Immigration Museum’s Chocolate Festival: Melt

Can I just say I love being my friend (of I’m So Hungree fame) Ashley’s plus one, because I simply get to eat and eat and smile at random people. Occasionally I get to dress up. So that’s a bonus.

This time I got to tag along to the Immigration Museum’s new Melt exhibition (an exclusive preview woohoo) which celebrates chocolate from all over the world with the help of the local Belgium, Brazilian and Mexican communities who created the delightful treats.

Melt: A chocolate festival

Melt: A chocolate festival

It was very cold so boy was I happy to be given a warm cup of thick Mexican chocolate, accompanied by some freshly baked sweet breads covered in cinnamon and cocoa. I was definitely the first to quietly slink away to a seat to sip and savor the concoction which was so delicious with a good punch of spices.

Mexican Champurrado and sweet bread

Mexican Champurrado and sweet bread

It was really interesting to hear the background stories of these treats and the role they play in the day to day lives of different people. For example the sweet breads are made by the men in the community  from 3 am in the morning in time for breakfast because they require a lot of hard work. I say woohoo to that if I’m getting breakfast in bed ;)

Brigadeiros

Brigadeiros

In addition there were samples of chocolates and brigadeiros (named after a politician in fact) and chocolate skulls to decorate! You should see the look of concentration on our faces =)

Chocolate Skull decorating

Chocolate Skull decorating

Ashley from I'm So Hungree

Ashley from I’m So Hungree

The Festival is taking place for one day only on 26th May. You can find out more details here, and I’m told there would be more chocolatey delights including waffles and a chocolate fountain and some workshops for us to get our hands deliciously dirty! You would also get to speak with the people involved and learn about the history of chocolate.

In the mean time I am wondering how to eat my punked out chocolate skull =D

Bling and punk Chocolate Skull

Bling and punk Chocolate Skull

 

 

Paris Spring Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012

Designers who show at Paris knows how to take risks, to be adventurous and daring and stylish. Fashion Week was filled with barely sheer fabrics, relaxed tailoring, jewel tones rests alongside bright pastels and crochet lace took prime spot. With the dismissal of Galliano, all eyes were on Dior’s and Galliano’s namesake showings as well as Sarah Burton’s Alexander McQueen collection, all rising to the occasion. Highlights include Yves Saint Laurent’s stunning work to evening wear, Nina Ricci’s delicate gold leaf accents, Ackermann’s pseudo-fantasy safari and Elie Saab’s flawless gowns. Now to convince everyone I need a Balmain jacket to add to my wardrobe because they’re divine.

Alexander McQueen

Balenciaga

Balmain

Chanel

Christian Dior

Elie Saab

Givenchy

Haider Ackermann

Lanvin

Louis Vuitton

Nina Ricci

Sonia Rykiel

Thierry Mugler

Valentino

Yves Saint Laurent

source: fashiongonerogue

MSFW TSS4 (Social Studio)

I went to shoot The Social Studio’s 4th collection, not really sure what to expect. I arrive to find a platform dedicated to ethical and sustainable fashion supporting a local community through the positive act of creation.

From their website it states:-

‘The Social Studio is a dynamic space where clothing is created from the style and skills of the young refugee community, transforming recycled and excess manufacturing materials into original design. The enterprise creates training and employment opportunities in fashion and hospitality while being a safe place of belonging that strives to create awareness and change public perceptions.’

And the fashion? They’re fun, colorful and wouldn’t look out of place at any of the big Melbourne runways.

How marvelous is that? Fashion with a mission. I like it.

MSFW RMIT Graduate Show Two

The thing about Melbourne is that while the city won’t be considered a fashion capital, not in the likes of Paris, New York or Milan, nonetheless we have some phenomenal, young and innovative fashion talents here, ones who aren’t constrained by typical trends or rules. And we have a society and an industry willing to support the talent as shown by the likes of emerging designers and RMIT graduate showcases.

Two things we are definitely going to see for the new year; sheer fabrics and open cut backs, and some amazing labels in the next few years. I’m really looking forward to 2012.

Enjoy.

Anthony Tandiyono

Christina Exie

Jacinta Oliver Cook

Jane Fuge

Jessica Hendrick

John Gosper

Kate Dickinson

Melissa D’Augello

Mira Hartanto

Molly Herben

Renee Le Hunt

Rika Indrawan

Sophie Jacobs

Stefanie Wai Man Siu

Ju Young Seo

Look at the details. Look at the tailoring. Look at the impeccable blend of fabrics with creative design. My favourites of the night were Anthony Tandiyono, Christina Exie, Mira Hartanto, Renee Le Hunt and Ju Young Seo. I also spotted a few of the wonderful models I’ve the privilege of working with- Jade Pummeroy (Vivien’s), David Witko (Chadwick) and Courtenay Bisson (Giant).

Everyone is so wonderful, Melbourne and Melbournites, rise up and be proud ;)