traditional members of Dawul With Aboriginal Corporation, who simply asked if anyone was interested in becoming a designer and wanted to put a collection together for the (2017) fashion show. I put my hand up and said "yes me" and that's where it all began.

    With no experience, I invested in a sewing machine and an overlock machine, taught myself to use the machines and began creating designs, I eventually bought on board a professional tailor because I needed quality finish. 
     
    SD: What helps you get in the zone when you’re designing?
    Am I influenced by the broader trends, well no, but perhaps yes, I like my style to reflect feminine modesty, many styles today encourage women to show a lot of skin, their concept of less is more gives the wrong perception of a woman's personality, I want to bring back the lady, the sophisticated lady, but not have her completely covered, my gowns are tasteful, their off the shoulders look not revealing breasts, there's no plunging backs that show the top of a women's backside, the splits stop at the top of a women's knee instead of up to her groin or waist, so yes I gust I am inspired by current trends but in the opposite direction. My label is all about drawing on the woman's natural or individual beauty, adding drama from my style, while maintaining feminine etiquette.
     
    SD: When did you first realise you wanted to pursue a career as a designer?

    My designs are influenced by the garment I find on my treasure hunt in the Second-Hand shops, I look for quality, vintage fabric and materials, I immediately invision what I can do with it, looking at the seems to see if they can be restichted, pulled apart, I am inspired by the material, I recently fell in love with velvet, I love all the sheer fabrics, and each gown is different, no two gowns are the same, they are exclusive one off gowns, this is something I can give to our women, they are assured that they are purchasing a one off, and won't experience the embarrassment of going to an event and seeing another woman in the same gown, they can never be compared "who wore it better", no woman wants that. But the can feel proud that there is another woman wearing Murrii Quu Designs by Aboriginal Fashion Stylist.
     
    SD: What was your biggest fear when going out and starting your own line?

    I was encouraged by a dear friend, mbff advertised on fb for designs to submit an application, my application was accepted with strong support, I was told and I couldn't believe this was happening to me. I had a smile from ear to ear, I wanted to tell the world, I'm sure my family and friends got sick of me talking about it all the time, I was over the moon, it was definitely a goosebumps moment finding out that my label in just under 12 months was going to grace the runway at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion, I wasn't expecting it. 

    ABOVE: Photography by Pbhstudio
     
    5) How do you want women to feel when wearing your clothes?

    I have 8 gowns for the runway, each one is a favourite, because each us different from the other and I really can't pick a favourite, I love them all and I can't wait to see them on the models, so far I've only seen them on a mannequin.
     
    SD: There’s so much pressure for designers to come out with their greatest collection season after season. What advice would you give to young designers just starting out and hoping to make it in the industry?

    If I had any advice to give, it would be to don't over think your incapabilities, follow your passion, fight for you dream, keep focused and don't let anyone deter you, struggle is a part of everything, making mistakes is part of learning and perfecting your craft, 
    I've been questioned and ribbed that my gowns are second hand, and I say no they are not, I incorporate discarded material that this has quality in them, I'm conscience about our planet and the negative impact we are doing to it, my brand is a responsible brand, I'm helping to look after our planet. 
    I am an Aboriginal woman whose parent and grandparents who were once denied the opportunity to dream, through the my label I'm giving them the opportunity to have that dream by seeing me do what I love, and I'm grateful for all the opportunities given to me to enable me to do just that, it's a bit if an honor to be a part of something more 

    I'm a woman who walks to the beat of my own drum, I don't follow trends, I don't have a target audience, I creative what I love , my fashion is for women who want something, different, dramatic, exclusive and draws on her individual beauty . 
    My last words:
    "Dream Big Aim High And Touch The Sky."

    Murii Quu Designs' social media presence:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murriiquudesigns/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murriiquudesigns/

    Website: https://murriiquudesigns.wixsite.com/website

  • Infinity Fashion Runway

    The Infinity Fashion Runway happened on November 25 this year, and guests were welcomed in from 7pm. Dazzled with Infiniti's luxury cars and tables filled with scrumptious cakes and desserts, it was an event I could not miss. Guests were entertained with a fabulous fashion show with different designers, ranging different styles such as from bridal, avant garde, ready to wear and to menswear as well. As guests entered the venue at Infiiniti, many photographers (runway and media wall) were readily able to capture the guests in their glamorous outfits. It was an overall fantastic night for everyone, and even guests were getting up on the runway to have their 'moment'. While some guests were entertained with a pop-up bar and delicious canapes, a pop-up photobooth was available and also a photoshoot area with a shimmering backdrop where guests can take photos of themselves at a unique backdrop. Here are some photos from the wonderful night:


    Above: Guests finding their seats


    Above: The shimmering beautiful backdrop for guests to use as a photoshoot



    Above: Details of a beautiful bridal dress

    Photography by Suzanne Dang

  • Kirstie Clements Fashion Luncheon @ Westfield Garden City

    The fashion luncheon at Westfield Garden City held at The Palms Bar and Grill was a HOT event! (pun intended :P)...the event started around 12pm with guests starting to arrive, from store managers to bloggers. I recognised a few people and didn't hesistate to say HI to them. It was a fashion luncheon to know/learn/mingle more with Kirstie Clements, former editor-in-chief of Vogue. I had the pleasure to ask some serious question about the fashion industry to her and she happily answered them. The luncheon had a runway featuring some Autumn/Winter trends...I felt really sorry for the models who were most likely boiling in the fur coats and galore! The food was beautiful as well at The Palms Bar and Grill- it started with an entree with beetroot and a main which I had grilled salmon and some other various things on it. One word: Delish. 


    Above: Kirstie Clements, former editor-in-chief of Vogue


    Above: Thanks to the Westfield Garden City Marketing and Events team: Kristina, Harley, Alice, Rachel


    Above: Entree


    Above: Main


    Above: Kirstie Clements and Sara Hatten-Masterson


    Above: Model Samantha Cardone models in an Autumn/Winter outfit


    Above: Model Samantha Cardone models in an Autumn/Winter outfit


    Above: Model Nat Ford in my dream jacket!


    Above: Some guests of the luncheon including blogger Katie Eve in the photo!


    Above: Guests at the fashion luncheon

  • Zuri Presents My Designer Wardrobe Spring Fashion Shows

    I had the pleasure to attend two free events on this lovely day. The first was to see Dami Im live at Westfield Chermside in front row seats. And the other is My Designer Wardrobe's Spring Fashion Shows founded by the lovely Stacey Peake. The venue is a beautiful bar and dining place with vintage-like lounges everywhere with dim lighting making it almost like it has a romantic feel to it. It was my first time to attend this bar and dining place. 

    There were two segments to the fashion shows.  

    Accessories and jewellery.

    Zaria, my friend, and beautiful model.

    Models waiting patiently for their next runway show.

     

    Overall it has been an enjoyable night for me.

    xx Suzanne