SATC 2 WORLD PREMIERE

The gals from Sex & the City 2 strutted the silver carpet in NYC last night with leading lady Sarah Jessica Parker in a 2-die-for yellow neon Valentino gown that was as glamorous as it was daring. Love!

Kim Cattrall donned a slinky Naeem Khan number while Kristen Davis followed Parker’s 80's neon inspiration in fluorescent pink vintage Jean Desses wrap gown.

All eyes were on Cynthia Nixon's blonde 'do' with the masses so used to see her as fiery red Miranda, it's easy to forget she’s a natural blonde. In a sedate black Carolina Herrera gown she was the most subtle on the silver carpet.

The shoe message - metallics people.

Are we ready for SATC in Oz? Bring it on!

(Image Credit: AP / Reuters)

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ALL HAIL PRINCESS YASMIN

The new Princess Yasmin shoetique @ Marina Mirage officially flung open their glass doors to media & special guests on Friday night.

While it was most certainly a soiree fit for royalty, with over flowing Moet Chandon champagne & canapés by Ristorante Fellini, it took a little too long to get inside the store.

Once inside the assemblage of brands like Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Christian Louboutin, Dior, D&G & the only shoetique I know of that stocks Chanel in Queensland, was something to behold.

With super stylish Alex Perry on hand to do the opening honours, it was a tough gig to beat.

"I am so excited to be the only store to offer such an exclusive portfolio of brands available to Queensland,” says proud boutique owner Sumeena Chaudhary.

“Women can now find their perfect shoe & enjoy shopping for some of the world's most famous labels all under the one beautiful roof,” she said.

Visit Princess Yasmin in person or online immediately if not sooner. Love!

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MERCEDES FASHION FESTIVAL & VALENTINO

So delighted to have a Fashion Festival in my 'backyard' post all the travel shenanigans of the past few months.

Kicking off on Saturday, August 7, and running through to Friday, August 13, the 2010Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival will celebrate the arrival of the spring/summer collections with 10 group shows showcasing 38 local designers, 24 national designers and 24 international designers including Easton Pearson, Lisa Ho, Scanlan & Theodore and Pistols at Dawn to name just a few.

Staged this year in the Cultural Forcourt, South Bank, the line-up will be showcased in a purpose built 60m x 15m marquee with tiered seating and a 30 metre runway to offer ticket holders the best possible views. Seating allocation will be determined on a first purchased, first seated basis – so the earlier you buy tickets the closer you are to the runway.

MBFF & Valentino @ GoMA all at once - oh the joy of it all!

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CHOOKS IN STILETTOS

At the turn of the millennium, the slogan in the store windows of skin care giant ‘The Body Shop’ said it all: There are 3 billion women who don’t look like supermodels… and only 8 who do.”

Brisbane based ex-model Carolyn Donovan proudly launches her new book, Chooks in Stilettos.

Amongst a generation of women already armed with that knowledge, Donovan addresses the escalating obsession with the impossible; sharing stories of everything from catwalk mishaps and bizarre travel stories, to raising snotty-nosed, grubby-handed children while trying to maintain the (so-called) glamour she is renowned for: in a hilarious unveiling of what working in the modeling industry is really like.

Inspired by the surprising amount of girls who still cling so tightly onto the fairytale of ever being tall enough, “pretty” enough, or just plain lucky, the countless mothers who corner her to ask: “how does my daughter become a model?”, and the overwhelming surge of hopefuls swarming to audition for TV shows; Chooks in Stilettos takes us on a realistic tour into the crazy world of one of Australia’s most sought after models for more than two decades. Revealing everything, from the secret to successful longevity in such a youth-obsessed industry to the evil pitfalls of playing with Barbie, and wonderfully peppered with wacky moments from her own girlfriend’s of varying professions, Chooks in Stilettos not only entertains with the bizarrely eccentric we discover when sneaking behind the scenes of filming a television commercial, but links us together in the many-sided scenarios of being… women!

Can’t wait to get my hands on it. Go to Carolyn’s website to purchase.

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LOUBOUTIN SHOE DRIVE

Christian Louboutin has come out swinging recently launching StopFakeLouboutin.com, a campaign against knockoffs of his signature red-soled shoes.

He has announced a zero tolerance policy toward fakes, their manufacturers, distributors, buyers & sellers - & so he should!

He writes, "Keep in mind that when something is too good to be true, that's usually what it is worth," & includes a list of websites that sell faux Louboutins.

Just in case anyone doubts his conviction, he's posted a video of a bulldozer running the faux high heels into the ground.

Love it!

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GONE GAGA

It's comforting to know that if one designs a kooky shoe you can at least guarantee two clients; Lady Gaga & Victoria Beckham.

Photographed in New York City on May 13, she was wig clad & donning a costume resembling a grieving Italian widow Circa 1900's as well as these odd shoes. I'd love to call them heels but they, um, don't have any...

Gaga had onlookers transfixed on her feet as she exited the car. Although to be fair, unlike most of her recent appearances she wasn't just wearing Nana's undies & a leather jacket. I suspect she was delighted the footwear was noticed this time.

Go go Gadget feet!

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US MARIE CLAIRE'S SATC 2 COVERS

Well here it is gals, US Marie Claire is on news stands today with a four cover issue heralding the premiere of Sex & the City 2.

As we know, SJP (Carrie)is wearing Balmain (as on the Oz issue), Cynthia (Miranda) & Kristin (Charlotte) wear Dior, while Kim (Samantha) wears Valentino.

Sounds like there was some trials & tribulations on the SATC 2 set, to read the article go to MarieClaire.com

Special shout out to Sassi Sam for keeping us posted - another little taste of what's to come first week of June.




There are so many cocktail functions on for this movie launch in Sydney, Brisbane & Melbourne, if you're not booked into one, hurry up!

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ROMANIAN SHOE ARCHITECT HITS 31CM

Mihai Albu, a designer known as Romania's "shoe architect," has crafted a pair of sandals that increase a woman's height by 12 inches (31 centimeters).

The stilts are being compared to skyscrapers because of their towering heels but the price also may have contributed. In a nation, where the average salary is Euro450 a month, the hand-crafted sandals are selling for up to Euro1,200.

"Heels have an advantage because [many women] don't have long legs," said Mihai Albu, who has had a 20-year love affair making stilettos. "They reposition the waist," he said in an interview Wednesday in his Bucharest atelier.

Albu, a former architect, blends math, architecture & his appreciation for art in his creations. He uses French leather, encrusts it with jewels, feathers & mirrors.

Despite the price, Albu says he has received dozens of orders for the sandals from Romania's well-heeled set.

Check out his website – it’s quite the collection.

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STILETTO MAMA

Read Tracey's latest column @ Babes in Business.

I read an opinion column in a newspaper this week discussing wives versus mistresses, clearly the topic of the moment thanks to Tiger Woods and Jessie James.

While each and every sordid detail of these two gents' affairs was painstakingly dissected in excruciating detail, the journalist drew comparisons with us common folk and the differences between wives and mistresses.

I have an issue with what a wife and a mistress are individually supposed to represent. I am not speaking of the depths of emotional attachments and physical relations; I take issue with something far more superficial.

Accompanying this particular column was a cartoon representing the wife versus the mistress. The wife was portrayed by a rather dowdy looking Homy Ped style walking shoe while the mistress was a flaming pair of 15cm patent red stilettos. I'm sorry, but, what? Aside from the fact that I take issue with wives being portrayed as Homy Peds, why are stiletto donning women being demonized?

Read More...

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IF SHOES COULD KILL

Nothing like a bit of outrageous shoe nonsense to start the day.

Introducing, If Shoes Could Kill, a website that celebrates the most outrageous stilts imaginable.

Some specimens make Alexander McQueen's Armadillos look like jiffies.

Think spikes, layers of laces, feathers, internal CD players & living animals.

Here's a small taste of images from the site but for the full shoe experience visit IfShoesCouldKill.com.

Love!

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LADIES & GENTLEMEN… DION LEE

I crowed about him last year at his RAFW debut, when we all sat in a Carpark to see his wares, & this year Dion Lee confirmed his place as a fashion maestro in Sydney’s gorgeous Opera House.

Pastels are a hit with many collections this year & Lee’s shades of pale lilac, powder-blue & the ever classic black & white are stunning & a turn to a softer less structured line for Lee.

Loving the caged encrusted Terry Biviano heels. Biviano & Lee get my vote for ‘best in show’ @ Rosemount Australia Fashion Week.

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SERIOUS KILLER HEELS

Forget 15 or 18cm heels, these gigantic stilts are an astronomical 21cms.

Found in Singapore's Praisehaven Salvation Army store in Bukit Timah, it's not hard to understand why these shoes have only been 'lightly worn.'

Even I will gracefully bow out of this challenge!

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PERRY PRINCESS EXCESS

1000 guests, 65m runway, 35 models, 50 looks & an Arabian Princess SS10 Collection - there's only 1 Alex Perry.

























I should add this disclaimer right here; I adore Alex Perry.

I have an obscene amount of Perry in my walk-in & I love it, but Perry’s creations last night to close Day 2 of Rosemount Australia Fashion Week were amazing.

The usual Über late entry applied this year, along with ‘80’s music, roughed up super-skinny models frequently in teeny-tiny minis or short shorts walked the standard Perry cracking pace at Fox Studios Sound Stage 7.

Perry did not disappoint with stunning flowing gowns, metallic accents & loads of tulle.

Not loving the custom Tony Bianco for Alex Perry shoes, they were a poor cousin to the unmitigated style of Alex Perry. Matt Jordon hilariously tweeted “Alex Perry's suburban horrors...Imelda says 'if you lay with dogs like Tony Bianco ur bound to catch flees.”

While the footwear de jour was horrifyingly disappointing the Arabian Princess SS10 Collection is to die for & will no doubt be finding a home in many a walk-in.

(Image Credit: Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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I SEE BLUE PEOPLE

Just love kaftan Queen Camilla Franks.

From the minute vivacious Franks created her first kaftan five years ago a fashion icon was born.

The former actress had been making her own theatrical costumes for years and inspired by her mother’s love of kaftans, launched a collection that would change the course of Australian fashion history.

Her kaftans have adorned the likes of; Sharon Stone, Prince, Nicole Kidman, Mischa Barton, Bette Midler, Kim Cattrall & Elle Macpherson, it wasn’t long before Gwen Stefani, Paula Abdul, the Pussycat Dolls, Fergie & Beyonce would follow suit.

Always one to put on a great show, Camilla's runway collection was an Avatar inspired feast at Rosemount Australia Fashion Week yesterday.

Glorious prints, divine kaftans & dresses with Pucci-like heels - what's not to love?

For the full gallery go to The Australian.

(Image Credit: Justin Lloyd / The Australian)

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NOTABLE ABSENCE - HOT HEELS

Wayne Cooper is a notable absence @ RAFW despite last year's runway success, but these Kick Stud heels make up for it.

The oh-so-hot-right-now metallic heel is a suprising $189.95 @ Wayne Cooper stores nationally or view the range here.

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LOGIES FROCKS & SHOCKERS

While not too many shoes were visible at last night’s Logies it is near impossible to ignore the red carpet fashion fallout today.

Hands down worst dressed has to go to Brynne Gordon who didn’t let her ‘fans’ down. The wife of millionaire Geoffrey Edelsten, who committed a shocker at last year’s Brownlow Medal, has done it again on this year's Logies red carpet in a dress she designed herself. Clearly a fancy dress boutique awaits her design talents.

Loving Margot Robbie in this gorgeous white & silver Juli Grbac creation. Divine. Now there’s a designer with some serious talent. Love!

Silver Logie Winner, Claudia Karvan certainly produced some headlines in a 40’s inspired power get-up that revealed more than anticipated when she leaned forward in front of photographers. Nothing like a little nipple on the red carpet. To really top off her night she dropped the F-bomb while accepting her Most Outstanding Actress award for her role in SBS drama Saved, later telling reporters: "I obviously drunk too much". Nice touch.

Rebecca Gibney took some heat off Karvan while accepting the Silver Logie for Best Actress, announcing: "I think I'm pre-menstrual".

Thank goodness Alf (Home & Away’s Ray Meagher) finally shook off his ‘always the bridesmaid’ tag to take home the Gold Logie.

Special mention to Denise Drysdale for showing us her shoe, & thankfully, nothing else!

For the full Logies red carpet gallery go to the Herald Sun.

(Image Credit: Julie Kiriacoudis / Herald Sun)

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STEP BACK IN TIME WITH FERRAGAMO

Ferragamo goes back in time recreating some of its most iconic shoes & handbags and is bringing them to selected boutiques around the world.

The collection known as Ferragamo's Creations was founded in 2006 for a concept store near the Ferragamo Museum in Florence, Italy.

Pieces from Ferragamo's Creations have been reproduced in a limited edition range & are sold year-round in select boutiques, with the next temporary installation arriving in Orange County USA’s South Coast Plaza, marking its fourth destination.

Shoes in the collection include $2,500USD rainbow wedges originally made for Judy Garland (pictured) & $3,900USD platforms with gold mirrors inspired by Carmen Miranda.

The archives stretch from Ferragamo's work in the 1920s until he died in 1960, with the Ferragamo's Creations handbags designed by his daughter Fiamma in the '80s.
No more than 500 of each piece is made in this new edition & each is numbered, with buyers receive an authenticity certificate.

The collection will continue to be on display & for sale through May 5 in the USA.

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