An incredible opportunity came my way on July 12th 2011. Young Republic, Australia’s first interactive marketplace for emerging designers asked if I would collaborate on their exclusive launch.

Young Republic Launch from Dais Productions on Vimeo.

Much like my first solo-event, the budget was tiny, the schedule was tight and the response from the public was overwhelming! Luckily, I was guided through a flawless night thanks to Sharon Garrard and Chic Petite.

Over the course of 6 weeks, we executed an incredible launch at the gorgeous Aurora Bar Sydney. Encapsulating the creativity, spirit and community of Australian fashion and eco-design the HOURS of research, planning, guest lists, invitations, RSVPs, sponsorships, media, venue, campaigning, scouting, rehearsals, installations, styling, photo shoots, promotions, marketing, press releases, send out and giftbags were worth it.

THIS WAS ME AT THE END OF THE NIGHT!

In a bid to illustrate the connection from craft- to -career for an emerging designer, the idea for a market AND a fashion installation came to mind.

Dubbleyou

TobyE

ATAT

My ambition and professionalism mixed with Sharon’s experience and wisdom were the perfect combination to showcase over 13 designers in 1 epic night!

The markets were buzzing, the champagne was flowing and it was time for the evening’s fashion spectacular!

I MC’d the night. Introducing fantastic designer collections from Kid, Das Monk, Ipanema Girl and..

Evyie

Sovii

Special thanks to ACP Magazines, Grazia, Chic Petite, IKON Models, Napolean Perdis, Aurora Bar, Juuce, Hayden Brotchie Photography and Judena Taylor xx

It’s taken over two decades, but as of 14 months ago…. I started to take a great interest in diet and living healthily.

I was sick of eating like this….

And feeling like this….

After a few too many pomegranate martinis last weekend, I decided the best cure would be a great BURGER….

Not THAT Burger! I was on the hunt for something real greasy to line the stomach…

BUT, being the foodie I am. I thought I could class the burger up a notch. I went to visit my old mate Neil at Rockpool and went straight for the bar…

David Blackmore’s Full Blood Wagyu Hamburger with Bacon, Gruyere Cheese and Zuni Pickle, mac and cheese and hand cut fat chips. Cathartic, lardo- heaven..

BUT THEN…. Our bodies went into a cheesy, carb-loaded, protein overload!

The pain…..

So WORTH it! Next time I’ll be sure not to mix 2 latte’s with a burger, cheesy pasta and fries!

Ttyl betches xoxo

Visit Bad, meet Evil and SHOP!

http://badmeetevil.com/

If you’re interested in stocking Bad, meet Evil, click HERE

Amid the incessant droning of commerce lecturers and the clinical fluorescent lighting of the university halls, a complex soul emerged from the masses. Societal and parental expectations were put aside and his creative conscience surfaced. Soon, he was staring out the studio window, wondering if he made the right decision in swapping the text books for Textas. Introducing Joseph Fonti, the illustrative graphic designer and director of clothing label, ‘Bad, meet Evil’.

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472 Victoria St, North Melbourne

Ph (03) 9329 5578

Partner/Children Seating: Minimal

kids@berlin.com – Cool website coming soon!

United in style, quality and authenticity, Kids in Berlin invites shoppers to admire and appreciate a truly wonderful assortment of must-have pieces for the effortlessly-cool dresser. A beautiful example of camaraderie between recognised and rising Australian talents, Kids in Berlin’s pledges its loyalty to stocking the best quality, locally sourced products. The name may leave you in the dark, but this unassuming store shines a bright light for shoppers hunting the best in Australian men’s, women’s and childrenswear. 

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Last week, Cecylia Kee sent a message saying “Natarsha, can you help dress the models tomorrow night?” Do I really need an excuse to visit Melbourne’s only boutique that serves up chocolately cupcakes and EXCLUSIVE designer threads?  “Well, of course!” I said..

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Visit danYelle and SHOP!

http://danyelle.com.au/

If you’re interested in stocking danYelle, click HERE

It starts from the feet up, not the head down. She echoes the style and sophistication of old time glamour in a contemporary world. Exotic and iconic, she effortlessly transports herself from the cobble stone streets of Italy to the sandy wooden piers in Bali.  danYelle is cultured, passionate, expressive but never demanding. Her education in quality and attention to detail serves her well in this industry.  She researches each fibre, each strand and every cut.  Exploring new heights, comfort is paramount for a woman who travels in style.

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On your marks…. Get set…. GO!

Bargain shoppers, vintage collectors and fashionable friends, it’s been a long 10 year wait but let me be the one to tell you…. it’s well worth it!    SAVERS have finally opened another location in the Victorian suburb of Mill Park.

Fashion Rebel was invited to the exclusive event that housed hundreds of thousands of must-have clothing, jewellery, home wares, shoes and handbags. It truly is a wonderful feeling knowing that your small monetary exchange for goods is conserving natural resources, helping non-profit organisations and promoting ecological living.

A series of moving speeches from company directors, charitable partners and dedicated employees kicked off the evening and left the attendees feeling warm and fuzzy. A long-standing partnership with Diabetes Australia was all justification necessary for shoppers to empty their account balances.

What better way to showcase in-store items then with canapé’s, drinks and a fabulous runway show. Does anyone have this guy’s number? He’s gorgeous…

The process of scouting this wonderful Mill Park location re-inforces the SAVERS promise of customer satisfaction. With staff on board to replenish over 100,000 additional items waiting in storage, lucky shoppers will leave the superstore with new stock every day!

Be sure to make the trip down to SAVERS Mill Park. It’s for a good cause, the prices are fantastic and its untapped territory meaning, the selections are AMAZING!

If you’d like more information on SAVERS click HERE

Stables Shopping Centre
313-360 Childs Rd
Mill Park, Victoria

1/15 McKillop St, Melbourne 

Ph (03) 9670 6225 

Girlfriend/Wifey Seating: Ample 

http://www.uptherestore.com/ 

A thirst for fashion can now be quenched with a refreshing dose of urban threads, footwear and accessories found only in Melbourne’s CBD. The charming McKillop St welcomes its newest resident following the arrival of  ‘Up There’ store. Jason, Brendan and James make up the fashionable family, who serve their knowledge about style- straight up, with a touch of class. 

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Visit House of Maryanne & SHOP!

The House of Maryanne is a credit to stylish, ecological living. Inspired by the natural progression of fashion, The House of Maryanne prolongs the life-cycle of simple, stunning garments lost in a sea of mass production. With buyers stationed in California, Malaysia and Paris, the House of Maryanne allows shoppers to break down the realms of overseas travel with an easily accessible (and affordable!) alternative to Australia’s popularised vintage scene.

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Welcome to the whimsical world of Melbourne designer, Candice Agius. Using sustainable fibres and precious metals, Candice successfully breathes life into her latest collection, Cavallo.

A salute to the theatrical realms of childhood fables and fantasies, Agius’ unisex jewellery line Young Hunting is a celebration of rare, one of a kind pieces “It will always be an express of me (Agius), not current trends” says Candice.

Exploring the nature of dark and depressing themes, Candice is a credit to local and independent jewellery design. Her hand-made, high quality pieces are both expressive and unusual, generating positive reviews internationally and Australia wide.

Refreshingly, her passion does not lie in a monetary reward or recognition.  Instead, Agius wonders if her pieces will be passed down from generation to generation, “I fantasise about being that anonymous designer. I wonder who will be wearing my pieces in 100 years time…”

Young Hunting redefines the term unique in a marketplace saturated with fast fashion. Her imaginative and inquisitive nature remains strong with the release of her latest designs. Having worked more than 6 months on previous collection Fata Morgana, Cavallo was an experimentation that panned out to be a success.

Candice is currently working with .925 silver, jet and quartz crystals, onyx, garnet and oxidized black metal. If you would like to don one of Candice’s signature designs and be 1 of 50 to own a piece of Young Hunting, visit Trimapee, LifewithBird or Chiodo.

For online orders email Candice: info@younghunting.com.au

Young Hunting Cavallo Ring
Garnets & oxidized solid .925

Young Hunting Cavallo Ring
Oxidized solid .925

Excerpt from interview with Candice Agius

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is defiantly seen in my designs. Probably because I only make stuff I’d wear. I’d describe my style as mystic office chic with a 90s influence. My uniform is some kind of black dress, blazer, wedges and fists full of rings. I like to mix vintage with designers like Undercover, Nom*D, and local designers.

How important is it to support local trade?

Supporting local designers is so important. When you buy from a good local label, you are investing in an original design as well as helping that person pay the bills! Fast fashion is usually run by some rich corporate, and buyers that rave blogs and magazines ripping off real designers. It’s sad to see it but unfortunately, the masses don’t really care.

Is there fierce competition among other Australian jewellery designers, what separates Young Hunting from the rest?

I’m not a competitive designer. I’m into supporting local jewellery designers and collaborating. I am organising a group exhibition with a friend of mine, Andy Henson from Henson Jewellery. We are exhibiting around fashion week in March with Hamish Munro, Estelle Deeves and Polly Van Der Glass. Which are all other local jewellery designers.

I will be releasing my 3^rd collection at the exhibition. They will all be one off pieces using the crystals I have been collecting. But I don’t want to give too much away so stay tuned…

Shop 5 Cathedral Arcade,
37 Swanston St, Melbourne

Ph (03) 9077 2177 

Husband/Wifey Seating: Minimal

http://www.ilovelenko.com/
 

Located in Melbourne’s Cathedral Arcade, LENKO invites shoppers into the wonderfully quirky world of offbeat fashion. Celebrating another year of success, founder Dana Lenko has her finger on pulse while simultaneously setting trends and creating new ones. Australians and internationals can’t get enough of LENKO. The store prides itself in stocking an eclectic mix of unique, handmade clothing and accessories adorned by fashion lovers from Japan to Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

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http://www.thursdaysunday.com/

If you’re interested in stocking Thursday Sunday click HERE 

Create mystery, allure and desire when adorning the latest range from Australia’s own, Thursday Sunday. It’s time to exchange restrictive, salacious mini dresses & micro shorts for soft colours, light fabrics and feminine lines.  Thursday Sunday present a flourishing combination of creativity while successfully modernising a quintessentially, relaxed Australian style.  

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Fashion Rebel concludes an exclusive 3-part feature for the month.

Introducing your RMIT Bachelor of Design (Fashion) Students…

would you please welcome Fiona Torcasio…

Fiona Torcasio’s vision is clear, her attitude is modest and the versatility of her designs are distinguishable. She wakes up each morning with a strong sense of purpose. Her lifestyle is active, on the go and she moves confidently. People stare. They are drawn to the luxury statement of her casual dress.  Her look is practical, comfortable and transitional.  

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162 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe

Ph (03) 9499 6777

284 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn

Ph (03) 9830 1406

Husband/Boyfriend Seating: Ample

siss_co@live.com

Tucked away in Melbourne’s North Eastern suburbs, this stunning boutique provides shoppers with an endless array of Australian designers and International labels at an affordable price. The boutique is spacious, the clothes fall gracefully from the hangers, the dark floors, grey walls and regal wallpaper give a touch of class to the suburban strip.

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