prodijee #5 October-November 2012

e e j i d pro 2012 Issue #5 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION FESTIVALS - SYDNEY, BRISBANE

contents 52

32 Bellissimo

Italy’s best fare and wine come to Melbourne.

35 Christine Clais prodijee’s own facial expert

38 Luxury shopping has a new home

Prestige online handbag retailer Reebonz lands in Australia

40 Hot Chilli

Jodi Gordon models 2 Chillies’ lastest smokin’ designs

42 Best and Fairest

Who cares about football when there are hot WAGS about?

40 48 Rebel Rousers

Gentlemen, ZANEROBE knows how to get you looking dashing and debonair

52 The Style Council

Sydney lays its claim to being the fashion captial of Australia

60 True Britt

Catherine Britt releases her fifth album, and it’s a winner

68 L’Oréal Gives Back L’Oréal salutes our high achieving female scientists

72 Bootylicious

Tight coloured jeans never looked so good

80 Irish Gig New Irish Musician Yelpy hits L.A.

80

\ 84 Revlon rocks NYC

92

How to look like a Supermodel without even trying

86 Michael A Designs

ARTIST PROFILES 36 Laura Bueno Lopez 58 Tita Adlina

Milinery designs worth risking hat hair for

70 Raime Lyn Le Blanc

88 Chloe Planinsek

110 Toni Sulankivi

A famous Melbourne discovers a new way to express her creativity

148 Ingrid De La O

92 Northern Exposure

REGULARS

Our best designers rockin’ it at Brisbane’s MBFF

4

100 Calgary Belle

Canadian singer Kirsten Collins is a girl on a mission - in L.A.

What’s goin’ on

14 Going Postal

112

16 What’s hot 26 Beauty Road Test 26

Driven

129 Sommelier 172 Travel

110 112 There’s something about Molly

Doin’ it in the dirt. International rally driver Molly Taylor is fighting her way to the top

128 London Calling

Perth jewelry designer Brooke Persich is making a name for herself in The Old Dart.

138 Looking Further Afield

The Australian Football League takes its game to a whole market

150 50 Years of Fabulous Fashion Racing fashion began with the Melbourne Cup Carnival. We look back at its humble beginings

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what’s goin’ on ‘GODFATHER OF HOUSE’, Marshall Jefferson, has announced a whirlwind tour of Australia, covering four cities (Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) in a 48 hour stint in late October.

It will be his first appearance on our shores since 2008.

One of the founding fathers of

house music as it is known today, Marshall was a central figure in the development of the Chicago house scene and produced seminal house anthems, including Move Your Body; 7 Ways To Jack; and Open Our Eyes. He has worked with the best in the business, from fellow founding father Frankie

Marshall Jefferson will play his first Australian shows since 2008.

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Knuckles to Roy Davis Jr., Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley, Felix Da Housecat and Lil Louis.

Marshall has had a leading hand in the growth of the acid and deep house movements.

Initially inspired by rock music, regular trips to Chicago’s famed Music Box Club in the mid ’80s turned Marshall onto the sounds of early house music.

Having bought himself a modest synthesiser and sequencer set-up, Marshall began producing his own cuts and passed them on to Ron Hardy of the Music Box Club, who quickly began playing them to the love of the crowd.

Marshall’s first release, 1985’s Go Wild Rhythm Trax on Virgo Records demonstrated he had the talent vital to succeed in such a fickle industry. Move Your Body was released on Trax Records in 1986 and is today recognised as a genre-defining release, having been subtitled and acclaimed “The House Music Anthem”.

In the years since, Marshall has relentlessly toured the most iconic house music venues in the world, from Chicago to Ibiza, where he is considered amongst the greatest of all time, and for good reason.

TOUR DATES Fri 26 Oct, Adelaide, Garage Bar 18+Tickets venuetix.com.au Sat 27 Oct (DAY), Sydney, Boat Cruise 18+Tickets moshtix.com.au Sat 27 Oct (NIGHT), Melbourne, New Guernica 18+ Tickets moshtix.com.au Sun 28 Oct, Brisbane, Sky Room 18+ Tickets moshtix.com.au

FIVE-TIME 500CC World Champion Mick Doohan will take to the Phillip Island circuit during the 2012 AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix on a current specification Repsol Honda RC213V MotoGP machine. Doohan (pictured below, left), will complete a series of demonstration laps, which are sure to evoke memories of the Queenslander’s memorable career.

Doohan’s World Championships, achieved from 1994-1998, and all 54 of his 500cc victories came on Honda machinery.

Reigning MotoGP World Champion, Casey Stoner (pictured, below right), won the world title for the Repsol Honda team last year with 10 wins and 16 podium finishes in 17 races, a display of dominance rarely seen since Doohan won 12 of the 15 races in the 1997 championship.

Doohan’s demonstration laps will be the first time he’s ridden a modern-day Grand Prix bike at the Island in more than a decade. In his last race at the picturesque coastal

circuit, Doohan won the 1998 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

“The last time I rode a Grand Prix bike at all was in the mid-2000s in Japan so it’s been a while, and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

“The fans and the riders always enjoy getting down to the Island, so hopefully this year, with Casey’s retirement announcement, it’s going to be a big event. It’ll be good to play a little part in that.”

Shuhei Nakamoto, Executive Vice-President of Honda Racing

Corporation (HRC), said the link between Australian champions of the past and present will be a special occasion.

“It is great to be able to provide such a tribute to an Australian World Champion at his home Grand Prix. With Mick and Casey both on track, it will certainly be an exciting weekend for the Repsol Honda team,” he said.

For tickets to the 2012 AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix visit: www.motogp.com.au

MELBOURNE MUSIC ICON and entrepreneur Michael Gudinski was named ‘Melburnian of the Year’ at the 2012 Melbourne Awards.

Michael is the founder of Mushroom Records, the largest independent record label in Australian music, and Mushroom Music, which is the principal independent publishing company in Australia. Both are part of The Mushroom Group of Companies, which also includes The Frontier Touring Company, Australia’s leading promoter of both international and Australian artists.

Michael played a major role in organising the Sound Relief benefit

concerts, which raised more than $8million for victims of the Victorian bushfires and Queensland floods.

More than $1million has been raised through sales of the deluxe four-DVD set recording of the concerts. The money raised from the DVD sales goes directly to Red Cross to develop programs and resources to better prepare communities for disasters.

Michael has made an enormous contribution to the city over the past four decades. His work has put many Melbourne artists on the musical map, and his great support of the Black Saturday victims has made him a Melbourne icon.

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MINI AUSTRALIA announced two new entry engine variants for its two-seater range, the MINI Cooper Coupe and MINI Cooper Roadster, which arrive in Australia in November.

Priced from $34,900 for the Coupe and $37,500 for the Roadster, the new Cooper engine variants reduce the entry price-point to the range by more than $8000.

MINI Australia General Manager, Kai Bruesewitz said the new Cooper variants will be in hot demand.

“The MINI Cooper engine is

extremely popular in other body styles in the MINI range offering punchy performance and frugal economy at a great price,” he said.

“With the addition of this engine variant, the striking new MINI Coupe and Roadster are now even more attractive and more attainable to the young and the young at heart,” said Mr Bruesewitz.

Powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine boasting a fully variable valve control system, the powerplant for both of these models generates 90

THE UP! IS an all-new city car from Volkswagen. With its pure design, maximum space on a minimal footprint, quality and attention to detail as well as affordable innovations it embodies the core values of the Volkswagen brand.

The up! is built at the Volkswagen plant in Bratislava, Slovakia and is

available in 3-door and 5-door.

The up!’s dimensions are key to its city car status. At 3,540mm in length, 1,641mm in width and 1,476mm in height, the up! is one of the smallest four-seater cars available.

Use of space inside the car is exceptionally good with room for four adults.

The 251-litre boot is also significantly larger than is typical in this class. When the rear seat is fully folded, cargo space increases to 951 litres.

Powering the up! is a new generation three-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 55kW.

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kW at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 160 Newton metres at 4,250 rpm.

This propels the MINI Cooper Coupe from standstill to 100 km/h in just 9 seconds, with an average fuel consumption of 5.8 l/100 km’s and emissions of 136 grams of CO2 per km. The MINI Cooper Roadster covers the sprint in 9.2 seconds to 100 km/h whilst burning 6.1 l/100 km/s and emitting 142 grams of CO2 per km.

Both models are equipped as standard with a 6–speed manual transmission.

Despite the low price point, the standard specification for both of these new models remains high with features such as 16” 6-Star twin spoke alloy wheels, sport seats, cruise control, automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands free kit with USB audio interface and rain sensor with automatic headlight control.

Australian Pricing (MRLP) MINI Cooper Coupe $34,900 MINI Cooper Roadster $37,500

Combined fuel consumption is a low 4.9 L/100km on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 114 g/km.

The entirely new up! is also the first car in its class in the world to have a City Emergency Braking function, which at speeds of between 5km/h to 30km/h detects the risk of an impending collision and can reduce accident severity by initiating automatic brake interventions that can even avoid a crash. So far, the up! is the only vehicle in the segment to be offered with this function.

Price: From AU$13,990 www.volkswagen.com.au

WITH TICKETS TO her first Sydney show flying out of the box office in a matter of hours, The Frontier Touring Company has announced a second Sydney concert for Norah Jones on Saturday 16 February at the State Theatre.

Tickets to the new show go on sale at 9am Friday 28th September from Ticketmaster.com. au / 136 100.

Norah will be touring in support of her critically acclaimed Danger Mouse produced new album “Little Broken Hearts� (out now through Blue Note/EMI).

Saturday 16 Feb. Sydney, State Theatre (new show) Ticketmaster.com.au 136 100 Tuesday 19 Feb. Brisbane, Convention Centre Ticketek.com.au 132 849

www.frontiertouring.com/ norahjones www.facebook.com/frontiertouring www.twitter.com/frontiertouring

Thursday 21 Feb. Melbourne The Plenary Ticketmaster.com.au 136 100 Friday 22 Feb. Adelaide Festival Theatre Bass.net.au 131 246 Sunday 24 Feb. Perth Riverside Theatre Ticketek.com.au 132 849

NORAH JONES - FEBRUARY 2013

www.norahjones.com www.facebook.com/norahjones www.twitter.com/norahjones

Friday 15 Feb. Sydney, SOLD OUT

Little Broken Hearts is out now www.itunes.com/littlebrokenhearts

ADELAIDE POP TRIO AT SUNSET have come in No.3 most added at radio with their debut independent release This Is Who I Am. The track saw instant night additions to the Hot 30, Super Radio Network (New FM network add), Hot 91, Coast FM, ZOOFM, and play listed on weekends/ afternoons on SAFM, Hot 91 then across days on JOYFM, Hitz FM, 4AK, Magic FM Riverland, Port Pirie & Port Augusta.

AT SUNSET continue to take the teen world by storm as they build upon their massive fan base through social networks, amassing a combined 25,000 followers on Twitter, 30,000 facebook fans, 1.2 million YouTube views, collectively and 15,000 subscriptions all in six months. This Is Who I Am also hit No. 1 on The Valleyarm digital music distribution singles chart.

AT SUNSET consisting of brothers

Harrison (19) and Andrew (18) as well as best friend Jae (19), recently concluded an East Coast promotional tour of Australia. The tour included major regional hubs as well as capital cities, including Townsville, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Newcastle,

Gosford, Sydney, Melbourne and Regional Victoria before they head home to Adelaide.

This Is Who I Am, is available on sale via iTunes now. http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=upJlk5y0OXk

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LIKE MARC JACOBS putting Sponge Bob Square Pants onto LV monogrammed bags, Machine Guns Vegas has created their own Louis Vuitton accessory – a monogrammed Louis Vuitton grip for a handgun – which is legal to carry in the US state of Nevada.

“We have a real demand to cater to gun enthusiasts who also have a desire to look stylish, hence our foray into Louis Vuitton gun accessories”, said Machine Guns Vegas Managing Partner, Genghis Cohen.

Machine Guns Vegas range master, Ex-Navy Veteran Jacque Carrizosa, trained Rhianna in weapons handling for her new movie Battleship.

Machine Guns Vegas has more than US$1million worth of guns available to shoot, with packages including the World War II package, Seal team, MOB, SAS and Femme Fatale.

All of the ‘gun girls’ have previous gun or military experience. “They’re the real deal,” said Cohen, who

H&M CELEBRATED THE start of (Northern) fall fashion and the newest advertising campaign, with a private performance by the retailer’s fall star, Lana Del Rey. Around 300 guests gathered at The Wooly in New York, the downtown lounge within Manhattan’s iconic Woolworth Building.

The venue incorporated vintage wallpaper, classic brass chandeliers and antique lamps, with the addition of velvet drapery to provide an alluring mystique perfect for the superstar’s performance.

The evening peaked when Lana debuted the Blue Velvet cover in PRODIJEE.COM

was co-founder of Tabu at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.

“Machine Guns Vegas (MGV) provides a uniquely Las Vegas firearms experience. An experience we like to call ‘Las Vegas on FULL AUTO’”.

MGV has combined the look and feel of an ultra-lounge with the functionality of a state of the art indoor gun range built on 10,000

association with the music video, shot by famed director Johan Renck.

The film is a fully-plotted music video starring Lana as she sings Blue Velvet, which is available to see in its entirety on H&M’s website, hm.com.

The print and commercial campaign features the best of fall fashion, highlighting Lana wearing a pink angora blend sweater, printed leggings, a tweed biker jacket, and a figure hugging leather trimmed dress among others. www.hm.com

square feet of newly built floor space. They have integrated this space with experienced staff and a state-of-the-art POS system, located less than 10 minutes from the Strip.

MGV has an array of firearms to choose from - from pistols to fully automatic machine guns to historical guns to one-of-a-kind SEAL weapons, the company says it has something for every interest.

CANON AUSTRALIA HAS announced the latest addition to the G-series of advanced compact cameras the Canon PowerShot G15.

Available from mid-October 2012, the 12.1 megapixel PowerShot G15 is the perfect camera for any advanced amateur compact user looking to take their photography to a new creative level, or professional photographer looking for a high-quality compact companion for their high-end DSLR camera.

With an auto focus time of 0.17 seconds when shooting at wide angles (28mm) and 0.36 seconds at telephoto focal lengths (140mm), the Canon PowerShot G15 provides a dynamic creative freedom never before seen in a compact digital camera.

The ability to quickly auto focus makes it possible to adjust to any movement in the frame and capture crystal clear photos every time, perfect for shooting fast-moving sports, objects or animals. It also features the brightest lens across the full zoom range ever to be included in a Canon compact camera at f/1.8 at wide angle, to 2.8 at the extent of the optical zoom.

Equipped with Canon’s HS (High Sensitivity) SYSTEM, featuring a new Canon-made CMOS sensor capable of high ISO speed shooting at ISO 12800, users can capture stunningly detailed and high quality images in low light conditions, without the use of a flash. This enables the natural ambient light conditions to be preserved for beautiful, natural looking images unspoilt by the flash.

At just over 40mm thick, the PowerShot G15’s advanced imaging technology comes in a compact easy to carry package. Exposure compensation, aperture and

shutter speed can all be controlled manually using the exterior dials, stacked in an efficient new design for fast and easy operation.

There is also a dual axis electronic level; full manual controls with easy access; a hotshoe for accessory attachment; and multi-aspect RAW recording for full postproduction creative control.

Canon has also announced its most connected and creative compact camera yet, the Canon PowerShot S110. The new model couples the advantages of wireless connectivity and intuitive operation with powerful creative control and professional-quality results in an ultracompact, versatile body.

The PowerShot S110 features a capacitive touch screen that works with the front control ring to allow integrated full manual control with the ability to quickly and seamlessly scroll between menu options. The front control ring can be assigned to handle changes across multiple features, including aperture, shutter speed, focus and zoom.

The addition of Wi-Fi connectivity allows both wireless printing and wireless image transfer to smart devices or home computers. Using the free downloadable Canon CameraWindow application, the S110 partners with a smartphone for image transfer and also has the new addition of GPS tagging via the application.

Also featuring Canon’s HS SYSTEM, newly equipped CMOS sensor and DiG!C 5 processor, Canon says the user is guaranteed dramatically improved image quality in all conditions, leading to more refined images, even in low light, with less noise.

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IN CONJUNCTION WITH the launch of its supersized pizza, The Plank, Pizza Hut Australia has announced the sponsorship of 2011 NSW Formula Ford Champion and rookie V8 Ute driver Steve Charman at the Bathurst 1000 event.

This is Pizza Hut Australia’s first major sporting sponsorship and the investment is valued at $200,000, including TV

advertising and Facebook promotions.

Pizza Hut Australia’s general manager Graeme Houston said: “Pizza Hut is the world’s largest pizza chain but selling pizzas isn’t the only thing we do. We love getting behind Australian talent and can’t wait to see how Steve performs in his Bathurst debut.”

Charman has been racing since 2009 and started his career in the

THE DEBUT LP from Menangle wunderkinds, The Rubens, has come in at an impressive #3 on the ARIA Album chart. An achievement that well exceeded any expectations, the self-titled album pulled up just under pop heavyweights P!nk and The Killers, who topped the charts at #1 and #2 respectively, and came in above chart-toppers Birdie and Matchbox 20.

The album, featuring radio favourite and current single My Gun, has been winning over fans and critics alike since its release on 14 September. Boasting rich production courtesy of Grammy

winning producer David Kahn, blues rock swagger and the souldrenched, velvety smooth vocals of front man Sam Margin, it’s been touted as one of the strongest debut albums to come out of our fair land in quite some time.

The Rubens are currently in the middle of an extensive national album tour, with every show to date selling-out, including memorable shows at the Forum Theatre in Melbourne and the Metro Theatre in Sydney.

On hearing the chart news, Sam stated: “We still can’t believe it and we are so thankful to everyone who

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Formula Ford open-wheeler category. Last year, he took out the NSW Formula Ford Championship with Anglo Motorsport, and saw the V8 Utes as a great opportunity to further his motorsport career.

“My debut in V8 Ute Racing will be my first National Championship event and definitely a good step on the way to every Australian driver’s dream of racing in the V8 Supercars in the future.

went out and bought our record.”

The news of this achievement came only a day after the band had learnt that they’d be heading over to NZ to play arena shows with The Black Keys in early November.

It was only last year that the three brothers, Sam, Zaac and Elliot Margin, along with their good friend, Scotty Baldwin, uploaded their home recorded demo of Lay It Down to triple J’s Unearthed site, in the hopes that a few people might hear and like it.

Since then, the band has gone from strength to strength, proving that above all else, it’s good

JAMES KERLEY HAS had an incredibly diverse career. Along with being an extremely successful Radio and TV Host, he is also a qualified pilot and now an author.

Kerley has released his first book – The Man Plan, a printed version of Kerley’s all too familiar cheeky style with irreverent tips on how to ‘get one’s shit together’- from fitness to finance, romance to cooking,

mental health issues to career and more.

Kerley decided to write this book hoping that the lessons he has learnt through life will help others in some way.

“I learnt a lot writing this book.

There are so many easy tricks that make life easier as a guy or at least give the impression that we know what we are doing...

“The book covers something from every angle of life. If a guy can pick it up and have a few laughs and learn one thing that makes him kick a little more arse in one or two areas of his life - I’m stoked.”

James began his career as host of the long running children’s show Sarvo, which aired on Foxtel’s Nickelodeon channel.

His strong background in improvisation and writing, coupled with polished MC’ing skills and natural comedic style has seen him co-host the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards twice and be a guest presenter at the ARIA Awards.

Currently, Kerley is hosting Channel 9’s Eclipse Music TV. He has interviewed dozens of international and local artists including Silverchair, The Prodigy,

Kings of Leon, Lady Ga Ga, Kanye West, Ben Stiller, Will Ferrel and Steve Carrel – just to name a few.

Kerley also hosted Network Ten’s daily entertainment program, Taken Out, a 65 episode unscripted dating show that also aired nationally on Foxtel for more than 18 months.

Steadily becoming a popular face of youth culture, Kerley has travelled throughout Australia, the US and Europe for TV and radio interests. As a talented writer, Kerley has written for Cleo magazine, in addition to regular articles in various Australian publications.

He has a Bachelor of Media and Writing.

THE MAN PLAN – CHAPTER COVERAGE Mental health Suicide Sex- what I learnt in interviewing male sex workers Relationships Cooking Cleaning Health and Diet Fitness Career Manners

songwriting and musicianship that resonates with Australian music fans.

After a year that most bands can only dream of, it’s not unfitting to suggest that The Rubens are destined for big things, with the likes of The Music Network recently stating what is becoming more and more apparent to those with a keen eye on the boy’s trajectory “In just one year, The Rubens have achieved more than most bands would in a lifetime.” www.therubensmusic.com www.ivyleague.com.au PRODIJEE.COM

OUR PORES ARE the passageways for oil to be released onto the skin. Oil production is directly related to the size of the pore; the larger the pore, the greater the oil production.

The truth is, oily skin is a common concern among women of all ages, worldwide. Inconsistent cleansing, fluctuation of hormones, inflammation and hot and humid climates can all exacerbate the condition.

Too much oil production also

THE FRONTIER TOURING Company and Heavenly Sounds are bringing double Grammy award winning duo The Civil Wars to Australia and New Zealand for a series of shows that are set to be both visually and sonically spectacular.

The March 2013 concert series will see the American pair touring PRODIJEE.COM

causes skin to appear shiny and greasy - an unflattering trait that can cause women to feel very selfconscious, finding the need to blot their face throughout the day. The catch is, even oily skin types need moisture.

SOLUTION: As a leader in the dermatological concerns category, Clinique has developed the perfect solution to help control oil production, while also providing skin the necessary moisture it needs.

Introducing Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator – a moisturizer that instantly mattifies the skin, controls excess sebum and provides oil-free hydration throughout the day.

This multi-functional moisturizer takes a 3-prong approach to provide all day shine control while minimizing the appearance of pores immediately and over time for fresher, younger looking skin.

1. It controls surface shine and excess sebum production without leaving skin feeling dry or uncomfortable.

2. Hydration helps strengthen skin.

3. Skin refining and pore minimization helps keep pores clean

seven churches and cathedrals across the two countries to perform their beautiful brand of melodic chamber folk and pop.

Joy Williams and John Paul White, the talent behind The Civil Wars, first met in 2009 at a writing camp in Nashville, Tennessee. It has been a whirlwind of success since this fateful meeting with the band amassing a multitude of honours and hundreds of thousands of album sales in three short years.

Their debut album Barton Hollow (out now through Sony) caught the attention of critics across the globe, featuring in the ‘Best Albums of 2011’ editorials of Time magazine,

and skin looking smoother and more refined.

This lightweight formula also contains innovative optical technology to instantly diminish the appearance of pores.

Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator absorbs quickly and helps maintain skin’s equilibrium while providing just the right amount of moisture the skin needs.

First, apply a thin layer of Correcting Serum twice a day to cleansed skin to help reduce the appearance of pores over time.

Then apply Stay-Matte Hydrator to keep skin moisturized while controlling oil production.

To instantly disguise pores during the day, apply Instant Perfector for a perfectly flawless finish, available in three skin-perfecting tints.

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator is available at Clinique counters nationwide and at Clinique.com.au.

RRP $79.00 Allergy Tested. 100% Fragrance Free. Oil-Free. Non-Acnegenic.

Dermatologist Tested.

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The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal and Rolling Stone amongst many more.

Since Barton Hollow’s release, hundreds of thousands of people across the globe have fallen in love with The Civil Wars. The simplicity in the instrumentation of many of their songs lets their perfectly honed harmonies and emotive song writing do the talking.

The Civil Wars have taken their folk/country tunes on the road across the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom.

TOUR DETAILS: www.frontiertouring.com/thecivilwars

PROFESSOR CLIVE PALMER, one of Australia’s largest private vintage motor car collectors, is to create a vintage motor car museum at the Palmer Coolum Resort on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Palmer Coolum Resort is spread across 150 hectares of lush rainforest, natural bush and woodlands, with direct access to 2km of pristine surf beach.

The resort offers extensive accommodation choices, from Junior suites to the three-storey luxury Presidential suites. There is also a range of dining options and world-class leisure activities, including a luxurious day spa, a tennis centre, an arts centre, a kids’ club and a par-72 golf course that is home to the Australian PGA Championship.

Palmer Coolum Resort was awarded the prestigious 2012 Certificate of Excellence from

TripAdvisor, as well as the 2012 Gourmet Traveller Best Golf Resort award.

The Auto Museum will consist of up to 50 vehicles at any time and will create another tourist opportunity for the Sunshine Coast.

“Vintage cars have always been a passion of mine,” Prof Palmer said.

“I now own some of the rarest and

most sought after vintage cars in the world, including a large Rolls-Royce collection and several cars dating back to 1900.”

“These vintage cars will attract motoring and vintage car enthusiasts, bringing more tourists to the Sunshine Coast.”

AFTER A DECADE together, Two Hours Traffic have reinvented themselves with a new producer, an altered line up, and an overhauled sound. These are on display on the group’s latest EP, Siren Spell, out now through ABC Music.

Over the last 10 years, the Canadian indie rock outfit has racked up accomplishments that include a short list nomination for the Polaris Music Prize, TV show placements, magazine covers, and a victory at the East Coast Music Awards.

With a successful touring schedule that has taken them across the country and around the world, the band has earned a spot amongst the Canadian indie rock elite.

Since 2009’s Territory, Two Hours Traffic decided to change things up; guitarist Alec O’Hanley moved on to other projects, bassist Andrew MacDonald switched to guitar and newcomer Nathan Gill

joined the fold, with frontman Liam Corcoran and drummer Derek Ellis. “Everything’s fresh,” explained Corcoran. “We have to prove ourselves again.”

They have teamed up with Darryl Neudorf (Neko Case, the Sadies, the New Pornographers) and moulded a new, hook-heavy pop sound into a more Motown-inspired direction, with acoustic guitars scaled back in favour of electric

instruments and full-bodied rhythms.

This time, when they sing about love, they do so with a decade’s worth of experience and confidence on their side. And although the last couple of years may have been a period of transition, the band is back and stronger than ever. Look for the full-length album to arrive in early 2013.

Siren Spell EP is available now to download on Play MPE.

www.palmercoolumresort.com.au

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prodijee Editor Darren House darren@prodijee.com Fashion & Accessories Editor Carol Sheridan carol@prodijee.com Man About Town David Dowsey Food & Wine Editor Anthony Johns Art Director Carolyn Stevens Contributing Writers Allan Edwards Angela Anderson Jenna McKenzie Chief Photographer Matthew Wren Contributing Photographers Andrew Browne John Doig Michelle McLaren Hair/Make Up Aneta Nastevski Advertising advertising@prodijee.com.au Published by: prodijee PO Box 4158 Ringwood, 3134, Vic. Australia info@prodijee.com www.prodijee.com

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No trees were harmed during the production of this magazine.

Material published in prodijee is copyright and may not be reproduced by any means of duplication without the written permission of the publisher.

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going postal MELINA LOVE #1

Wow, you really uncovered a great talent in Melina Hollway.

I absolutely adore her designs they are just so funky, and ultra feminine... and affordable! Oh My God, after reading your story I checked out her facebook page and couldn’t believe the specials she had listed there. I sure hope Melina comes to a Sydney fashion show sometime soon. I’d love to see her fashions in the flesh, so to speak!

Sarah Johnston Glebe, NSW, Australia.

MELINA LOVE #2

OMG! How awesome is Melina Hollway? Her designs rock! I’ve shown my friends her dresses and they all agree with me, though I’ll be bummed if they buy any before me! I can’t wait to see what she comes up with for her next collection.

Clare Wilson South Yarra, Vic, Australia.

Ed: We’re glad you enjoyed our feature on Melina and we agree, she is a special talent.

RADIO THERAPY

I’m a Radio Ink fan and I have to say it’s about time this awesome band got some decent press ink... well okay, you are a digital mag, not a printed one but I’m sure you know what I’m saying! It’s all too hard these days for Aussie acts to get noticed, but where is the new music coming from if no one gives new talent a chance? I see from your letters you have readers overseas - let’s hope they pick up on Radio Ink’s great talent and help download them to a Number One hit. Keep up the good work!

Jake McCarthy Cronulla, NSW, Australia

Ed: Couldn’t agree more Jake.

Radio Ink are already winning fans in the US, so let’s hope they continue their climb to the top. Dic Money and Ronny Clark were great to talk to, too but I’m disappointed the devine Miss S couldn’t make the interview... Maybe next time!

I WANT A MUSTANG - NOW! Loved reading about the new Ford Mustang in the last issue - I want

InDaHouse one, but of course, that’s not going to happen. Why is it only the Yanks get to drive these cool cars, and they get to do so paying rock bottom prices while we Aussies pay top dollar and we only get family sedans and econocars? It can’t be that hard to build a righ-hand-drive Mustang and bring it to Australia.

Brett Roberts Glenorchy, Tas, Australia

Ed: Good news Brett. The next generation Mustang (due around 2015) looks set to be built in right-hand-drive configuration and Ford’s Australian engineers are rumoured to have contributed to its development, so the chances are it will be sold here.

TAILOR MADE

Help! How do I get my boyfriend dress better? I’d love to see him in a made to measure suit like the ones in your last issue but when it comes to fashion, he simply has no idea. I love dressing up - I spend a fortune on clothes, shoes and accessories, and I love everything that goes into getting ready for a big occassion

but then I get very deflated when he turns up - yet again - in jeans and a T-shirt... ARRGGHH!!! All my friends think I should dump him but aside from his fashion sense... or lack of it... he’s a great guy. How do I get him to appreciate the finer points of fashion?

Caitlin Matthews Liverpool, England

Ed: Caitlin, it sounds like you are fighting a lost cause and if I was you, I’d dump him... JOKE! Stay tuned, we’ll be bringing you lots more tips about how to improve your man’s dress sense.

MAKE ME A STAR

I’m a model in California and I love that you showcase new talent. How do I get into prodijee?

Richie Burgess Santa Monica, CA, USA

Ed: Richie, send your port to info@ prodijee.com GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? Send prodijee an email at goingpostal@prodijee.com

NEVER HAS IT been easier, or more difficult, for emerging talent to be discovered. Technology has revolutionised the way we access the arts, making it possible for almost anyone to reach out to an international audience.

It started with personal websites, then Myspace,YouTube, facebook and Twitter, and a host of new social media platforms that seem to come online almost daily.

Then there’s traditional media, with a host of talent shows such as Idol, Got Talent, The Voice and X-Factor franchises booming around the world. Shows that, in the main, produce the next wave of ‘one-hit-wonders’.

Artists today are told they can do away with agents and record companies, just upload your home recorded song to YouTube, or go on a talent show and you can become an instant star.

While that is true for some artists, it’s sadly not the case for the overwhelming majority of people striving for public recognition. The problem is what makes the internet your greatest strength also makes it your greatest weakness. That is, if you can do it, so can everyone else.

According to YouTube in January, 60 hours of video is uploaded to the site every minute of the day - an hour every second - which proves getting noticed on that medium is becoming more of a lottery every day.

While you can gain attention cheaply, employing social media as a means of bypassing agents and record companies, publishing independently is still expensive.

You need professional recording, professional video and professional promotion, and you still need to tour. It just goes to prove that for most people, becoming a star is still the toughest gig of all.

DARREN HOUSE PRODIJEE.COM

what’s hot

Watching JAG online

JAG NOW BOASTS a full collection of men’s and women’s watches on their webstore. From polished and brushed stainless steel through to cutting edge ceramic, there’s something for everyone no matter the occasion or outfit. Prices starting from $179.00 Visit www.jag.com.au now for images of the full range available.

Bronze away dull skin GET YOUR INSTANT smoulder on with Natio’s new Instant Bronzer, a luxurious cream-gel that bronzes fast, holds strong and washes off with water. As mineral pigments lift dull skin with discreet gold shimmer, this speedy little bronze bullet hydrates face and body with plant extracts.

A hint of bronze colour is the express route to lifting a flat complexion.

Light up your face and body with Natio Instant Bronzer (RRP $18.95 for 50ml), a simmering soft formula with flattering gold and bronze undertones to suit all skin tones. In a portable, purse friendly tube, discover the ultimate in instant colour and instant pick-me-ups.

“By combining the benefits of cream and gel formulations, Natio has developed a fast drying, non-greasy, moisturising bronzer that perfectly fits on-the-go lifestyles”, explained Product Development Manager, Susheel Gandhi. The cream-gel formula ensures transfer resistance, yet washes off effectively with water.”

Natio Instant Bronzer not only adds depth and warmth to your skin tone, but instantly nurtures parched skin. Illuminating mineral pigments give an immediate bronzed effect, while tiny gold Mica flecks brighten the look of your skin - so you glow, not glitter. Shea Butter and Sweet Almond Oil moisturise and protect, while essences of Sweet Orange, Lavender and Ylang Ylang invigorate skin.

“This cross-functional bronzer can be used neat, mixed with your foundation and moisturiser or to complement your self tan. Dab onto the ‘peaks’ of your face, along the tops of cheekbones and bridge of the nose.

Or smooth onto shoulders, collarbones, shins and forearms so your tan application doesn’t look flat. But remember blending is the key if you want a natural look”, added Gandhi.

Australian made and not tested on animals. Available at Myer, David Jones and selected pharmacies. Natio stockist information: 03 9415 9911 or www.natio.com PRODIJEE.COM

A sexy and sensual octogenerial is Tabu IN HONOUR OF its remarkable 80 year history, Tabu has created the commemorative edition fragrance 1932 by Tabu in celebration of its 80th Anniversary.

Tabu was created by Jean Carles, perfumer of GivaudanRourse, for his friend Javier Serra.

In Spain in 1932 Jean Carles was to create a scent with shock value and a strong fragrance that was sexy as well as sensual.

Three years after its launch, production had begun in four countries and by 1936 saw the opening of a Paris office and a factory in Neuilly-sur-Seine.

Tabu then reached America through travellers returning

from Cuba who had bought the fragrance.

The perfume’s fame spread by word-of-mouth until it had attained cult status in 1940, when Serra finally brought Tabu to New York.

Tabu ‘the forbidden perfume’ is still recognised and remembered by many by the artwork.

The Kreutzer Sonata, also called the “kissing couple” and is known to be as familiar as the Mona Lisa.

The “kissing couple” advertisement was a hit all over the country with both Vogue & Harper’s Bazaar carried the campaign in their April 1941 issues.

Although the advertisement does not actually say so, everyone assumes that the lady is wearing Tabu, a brew so potent it causes

the man to forget both music and decorum.

Following the success of the ‘kissing couple’ campaign came a commercial which was said to contain ‘the longest commercial kiss in history’ by The New York Times.

For 80 years, perfumers worldwide have recognised Tabu as one of the world’s truly great fragrances and now there is 1932

by Tabu, a much lighter but still heady fragrance, highly desirable to women of all ages.

The Scent

Top notes: Citrus accord of Bergamot & Lemon, Basil, Fruits Heart notes: Jasmine, Mimosa, Bulgarian Rose, Ylang-ylang, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Heliotrope Base notes: Sandalwood, Moss Amber, Musk Vanilla

PRODIJEE.COM

MANY GIRLS WILL be starting to think about going to their first formal or deb ball or similar event.

The excitement about the dress, the dancing, and the magical night is something that most of us will never forget.

For some girls however, the plans for this night, that should be so very special, can be all brought undone with the stress of getting the personal touches just right.

Start practising now. Learn how to apply nail polish correctly, make sure you continue your face cleansing routine so that your skin is perfect on the night. Trial some perfumes. If you have never tried

IN THE THEME of the southern Summer being on the horizon (we hope) take a look at the new range from Ipanema.

Prices starting at $26.95 and available from Novo Shoes, Myer and other participating retailers.

Stockists – 03 9315 1666

PRODIJEE.COM

false eyelashes before and you think you might like to wear them at your formal, start practicing Here are a few products to get you thinking, and trying now, before the big night.

Andrea Extra Strength Hair Remover. Designed to remove the most stubborn hair. Easy to use cream for legs, arms and bikini line RRP $18.95 Puretopia Rinse away Purifying Fresh Face Cleaning Gel. This gel cleanser gently washes away traces of daily grime and pollution leaving you with vibrant and healthy looking skin.

RRP $16.95

Ardell. The Must Have Lashes for that special occasion.

Starter Kit #101 - RRP $12.95 Polished London. This hardwearing polish is said to be chip resistant and provides superior gloss, in a smooth and even application.

RRP $7.99 So‌? Fragrance - 100ml EDT This fragrance with Pineapple and Berries and undertones of sweet vanilla is very young and feminine, and one of the favourites in the So range. RRP $24.95 For stockists: Phone: 02 8709 8814

IN SUPPORT OF Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) each year, Clinique offers a special, limited-edition bottle of its bestselling, cult classic Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.

This year, the bottle is adorned with a Clinique key ring with a ‘C’ shaped charm on one side and a convenient mirror on the other. Also included on the key ring is a mini Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion and pink ribbon charm set.

The 200 ml bottle carries a recommended price of $110, with $20 from every sale of this limitededition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion benefiting The National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Clinique has also created a limited-edition shade of its number one selling lip product, Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm.

This special edition balm comes

in a beautiful pink colour -Plumped Up Pink - and will be housed in a convenient pink cosmetic carrying pouch with adorable heart-shaped charm puller and pink ribbon. This irresistibly colourful lip crayon is ideal for on-the-go touchups and perfectly portable to truly provide great lips for a great cause.

HELMET HAIR IS a serious condition. It can ruin expensive blow dries; flatten heavily gelled man spikes, or, put daylong dents into painfully straightened hair.

Believe it or not, it’s said to be the main reason why we choose our car over riding our bikes to meet friends for Saturday brunch, or use our scooter to get to work. Helmet hair is a serious issue.

But finally a solution has been found! AIRHEAD is an Australian designed product that has been specifically engineered to reduce the effects of helmet hair, which is a condition that is caused by high humidity within the helmet.

This humidity acts like an iron and flattens the hair. AIRHEAD works to increase air ventilation that ultimately reduces perspiration and creates more space for the hair.

In a recent trial conducted by Two Wheel Cool, the majority of riders

noticed a significant improvement to their post ride hair maintenance with one tester commenting ‘When I got to work, someone asked if I’d ridden my scooter. They had assumed that I hadn’t because my hair looked so good!’

AIRHEAD has additional advantages to riders. The decrease in perspiration allows for increase in helmet hygiene. The product is removable and can be thrown into the dishwasher for regular cleaning.

AIRHEAD is anti-static, antibacterial and non-allergenic.

AIRHEAD comes in many different colours and styles to suit your mood and lifestyle. AIRHEAD is Australian designed advanced composite construction, it has been extensively road tested, is easily installed with no adhesives or Velcro.

RRP $25

The 3g size crayon carries a suggested retail price of $35, with $5 from every sale of limitededition Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm benefiting The National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Available at: Clinique department store counters and www.clinique. com.au

www.twowheelcool.com PRODIJEE.COM

A NEW CONVERSATIONSTARTER App is now available on the App Store, using current technology to bring back face-toface friendships and interactions.

The CU iPhone-based App is designed to bring like-minded people together for friendship, as travel buddies, for parenting support, or even romance.

CU co-founder, Nils Gruttner, said CU is designed as a modern solution to a growing social need, an introduction to new people.

“It’s confronting to introduce yourself to someone new, whether travelling, at University, or as a new mum,” Mr Gruttner said. “A point in common makes it easier and that is what CU gives you, a starting point in common for a conversation.

“We are social beings and need face-to-face friendships and community connections to be successful, yet current technology is driving us to communicate through computers, not through real friendships. CU uses the iPhone’s inbuilt Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities but is designed to bring people together to meet face-to-face quickly, which is a far safer and real way to conduct a new friendship.”

Another significant point of difference is that CU works by storing your profile on your iPhone only, there is no central database of CU users, and so there is no chance of your privacy being breached as is possible with an internet-based social networking site.

Users enable Bluetooth and WiFi on their iPhones, set up a CU profile and then decide how much of their profile they would like other nearby CU users to see. Your phone will then let you know another

CU user is nearby and what their interests are.

Mr Gruttner said this is just the start of linking people via CU. “In the future we will have other profiles including CarPool, Exchange and RSVP to name a few.”

As an Airbus pilot for an international aviation firm, he has spent a lot of time alone in cities around the world.

“The idea for CU began because I wanted to meet local people as travel companions in the cities I was visiting but didn’t know how to start the conversation,” he said.

Co-founder, Simon Williams, developed the App – unique as a social networking tool. “It is managed completely by the user, making the privacy-conscious among us very comfortable,” Mr Williams said. “It’s a social network in your pocket.

CU can be downloaded from iPhone AppStore now. It’s try before you buy - CU is available as a free trial version, which only requires activation after the second “match exchange” to view the matches details. The paid version costs $2.99.

CU was developed by Tomorrow the World, PO Box 294 Blackwood, South Australia.

IN AN AGE where time and effort is no object to looking your best for that special someone, a national survey proves for men, it’s all in a great smile. More than a third of males admit that a nice smile catches their eye first when meeting a member of the opposite sex.

The National Smile Survey, commissioned by new Colgate MaxWhite ONE Ice, scoured the nation to uncover the most noticeable feature when meeting someone for the first time. Whilst the smile was most popular amongst guys, women are more attracted to eyes – with 45 per cent claiming it’s the first thing they check out. With a great smile proving to be one of the most noticeable assets in the search for love, why not try Colgate MaxWhite ONE Ice. Featuring an innovative formula with white accelerators, Colgate says that this formula works to deliver one shade whiter teeth in just seven days.

Also new to the range is Colgate MaxWhite ONE Rinse, which helps keep teeth naturally whiter for longer.

Join Colgate on facebook at www.facebook.com/ColgateMaxAustralia for great competitions and giveaways.

Colgate MaxWhite ONE Ice 103g (RRP $5.99) is available in Australia nationally from supermarkets and pharmacies.

PRODIJEE.COM

Pucker-up for a cure WOMEN ACROSS AUSTRALIA are puckering-up with their Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm to support Liptember – an initiative to raise awareness of women’s health issues and fund research to achieve optimal health outcomes for women.

Being involved is easy! Simply purchase the official Liptember lip colour – Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose – and ask family and friends to sponsor you for wearing the shade throughout the month of September.

The official lip balm from Burt’s Bees has a 100 per cent natural formula that’s packed full of botanical flower goodness, Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Beeswax to leave your lips feeling smooth,

healthy and hydrated.

The official Liptember Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm can be purchased from Myer and Lorna Jane stores for the special price of $10. All funds raised will support national programs and research at the Centre for Women’s Mental Health, which is the first gender specific mental health clinic in Australia, and Lifeline Australia, which provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support service.

To register, simply visit the official Liptember website and keep an eye out for regular updates on the Liptember facebook page and Burt’s Bees Australia’s Facebook and twitter sites.

Natio’s perfect pout LOVE HIGH PIGMENT lips, but also can’t resist a smack of luminous gloss? Natio’s new Rich Colour Crème Gloss has both bases covered.

Combining the creamy colour experience of lipstick with the brilliance of lip gloss, this multitasking marvel provides rich colour, intense hydration and long lasting shine. Pack punch with five feminine shades brimming with natural emollients that suit all skin tones.

“Natio’s Rich Colour Crème Gloss is a multi-tasker’s delight. It instantly softens, moisturises and replenishes lips with a hydrating mocktail of Mango and Shea Butters, Vitamin E and Honey,” said Natio National Trainer, Linda Riddell.

“Highly pigmented with light reflecting minerals, the lip gloss also provides strong colour pay-off, creamy coverage and brilliant shine, meaning you can skip layering lipstick then gloss separately.”

Lip gloss instantly lights up your smile and helps create an effect of fuller lips.

“If you are blessed with a naturally full pout, experiment with any shade so long as it complements your skin tone. Should you have thin lips, opt for lighter shades to add volume.

No matter the shape of your lips, a slick of red gloss will add oomph and flirty fun to your look”, added Riddell.

While all shades can be mixed and matched across skin tones, try these tips to find the right Rich Colour Crème Gloss shade for you: Fair skin: opt for glossy transparent pink (Serene). Medium skin: try medium pink (Calm), blood red (Alive).

Olive skin: have fun with strong red (Alive) and deep rose (Happy).

Ebony skin: looks fantastic with deep berry red (Passion) and vibrant rose tones (Happy).

Australian made and not tested on animals, this perennial collection is available in Australia at Myer, David Jones and selected pharmacies.

RRP $15.95 www.natio.com PRODIJEE.COM

THE SOUTHERN SUMMER isn’t all that far away, so start thinking about your summer look now and accessorise properly.

When we talk about accessories, most of us think about bangles, earrings, necklaces and rings, but how many of you think about your watch?

A bright and colourful watch can be the ideal summer accessory to brighten up your wardrobe.

Perfect for the summer season is the range from Ice-Watch, whose selection contains varying sized watches from an array of bright

colours, pastel shades and even monochrome tones of black and white.

They’re the kind of watches that are funky enough to go with your bikini (they’re waterproof too), casual enough to team with day wear and even smart enough to add an infusion of colour and fun to evening wear.

Katy Perry wore one in her video ‘Part of Me’, Paris Hilton, Cathy Guetta and Brit girl band the Saturdays are also big fans of the watches.

The basic models start around $90.

www.thewatchhut.co.uk/ice-watch.htm

IN THE SWIM With

PLAYBOY

Check out the new range of PLAYBOY SWIM - available at Bras N Things. www.brasnthings.com PRODIJEE.COM

Carnivale $79.99

Mimosa $79.99

WAXAWAY PRECISION WAX WAND The Waxaway Precision Wax Wand offers a salon quality result in a matter of minutes, no preparation required. With a simple twist, the unique precision tip applicator applies just the right amount of salon strength wax where needed.

Providing comfort and control when shaping brows or removing unwanted facial hair, so you can immediately start showing off your beautiful brows and perfect pout.

WAXAWAY IS THE salon quality, use at home depilatory range made

by Australia’s leading professional wax manufacturer.

Founded in 1980 by beauty therapist and Brazilian waxing expert, Lillian Caron, Waxaway aims to make waxing a more enjoyable and less tedious experience.

Made using professional-quality ingredients and manufacturing methods, each Waxaway product makes it so easy for you to achieve a salon result in your own

bathroom.

The Waxaway range includes several easy to use salon quality products such as a microwaveable hard wax, professional heating systems and an extensive treatment range to provide you with true salon quality results at home.

There’s a depilatory to suit every skin and hair type as well as your lifestyle needs.

For the full range of Waxaway products go to www.waxaway.com. au or facebook.com/WaxawayAUS

Mimosa $84.99

Cancun $79.99

WAXAWAY READY TO USE STRIPS – SENSITIVE Waxaway Ready to Use Wax Strips - Sensitive are compact, convenient and are suitable for use on even the most sensitive and delicate skin.

Perfect as a quick hair removal solution, Ready to Use Strips Sensitive have a hypoallergenic Salon Formula applied on a softer fabric strip that gently removes unwanted hair in a matter of minutes without mess or fuss.

With results lasting up to four weeks, Waxaway Ready to Use Wax Strips - Sensitive are available in two sizes for the face and the body and can be used up to five times.

WetNWild $79.99 PRODIJEE.COM

Lytro introduces a photo revolution MELBOURNE’S MICHAELS CAMERA AND VIDEO STORE INTRODUCES A CAMERA THAT WILL FOCUS & RE-FOCUS YOUR PICTURES AFTER CAPTURE.

THE INTRODUCTION OF the Lytro light field camera is described by many as the most significant photographic development since the beginning of the digital photography revolution in 1988 delivering the ability to re-focus an image post-capture.

For the very first time in history, at any point after images have been captured, both the photographer and the viewer are able to focus and re-focus, shift their perspective of the scene, and even switch seamlessly between 2D and 3D views, anywhere in the picture.

With these incredible capabilities, pictures are brought to life. Users are able to share their living PRODIJEE.COM

pictures on nearly every device, allowing family and friends to interact with images, time and time again.

Until today, the kit has been available only to consumers in the USA, however, the range of revolutionary light field cameras will be available at michaels Camera Video Digital in Melbourne, Australia early October.

Renowned for its extensive range and depth of stock holding, Lytro launch partner michaels will be one of the first retailers in the nation to stock the range, and the only retail outlet catering to consumers from Melbourne’s CBD in 2012.

Peter Michael, Managing Director and fourth generation of the Michaels family established and operated company said, “This break-through technology will enable photographers to capture and share all the precious moments of their lives through visual, interactive stories. We are proud to help put it in the hands of Melbourne’s photography enthusiasts.”

Unlike any photographic technology until now, the Lytro light field camera captures all light travelling in every direction through a scene, in four dimensions.

All the light falling on its sensor is recorded without being run

through colour balancing or image sharpening processes and does not require focusing at the point of capture, enabling instantaneous shots. Its sleek design is deceptively simple, without unnecessary modes or dials. Rather, it features power and shutter buttons, plus an intuitive glass touch screen.

Features include 11 Megaray resolution and an 8x optical zoom lens with a constant f2 aperture for HD-quality interactive living pictures, 1.52 inch LCD glass touch screen for viewing and re-focusing images in-camera, internal flash drive memory and a long-life Li-Ion internal battery – all housed in an ultra-light anodised aluminium structural skin with silicon rubber grip.

focus motor, the Lytro’s instant shutter means you don’t lose time focusing. Plus, with instant power on, you can capture the perfect moment – not the moment after.

When you share your pictures from your computer, your friends enjoy the same interactive control as you, on nearly any device, without needing special software.

Available accessories include: - USB Wall Charger - Magnetic Lens Cap - Sleek Protective Slip Case - Camera and Accessory Carry Case - Tripod Mount Tripod Adapter www.michaels.com.au

The Lytro is available in three models: - Red Hot - 16Gb Internal memory, stores up to 750 images - Electric Blue - 8Gb Internal memory, stores up to 350 images - Graphite - 8Gb Internal memory, stores up to 350 images The Lytro Light Field Camera utilises an 8x optical zoom, f2 aperture lens. The aperture is constant across the entire zoom range, allowing for unparalleled light capture.

The Light Field Engine 1.0 processes all light ray data captured by the sensor and enables living pictures to be re-focused incamera, on your device or online.

The Light Filed Sensor, a microlens array specially adhered to a standard sensor, captures 11 million light rays (11 Megarays).

The Lytro camera has been meticulously designed to be lightweight yet solid, built for stability, and easy to use.

It features a centre of gravity shutter button and intuitive multi-touch screen, an anodised aluminium structural skin and weighs just 214g.

Light field technology enables faster snaps. Without an autoPRODIJEE.COM

CARBON FIBRE

MEN’S ACCESSO RIES

52

V8X 2005

Order yours today by calling (03) 9331 2608 or by visiting www.nobrac.com.au

roadtest

WORDS: CAROL SHERIDAN

ORLY FIRED UP O

RLY has just released a limited collection – FIRED UP – for Spring 2012 and with claims the range ignites your inner fire and give your nails a fiery new look with the six hot new high gloss shades.

Well, the timing was just right to put ORLY to the test as I had accepted an invitation to an event at very short notice and I certainly needed to fire up to get myself there on time.

Naturally I wanted my nails to be in tip top shape but when it comes to regular nail polishes, there was no time to paint my nails and get myself ready to rush out the door.

I grabbed the ORLY polish Smoulder, applied two coats that

went on extremely smoothly and evenly, had a lie down and relax for 10 minutes, then off into the shower to wash my hair, then put on makeup and get dressed. Of course I was being a little on the careful side with my nails, but they survived the shower, hair washing and styling, make up application and getting dressed. My nails looked like I had just come from having a professional manicure.

Not only that, my nails continued to look brilliant for the next four days (and probably would have for longer than that but I needed to change colour!).

Celebrity Manicurist and ORLY Australia Ambassador, Fiona Hay, says “These high-gloss deep

red tones and neutral crèmes complement square, round-edged nails that are on trend for spring.

The adrenaline fuelled shades add a spark to your traditional manicure day or night”. I couldn’t have put it better myself.

The six sizzling shimmers and crèmes that make up the FIRED UP collection are • Glow: Taupe Crème • Flare: Pale Gold Shimmer • Flicker: Burnt Orange Shimmer • Ignite: Red Crème • Smoulder: Deep Wine Shimmer • Rapture: Chocolate Brown Crème RRP $18.95 each (18 ml) Stockists: www.orlybeauty.com.au or 1300 769 355

PRODIJEE.COM

roadtest

WORDS: CAROL SHERIDAN

CAROL SHERIDAN SAMPLES THE RANGE OF GREEN TEAS FROM TEA BLOSSOMS.

I

was 12 years old, my mother had recently passed away and my paternal grandmother was coming to our house each day to care for my sister and me when we came home from school. Obviously my mother had not done a good job in our upbringing with regard to future social prospects - we weren’t tea drinkers!

My grandmother’s words were “you will never be ANYONE if you don’t drink tea”. Every day, when we came home from school, she had a cup of tea sitting there waiting for us to drink. Black, black with lemon, white, white with sugar, white with

more sugar, she sat and watched while we sipped every last drop.

From then on, I have hated tea!

I have even struggled to make it for guests; I have gagged at the smell of it and always referred to it as ‘poison’. Ask anyone who knows me; they will back me up 100 per cent in my hate for this ‘poison’.

When I received a press release from the company Tea Blossoms, I automatically went to hit the ‘delete’ button. Tea? There was no way I would run an article on tea! There was no way I would do a road test on it. How could I possibly even get it to my lips?

But for reasons unknown to me, I opened one of the attachments, which told me of the health benefits of green tea.

When I read these health benefits, I was battling my third dose of the flu for the year. This dose had knocked me badly. I had been unable to get out of bed for a week and struggling to do much more than that during the second week of this illness. None of the prescribed drugs, over the counter medications, supermarket cough & cold remedies, vitamins, healthy eating did any good.

Health wise, it had been a horrible year for me, I needed help.

I was feeling desperate, so tired of being sick, so tired of never having any energy. After reading the health benefits of green tea, it sounded like something I should try, despite my hate for tea (poison).

My desperation at being sick so often this year was also causing me stress, and stress is known to affect physical and mental health.

So, much to the shock of everyone around me, I requested samples of this product to try.

Green Tea Marigold Jasmine Blossom You put this little ‘pod’ into your cup and pour boiling water over it.

It was definitely gorgeous to watch the delicate leaves unravel and the flower bloom as the tea brews.

In the past, I have even found the smell of teas to be offensive, but this smelt very floral, delicate, surprisingly (to me) it smelt nice.

I sipped it tentatively, and, unlike

PRODIJEE.COM

any other tea that I had tasted, I wasn’t repelled from the cup. I can’t honestly say that I loved it, but it was definitely pleasant.

Fairytale This was said to be a green tea with a clean taste, with perfectly blended rose blossoms, marigold flowers and orange blossoms with natural strawberry and raspberry flavouring. This one smelt beautiful, very much the smell of berries. Hold onto your hats all my friends and family who read this … I LIKED IT! Yes, this is the first tea I have drunk EVER that I have liked. It was mild in flavour but left a very light tang of strawberries and raspberries in my mouth.

Green Jasmine This tea has a very strong, full bodied jasmine fragrance and to me, it had a very earthy taste.

Again, similar to the Green Tea Marigold Jasmine Blossom, it’s not something I loved, but it was pleasant. I think I will try this as an iced tea with a lemon wedge.

I am now drinking the Fairytale tea quite regularly and really enjoying it. The health benefits (below) have inspired me to keep giving green teas a go, so I have tried the other two teas a couple of times and maybe I am developing a bit of a taste for them. I have shared these products with family and friends and all are very taken with the flavours, and given them the definite ‘thumbs up’.

As for the health benefits and the dose of ‘flu’ that I had, well, I am feeling much better; maybe the tea did help!

prodijee has a beautiful tin of the Tea Blossoms Fairytale Tea and a lovely box of the Tea Blossoms Blooming Tea to give away. The first two people to email me – carol@prodijee.com will receive a sample of this delightful product.

For many years, tea has had an image problem in Australia and the benefits of tea, especially green tea have not been fully explored.

The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. Few other foods or drinks are reputed to have as many health benefits as green tea.

Today, scientific research in both Asia and the West is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea.

Recent studies have shown green tea has far greater antioxidant protection than the well-known polyphenols in antioxidant vitamins such as C and E. Green tea’s antioxidant activity is particularly important for preventing lipid peroxidation.

Lipid peroxidation is a factor in the spoilage of oils and fatty constituents of foods.

This spoilage often plays a key role in the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque.

Cancer Prevention University of Purdue (USA) researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

The anticancer effects are the result of green tea polyphenols blocking the formation of cancer causing compounds as well as effectively detoxifying or trapping cancer causing chemicals.

The forms of cancer that green tea appears most effective in preventing are cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach, small intestine, pancreas and colon.

Also, green tea has shown preventative properties for lung cancer and estrogen-related cancers, such as breast cancers.

A report from the National

Cancer Institute found that Chinese men and women who drink green tea have a reduced risk of developing esophageal skin cancer.

Blood Pressure Reduction High blood pressure is known to create very serious problems for the vascular system and contribute to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis leads to heart disease, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Green tea has been extensively tested and been found to be highly beneficial in lowering blood pressure and aiding the recovery of heart attack victims.

Reduction of Blood Sugar About 60 years ago, Dr. Minowada of Kyoto University (Japan) noticed that sugar in the urine of patients hospitalised for diabetes fell markedly during periods when they participated in a Tea Ceremony. Modern science is studying and confirming this.

Cholesterol Reduction Cholesterol is usually seen as the ‘bad guy’ for causing many diseases in adults, but it’s a chemical that is naturally present and necessary in our bodies for important processes, such as manufacturing cell membranes and fusing cells. But there is ‘good’ cholesterol and ‘bad’ cholesterol.

Researchers found that by drinking green tea, the ‘bad’ cholesterol can be reduced, and tea-drinkers can eat almost twice the amount of foods containing cholesterol as those who don’t drink green tea, but still have an equal cholesterol count.

Antibacterial and Antiviral Activity Tea catechins are strong antibacterial and antiviral agents that are effective in treating everything from tooth decay to HIV. In studies, green tea has even protected rats from cholera, and PRODIJEE.COM

has been shown to inhibit the spread of disease. Green tea can aid with relieving influenza or diarrhoea. In general catechins help boost the strength of the immune system.

Other Benefits New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters.

In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland.

Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.

Green tea controls body weight and composition via the activation of thermogenesis, fat oxidation, or both. It works by increasing energy expenditure, and has thermogenic properties, which promote fat burning.

Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay and dental plaque.

Catechin suppresses the formation of plaque caused by cariogenic bacteria, and also kills the bacteria itself.

It also kills other bacteria that cause bad breath. Green tea contains natural fluorine, which helps prevent cavities, just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning.

Even skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market.

Green tea, with its all-important chemical compounds, has also shown many other benefits and PRODIJEE.COM

potential uses, including: Slowing

the aging process

Relieving

and preventing rheumatoid arthritis

Cardiovascula

disease and preventing dangerous blood-clotting.

Can

slow down the spread of prostate cancer

Impaired

immune function and preventing and hastening recovery from colds and flu.

Aiding

with the prevention and relief of type-two diabetes.

Blocking

key receptors in producing allergic reactions.

Aiding

Parkinson’s disease

sufferers. Slowing

the HIV infection process.

Maintains Relieves

healthy fluid balance.

fatigue and stress.

Boosting

the immune function of

skin cells. Reducing

the risk of stroke.

Preventing Reducing

osteoporosis.

DNA damage in

smokers. Improving Reduce

bone structure.

risk of hypertension

Drinking

tea might delay

Alzheimer’s

Disease

A

green tea component helps kill leukaemia cells Green tea may help explain ‘Asian paradox. While smoking is a well known cause of heart disease and lung cancer, the rates of these

diseases have remained inexplicably low in Asian countries even where smoking is common. Research suggests that green tea is one piece of the puzzle.

No one is suggesting that smokers ignore the danger of the habit and simply drink green tea. But research indicates that the tea’s high concentration of catechins antioxidants may help, according to Dr. Bauer E. Sumpio and his colleagues at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut (USA).

This paradox becomes clear when looking at global health statistics.

For every 100,000 US men, 348 will die of coronary heart disease each year. The figure for Japanese men is 186, despite the nation’s higher rate of smoking.

Studies suggest that EGCG and other green tea antioxidants may block tumor formation or growth in a number of ways. This may, according to the researchers, help explain why the lung cancer death rate in Korea is unexpectedly low.

The rate of lung cancer death among Korean men is less than 40 per 100,000, versus 67 per 100,000 among US men. The difference among women is more stark: 13 per 100,000 in Korea, 45 per 100,000 in the U.S. This is despite the fact that 37 percent of Korean adults smoke, while only 27 percent of Americans do.

Are all teas equally good?

Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. But the green tea’s different processing prevents the EGCG compound within it from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.

Higher quality teas may have more catechin antioxidants than lower quality teas. Freshly brewed teas have more polyphenol antioxidants than instant or bottled teas.

roadtest

WORDS: CAROL SHERIDAN feet and that was that. Already my feet felt softer, but little did I know what was going to happen in the next few days.

Three days after using the exfoliation pad socks, my feet started to peel, and peel like I could never have imagined. Large sheets of dry skin just peeled off, in my socks, on the floor, in the bed - quite disgusting really, but it was fascinating at the same time. This heavy peeling lasted three days, then it dropped right back, still peeling, but not to the same extent.

After seven days my feet were still peeling a little bit, but feeling really soft and the callousing was gone completely. Ten days after the initial application, my feet were soft but I waited another two days before I moved on to the next step.

Two steps to happy feet

H

aving been a sufferer of cracked and calloused feet for many years and having to spend ages every week on the old soak and scrub methods to keep my feet looking like they weren’t attached to some pre-historic creature, the idea of a ‘quick and easy fix’ was very appealing.

With Spring just around the corner, I wanted to say goodbye to the rough, tough and hardened skin on my feet and be able to wear strappy sandals and not have to worry about cracked heels and calloused toes being on show.

Having a pedicure weekly is very

expensive but doing it at home was very time consuming, so the two step process with Milky Foot products sounded like something I should give a try.

Step 1: Put aside 60 minutes of your day.

Rinse your feet. Slip on the Milky Foot Exfoliation Pad socks and then sit and read the rest of prodijee, watch television or just simply relax.

This in itself was perfect for me, 60 minutes of relaxation time – oops – magazine research time – something I am not quite used to doing. After relaxing (researching) for 60 minutes, I removed the little socks, rinsed my

Step 2: Apply a few drops of Milky Foot – Food Care Essence – twice a day, rub into your feet and allow to dry – 30-60 seconds. Go on with your day as normal. Step 2 keeps your feet softer for longer, and it works really well. I have tried many creams, oils, gels etc, with varied levels of success, but this one has really kept my feet soft.

I now have what was said on the pack – I have Happy Feet! I have no callouses, no cracks and no dry skin.

I am looking forward to wearing my strappy sandals and walking around bare foot.

If I was to say there were any drawbacks to this product, it would be that, because this product works so well, you won’t want to wear strappy sandals until the entire process is over (you would leave a trail of skin everywhere you went).

So, get onto getting your feet beautiful now, before you really want those tootsies on show.

If you are a sufferer of dry, cracked and calloused feet, do yourself a favour, try MILKY FOOT – these products REALLY WORK! This product is not recommended for pregnant women or people suffering with diabetes. MILKY FOOT – At Priceline Stores for $29.95 each.

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Bellissimo!

THE ITALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIA’S PROMOTION OF QUALITY ITALIAN PRODUCE WAS A HUGE SUCCESS, WITH PRODIJEE’S CAROL SHERIDAN COMING AWAY WITH A NEW FOUND APPRECIATION OF ALL THINGS ITALIAN.

T

he Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Australia, held a Gala Dinner hosted on the 89th Floor of Eureka Tower in Southbank to promote DOP Italia Australia.

DOP Italia Australia is a partnership program between the Consortium for the quality standard protection of Table Olives ‘PDO La

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Bella della Daunia – Cultivar Bella di Cerignola’ and the Consortium for the quality standard protection of Bread, ‘Bread of Altamura PDO’.

On arrival, guests were met with unbelievable views over Melbourne and handed martinis to sip on whilst mingling with delegates from the Italian Delegation of “DOP Italia

Australia”. The event hosted a beautiful mix of native Australian and Italian cuisine prepared by internationally renowned chef, Michael Hartnell and featured the highest quality of imported Italian produce and wines, which were showcased in the pre-dinner canapés followed by a four-course sit down dinner.

Guests at this exclusive event were given gift bags containing bottles of, what I can only describe as the most magnificent olives I have ever tasted. I am looking forward to hosting my own dinner party where I can share these olives with my family and friends. They are truly magnificent, and until I tried these, I can honestly say, I did not know what the ‘true’ taste of olives was.

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SIX STEPS FOR A HEALTHY, GLOWING AND YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN WORDS: CHRISTINE CLAIS

Like all other organs in our body, our skin is made up of cells.

Maintaining healthy skin cells means having a better looking skin.

The following steps will help your skin cells repair and regenerate, contributing to a glowing skin that radiates from the inside out.

1. ADOPT A REGULAR SKINCARE REGIME It is important to use good quality skin care products that are suited to your skin type and condition.

Rather than self-diagnose your skin, it is best to leave it to a skincare professional to perform a thorough skin analysis.

It is fundamentally important to adjust your skincare products and daily routine according to your skin’s changing needs: your skin not only goes through changes with age, it is also affected by the seasons, your lifestyle, your stress levels, as well as your state of health, including your emotions.

Because a particular cleanser or cream suited your skin two years ago, this does not mean that it is still the one for you!

2. PRACTICE DRY BODY BRUSHING Follow a 5-minute dry body exfoliation ritual before your morning shower. This simple and quick routine will encourage exfoliation and detoxification through the skin. Using a soft bristle brush (you can find at any good

pharmacy), brush your skin using long sweeping strokes. Always start from the bottom of your feet upwards, then from the hands towards the shoulders, and then on the torso in an upward direction.

Also, include your back. The rule is to always brush towards the heart so as to increase the circulation back to the heart and encourage oxygenation of the tissues.

3. EAT A PLANT-BASED DIET The skin is our largest organ and the food we eat can greatly influence how it behaves and looks. A great way to improve the state of our skin is to have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as these are the most nutrient dense of all foods and contain highly beneficial components for our skin.

For instance, Vitamin C (found in oranges, pineapples, tomatoes, spinach, parsley, broccoli, kale), helps strengthen the capillary network present in our dermis (the inner layer of skin) and, as a result, is essential for a healthy and resilient skin.

4. WALK IN NATURE Skin will always benefit from a brisk walk in nature. Like all cardiovascular exercise, walking encourages your heart and lungs to pump oxygen rich blood throughout your body including your skin. Increased circulation results in an improvement in the skin complexion as more toxins are being removed from the skin via sweating, and more nutrients are

being delivered to the cells. Almost 2500 years ago, Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine (460– 370 BC), advocated being at one with nature: “Nature cures, not the physician”.

5. GET ENOUGH SLEEP In order to function well, our bodies need about 8 hours of sleep every night. The first visible signs of sleep deprivation usually show as dark circles and bags under the eyes, as well as dull or drawn looking skin.

Continuous lack of sleep eventually leads to increased levels of stress hormones in the body.

This causes increased inflammation within the skin, subsequently leading to accelerated skin ageing and wrinkling.

6. PRACTICE MENTAL DETOX Because our mind and our body work closely together, our thoughts and the way we feel about ourselves and life affects our body (including our skin) in a positive or negative way. Detox your mind by focusing on reducing stress and negativity in your life.

Start paying close and loving attention to yourself and make a commitment to your well being by spending quality time with yourself, being kind to yourself. Create fun, loving and honest relationships while trying to heal any wounds in relationships. www.thefrenchfacialist.com PRODIJEE.COM

Laura Bueno López MÁLAGA, SPAIN PHOTO: Ruben Lago (main) WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I grew up in Málaga with my family: my parents, my older sister and my younger sister. I think I had a wonderful childhood and I was really happy. My family has always been very close, and we spend a lot of time together.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MODELLING? I have been modelling for one year and a half, since March last year.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO MODELLING? I took part in a contest in Málaga and I did some runway shows. From then, I started to model with the agency that organized the contest. Then I left that agency and I continued working with other agencies in Málaga and Marbella.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT MODELLING? I like to feel pretty and elegant, and I love the feel of everyone looking at you and they like what you wear or what you do. Also I love fashion and I enjoy wearing fashionable clothes and shoes.

WHAT MODELLING WORK HAVE YOU DONE? I have worked as a catwalk model, photography model and hairstyle model. Also I have worked as image stewardess and I have appeared in a music video.

WHAT WORK DO YOU WANT TO DO? I would like to work as a catwalk model and photography model. Also, I love fashion and I would love working in the fashion world.

WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER INTERESTS? My passion is fashion. I’m always looking fashion PRODIJEE.COM

blogs and magazines, and my favourite hobby is going shopping and wearing new trends.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES? I love Kate Moss. I think she has not had an easy life but she has become a very recognised model. When she started, she went to a lot of castings and nobody selected her. She fought very hard to achieve her dream and finally she got it. I would like to be like her.

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G N I P P O H S Y R U X U L E M O H W E N A HAS IDAN PHOTOS: WORDS: CAROL SHER

DARREN HOUSE LEAH ROBERTSON,

price tag, but ionally carries a premium dit tra rld wo n hio fas onz.com. xclusivity in the bucking this trend is Reeb is t tha on ati stin de g one luxury shoppin luxury accessory direct sales channel for w, ne ly tire en an ers off opping Reebonz hionistas with greater sh fas ing lov r ne sig de ng products, deliveri ssibility and choice. convenience, price acce private sales. As a straight to the world of u yo es tak site z on eb designer brands, The Re deals on your favourite ial ec sp e nc rie pe ex n member, you ca doorstep. office delivered straight to your 09, Reebonz now has an 20 g rin du re po ga Sin Australian Originally launched in specifically targeted to the les sa g hin nc lau a, ali str high quality based in Au wide range of genuine a off nt ce r pe 80 to able in market. With up ny of which are not avail ma s, nd bra ers off z on designer products, Reeb Dior, Miu Miu, Chanel, , Balenciaga, Burberry, da Pra – ts tle ou ail ret you will find Australian and DKNY are just a few L YS i, cc Gu p, am ch ng Marc Jabobs, Lo en. the Australian in this accessories heav ting delicious canapés at ea d an e gn pa am ch g Sean Lim Sippin alian General Manager, str Au to ed en list we h, ers and we Reebonz launc urced from credible partn so are cts du pro ur “O (pictured) explain, ssories are authentic es to make sure all acce urc so se the th wi ly se to how we can work clo tlet plays a large role as ou ail ret e lin on an ing ds and can pass and new. Be we have lower overhea – es rat ted un co dis at offer our brands customers.” prices include no these savings onto our g experience, Reebonz pin op sh e lin on the e nc d shipping, To enha e custom duties, taxes an rat po or inc s ce pri r ou ll de range of hidden costs. “A pay. We also have a wi u yo ce pri the is e se u tion”, Sean said. meaning the price yo ently launched lay-by op rec ve ha d an ds tho me t from Reebonz, paymen l designer bag or purse tifu au be ur yo e as rch pu tiful black box, When you ement I felt as my beau cit ex e ibl red inc me sa every expect to feel the d to my door. Each and ere liv de s wa n bo rib ld go all tied up in beautiful way to you. rchases is delivered this er, visit – one of your Reebonz pu z and to become a memb on eb Re t ou ab n tio ma For more infor droid Apps. load iPad, iPhone or An wn do or m .co nz bo ee www.R

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A

HOT

swimwear company with its origins on the world renowned Gold Coast of Australia, famous for its white sandy shores, beach culture and never ending sunshine inspiring the line ‘Beautiful one day, perfect the next’.

It is the dawn to dusk beach lifestyle and fashion savvy beach girl that inspires this quintessential Australian surf brand that has evolved into one of the leading fashion swimwear brands in Australia and is gaining traction worldwide.

Australia is where swimwear is as essential as a pair of jeans and heels in every woman’s’ wardrobe. Paired with a summer skirt or wrap, a 2 Chillies one-piece takes you from long hot summer days to balmy summer nights. The vibrant prints and styles are of the highest quality with a strong focus on fit.

Taking its influence from South America, the collection features the vibrancy of the Carnivale print

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and classic black and white for the Inca range. The Coco range evokes the fun of the South American spirit with its bright vintage floral print on a black base, while Argentine captures South America’s dramatic animal influences.

This year also sees the signing of Jodi Gordon as Brand Ambassador. Jodi portrays everything the 2 Chillies brand stands for, she is beautiful, healthy and has her own innate sense of style.

From Elle Macpherson to Miranda Kerr, Rachael Taylor and Jodi Gordon – no one can deny the beautiful Australian beach babe – and the next great Australian export, 2 Chillies Swimwear – it is not surprising that this antipodean brand is tipped to be the fashion swimwear brand to watch.

You can find 2 Chillies Swimwear at David Jones, independent boutiques and surf shops nationally as well as online www.2chillies.com.au

Chill i PRODIJEE.COM

Brooke Kennedy PRODIJEE.COM

EACH YEAR THE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE AWARDS ITS BEST AND FAIREST PLAYER THE BROWNLOW MEDAL. BUT WITH EACH ADVANCING YEAR, THE EVENT IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE ABOUT THE RED CARPET FASHION. PHOTOS: AFL MEDIA

A

ustralian football’s night of nights – the vote counting and presentation of the Brownlow Medal for the fairest and best player has for years kicked off with a red carpet event that allows players wives and girlfriends a chance to steal the spotlight.

Held at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne, this year’s Brownlow Medal fashion was generally more conservative than previous years, with the concensus being there were more hits than misses.

In fact, most criticism went to the Fox Footy Fashion Show, with many viewers claiming the Brownlow WAG fashion critique was far too harsh.

Among the standouts were Tom Hawkins and partner, Emma Clapham, who was dressed in a gorgeous ‘30s inspired ensemble.

Red was a popular colour, with Lauren Newman, wife

Chris and Lauren Newman

of Richmond captain, Chris Newman, rating highly in her Amaline Vitale design. Taylor Wilson, partner of Collingwood’s Dane Swan (2011 Brownlow Medalist), took a risk with a white embroidered Helen Manuell dress while Brooke Kennedy, partner of Richmond star, Trent Cotchin, wore a teal dress with golden tresses and detailed lace Billi Keato design.

The ever-popular Rebecca Judd, wife of Carlton star and dual Brownlow medalist, Chris Judd, wore a contemporary and chic Tony Maticevski dress, which surprisingly drew a few critics. Alex Davis, partner of Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury, stood out in a stunning Versace silhouette with bold contrast and studding.

Oh, in case you were wondering, Essendon captain, Jobe Watson, was awarded the 2012 Brownlow Medal.

Taylor Wilson PRODIJEE.COM

Elise Swallow

Scott Pendlebury and Alex Davis PRODIJEE.COM

Rebecca Judd

Tom Hawkins and Emma Clapham PRODIJEE.COM

driven

WORDS: DARREN HOUSE

L

ower prices and improved features were the key messages when Mitsubishi launched its new MY13 Lancer range to the media on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

The MY13 also includes a model revision, with the new Lancer LX sitting between the entry-model ES and VRX. Starting at $19,990, ES features Bluetooth 2.0 with voice activation and streaming audio, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and phone controls and a new audio system for easier operation and optimum sound.

The CVT ES model also gains Hill Start Assist function to aid drivers tackling tricky take-offs.

Based on the ES, the LX is enhanced with 16-inch alloy wheels, side air dams and a host of chrome touches on the radiator grille, boot lid accent on the sedan model, door handles and belt line moulding. The LX features reversing camera and reverse parking sensors, along with keyless entry and operation.

Inside, LX features luxury items, including leather wrapped steering wheel, leather seat trim and gloss black panels. There’s also heated front seats, power driver’s seat and climate control air-conditioning. Audio and phone functions are controlled via steering wheel buttons, or on the new 6.1-inch full colour display audio system, which also features a rear view camera interface. Bluetooth 2.0 with voice activation and USB input complete the cabin amenities, while the CVT model also gains Hill Start Assist.

The sporty VRX and Ralliart gain the new Rockford Fosgate 6.1-inch colour display audio system, with four speakers, four tweeter and subwoofer; iPod connectivity PRODIJEE.COM

and rear view camera interface.

Lancer ES and LX receive the 2.0-litre MIVEC fourcylinder engine coupled with either five-speed manual or CVT transmission. VRX variants receive the 2.4-litre MIVEC engine, with the choice of five speed manual or CVT transmission. Lancer Ralliart variants feature the Lancer Evolution’s inter-cooled and turbo-charged 2.0-litre MIVEC engine, delivering excellent performance coupled with Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters.

Standard safety features across the range include Active Stability and Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist and seven airbags, resulting in a five star ANCAP safety rating. www.mitsubishi.com.au

Advertisement

N

o matter what field of endeavour you are in, making it to the top when you are starting from the bottom can seem like an insurmountable mountain to climb.

But what separates those who succeed from those who fail is a common formula – a daring to dream, teamed with commitment to keep going, not matter how tough things get.

Fourteen year old Les Mecoles had a dream to blend the highest quality Pennsylvanian base oils to produce the “right” product. That’s how Penrite Oil Company got its name, the highest quality Pennsylvanian base, blended right.

Les’ company began in the kitchen sink of a Melbourne suburban house in 1926. Fifty-three years later he sold the business to English migrant, mechanical engineer and classic car enthusiast John Dymond.

John had a strong background in lubricants working for BP in the UK then Lubrizol in Australia. In fact, Les was a customer of John’s, selling him base oils for his Penrite product.

John’s passion for classic cars meant he maintained the quality range of Vintage, Veteran and Classic oils, developing the range even further.

This passion drove John to collect some of the most unique classic vehicles in the world including a

1938 BMW 328 and 1960 AC ACE, and form his own race team.

Today Team Penrite consists of a Brabham BT16, a Lola MK1, a Cheetah MK8 Atlantic and a 1970 Elfin 600 Repco, just to name a few.

John knew the driving conditions in Australia were very different than in Europe, where most engine oils were developed.

He understood that engines in Australia had to perform under a wide range of temperatures, severe low start up temperatures and high operating temperatures.

This philosophy is now termed the Extra Ten, where Penrite oil will outperform and out protect under severe operating temperatures.

Penrite is committed to supporting grass roots racing, knowing that proving products under harsh race conditions is just one way of actively demonstrating the quality of the product.

Penrite supports countless individuals in every genre of racing: karting, jet boats, drifting, drag racing, door slammers and motorcross, the list goes on.

The company also supports flag and race marshalls of Victoria, in turn supporting many more motorsport participants every year.

Penrite is a global brand with active distribution in Europe since the late’80s. With the acquisition of a UK based blending plant in 2007, Penrite

is actively growing the European market. Distribution is also strong in the US and Asia with the recognition of this high quality Australian product.

General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Toby Dymond said, “I remember going to the factory, located in a residential section of Brunswick, Melbourne in the early ‘80s on weekends to label 5-litre packs.

This was the time where purchasing small packs of engine oil in a retail environment was becoming very popular and Penrite was a part of this revolution.

Today we are leading retail innovation with the development of a recommendation touch screen.

We have built an intuitive system around the familiar ‘touch and scroll’ approach for customers to easily select the right oil for their car, truck or bike.”

In 2012 the business is still 100 per cent Australian and family owned, managed by the second generation on the passing of John in 2006.

Toby and Nigel Dymond now lead this world wide brand from Melbourne, Australia taking John’s technical knowledge, his passion and his philosophy into the future.

To find out more about the tough Australian, visit penriteoil.com or become a friend on facebook to follow the news, views, information and competitions.

ZANEROBE RELEASES ITS NEW TRAILBLAZER-INSPIRED RANGE, ‘REBELS AT DAWN’

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hat started off as a bet over a beer between two friends has now become an internationally recognised label. Leith Testoni and Jonathan Yeo of premium menswear label ZANEROBE recall seeing a guy dressed in a hideous striped shirt and Jono betting Leith, that he couldn’t design a better shirt. In Jono’s words, ‘it was on’.

The unique name was a joint decision between the boys; ZANE from Leith’s longing to be called it as a kid, and ROBE as Jono’s reworking of the French word ‘garde robe’ (an old piece of French furniture that held clothing).

In just over a week a business name was registered, logo developed and a shirting collection designed and hawked to a select few boutique clothing stores in Sydney.

Within two years, ZANEROBE was presenting full menswear collections and stocking top Australian stores such as David Jones.

Today, the name has become synonymous with strength and masculinity and the ranges are well known internationally for their point of difference, quality workmanship and clever, bold designs.

Ten years in, ZANEROBE is hanging in the cream of stores including David Jones, Japan’s Barneys, and the USA’s Nieman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks and Bloomingdales.

Their upcoming collection Rebels at Dawn, has just arrived at www.zanerobe.com. Their new knits and jackets encapsulate a love of design, music and art, taking inspiration from the radicals and rebels of the world - the innovators and the trailblazers.

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The Styl

SYDNEY CITY COUNCIL TREATS AUSTRALIA TO A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION OF FAB FASHION

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le Council PRODIJEE.COM

SYDNEY LAID GOOD CLAIM TO BEING THE CITY THAT ‘IS FASHION’ WITH A STUNNING CELEBRATION INCORPORATING MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION FESTIVAL SYDNEY, VOGUE FASHION’S NIGHT OUT AND THREADS. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

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ydney Town Hall was converted into the Festival Hub for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney. It’s where the fashion savvy gathered after each show, it was where the audience could buy the look they just saw minutes earlier on the runway.

But the hub wasn’t the only place you could find celebrations of fashion in Sydney - pop-up runways, champagne parties and fashion parades celebrated local fashion dating back to the 19th century in the city’s Sydney is Fashion celebration.

The key celebration events were Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney, which ran from 21-25 August and Vogue Fashion’s Night Out that took place on 6 September. The History Council's Threads ran from 8-16 September,

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with linked-in City of Sydney events scheduled from August through to October, including a major series of exhibitions, related talks and film screenings at Customs House and other libraries.

The city has sponsored Fashion Festival Sydney and Vogue Fashion’s Night Out for the past two years, but this is the first time that it has joined the events under a common theme, promoting the celebration and encouraging retail and fashion outlets to get on board.

Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, said Sydney’s rich fashion history was full of thrilling young designers ready to take on the world.

“Sydney’s buzzing with terrific fashion and textiles designers, but economic conditions have been tough for retailers,” the Lord Mayor said.

Sold out crowds saw the hottest

trends from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia Spring/Summer 2012/13. The shows featured key pieces from leading designers, such as Ksubi, Lisa Ho, Akira, Alice McCall, Camilla, Jayson Brunsdon, Kirrily Johnston and many more, styled into inspiring trend sections by leading Australian stylist, Kelvin Harries.

With a star studded runway, the week kicked off with a hotter than hot runway as Bendon Lingerie showcased their latest collections (featuring Lovable face, Jennifer Hawkins), followed closely by the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Trend show; bikinis and onepieces of all prints and patterns matched the perfect sunny Sydney weather to a T. Key Australian retailers, Cotton On and Sportscraft, set the style scene for summer with neon pops,

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pretty pastels and vibrant prints.

With all collections in store now, guests were left armed with a shopping list to rival the fashion elite.

Oroton and Myer brought the Aussie designer looks to the runway, courtesy of the best of the best in local model talent – Samantha Harris, Jennifer Hawkins, Kris Smith, Kate Peck, and Cheyenne Tozzi.

The digital display advertising in the Festival Hub scrolled through five key designers seen within the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week ‘Australia Trends’ show, and festival goers could choose to use either SMS, QR code or NFC chip to be taken directly to the designer’s online store and shop the look on the spot.

With this technology, fashionistas at the event were able to buy collection pieces minutes after they saw them come down the runway.

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Australian designers, Lisa Ho, Camilla and Michael Lo Sordo were among the first designers taking advantage of the interactive onsite advertising promotion – See it, Scan it, Shop it - a partnership between Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney and premium sponsors, Out-of-Home operator, Eye and DHL. Closing night saw the first international designer ever to hit the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney runway – MTV Star from The Hills and The City, Whitney Port, showcased her Whitney Eve and WE by Whitney Eve collections – bringing the relaxed LA vibe and edgy NYC street style to Sydney.

Whitney was in high demand, with the evening’s guests enjoying a meet and greet with the star in the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge after the show.

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Tita Adlina DENPASAR CITY, BALI, INDONESIA PHOTOS: www.pbase.com/handy_wirawan

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I was born in Jakarta, capital of Indonesia. I grew up there until I went to high school and then I moved to Yogyakarta, one of the main cultural cities in Java. I continued my studies until I entered college over there.

I’ve often commuted to those cities because most of my family was in Jakarta and some in Yogyakarta.

I love both cities, because each has memories that mean so much to my life. I used to live with my mother and two brothers. I also love my biological father and my stepfather, even though we live apart. My mother was a single mom but I’m proud of my family and live happily.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MODELLING? It’s been six years now. I really enjoy modelling and still want to explore it.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO MODELLING? Initially I went to one modelling agency when I was in college. I made many friends and learned many things there. Not long after, I decided to get out of the agencies because they were more focused on catwalk modelling and my body is small and not proportional for that type of work. After that I joined the photography club at my college. From there, a few of my friends said I was better suited to being a model than a photographer because my work as a photographer was very rudimentary. Then I started trying to be a photographic model and the results were pretty good. From there I decided to focus more on being a freelance photographic model.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT MODELLING? I really like the fashion trends, I like make-up and I really like to be creative and express myself. I think the most fun thing is when I work together and explore with the photographers and make-up artists, as well as with other models. Also, when we produce good work, the sense of satisfaction cannot be expressed in words. It’s all about good team work.

WHAT MODELLING WORK HAVE YOU DONE? So far I have just done photoshoots for a portfolio, private collections and photo exhibitions. I’ve never done a photoshoot for a well-known product or brand but I wish I could do it one day.

WHAT WORK DO YOU WANT TO DO? For the next photoshoot I really want to do something underwater because I’ve never done it and I am really excited to try this concept someday. On the other side, I’m very fond of fashion. When I was a child, all I ever dreamed of was being a fashion designer.

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WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER INTERESTS? I love listening to music, watching movies and other artistic performances. I always like things related to art.

My other passion of make-up artist has also led me to become a learned self-taught make-up artist. I handle some of the indie music video clips and also prewedding photo shoots.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES? I really admire my mom. She is one of the most influential people in my life. My mom has taught me many things that have made me the person I am today.

She also supports my activities as a photographic model, as long as I am still comfortable in that path. Aside from my mother, I also admire Anggun C. Sasmi. She was a great singer from Indonesia. I admire her because even though she was a singer who went international and settled in Paris, she still remembered and loved the culture of Indonesia. She was very humble and created a loving family.

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TRUE BRITT CATHERINE BRITT HAS ALWAYS BEEN TRUE TO HERSELF, BUT SHE DESCRIBES THE COLLECTION OF SONGS ON HER OUTSTANDING NEW ALBUM, ALWAYS NEVER ENOUGH, AS HER ‘DIARY’. RECORDED ‘LIVE’ IN THE STUDIO, OLD-SCHOOL STYLE, THE RECORD CONTAINS REAL MUSICIANS, REAL SONGS AND REAL EMOTION. BRITT’S FIFTH ALBUM IS AN OPEN AND HONEST ACCOUNT OF HER LIFE AND LEAVES YOU IN NO DOUBT AS TO WHO SHE IS AND WHAT SHE STANDS FOR. CATHERINE TOLD DARREN HOUSE ABOUT THE MAKING OF THIS SUPERB NEW RECORD.

YOU’RE JUST BACK FROM A US TOUR AND YOU’RE STRAIGHT INTO LAUNCHING THE ALBUM AND TOURING TO PROMOTE IT. YOU MUST BE FEELING PRETTY WRECKED. Yeah, that’s the thing. We got (to the US) and hit the ground running, then when I got back, I remember my manager sent me an email saying that ‘It’s ok, I told the record company to give you Thursday off’.

When I looked at my schedule, I landed Thursday morning! He’s all heart! Its ok, the album comes out in a few weeks so we’ve got to keep going, and I’m excited. The excitement outweighs the tiredness.

OBVIOUSLY A NEW ALBUM IS EXCITING, BUT WHAT’S GOT YOU REALLY BUZZING ABOUT THIS ONE? In my eyes, it’s by far the best thing I’ve ever done. I can’t wait for people to hear it. I’m a very proud mother of the new baby I have created. I’ve got so much to look forward to in the next few months, with touring with Tim Rogers and lots of other stuff down the track.

I’ve just got lots of things on my mind that are keeping me alive, keeping me very awake.

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YOU HAD MORE CREATIVE CONTROL OVER YOUR LAST ALBUM AND IT WAS A VERY SUCCESSFUL. DOES THAT INDICATE YOU KNOW YOUR OWN BEST PATH? I hope so. I look at previous artists and people that I love and when they start taking more charge and forgetting their role, that’s when things kind of go downhill. And I am afraid of that. I am afraid that I should not forget that my role is to be the singer/songwriter and not to take too much control, or try to do other things when I don’t really know what I’m doing, just so I can say that I’ve done them.

But with this album, to step up into the co-producing role, was (resulted from) a group conversation with me, Bill Chambers and lots of other people, like my parents - who have been around me for my whole career. Bill Chambers and I coproduced this new album.

I had wondered if I ever was going to need to be in that role, but I really believe that for this album, because I’d written everything on there, I knew exactly what I wanted it to sound like. I knew the music direction I wanted to go in and I

knew where I wanted to make it. I was very, very sure about everything.

I thought I needed to step up again, even more creatively control wise - and be the producer and I knew that I couldn’t do that on my own, so I kept Bill Chambers on board. We always have worked well together musically, it was just perfect. It was what the album needed, and I was stoked to step up, to have that power, do it well, pull it off and make a great album.

HOW DID YOU APPROACH THIS ALBUM? The approach was honesty and making these songs as raw and real as possible. They are all very different songs to what I have written before. I have to explore different territory, theme wise.

I’m looking into telling other peoples stories and trying new things, different directions, I guess.

We just wanted to capture that and capture the best way of selling my songs, rather than putting a bunch of instruments on them or overdoing them. I let the lyrics and the songs stand out.

We decided to (record) it live,

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like they did back in the day. If I’m not good enough to go into a studio and record a record live, like Hank Williams did or any of my heroes did, then I shouldn’t be a musician. I don’t deserve to be a singer/songwriter. If I can’t do what I do live, in the studio, then what’s the point, so I challenged myself.

It was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. I was either going to crumble or I was going to step up in the studio, and thankfully I had all this confidence that I knew what I was doing and it worked. I made the best album I have ever made.

It’s so real and raw and honest, and it’s live; it’s truly live. The only overdubbing done was by some special guests we got in to sing harmonies.

Normally it’s an adding process, they lay down a drum track and add and add and add and finally they add the vocals. Even then it’s chopped and changed. They do maybe five master vocals and then comp the vocals, I just don’t know how real that is. I don’t know how honest it is and how talented. I just feel like there’s a difference.

It sounds like I’m putting down PRODIJEE.COM

other types of music, but that’s not what I’m trying to say, because I’ve done some of the same things in the past. I wasn’t ready to step up and make this type of album prior to now.

I think that it can get too perfect.

You listen to the radio and some stuff is so over produced and so overdone and so auto tuned that you just kind of wonder where’s the human in this album, where’s the

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human in this track, it doesn’t even sound human.

A lot of the time that’s the sound they are actually going for, so they have succeeded in making exactly what they wanted, it’s just not for me. It’s not the sort of stuff I like.

I want to hear the artists, I want to hear their mistakes and their breath in between songs and stuff like that, I love that stuff. I want people to just hear what they hear live on the record. I didn’t want it to be over produced and over chopped and changed and auto tuned and fixed; that’s not what I do.

It’s not the most perfect (record) I’ve made but I think it’s the most me.

ARE ELECTRONICS SO GOOD NOW THAT PRODUCERS FEEL THEY NEED TO USE IT ALL RATHER THAN EMPLOYING TECHNOLOGY TO COMPLIMENT THE SINGER’S TALENT? Yeah, I think the more tools you give people, the more they play, absolutely. There’s new stuff every day and we are all victims of messing around in the studio and getting things too perfect. We’ve all done it; I do it all the time. You get way too perfect.

But for some reason, on this album, I just felt this freedom to not care and to not fix the one slightly out of tune note on the song because the song was there, the vibe was there. That little out of tune note, no one would even know about, only me, or perfectionists.

It just doesn’t matter, because those things are all just part of singing live. I’m sure I sing out of tune all the time when I sing live!

You gotta give (the fans) realness.

EVEN SO, DO YOU GET INTO A MINDSET WHERE THE ALBUM NEVER SEEMS FINISHED? YOU WANT TO KEEP ‘IMPROVING’ IT? Absolutely! You’ve got to draw a line or you could sit there fixing stuff all day; you’re absolutely right. I kind of found a freedom in my late 20s and I’ve learnt to use that in many avenues, like the TV show I host.

I (also) have a radio show here in Newcastle that I do; we do it live and I think that’s the best way to do it. You can’t fix yourself, you can’t go back and chop and change until it’s completely dehumanised.

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THE LYRICS ON THIS ALBUM CERTAINLY EXPRESS A BIT OF ANGST AND YOU SPEAK YOUR MIND, WHICH IS PRETTY MUCH THE KIND OF PERSON YOU ARE. Yes! I’m very honest, I really am and I have no secrets. I hope that’s what my fans love about me. I’m human and I make mistakes every day.

Every day I go, ‘OH CRAP, I should know better, I shouldn’t have done that’, but I think we all do that. We all make mistakes and I think that’s a part of life.

I don’t think that I have any shame in anything that I have done.

I’ve definitely made some bigguns, but that’s life! That’s who I am. I’m human (and) I don’t care.

I know that I’m in the public eye and people are going to judge me, but even if I was perfect people would still find something to judge about me. I’ve just got to get on with it and know that I’m a good person deep down.

I’ve got a good family around me, I’ve got great friends and I know each day that I aim to be the best person I can be. If I stuff up, at least I know deep down inside that I’m a decent human being who goes to bed at night and sleeps like a baby. That’s all I can worry about.

AS A PUBLIC FIGURE, IF YOU WERE PERFECT THEN YOU WOULD BE CRITICISED FOR BEING TOO PERFECT! Oh, exactly. They will always find something. I remember when I was a kid, I was portrayed as the girl next door, the sweet angel of Australian country music and it’s like, ‘yeah okay, I am a good person, I am sweet, I am all those things, and I strive to be the best person I can be, but I also fuck up, I make huge mistakes’. Some nights I drink too much wine - I’m human! I have heart break and I have sorrow, I have all the same things that you do, but being in the public eye, it’s portrayed in a bigger way.

I’ve just got to let it go, let them talk, let people say what they are going to say. I am who I am and I’m proud of that.

BEING IN THE PUBLIC EYE IS ONE THING BUT YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR LIFE IN YOUR SONGS. THAT MUST MAKE YOU VULNERABLE? It makes me very vulnerable. I got the CD version of my album yesterday (and) I listened to it on the drive back to Sydney. By the end of it I thought, ‘FAR OUT, IT’S SO HONEST’.

You know, I do something like

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up and met the band, hung out for the day and got to know each other, then went in and recorded the whole thing live. The album took us four days and then it was done!

We came back and brought it to Nash Chambers on the (Central) coast and he mixed and mastered it. It was the quickest album I have ever done but I love that.

breaking someone’s heart and it’s in the media like, ‘HEARTBREAKER BLAH BLAH’ but have they actually listened to my songs for the last 15 years that I’ve been recording music? My songs are so honest and so real, they always have been like What I Did Last Night and all these songs that I have released like Sweet Emmy Lou - all these heartbreak things. There’s nothing more honest about things than my music.

You can watch what I do in my life but if you really want to get to know me and the mistakes I make and who I am, listen to my music, listen to my friggin’ album! It’s very real, it’s very truthful, it’s like my diary, so yeah, I’m very vulnerable, in a very vulnerable position but once PRODIJEE.COM

again, I’ve just got to let it go and be proud of that.

YOU’RE VERY BRAVE. Or stupid, I’m not sure! (laughs) WHAT WAS THE MOTIVATION TO RECORD IN THE USA? We were spending a lot of time in Austin, Texas and I went into the studio with a friend of ours, Jimmy LaFave. We spoke a lot, and Bill Chambers and I said, ‘yeah, we need to make the album here’. It’s the singer/songwriter capital of the world and it made so much sense.

We decided to book that studio and went in with faith that Jimmy would get the right band together, we believed that he knew what we were looking for. We kind of rocked

DID THE PROFESSIONALISM IN AUSTIN TAKE YOU TO ANOTHER LEVEL? I always find myself being a perfectionist and an over-achiever.

If I go to a festival and there’s a whole other level of talent, I know, subconsciously, that I’ve got to step it up and I’ve got to be better than them. I’ve got this natural fighter inside of me that’s way too competitive and way too much of an over-achiever. I love that about me, I always step up to the plate.

So, yes working with these musicians in Austin - they are some of the best musicians in the world - I think helped me to be the best musician I could be when it came to being in the studio and performing live with them.

I played all the rhythm guitar and I’m not the best rhythm guitar player in the world, I know that, but I play the way I play - I play my own style and that’s unique.

This whole thing started with me and my guitar, (and) I have to trust in that, and trust that the band will build around that. I play and sing the best that I can, I write the best songs that I can and that’s all I can do. It definitely pushes me to step up to the plate and play well.

I think that’s a good thing. If you play with people not as good as you, you’re never going to strive to be better but if you’re with a bunch of brilliant people, it’s like ‘OH SHIT, I’d better step up, I’ve got to really push myself and strive to fit in and be the best I can be’.

OFTEN THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR BANDS AREN’T THE BEST MUSICIANS. THEY JUST MAKE RECORDS PEOPLE LIKE AND RELATE TO. Yeah, exactly. I think the brilliance is in the uniqueness. Not being the best musician is one thing but really, what is a musician? That’s another thing you have to ask yourself.

Is it the person who can play the

Bill’s the only other person I have found who is a musician and on the same page as me. I love that I have that with somebody. I’m very lucky to have found him at such a young age.

Bill is a brilliant musician and a brilliant producer, a really great guy.

We work perfectly together. When we get into a studio we don’t talk, we just look at each other and we understand. That’s very special.

fastest and play the most notes in a solo? For me, no.

Technically, I guess they’re better, but I want to hear a simple guitar riff that moves my soul and makes me cry, not make me want to blow my brains out because it’s got a million notes in it and I can’t keep up. I don’t see the genius in that.

I see the genius in simplicity, the genius in less-is-more.

The way I play guitar is entirely my own; no one can play like me.

Yes, I’m not the best rhythm guitar player but I’m the best Catherine Britt rhythm guitar player. I play the best version of my guitar playing and that’s cool. You’ve got to look at it like that, or you are going to kill yourself. You’re never going to be the best; there will always be someone better than you, so you just have to be yourself.

on my own, wash my own clothes, cook my own dinner, sign my own contracts and be a grown up. I learnt what to do and everything not to do. I made every mistake possible and I achieved everything (possible).

It was the best thing I have ever done but it’s not where I want to be. Australia is the best place in the world, so why go anywhere else?

YOU OBVIOUSLY GET ON VERY WELL WITH BILL CHAMBERS. Bill is my musical soul-mate.

There is nobody in the world who understands me more musically than Bill, except for maybe my dad.

My dad’s not a musician but he is a music fan and I can sit down and talk to my dad on the same level.

Where I sit musically is very different to anywhere else, thanks to my dad.

HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE MOVE INTO TELEVISION AND RADIO HOSTING? It’s a totally different world altogether. I love radio and I love the TV hosting. It’s something I’ve always wanted to get into.

I’ve always been very creative in so many different ways, (so) I’ve wanted to have other outlets.

I do the radio show with my dad here in Newcastle and it’s brilliant.

We have so much fun, we sit there and geek out on music for an hour every week. It’s awesome!

And then of course, the hosting of CMC’s Alt Country, it’s just great. I get to program my own show and play my favourite music videos and my favourite artists. It’s wonderful and it’s the music I like listening to.

It’s not mainstream country, it’s a little bit left of centre and the singer/songwriters are from the alternate side of country music.

I love it! I hope to do more and (also) get into acting and all sorts of stuff, and hopefully expand on the radio show and go national. I’ve got lots of big dreams. www.catherinebritt.com

YOU LIVED IN THE US FOR SIX YEARS, HOW WAS THAT? I thought it was great. Nashville and America, and being over there was a wonderful thing. I still spend a lot of time there. In the last few months, I’ve been there five times (and) did seven months touring.

Living over there is an entirely different kettle of fish. For me it was like going off to uni - I left school young, I went to Nashville when I was 17 and lived there until I was 23, so it was like my college; my university degree in music. I learnt everything I needed to learn about music, and fast.

I learnt virtually overnight to be PRODIJEE.COM

L’ORÉA

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AL GIVES BACK

INTERNATIONAL COSMETICS GIANT L’ORÉAL PUT ITS MONEY WHERE ITS MOUTH IS BY AGAIN SUPPORTING AN EXTRAORDINARY GROUP OF WOMEN WHO ARE ADVANCING THE CAUSE OF SCIENCE FOR THE GOOD OF US ALL. WORDS: CAROL SHERIDAN

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’Oréal recently hosted the company’s 6th annual L’Oréal for Women in Science Fellowship at Comme Restaurant in Melbourne. This year marked the first time the fellowships have been open to New Zealand scientists.

The Fellows were chosen from 142 applicants by a panel of scientists comprising of four past L’Oréal international laureates, (Professor Suzanne Cory, Professor Jenny Graves, Professor Margaret Brimble, and Professor Ingrid Scheffer); two past Fellows (Dr Erika Cretney and Dr Tamara Davis); and CSIRO’s Dr Cathy Foley.

The panel selected three young, early career female scientists, who were recognised for their life-transforming work.

The $25,000 fellowships were presented by L’Oréal Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Mr. Johan Berg to Dr Suetonia Palmer, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand (left), for giving people with kidney disease control of their lives. Dr Baohua Jia, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia (below left) for her work on more efficient solar cells using quantum dots and Dr Kylie Mason, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research/Royal Melbourne Hospital (above left) for new treatments for blood cancers.

The Fellowship funds are intended to further the Fellows’ research and may be used for any expenses they incur, including childcare.

This national fellowship program is part of the international L’Oréal UNESCO for Women in Science program.

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Ramie Lyn LeBlanc LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA, USA PHOTOS: FACE magazine

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana. I am 23 years old, and I’m attending college at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and will be graduating in May 2013. My parents are Belinda and Kevin LeBlanc; they have been married for 29 years. I have one older brother Ryan who is 26 years old and married. My parents have been in the dry cleaning business for more than 26 years. I was raised in a typical southern family lifestyle, where I grew up in a country setting; around mostly boys. That taught me a lot about engines and learning how to fix and build things.

My father was always fixing up cars, boats, 4-wheelers, and motorcycles. This was a very exciting lifestyle and I enjoyed the learning experiences I have had.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO MODELLING? I went to a modelling casting call for ProScout in 2009, in Lafayette, LA at the Hilton hotel. I was chosen by one of the agents and passed on to the next casting call in New Orleans, where I met with several modelling agencies who had chosen me. After meeting with each agency, I finally picked BMG models in Chicago, Illinois, and I signed a contract for two years. After two years of modelling with them, I began to do local modelling for FACE Magazine.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT MODELLING? What I enjoyed the most was watching myself grow as a person. When I first started modelling, I was very shy and uncomfortable. As my modelling career progressed, I became more confident in what I had to say, my work, poses and with meeting people. I also enjoyed meeting new people, traveling and being able to explore the different cultures and countries I travelled to.

WHAT MODELLING WORK HAVE YOU DONE? I started off with BMG models and did some photo shoots for them. When my contract ended, I did local photo shoot work for FACE Magazine where I modelled clothing from local boutiques. In 008 magazine and L magazine, I was featured in an ad for Bevo’s clothing store.

WHAT WORK DO YOU WANT TO DO? The work I would love to do is runway modelling, Victoria’s Secret, or doing any with commercial work. I would like to do work in New York City or California.

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WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER INTERESTS? Besides modeling, running, working out, tennis, music, dancing, hanging out with friends and family, enjoying our camp in False River and the beach; just enjoying life!

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES My biggest influence would have to be my family. They support everything with my modelling career, just as long as it’s tasteful and respectful. Another influence on my modelling career is Kate Moss because of her height. I am the same height as her; this gives me hope that even though I’m not the ‘average height’ of most models, there is still hope for me. I’d say Victoria’s Secret models are also an influence on my career.

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CLINTON CHARLIE UNLEASHES TH

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HEIR BOLD NEW BOOTY HUGGERS WORDS: CAROL SHERIDAN PHOTOS: MATTHEW WREN

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B

ringing denim to life, the team at ClintonCharlie pride themselves on producing high quality, trendy jeans that are made to last. Their aim? To give you the best of the best when it comes to jeans.

The team is headed by Clint (left) who is the Designer/Creative Director of ClintonCharlie. He is the reason you see, wear, style and love each pair of ClintonCharlie denim. From the simple cuts and washes to the crazy colours and booty hugging styles, it all originated the creative designer, Clint.

Silvia (2nd from left) is the Business Director of ClintonCharlie. With many previous years working in the Fashion Industry as an International Model and Retail Manager, Silvia brings lots of experience to the ClintonCharlie business. Her ambition and drive is what pushes ClintonCharlie to thrive as an Australian Made Fashion Label.

The rest of the team comprises Hayley who is the Fashion Blogger and Photography Stylist (2nd from right), Moe the Graphic Designer (right), Renee Makeup Artist (not pictured), Louise Photographic Assistant (3rd from left) and Nigel is the photographer behind the ClintonCharlie advertisements and campaigns (3rd from right).

With styles that set them apart from the rest, they are producing the finest of quality garments with designs that add a modern twist to classic style.

Intricate, complementing details and combinations are added to every pair they make and their washes vary from white to blue to black and now there are also seven fruity shades to choose from, you will just love picking out your favourite shades and styling them up however you wish.

The new range includes a bright POMEGRANATE, pretty WATERMELON, an infectious TANGERINE, one happy shade of BANANA, beautiful PLUM, refreshing BUBBLEGUM and a spicy dose of PEPPER. Love these colours? Shop the fruity range here: www.clintoncharlie.com/Jeans-by-Style/ColouredDenim-Jeans/Coloured-Denim-Jeans-list.asp www.ClintonCharlie.com PRODIJEE.COM

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MODEL: SAM FREW HAIR/MUA: KATHRYN MENZE

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Sam Frew Model

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ulti-faceted Sam Frew began her modelling career at age 12 when she was trained by Tanya Powell Model Management. Sam managed to juggle her modelling career with her education and has learnt four languages, although she admits she often gets lost in translation when spending too much time in one country.

Sam loves finances and stocks, acting and music, and believes in the importance of having your ‘eggs in various baskets’.

Now managed by Mannequin Model Management in Sydney, Sam is back in Australia for Fashion Week, “The season has barely begun and already my feet are sore!” laughed Sam. Only here for a few short weeks before heading off on the circuit again to Paris, Milan and Tokyo, Sam is using her time catching up with a few of her family members who live in Australia.

Having done many forms of modelling from photo shoots, runways, catalogues, editorials and campaigns, Sam has done a lot in the beauty field and has been flawed with some of the amazing people she has worked with; “They are astounding”. Sam has done lots of modelling in the UK, Europe – Paris and Milan, USA and Canada and if pushed to choose a favourite place to work, she says, “I love modelling in the UK because it’s kind of home and it’s nice to catch up with family and friends, but Paris and Milan have great drama. And, you

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can get a decent coffee in Paris.”

Sam’s favourite type of modelling is high end couture, and she proudly admits that she is a ‘sucker for it’. “My favourite is John Galliano for Christian Dior; it’s my alltime favourite, its chic, has drama and is very elegant and sophisticated but also very modern with an edge that is so current.

“Being on the road all of the time can be tricky, you miss your family and you don’t have many long-term friends because you move around a lot. You always say that you will write, but…

“But you do find real friends, those who want you in their life (and vice versa) and they make the time to catch up with you and keep in touch. You get to know who your real friends are, because they want you there and you want them there too”, said Sam about the life of an international model.

“The hardest part of it all is getting enough sleep and surviving plane food!”

Sam’s words about the jeans she modelled for this shoot - “definitely loving the ClintonCharlie jeans, they are super comfortable. It’s very, rare that you put on a pair of jeans and they are comfy straight away. Usually you have to wear them in, or get a size smaller because they will stretch but these ones are comfy straight away.

They just fit, I can highly recommend them.”

Kathryn Menze Make Up Artist A

childhood full of creativity, imagination and fairy tales inspired Kathryn Menze to pursue a career in makeup and fashion.

An only child, Kathryn relied heavily upon her ability to create characters, design scenes and make costumes to entertain herself.

Originally aspiring to become a photojournalist, Kathryn studied photography after high school.

From this she moved into Visual Merchandising, where she soon gained work as a fashion stylist/ personal stylist.

Having been encouraged for many years to study makeup, with her mother pushing her to include special effects in this, Kathryn enrolled in a Diploma of Specialist Makeup.

From here Kathryn has married her love of design and fashion, with makeup, an addition to her styling work as well as a stand-alone role.

Kathryn has worked in theatre (head make-up artist for Nauseas Reprieve in 2011) and fashion with work seen in Vogue Italia.

She is also the Melbourne makeup artist/stylist for My Little Rockabillya Queensland rockabilly/pin up culture brand (products include refurbished vintage furniture, accessories and makeup/ hair).

Soon they will set up a studio up in Melbourne offering classes on vintage style makeup/ hair. The company will also conduct pin up shoots complete with props, styling, hair and makeup and also great accessories, furniture and eventually clothing.

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Irish

g i G

DUBLIN-BORN SINGER/ SONGWRITER YELPY HAS CROSSED ‘THE POND’ TO PLAY SOME OF LA’S COOLEST CLUBS.

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AN ACCIDENTAL MEETING WITH A GUITAR WHEN JUST 15 YEARS OLD CHANGED YELPY’S LIFE FOREVER. NOW THE NEW IRISH MUSIC ARTIST’S DISTINCTIVE MELODIC AND EASY LISTENING STYLE OF ACOUSTIC MUSIC IS PROVING A HIT IN THE USA.

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orn in Dublin, Ireland, singer Yelpy has now based himself in Los Angeles where boundless opportunities have been presented to him in the field of writing and producing music for film and TV. As far as musicians go, Yelpy was quite late in discovering his musical passion.

“I remember around my 15th birthday my dad and I were in a music shop getting my sister a keyboard and my dad asked me, completely out of the blue: 'How would you like a guitar for your birthday?'

“Until that moment I had never given music much thought but little did either of us know that music would become my life's one true passion.

“I played that first guitar morning, noon and night and within a year I was forming my first rock band called Awakened. We played quite a lot

together all through my school years.

In fact, playing music was the only thing that kept me sane as school was never really my thing.”

Once this passion had ignited, nothing but music and musicminded people were of any great interest to Yelpy. He spent a lot of time rehearsing and recording in the same studios as The Corrs and Van Morrison amongst others.

“When I left school I started college but being me, I didn't just go to any old college, instead I went to the Ballyfermot Rock School in Dublin.

“I met loads of great like-minded people there and also formed my second band named Whover (pronounced who-ver). Whover was a great experience.

We played all around Ireland, on radio and on TV. It gave me my first real taste of being a 'rock star' and I loved it.

“While in Whover I worked with

three of the most talented musicians I have ever known. They taught me a lot.

“As Whover was running its course, I started playing more and more music with my two sisters until finally we decided to make it official and form Yellow Room.

“As Yellow Room, we played all around Ireland and on radio. We got to play with some great Irish talent such as John Spillane, Brian Downey, Maria Doyle Kennedy, The Revs and Mickey Joe Heart. We also released albums Outside and Yellow Room.

“After the second album, I pursued a solo career as a singer/songwriter and moved to LA, where many opportunities have presented to me.”

Yelpy has played with Liam O’Maonlai (lead singer of The Hothouse Flowers, has been featured on RTE (Irish National TV station) on Echo Island, featured on joint BBC (UK) & RTE (Ireland) TV show Let Me Entertain You, which was judged by Keith Duffy of Boyzone and Louis Walsh, who at that time was the manager of Boyzone and Westlife.

Yelpy has written numerous songs, including a number one song on Dublin Radio Station FM104 – Ginger Coloured Yellow Man. His album Outside has been released on Tower Records and album Yellow Room released on HMV and online with iTunes and Amazon.

If you are lucky enough to be in LA, you can catch Yelpy performing in famous venues, such as The Roxy, The Viper room, The House of Blues and The Rolling Stone. Check out his website for details. www.yelpy.net PRODIJEE.COM

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INSPIRED BY THE SUPERMODELS OF THE ‘90S, REVLON’S GUCCI WESTMAN HIT THE BIG APPLE’S BIGGEST FASHION EVENT WITH A PLAN TO BLEND STRENGTH AND SOFTNESS. THE RESULT IS A STUNNING LOOK YOU’LL WANT TO RECREATE AT HOME.

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evlon Global Artistic Director, Gucci Westman, created a strong but feminine look by giving models a structured brow with a subtle cheek, lip and eye for rag & bone’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection at New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

“I wanted to create a look that was bold, but still looked soft and natural,” says Westman. “I was inspired by the iconic supermodels of the 90’s and the great structure of their brows.

“I kept the makeup very pure, adding just a touch of natural flush to the lips by mixing two lip products together, and I used a brow pencil to create subtle freckles and a dramatic brow to top the whole look off.”

REVLON PRODUCTS TO GET THE LOOK: FACE: Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Makeup; Revlon Baby Stick in Pink Passion from The Spring/Summer '13 Collection by Gucci Westman, price TBD (available April 2013).

EYES: Revlon ColorStay 16 Hour Eye Shadow Quad in Addictive - $25.95; Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Brown - $23.95; Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara - $21.95; Revlon Eyebrow Liner in Blonde & Dark Brown - $21.95 LIPS: Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Sugar Plum - $21.95; Revlon ColorStay Lip Liner in Nude $22.95

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M

illiner Michael Amir was raised in Brooklyn, New York, where he frequently attended church services in all five boroughs of New York City.

As a boy, he would watch his aunts and grandmother attend various functions and was flabbergasted at how much effort they put into matching their hats to their outfits.

“I remember them always wearing hats, the hats would complete their look and made them look classy, as

a woman should be.”

As Michael grew older, he noticed several hidden artistic talents and millinery soon proved to be one of them.

In 1995, Michael researched hat design and his journey started when he began gluing stones, fabrics, feathers and anything else he could get his hands on to exercise this new found craft.

With patience, much effort and god's inspiration, his knowledge began to expand. Michael now has his business – Michael A. Designs.

“Our Company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs,” he said.

“As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals.”

Michael uses only the highest qualify, hand-selected elements; the best stones, flowers, veilings, beads, pearls, feathers and trims to create custom designed headpieces.

Along with the quality elements used to make each creation, a guarantee to earn the customer’s trust and a commitment to providing the best service in the industry; it is no wonder that Michael A Designs is a thriving business.

You can contact Michael Amir on (1) (347)793-4910, www.facebook.

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com/MichaelADesigns amirhats@yahoo.com or visit the store – 1701 Albemarle Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11226 – Opening hours are Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm and Sat 10am – 5pm. www.michaelamirdesigns.com MODEL: ANIT WELLS

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WHEN YOUR LAST NAME IS SYNONYMOUS WITH FASHION, STYLE AND ARTISTIC FLAIR, IT’S A FAIR BET YOU ARE GOING TO END UP DOING SOMETHING CREATIVE. AFTER WORKING IN THE WELLKNOWN FAMILY LEATHER & FUR BUSINESS, CHLOE PLANINSEK IS MAKING HER OWN NAME AS A SUCCESSFUL ARTIST AND INTERIOR DECORATOR. WORDS: CAROL SHERIDAN

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orn into a creative family, Chloe Planinsek was destined to find her way in an artistic field.

Chloe had worked in her family business for more than nine years, Planinsek Fur & Leather. Her father, Erich Planinsek, was an immaculate furrier with his focus on detail and balance of the garment, making the furs perfectly at the well-known

address of 230 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.

Chloe’s mother, Beatrice Planinsek, has run the family company for the past 20 years, focussing on all things business.

“I have learned valuable lessons from my mother, this is why I have the confidence to move out on my own, equipped with all of the wisdom that she has passed on as

well as the bits I have learned along the way” said Chloe.

Chloe always had a passion for art and when she was decorating her first apartment and realised that she couldn’t find artwork that reflected her feelings or was the colour tone she wanted, she decided to decorate with her own art.

Continuing to work in the family business, Chloe began showing her

Chloe discovered a talent for painting after failing to find artwork that reflected her feelings.

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“It’s fun being in such a creative world…

I feel like I am home” art at exhibitions in Melbourne and Sydney.

“I loved to come home from work some nights and just paint.

Through exhibiting at the Melbourne Affordable Art Fair and Sydney Affordable Art Fair, I had the chance to meet people who were buying my art. It was the nicest experience, as it is the highest compliment to see their reaction and that they wanted to live with something you have created.”

Real success came when she was selling her apartment. Prospective buyers who had been given inspections often asked where she had bought her artwork. Once they learned the artist was Chloe, the prospects asked her to paint for them. Chloe is still painting these commissions.

Chloe said leaving the family business was difficult. “The customers and people there were amazing. It has grown and blossomed as a business and has been wonderful to work in.”

But the demand for commissions has grown and allowed Chloe to work full time on painting and PRODIJEE.COM

developing ranges and products.

“People thought I would be crazy to leave an established business, but the creative genes have overridden and decided for me that I have to follow my own path. It is a great joy being able to do what you love and create from within.

“My art career has moved into a more commercial style now as I have introduced product lines with images of my art. Instead of exhibiting at art shows, my main focus will be exhibiting at trade fairs but I still paint commissions, which is what I love.”

What can we expect to see at the many trade shows and fairs that will display Chloe’s work? “There will be original works aimed at the interior decorating industry, printed canvases and framed prints of my ‘Glimpse’ series for the furniture rental industries, as well as packaged prints, posters, clocks, place mats, watches, greeting cards and more for the home ware and gift industries.

“Now that I work full time with my two year old Planinsek Art Company, I have changed the website to an online shop where stockists can login to get their own stockist version of the site. I have also embraced the social networking sites.” www.facebook.com.au/PlaninsekArt www.twitter.com/ChloePlaninsek www.PlaninsekArt.com.au Top left: Beyond H5. Bottom left: Liquid Storm.

Above: A natural beauty, Chloe Planinsek has modelled for the family leather and fur business.

Below: Rhapsody

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NORTH

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HERN EXPOSURE

WITH SPECTACULAR CATWALK SHOWS, MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION FESTIVAL BRISBANE ATTRACTS FASHIONISTAS IN DROVES. PRODIJEE.COM

Mercedes-Benz

FASHION FESTIVAL

BRISBANE THE SEVENTH MERCEDES BENZ FASHION FESTIVAL BRISBANE SHOWCASED THE BEST IN AUSTRALIAN DESIGN FROM ESTABLISHED AND EMERGING DESIGNERS. WORDS: CAROL SHERIDAN

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reasury Casino & Hotel played host for MercedesBenz Fashion Festival in Brisbane this year. The event continued to be a style leader, launching Spring/Summer collections to Australia.

Since 2006, the very best local, national and international designers, and retailers have been showcased, positioning the Fashion Festival as Queensland’s premier fashion event and cementing Brisbane as a fashion force to be reckoned with.

Every piece that was on the runway during Fashion Festival was available to buy, which shows how Mercedes-Benz is supporting the designers and retailers and encouraging a stronger economy.

Unlike many other fashion festivals where collections are shown a season ahead, this was a consumer-driven event and directly promotes the local fashion industry by spotlighting new-season collections when they are available in-store.

Fashionistas were treated to a visionary delight of garments from likes of Aurelio Costarella, Charlie Brown, Cozi by Jennifer Hawkins, Ginger & Smart, Lisa Ho, Magdalena Velevska, sass & bide and Melbourne’s own very beautiful and vibrant Susan Rep. Susan was showcasing her summer 2012 range, which featured kaftans and ready to wear garments and felt that the festival was extremely positive and was great for reinforcing her label’s brand awareness.

“My love of print was recognised, as well as the quality. For me, the show was another stepping stone

in growing the business and showing Brisbane that my garments are appropriate for their lifestyle” said Susan.

The event generated big business for participating designers and retailers, as fashionistas who loved what they saw on the runway hit the boutiques afterwards and shopped the collections.

The Fashion Festival was an enormous success, with designers and retailers reporting increased media interest and sales as a result of their participation.

Previous years Fashion Festivals have found several designers and retailers absolutely thrilled with huge increases in sales and web traffic, some have even sold out of their collections.

The prestigious fashion event proudly supported and showcased up and coming talent in dedicated shows for emerging designers and fashion graduates, giving them the opportunity to show off their collections on the same runway as fashion industry front-runners.

There were also a wide range of ticketed and free events on offer, allowing fashionistas the opportunity to be involved in many events without blowing the budget.

As well as runway events, guests could attend a High Tea, discussion forums and many other special events throughout the week.

The Fashion Festival’s support went beyond the fashion industry, with $1 from every ticket sold being given to The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund, dedicated to providing funds to help sick and disadvantaged children achieve their full potential.

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Calgary CAN SING, CAN WRITE, CAN ACT...

CANADA’S KIRSTEN COLLINS IS THE COMPLETE ENTERTAINER.

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Kirsten COLLINS BORN AND RAISED IN CALGARY, CANADA, KIRSTEN COLLINS COULD SING FULL SONGS RIGHT ON KEY FROM THE AGE OF 20 MONTHS. AT AGE FIVE SHE SANG HER FIRST SOLO AND WROTE HER FIRST SONG AT SIX. AT 14, KIRSTEN’S PARENTS TOOK HER TO LOS ANGELES TO MEET WITH TOP VOICE COACHES, WHO RECOGNISED AND ENCOURAGED HER TALENT. KIRSTEN WAS AWARDED THE TITLE OF MISS TEEN CALGARY – WORLD 2012 AND SHE WAS A CONTESTANT IN THE MISS TEEN CANADA – WORLD PAGEANT IN JULY. KIRSTEN’S DESIRE IS TO REACH THE WORLD WITH HER VOICE, AND IMPACT OTHER’S LIVES WITH SONG. DARREN HOUSE SPOKE TO KIRSTEN DURING ONE OF HER MANY TRIPS TO L.A. PHOTOS: WWW.MATTBEARD.COM, MONIQUE LARTER, ALENA TERLECKI, STRYANNA SMITH.

WHAT BRINGS YOU BACK TO L.A.?

I am back in Los Angeles for multiple reasons. It’s kind of cool to meet new people - in past years I have met a lot of crazy, awesome Grammy Award winning producers and people like that but this time we are looking out more for managers and exploring some other really cool opportunities that might come out of it.

Every time we come down here it’s really just a gamble. We’ll come down and see who we meet - our manager brings out the craziest

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people at the right time.

(But) the original reason we came back to Los Angeles this time was to go to Palm Springs where there was this crazy, awesome head-overheels seminar for young women.

I got to be a part of that as Miss Teen Calgary 2012, and also as a singer-songwriter. I went there as a volunteer - to hang out with the girls and just be a mentor to them and have fun. I became a counsellor, so I got my own cabin of girls.

It was a really cool experience to embrace the responsibility and help

others to see their value, and see how they deserve to be loved - not just treated like trash. They are to be cherished.

SO THE TRIP WAS NOT ALL L.A. GLITZ AND GLAMOUR? It was kind of funny because it was a very tiring week. We were on top of this huge mountain that took us an hour to drive down and the road was really curvy and swervy. I was getting tired and I wanted to talk to some of my friends from back home and all of a sudden all of

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our phones died, our laptops died, our iPad died and our charger broke in the car, so we couldn’t charge anything. We went to McDonalds where we could get free wifi and then all of a sudden I tried to call people on viber and it crashed, too. So we were pretty frustrated and we still had to find a hotel but every single hotel there was fully booked because it was a long weekend.

We were expecting Dad back at home to get us a hotel but there was a miscommunication because we had no phone service or wifi or anything out on the mountain.

We went into one hotel and asked if they had a room, which they didn’t, so we left, but 40 minutes afterwards we realised that we left my mom’s $400 glasses on the counter, so we had to go all the way back and grab those. We finally found a hotel room at around two in the morning. It was kind of funny but that’s just the way things go sometimes.

YOU’VE BEEN COMING TO L.A. FOR SOME TIME NOW. I have been coming down here for the past 3 1/2 years, travelling back and forth from Calgary to Los Angeles. When I was about 14 years old my parents wanted to know if I had any talent whatsoever in music, so they brought me down to Los Angeles. It was a huge family trip, and we came down here not knowing what to do or expect. We had these two friends who were just wonderful, Michelle and David Wood, and we had a choice of being introduced to a pastor or Rodney Jerkins, who is also known as Darkchild, and my PRODIJEE.COM

parents said let’s just meet the pastor.

So we hung out with him and it was kind of crazy because he was like, “Hey, I know this guy who is building his career - he wrote Disturbia (Rihanna) and Forever (Chris Brown). His name is Brian Kennedy and he was across the street getting ice cream. We got to meet him and without him ever hearing me sing he was like, “Come work with me back at the studio for a bit, let’ see how you do”.

I went there and we just started writing, it just advanced my talent, my learning and my confidence. Being here I have met so many incredible people. It’s mind-blowing to think I could meet those people and it is awesome how they just became family, not just a business. It is a business but it is cool to have that relationship.

The second time I came out here The Backstreet Boys were working in the same studio as me and they actually got pushed back a couple of weeks just so I could record.

I thought that was pretty cool.

But I met them and they were awesome. They are down to earth people; really sweet. We keep coming back because every time we come out here it is like a new experience; it opens up new things that bring me closer to achieving my goals.

HAS IT BEEN ANY HARDER TO GAIN THE ATTENTION OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP YOUR CAREER? I would say that it’s not hard to gain the attention of the people around here (in LA). For me God has definitely led me… I know that is kind of funny but God has led me to the people who want to help me out in

my career. If people see something that they think will succeed they will grasp onto it. It’s really business oriented but if they see something they like they are going to take on that challenge. I think just working extra hard and making sure you do everything you can - but staying true to what you believe in – to get known and to be seen is definitely valuable. It’s challenging yet it’s worth it, and the challenge is what drives you to be better.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST LIFE AND PERFORMING INFLUENCES? My biggest life influences are God, my parents, and other family and friends. They have taught me respect, honour, love, character and purity. My mom has taught me to be a hard worker and my dad is determined and doesn’t give up.

My musical influences are Christina Aguilera, because she’s not boxed into one style. She performs songs that have meaning and she’s

eccentric. I also like Adele because she has an incredible voice. I like Justin Bieber because of where he has come from and how far he has gone in such a short time and my mom because of her love for music.

These are my inspirations!

APART FROM BOOKING A ROOM IN ADVANCE, WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THESE TRIPS TO L.A? I have definitely learned more about myself as an artist; my branding and the way I write songs. I got to write with some of the most incredible songwriters out here and it was great looking at how they write a song, and how simplicity can sometimes be best.

Every time I come out here is a learning experience that I can grasp onto. I get really excited and I love Los Angeles.

Our whole family always comes out here together and we’ve grown even closer because we share something.

HOW DO YOU COPE WITH ALL THE TRAVEL? I love to travel. I would travel the whole world if I could. The hardest part is being away from the people back home, and if I haven’t got things to do - if I am stuck in a hotel room doing nothing. I just can’t handle that, so I have to put my mind to something – even it is only going to the beach, or going

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outside, or going to the store because I just have to be active. It’s really cool when my friends back home contact me asking how I’m doing. I also cope by listening to music and meeting other people.

Having my whole family here is another bonus.

YOU ARE MULTI-TALENTED – SINGER, DANCER, ACTOR, MODEL AND BEAUTY PAGEANT CONTESTANT. I love to sing, dance, act, model – anything I can think of that is artistically fun. I think having each of those talents and embracing them and moulding them together creates a better platform. It gives me (career) leverage.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO SINGING? My mom is a singer so whenever she would go and play piano and write songs I would always join her.

I would vocally start to challenge her. When I was 20 months old my mom was performing and holding me in her arms while on stage and I reached out and grabbed the microphone to sing.

At five years of age my mom encouraged me to sing with her in front of 500 people. At six I wrote my very first song and from then on things just started to grow.

AND MOVIES? At the age of 14, I also had the privilege of acting in the movie RUST that is distributed by Sony (Providence and Affirm) and produced by Corbin Bernsen from LA Law. www.rustmovie.com - My song “Could You Imagine” is in the end credits.

IF YOU COULD ONLY DO ONE OF THOSE DISCIPLINES, WHICH WOULD IT BE? Being a singer-songwriter is my first love. I don’t think I could ever separate those two things. If you can write songs, that’s awesome, but to be able to sing the songs that you are writing is even more powerful and I love combining those two. I have written a lot of singles but I think the more I write the better songs I create. I have PRODIJEE.COM

some of my songs on iTunes which people love and have bought, but I am trying to find that one single that I can release to the world that will be a hit, so I keep writing and I keep learning. I haven’t written album yet. I am waiting for that. I am pretty sure I want to do singles first and get my name out there and then release an album.

YOU’VE ALSO MADE SOME MUSIC VIDEOS. The music videos I made were originally for YouTube, to build a bigger audience, but each video that I have done has been a progression in excellence. Each one is more fabulous, you might say.

The one I just did in Toronto was shot with a RED Cam and it was so cool because we got to go to two locations. There was a bunch of camera people and a director, and everyone was so into it, it was great to see. I woke up at four in the morning and we went until nine (pm) and so it was a full days’ work and I am super excited to see the end product because I haven’t seen it yet. I think each new music video that I do could be better but right now they are for YouTube.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE BEING IN THE MISS TEEN CANADA CONTEST? For provincials, it was funny because two days before the competition I was kind of in a bad mood and my mom was like, “Hey Kirsten, there’s this competition pageant-type thing going on and I was wondering if you would like to go into it”, and I was like, ‘nah, I don’t really believe in pageants and isn’t that a bunch of snobby girls?’.

(But) she convinced me, so I did an interview that night to get into it and I passed.

The next day, at the pageant, I was worried and shaken up thinking, ‘all these girls…’. I’ve never really had a good thing with girls, I’ve always hung out with the guys (but) I got there and I was just myself and I ended up winning Miss Teen Calgary World 2012.

When I won the title I didn’t know how much respect a pageant could give someone. As (the winner) you get a blog and I know I am not much of a blogger and I’m not much of a speller, so it is not really my area of expertise but I decided to do it and I started getting more and more reactions from people.

It was cool to see how, if you earn something like a title, it kind of gives you authority and you have to use that authority wisely, you can’t abuse it. It made me feel like a princess for a while, knowing I am a princess, a daughter of a king, that was cool for me. (And) it got me to the place where I could compete for Miss Teen Canada World.

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THAT? It was a really cool experience in that I got to go to Toronto and I was again worried that the girls were going to be crazy, but seriously, the girls were some of the coolest girls I have ever met. They were so downto-earth, and fun and real, and I just loved it.

I got to travel all around Toronto – go on a boat cruise and in the CN Tower.

It was cool shopping in the mall because we had to wear our sashes and crowns, we dressed up everywhere we went. The mall had one of those velvet ropes that the paparazzi stand behind at gala openings and people were taking pictures of us. It felt like ‘wow, I am doing something!’

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We also got to go to New Music Live and I sang there and got to be on TV. It was cool because all the girls were so supportive of what I wanted to do. Usually, when I tell people I am doing music, they don’t like to support me in it, they don’t know what to say, but here all the girls were cheering me on, ‘Go Kirsten!’. I got to sing in front of Zac Warner and I also at the (closing) performance. I didn’t win but I did get to sing on the same stage as Karl Wolf.

It taught me how to me more confident and to embrace more of who I am, and what I have. ‘Be your own kind of unique beautiful’ was their (motto).

YOU DESCRIBE LIVING IN CALGARY AS BOTH A BLESSING AND A CHALLENGE. Where I am from is pretty much a cow town. Its country (people) or business people who are into oil and gas industries. I never felt through my growing years that I fitted in there. I was always the outcast, going into every single competition possible (but) not (winning) anything.

When I was nine I sang and (the judges) didn’t know what to do with my voice. They loved country, and country is awesome, but it is just not my thing, so it was challenging.

But it also a blessing, because I have so many amazing friends and I love the whole atmosphere of Calgary.

I was born and raised there; it is my homeland.

BEING HOME-SCHOOLED AND INTERNET-SCHOOLED MUST HAVE BEEN INTERESTING. For the most part I enjoyed it. I was home-schooled from Grade 4 to Grade 10 and through those years I only had to do three hours of social, maths and English – all my main subjects – and I could do them whenever I wanted.

I also had a bunch of extracurricular activities that I could do, so I would go to dance and voice and writing and gym and any sports I wanted to do ,or song writing and

piano; the list goes on.

Being home-schooled gave my mom and dad an opportunity to be more supportive of the things I wanted to do in life and help me develop that, as well as my character. I feel when I was homeschooled I developed my character as I wanted to, instead of developing from peer pressure around me.

I had a lot of friends because I went to a lot of those extracurricular activities but I wasn’t with them 24/7. In Grade 11 I was internet schooled and I loved it. It’s funny because I don’t like (regular) school; it’s just not my thing.

During online school I met some of my bestest friends in my life, which I know hasn’t been that long but they are super supportive and I have a lot of fun with them.

I met my first boyfriend, who is an incredible gentleman and has such a beautiful heart and I just love how I found people who were as strong in their own beliefs as I was in mine.

It also gave me free time to travel and work on my career as a musician and actor. I did a movie when I was younger and it gave me the ability to travel and do that.

WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER INTERESTS? I do love to do some girly stuff. I love fashion and dressing up but I also love to roll around in the mud or go paintballing.

I have grown up with two brothers who are close to me in age, and a sister as well, I have always just hung out with them, and I have always just been one of the guys.

I love adventure, I love jumping off 30 foot cliffs, going on crazy theme park rides and one day I want to go skydiving. I love finding something that challenges me and doing it.

I was riding my dirt bike once and I missed seeing a jump, I thought I was heading into a barb-wire fence so I jumped off.

I was like, “Oh, I could have died”, but it was fun. I switched to quading after that. I had a friend who always brought over quads and we would drift in the snow. I love to drift, and I love to drift in cars.

I love classic cars from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s and even some of new ones like the Bugatti (Veyron), McLaren F1 and Lamborghinis but I also love the Camaro and the 1967 Mustang. I just love the beauty of them, and the design. My dad loves cars so he passed that onto me.

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR YOU? I never really know what’s ahead for me but I am hoping to travel around the world, touring and getting people to hear my music and seeing if they like it; (being) on the radio and in movies.

I am in a Hollywood movie that’s coming up, it’s a lower key movie but every opportunity is great and there are some award shows as well that I am pretty excited about.

I also want to be a mentor to the people around me; being a light.

Every step of the way, of your journey, makes an impact, so people may think that the destination is the main goal, but my goal is walking each day of my life in a way that is valuable and makes others and me feel valued. www.kirstencollinsmusic.com www.facebook.com/kirstencollinsmusic www.youtube.com/kirstencollinsmusic PRODIJEE.COM

Toni Sulankivi HELSINKI, FINLAND PHOTOS: Sami Vaskola

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I was born in Pori, on the Western coast of Finland. Soon after, my family moved to a smaller countryside village where I grew up and had a very active life, including playing various different sports like volleyball, swimming, gymnastics and even ski jumping. Then I moved to Tampere for my studies and got my Master's degree in IT. I started work with a company located in Helsinki - and have lived there since. I'm glad that I grew up in a smaller place – I probably ended up being a more down to earth person than if I’d grown up in a big city. I enjoy living in Finland.

Even though I have seen many different places around the world, always I want to come back here.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MODELLING? I was 22 when I had my first appearance at a wedding fashion show. Later I turned more towards fitness and sports modelling as they are more my nature. I entered a fitness model competition in Miami, Florida in 2009 and wong that from more than 90 contestants from around the world. That was a surprise as I was there mainly for a holiday and the contest was a last moment thing for me to gain experience. I couldn’t extend my stay in ther USA to see how the fitness industry was there. My main career focus is in the IT industry (It's like a Clark Kent alter ego).

HOW DID YOU GET INTO MODELLING? My friend introduced me to a model agency owner. I was living an ascetic student life back then and thought that it wouldn't hurt to have some extra income just by showing your face somewhere. And I was keen to see new things and meet new people. I didn't have plans for a modelling career before that but I'm glad I ended up starting one that as it has given me so many incredible experiences.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT MODELLING? I have an artistic trait and an interest in photography, fashion and visual arts. Also, modelling is acting in front of the camera, and generating certain feelings to the viewer with a single expression, gesture, clothes or environment.

It's amazing how many thoughts and sensations you can generate. That is what makes it so challenging.

WHAT MODELLING WORK HAVE YOU DONE? Besides fashion shows and photo shoots, I've done television commercials in Finland and also TV shows presenting different sports. I have always been very versatile with sports and love to compete, try new things and challenge my physical boundaries, and it has been very easy to combine that with modeling. I accidentally ended up in show dancing industry in 2004 and for five years I toured different places in Europe and Finland, performing PRODIJEE.COM

with a show dancing group. I learned a lot from performing on a stage. I am also a qualified personal trainer but I have never done that as a profession.

WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER INTERESTS? I crave adrenaline to keep the balance with my cozy office job. Most of my time goes to skydiving and travelling different countries; to jump and see new places and people in that sport. I love to travel and skydiving is a perfect hobby to combine with it. I also love motorcycles and to have fun with them on or off the road. Scuba diving is something that I do as often as I can, as it gives me a perfect tranquil escape from the busy world and stress. But at heart, I'm a thrill seeker.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES AND WHY? I wouldn't say any single person in history has influenced me and besides, my parents have given me perfect chances for life. I tend to see great characteristics in many different individuals and I'm always open to learning from them, too - people who have vision, innovativeness and courage to do things differently - a gift to see things from new perspectives and create something new out of it.

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SYDNEY BASED ACTOR, 14-YEAR OLD NICHOLAS BURTON, IS EMERGING AS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING YOUNG DRAMATIC ACTORS AUSTRALIA HAS PRODUCED, GAINING RECOGNITION FOR HIS POISE AND MATURITY, AND AN INSTINCTIVE ACTING ABILITY WAY BEYOND HIS YEARS. DARREN HOUSE SAT DOWN WITH NICK AT LOS ANGELES’ BEVERLY WILSHIRE HOTEL AND FOUND OUT WHAT MAKES THIS IMPRESSIVE YOUNG MAN TICK.

W

ith talent shows the world over proclaiming each and every new contestant to be the next international superstar, applying baseless superlatives to undiscovered talent is at best meaningless, at worst ridiculous.

But when industry heavyweights declare someone to be the next big thing, you can bet their opinions are based on a solid foundation.

Young actor, Nicholas Burton, is yet to star in an international blockbuster, but Hollywood believes it’s only a matter of time before the young Australian secures his breakthrough role.

And when prodijee caught up with Nick, he was part way through a professional Actor’s Master Class for adults, despite being just 14 years of age.

“Casting directors in January met Nick and said he’s got to do PAM (Professional Actors Master class),” said Nick’s Australian mentor, Marg Haynes, who is Director of the Australian Institute for Performing Arts’ International Programs .

“I said he’s 14, we don’t do that. We don’t put kids in adult programs, it’s going to cause all sorts of logistical nightmares but they said that he’s got a talent level way beyond his 14 years, way beyond

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some of the other applicants. I said I agree with that, so we talked about it and talked to his parents.

“It went back and forth a few times and I had to win over some of the other casting directors, who said that it was an adult program. I said just meet him. If you aren’t happy within the first five minutes of him being in your class, then I will remove him because it’s a master class level. Not everyone can walk into it”.

Nick grew up as a typical Aussie kid playing sport but knew from an early age his true passion lay with acting.

“When I was five years old I realised that sports didn’t interest me, they didn’t make me happy, so I told my mum I wanted to go to a drama class,” Nick told prodijee.

“There was a drama school up the road and Mum took me there for the holiday program; I absolutely loved it. Then I went home and I got back into the whole sport thing again and I kept doing it because my friends were doing it but later, when I was about 11 years old, I told my Mum I needed to be an actor.

“There was something in my head, it was the TV and the movies that I watched, and the excitement I had when I did that drama class, so I went to see Marg. After I auditioned

she accepted me into the drama company. That involved six hours every Saturday participating in all kinds of different acting classes.”

Nick continued with that for about a year before heading to the US to attend a drama class, the Young Actor Space.

From that moment, Nick’s destiny was decided.

“That was great, it was a lot of fun training and that’s when I realized that this was my life, I needed to do this and Hollywood was the place to do it. Some people don’t like Hollywood, they think it’s a bit of a hole, but no way, I love this place.

It’s amazing.”

The Mosman High School student continued drama classes in Australia for another 12 months before heading to Los Angeles in January 2012, where he participated in a Level 2 Young Actor’s Space course and signed with prestigious LA-based talent agency, CESD. “I went into their office for the first time and I felt a really great connection with them. I just loved them, straight away. I did my monologue, gave them my head shot and I got a call to go back to go in and see them. Nick explained his decision. “CESD ticked all the boxes. I couldn’t have asked for

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anything more. I just felt completely connected with them. You need to have that with your agent because they are looking after your career and they want you to get work.”

Word quickly spread and several other agents wanted to sign him but Nick’s mind was made up.

“Nick went into CESD and then he wouldn’t take any other meetings,” said Marg. “I said, just meet these other agents, Nick. I think they would have all signed him (but) he didn’t want to know. I had to field many agents’ phone calls asking, ‘why won’t he meet us?’”.

A few months later, Nick was back in LA for improv training and made some valuable contacts. “I went for PRODIJEE.COM

a lot of auditions, met some people and some casting directors from Universal and Warner Brothers; a lot of casting directors who are really big in LA. Then I went back to Australia and shot a feature film called Damaged, skipping a couple of days of school here and there. It was great fun.

“I was also doing a couple of little projects on top of that, some short films and 45-minute films. It was a pretty hectic time as a lot of films were going on and I was doing a drama performance at AIPA. I also did High School Musical when I got back from LA. I can’t even explain how much fun that was. It’s a great experience doing musicals.”

Returning yet again to LA in December, Nick performed in the Glee tour, which involved singing, dancing and acting. “We performed at Disneyland, Universal (Studios) and Knott’s Berry Farm - it was amazing.” he said.

“I came back to Hollywood in January for the Atlantic Acting Tour Course, which went for about three weeks and towards the end I went in to see a manager, Susan Calogerakis of the management firm, Mosaic. That was like WOW! “I went into the office and I had a good interview. I came out of there and sitting in a Vans store with Marg and a couple of other friends buying a pair of shoes when Marg got a call from Susan asking to see me again. I was two hours away from getting on a plane to go back to Australia!

“We were on the way to the airport, so we had to jump off the bus and find a place for me to stay for the next week.

“So, I’m all pumped up for the next week in Hollywood, staying with very good friends in a hotel on Hollywood Boulevard and I went into Susan’s office and she said, ‘I would love to manage you’. From there on in, I have had a smile on my face that has never fallen off. Susan and I get along really well, she is fantastic, I have so much respect for her. I love the fact that she is managing my career”.

Added Marg: “Mosaic doesn’t take on unknowns but Nick just walked in the room and Susan said she would have him straight away.

“Susan’s brilliant at her craft - she built Bradley Cooper’s career from nowhere to where he’s at now.

She’s unique and that’s why when she agreed to meet him we were all pretty excited. She’s a wonderful, wonderful person - very respected in the industry. She could see my passion (for Nick’s talent). I said to her, you are not going to regret this one, this is the next whatever, and we all agree that we all saw that in him.”

While Nick is clearly talented, much of the attention he’s generated is due to Marg’s hard work and network of valuable industry connections.

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Marg, who has based herself in the US since 2000, said her passion is talent development, but young prospective actors are left in no doubt that there are no free rides, no matter how talented someone is.

“When I see someone who I know could be the next whatever, as long as they have got the same work ethic that I do, I’ll work with them.

“The thing I say to the actors is, I’ll run as hard with you as you do.

If you fall back a little bit I can reach back and grab you, but if you stop for a drinks break while I’m doing the marathon, it’s ‘see you later’.

“I’m not going to call them and ask, hey how are you feeling today.

And that often happens. Actors get super passionate and then become lazy. They can see what’s in front of them and they think that Marg knows that director, she can get me in front of them but I won’t do it!

“My reputation is on the line every time I pick up the phone and I won’t risk that for anyone. There are some Aussie actors that feel hard done by; they ask, ‘hey you can help me’ but I reply, ‘yeah, but you can help yourself as well.’

“I won’t present anyone (to an agent) who is not right for a role.

The same goes for actor friends”.

While talent and contacts are a pre-requisite for Hollywood success, Marg says it’s not the end of the story. Movie making is a business - it’s Show Business, she reminds young hopefuls. Like all good businesses, building a successful Hollywood career requires a sound strategy and plenty of capital.

“At 14 Nick has a business planner,” said Marg. “His parents are forking out a lot of money for him to continually come back to the US but at the same time, there’s a realistic return in the future and everyone can see it. Unless he decides that he doesn’t want to do this anymore and he just wants to skate,” she joked.

While movie acting is Nick’s first love, he’s also keen to perform on Broadway.

“Theatre is fantastic too, particularly musical theatre. I would love to do some musicals here and there. I love singing and dancing.

“I needed to act and Hollywood was the place to do it. Some people don’t like Hollywood, they think it’s a bit of a hole but I love this place. It’s amazing” “Some people at my school call it gay but they have no idea. I mean, those boys are out on the footy field getting touched up by other guys and I’m in the ballet room with my ballet shoes on looking at the girls in the tights and leotards. That’s how to do it! That’s how to get the girls! It’s not the footy that gets them!”

While auditioning strikes fear into the hearts of many actors, Nick says he enjoys the demanding process.

“Auditions are amazing. I do a lot of (auditions on) tape because I’m in Australia but over here I get a lot of lines down and do a lot of background on my character.

“I do some practical work, some script techniques, script analysis and get down some ideas of what I want in the scene. I go in the room, do the scene and get on out of there. I love it. I think auditioning is a highlight of the industry. Other people disagree, they just like it when they are booked and on set, but I love auditioning.”

With the building blocks in place, it’s now a waiting game to see where his career goes next.

“I’m just waiting for the right role, the right time. That’s all you can do.

“You do your best in the auditions,

you prep, and if the role’s not right for you, the role’s not right for you.

You might not be the right age, the right height or have the right colour eyes, so you just have to wait and do your best. And train, train, train.”

Marg is convinced it’s a matter of when, not if.

“The role will come. (Success) is about building relationships and maintaining them. That’s so important. It’s a teamwork thing.

“Nick has very successfully built up a fan club of casting directors. The feedback he is getting from these people is wonderful, like this kid is phenomenal yet he can be so hard on himself; he says he could have done better. I tell him to stop it and just take the praise. He is just 14!

“I just have to keep him grounded, encourage him to work hard, keep putting down tapes and go back to school and be a 14 year old boy until that call comes.”

Does Marg see a particular type of role for Nick’s breakthrough casting? “He can do both comedy and drama, it’s a gift. Nick likes dramatic stuff, but if I had to pick a role it would be comedy because his timing is impeccable.

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There’s something about Molly THE DAUGHTER OF 4-TIME AUSTRALIAN RALLY CHAMPION CO-DRIVER, CORAL TAYLOR, MOLLY TAYLOR IS NOW TAKING ON THE WORLD’S BEST IN ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING SPORTS ON THE PLANET.

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MOLLY TAYLOR MOLLY TAYLOR FIRST DROVE A RALLY CAR AFTER WORKING AT HER FATHER’S RALLY SCHOOL. WHILE STILL AT SCHOOL, A FRIEND OFFERED HER A CAR TO COMPETE WITH IN MOTORKHANAS. IN 2009, THE AUSTRALIAN MOVED TO THE UK TO COMPETE IN THE BRITISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP. A YEAR LATER, SHE WON A SCHOLARSHIP BEATING SOME OF THE BEST YOUNG TALENT FROM AROUND THE WORLD. MOLLY COMPETED IN SIX WRC ROUNDS WHILST ALSO FINDING TIME FOR SELECTED EUROPEAN EVENTS. IN 2012, MOLLY IS COMPETING WITH THE UNITED BUSINESS TEAM IN SELECTED EUROPEAN AND WRC EVENTS. DARREN HOUSE SPOKE TO MOLLY AS SHE PREPARED FOR ANOTHER GRUELLING EVENT. GIRLS GENERALLY DON’T TO LIKE PLAY IN MUD, DIRT AND DUST. I’ve always been exposed to the sport through my parents and it’s something I never thought I would ever get involved with until I was in my late teens. I was always preoccupied with other things. Then my dad, who was running a rally school, wanted us (kids) to learn how to drive properly off the road so that we were more confident when we went to get our licence.

They are really supportive of what I

want to do but it was my decision to become involved.

YOUR FIRST COMPETITION WAS A MOTORKHANA. HOW DID THAT EVOLVE INTO AN INTERNATIONAL RALLY CAREER? (It) was something that I loved from the first time. It’s quite an addictive sport as I’m sure most people involved in the sport will testify.

THERE’S A SCHOOL OF THOUGHT THAT RALLY DRIVERS ARE BETTER THAN CIRCUIT DRIVERS. WHAT’S YOUR VIEW?

Yeah, there is always a bit of banter about that but they are different (disciplines).

Circuit racing is very precise and it’s a different skill. To be that particular and that precise - where you are (measuring in) tenths of seconds - whereas rallying is dealing with a lot of different circumstances as they arise.

Every corner is different, you aren’t repeating the same thing over and over again, you are dealing with a different surface, different

Molly was one of six drivers to win a scholarship to compete in the World Rally Championship.

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Molly’s involement with rallying began to gain confidence when going for her road license. corners and different speeds so it’s a different skill altogether. It’s very hard to compare.

WHAT’S THE HARDEST PART OF RALLY DRIVING? IS IT THE PHYSICAL SIDE OR THE MENTAL SIDE? It’s a very physical sport but the g-forces and that stuff are not the same as for circuit racing and in particular, open wheelers. It’s not that degree of physical exertion, though there’s a lot of heat and stuff like that. For me, it’s more mentally demanding. To be able to commit to the speed on (corners) that you can’t see and you haven’t practised... it’s definitely tough making those decisions.

Not like in terms of Formula One with (restrictive) rules they have on testing, it’s not to that degree but it still a restriction due to our budget. It’s difficult enough to get the budget to do the rally itself, let alone anything else. It’s something we are always trying to do more of but can’t afford to do.

BEFORE YOU BECAME A RALLY DRIVER AND GOT INTO CARS, YOU WERE INTO HORSEPOWER OF A DIFFERENT KIND? When I was younger I did quite a bit of horse riding and competed.

That’s what I was always focused on and then I started doing a couple of small car competitions, which kind of took over and overshadowed

WITH FITNESS, YOU GET A PERSONAL TRAINER BUT HOW DO YOU TRAIN YOUR MIND? The thing that anyone in motor sport will say is that you just practice and get time in the car. Just learning and gaining experience. (But) that’s the most expensive part of rallying, so it’s the most difficult thing to do.

DO YOU HAVE PRACTICE RESTRICTIONS LIKE IN MOST HIGH LEVEL MOTOR SPORT? PRODIJEE.COM

The Australian has developed a popular following in Europe.

everything else.

YOU HAD TO SELL YOUR HORSE. THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN TOUGH? Yeah, it wasn’t easy but I ended up with a rally car at the end of the day, so that was okay.

YOU WERE HORSE-RIDING WHEN YOU WERE AT BOARDING SCHOOL. IS BOARDING SCHOOL AS BAD AS PEOPLE WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE? Umm it’s interesting. There were obviously good points and bad points and it was a fantastic experience and for me; I got to meet a whole range of different people. I guess to grow up in a different scenario was good. I took a lot away from it but I don’t know if it’s everyone’s cup of tea.

Molly catches her breath between two Special Stage runs.

DID YOU LEARN ANYTHING THAT HELPED YOU WHEN YOU MOVED TO ENGLAND? Yes, I learnt to be more independent because I was living away from home. From that side of things it makes things a bit easier to not be as homesick because it’s not something completely new. So I guess that would have helped.

HOW DID YOU PROGRESS FROM RUNNING IN SMALL EVENTS HERE TO A PROFESSIONAL CAREER IN EUROPE? I started just doing it for the experience, then a bit of competition led to more competition and I’m a competitive person. I always want to do the next thing or do it bigger or better and it just snowballed from that. Then it got to the stage where I wanted to go to where the competition and rallying was bigger, which is over here.

No Molly-coddling here. Dirt, mud and dust are all a part of rallying.

YOU CAN LOOK BACK AND THINK I’VE COME A LONG WAY BUT WHEN YOU ARE GOING FORWARD, IT’S QUITE INCREMENTAL AND IT DOESN’T SEEM SUCH A BIG STEP. If you look back it seems like that, big steps, but I never really think about that. The position I’m in at the moment is at the very bottom of where we could be (so) it doesn’t seem that big of a step. It seems like I’ve still got a long, long way to go.

HOW TOUGH IS IT FOR AN AUSTRALIAN TO BREAK INTO THE SPORT IN EUROPE? The difficult thing I have found over the last couple of years is that

Molly with fellow Aussie scholarship winner, Brendon Reeves at a function at the World Rally Championship Academy.

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EARLY ON YOU NEARLY WON A TITLE BUT WERE ROBBED BY MECHANICAL FAILURE RIGHT AT THE END. THAT MUST HAVE BEEN HEARTBREAKING? That was the very first year I came over. It was probably the best run we have had, ironically, but I was quite surprised to come over and then do that well in my first year.

It was very disappointing not to win but that’s all part of the sport.

Plenty of times I make the mistake too; there are many stories like that. If I had won that time it would have been fantastic but I was there to prove myself and we did that regardless.

IN 2010 YOU DID THE PIRELLI STAR DRIVER SHOOT OUT. WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT? It’s a scholarship programme for six drivers from around the world to compete in the World Rally Championship, or selected rounds of the world championship. There were regional selections, then representatives from each region went to a national shoot out and from there they selected six drivers for the scholarships. The FIA Women in Motor Sport Commission nominated me to compete.

It was an incredible experience and for me a massive opportunity.

To go from just national competition level to then having someone fund your place in the World Rally Championship was something that I would never have had the opportunity to do without the scheme like the Pirelli Star Driver.

we have been stepping up into a bigger category, a more competitive category, at different events so at a lot of the events it’s the first time that I have been there. From a learning perspective, it is a great experience but the competition is very strong and I’m running against a lot of people who have been doing the events before. It’s their home event. For me, competing at home was comfortable but now I’m against different competition, a lot tougher competition. It’s difficult but that’s where we want to be.

CASEY STONER TOLD PRODIJEE THAT, AS AN AUSTRALIAN, HE STRUGGLED TO GAIN EUROPEAN COMMERCIAL SUPPORT. HAS PRODIJEE.COM

THAT BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE? No, not from a rallying side, not at all. Everyone’s been very supportive.

I’m lucky to have not faced barriers like that. I think if you look at the level of Moto GP and rallying, I’m playing in a very different ball park. I’m not playing at the level of commercialism. There’s not that sort of pressure or barriers for me.

ONCE YOU GOT TO ENGLAND, DID YOU FEEL PRESSURED TO PERFORM? It sounded like a great idea on paper but when it becomes reality, it’s tough. There’s definitely an element of that but you just make the most of it. I try my best and see if it’s good enough.

YOU HAVE COMPETED WITH YOUR MUM, MULTIPLE AUSTRALIAN RALLY CHAMPION CO-DRIVER, CORAL. HOW WAS THAT? Mum’s done two rallies with me and that has been nice. I’ve grown up listening to her and co-driving with her was interesting. I don’t know if a mother-daughter team in the car all the time is the best partnership long term but she was fantastic for where I was at that point. I needed some guidance and help, and she was the perfect person to do that for me.

AT HOME, YOUNG DAUGHTERS PROBABLY DON’T LISTEN TO THEIR MUMS ALL THAT MUCH BUT IN THE CAR, YOU HAVE TO. Yeah, it’s good like that because as soon as you get in the rally car, it’s not really a mother-daughter

DID YOU FIND THE EUROPEAN CONDITIONS VERY DIFFERENT TO WHAT YOU WERE USED TO IN AUSTRALIA? The rallies were completely different.

I haven’t done a lot of tarmac events because there’s not a huge amount of them in Australia, so that was one of the biggest things over here - there’s a lot of tarmac. We were firstly competing in the UK and then with the WRC in Europe and it is completely different wherever you go - the nature of the stages, the different types of roads, the different regions.

DID YOU COMPETE ON SNOW? No, I’ve driven on a frozen lake for training but I haven’t done a rally in the snow, but I would like to! Driving on ice is a very, very fun thing to do.

You are on proper studded tyres that have a phenomenal amount of grip and it’s a great place to train and learn car control because there’s nothing but soft snow if you run off.

Despite the bumps, Molly says rallying takes a bigger toll on the mind that the body.

relationship; we are working. It’s nice to be able to work like that with someone who is your mother.

HOW DID YOU GO IN THOSE SIX WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS? It was a bit up and down, really.

We had a difficult start to the year.

For me, it was a massive year of learning. I think to be thrown in that level - when we didn’t have as much experience as a lot of the people we were competing against - was really tough.

(But) we progressed a massive amount and at the last event of the year we went very, very well.

We were very competitive. From that point of view, it was very good experience to start the year at a certain level and be able to get to the right level by the end of the season. It was a very valuable year.

FELLOW AUSTRALIAN CHRIS ATKINSON MADE IT TO THE TOP BUT THEN HAD THE RUG PULLED FROM UNDER HIM? It’s just like any form of motor sport; it’s incredibly difficult to get to the top and stay there. Everything is constantly changing; it’s quite an unpredictable sport in many ways, so I will just make the most of where I am at the moment. The biggest thing for me is learning and I’m still improving all the time, so I’m not at the level I need to be. That’s my line of focus at the moment, to get to where I want to be.

HOW WILL YOU GET THERE? That’s a good question - I would like to know the answer. I need more time in the car, to learn more and get more experience. Rallying is quite different; everyone progresses a lot later (in life) because you need to do the rallies a few times.

It’s not like going to a circuit and learning the track. A lot of people progress at a younger age in circuit racing because it’s a different thing to practise. In rallying, it takes experience and years. It’s just something that takes time.

DO YOU HAVE TO FIND SPONSORS? Yes, definitely. I spend a lot of my time trying to do that. At the moment we have just started a PRODIJEE.COM

promotion with a raffle fundraiser based in Australia to try to make the rest of this year happen.

I’ve got a limited programme confirmed with an Italian business, a team. We are trying to improve on that, for me it’s about doing more rallies. If I can raise money and do more rallies, that’s a benefit. I will never stop trying to do that.

WHAT SORT OF MONEY DO YOU NEED TO DO THE REST OF THE YEAR? It’s hard to put a figure on it but its tens of thousands. The more money we get, the more rallies we do. It’s not a figure I need to get as such.

I’ve got this programme with United Business Rally Team, which is a team in Italy and we have confirmed a programme to do four events.

From there we try to push and do more with whatever else we get.

ARE THERE ANY LANGUAGE ISSUES WORKING FOR AN ITALIAN TEAM? There are some guys who speak a bit of English but I’ve also tried to learn a bit of Italian. That’s a very slow process but I will get there!

WHAT PREPARATION DO YOU DO BEFORE A RALLY? We literally just got back from an all-night rally in Italy. It started in the night, finished Sunday morning then I was straight back on the plane to England and back to work on Monday. I leave here on Friday for another weekend rally, so the pressure at the moment is trying to unpack, wash and repack. We also try to look over what (rally) stages are common from previous years and what pace notes we can use, what stages are completely new where we will have to write completely new notes. We just try to familiarise ourselves with the rally and things like that.

WHEN YOU ARE NOT RALLYING, WHAT SORT OF WORK DO YOU DO? I work for M-Sport, which is the

team that runs the Ford World Rally Team. The company is located just below Scotland, in Cumbria, northwest England and about six hours from London.

I work in the customer section, so we build different specification cars from an entry level rally car right up to a world level of rally car. We have customers all around the world that we support to run these cars. I coordinate a championship that we run in the UK, YOU HAVE ALSO HAD A LOT OF HELP FROM OTHER PEOPLE. There is an endless list of people who have helped. It’s absolutely impossible to do it on your own.

From the start, I went to the CAMS driver development programmes and to the Australian Institute of Sport and from there I really got to see the professional side of the sport and all the other aspects that we needed to work on. It’s not just about hopping in the car.

That definitely ignited something in me to pursue it more seriously and then the support of the Australian Motor Sport Foundation, was the catalyst to support me enough to make the move over to the UK in the first place.

I have received a tremendous amount of support from back home and also from people here in the UK, as well.

NOT THAT YOU PROBABLY HAVE MUCH TIME, BUT WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF RALLYING? Where I live in England is a really nice place to do a lot of mountain running and training, and things like that. There’s a group of us in the local town that do that kind of thing. At home, a bit of water skiing or something like that but I don’t get time to do much at the moment. I also like cooking, it’s therapeutic.

It’s good to relax. www.mollytaylor.com.au

“To commit to the speed on corners that you can’t see and you haven’t practised... it’s tough making those decisions” PRODIJEE.COM

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London Calling SPECIALISING IN AVANT-GARDE DESIGNS AND OCCULT GLAMOUR, AUSTRALIAN BOUTIQUE JEWELLERY LABEL YouTH IS ALL ABOUT CREATING A REALITY OF SPIRITED ENERGY IN HARMONY WITH ONE’S OWN INNER REBEL.

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Brooke Persich BROOKE PERSICH – FOUNDER OF YouTH JEWELLERY AND YouTH STUDIOS PRODUCTION COMPANY, TELLS PRODIJEE OF HER RISE TO ACCLAIMED YOUNG BUSINESS WOMAN WITH A HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER PRODUCT. PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY: NERINGA REKASIUTE PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY: LOTTIE MOORE MODEL: LARNA PUDDY

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was born in Perth, Western Australia into a really beautiful, loving and supportive family.

Most of my creativity and strengths come from my mother, who I watched from a very young age while she worked in interior design, flower arrangements and a whole range of creative projects.

Mum always encouraged me to be creative and would often set up projects and artistic activities for me and teach me how to do crafts. She has definitely been a huge influence and inspiration to me.

My brother and I were blessed to have such great parents who both supported us in their own ways.

I went to Sacred Heart College, which is situated on the north-west coast of WA. At first I wanted to be a psychologist but eventually went onto university at Curtin to study journalism, which I didn’t exactly enjoy doing. It just never felt like it was the right thing to do but I decided to give myself a lesson in discipline and committed myself to finishing the course.

Perth is beautiful, I loved living there, but it’s a ‘chill’ town. My

mind runs at a hundred miles a minute and I needed to be surrounded by that fast paced lifestyle.

My gut instinct was to make a big move but I had to choose between London and New York.

I had already visited both places, but felt that with the commitment I had to my design work, London was best for me.

It was only days after finishing my university degree that I packed-up and made the big move.

Art portfolio in hand, I left my family, friends, and boyfriend – everyone – to go somewhere I never had lived and where I didn't know anyone. It was my gut instinct, I had to trust it, and to trust that what I was doing was the right thing and that everything would unfold as it’s supposed to…

I moved over there scared out of my mind and, just my bad luck, a couple of days after I moved to London we had a massive snow storm, which didn't help the transition at all.

It was difficult and scary but it was one of the best decisions I've made.

Eventually I made a great group

of friends and got involved in a whole range of creative projects London is great for that.

It can be a harsh city but it's strengthened me in a lot of ways that were necessary for me to get to where I am today. London gives tough love!

During my years at university I had practiced art, so I decided to try it out and see how I went.

Surprisingly, I went well and I had some really great exhibitions in London, which was overwhelming to say the least.

I become more and more creatively inclined - experimenting in different mediums, such as film, and designing and working with some incredibly talented people.

Eventually I felt confident and inspired enough to turn to fashion from fine arts and illustration. It was a very easy and organic transition that just fell into place.

Despite the fact that I never studied design, I applied myself day after day to learning everything there was to know about starting a label and business.

I'm a firm believer that faith goes a long way and sometimes you just PRODIJEE.COM

have to follow your passions - I've always found they end up taking you to the right places.

With my first collection complete, I headed back to home in Australia to show family and friends what I had done.

The response was really positive, first from friends and friends of friends and then shortly after some stockists came on board; their response was equally as positive.

Now, my collections can be found in some of the best spots for shopping in Perth.

It was important to me to stock with stores that, in my opinion, have a unique, quintessentially-cool aesthetic but most of all I wanted to stock somewhere that I personally would want to shop.

At the moment, in WA we stock with Billie and Rose, Zara Bryson and Black Wall, which are all really fantastic stores to check out if you ever find yourself in Perth. They always have the best of the best when it comes to designers - both established and emerging.

Since coming back to London it has been crazy. The first release of our State of Mind collection was already three-quarters gone from our sales and stockists in Perth, so our UK stockists have had to patiently wait for the next edition to be ready!

In the meantime, in London, PRODIJEE.COM

we are in the process of doing our second fashion film, which will be for the debut of our Men's range of skull rings. I am so grateful to be working with some really amazing and talented creatives. The film is due to be released at the end of August and will be our biggest one to date.

The thing I love about London is that it's massive and the industry here is so strong; there is so much opportunity for growth and expansion. We have some pretty exciting stockists and projects in the works over here.

You can’t compare the WA market and London market, they are really different. Neither one is better than the other; they both have their own charm. I love the niche nature of WA. Apparently my mum had a girl come into her work wearing one of my pieces - you can only imagine how surprised she was when my mum told her that her daughter ran the label. Incidents like that make me happy because I get to see and hear of people enjoying their pieces.

In London, it's less personal but there is huge opportunity for growth here - international presence and expansion is one of my main priorities for the label this year.

Also, YouTH has more stocking opportunities as the London market is much bigger. Stores in the same area, even stores on the same

street, can get the same stock because of how much bigger the market is.

It's been a lot of work to take on but I 100 per cent love what I do, so it never feels like work. I'm also lucky to have talented friends around the world who help out with press coverage every now and again, which is great because it gets YouTH circulating around some of the most exciting cities.

After YouTH's first fashion film, I started a production company called YouTH Studios. I knew so many talented, amazing creatives around the world that I wanted to work with, so setting up the production company was a great excuse to work together and bounce ideas off each other.

YouTH studios is an independent production company that collaborates internationally with creative minds of today. Producing unique work to inspire vision and transcend the mundane. The focus of the studio is mainly on film, with two short films being released this year in conjunction with YouTH's new collections.

The production company and film is one of my favourite areas of the label and this is because I get to work with incredible people who are all from different backgrounds.

We all bring what we're good at and together, we create! Sharing the experience is one of the best feelings.

The films bring people together and we always have such a great vibe on set because everyone is really passionate about what they're doing. With YouTH Studios, I act mainly as creative director/director and let each person do their thing and express what they want to.

A lot of the time someone will come to me and be like, "So Brooke, do you think it should be like this or more like this?". I'll give my opinion, but ultimately I'm just like, "I want it exactly how you think it should be and don't be scared to go with what you want to do". www.facebook.com/thisisyouryouth www.thisisyouryouth.com

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STATE OF MIND BROOKE PERSICH EXPLAINS THE DESIGN PHILOSPOHY BEHIND HER NEW COLLECTION

To be young is to be free. To be inspired. To be blessed with gracious longevity. YouTH is not determined by your rotations around the sun.

It is a State of Mind. If you do it right, you’ll live forever…

After the success of YouTH’s first collection Savage Land, (New Zealand star Kimbra wore YouTH pieces on Gotye’s most recent US tour),YouTH has conspired with elements of light and dark, vices and virtue to create a stunning new range of costume rings.

Straddling the realm between luxurious decadence and gothic chic, State of Mind is the end-result of organic creativity, living in the moment and magnetic clarity.

State of Mind features a niche collection of designs, each channelling the wearer’s own distinct brand of magic. YouTH uses multi-dimensional gemstones, including quartz, black onyx and jade, and plating in antique metals, such as 14-carat gold, silver and bronze. All bands are adorned with a skull carved from natural crystals, combining new age rage with ancient mythology.

YouTH has designed State of Mind for all the muses and the mad geniuses who love them, for those who look to the past, for those who look ever forward, and for those who take delight in divine expression. There is no reality left untouched by our designs.

Twenty hand-painted butterflies, 72 candles, 5 rolls of natural twine and 20 black painted jasmine vines turned our studio into a haunting, enchanted utopia for our State of Mind shoot. The collection consists of exquisite quartz points, crystal carved skulls and finger length 14ct gold plated rings.

State of Mind takes the iconic skull and turns it into a new age innovative piece of jewellery; the anatomically correct carved stones sit in beautiful caged like 14ct gold or silver settings.

Crystal skulls have long been associated with intuition, spiritually and connection with other realms - this shape paired with each natural PRODIJEE.COM

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stone's metaphysical healing properties makes the ring an extremely powerful and sacred piece.

The State of Mind skull ring has become the it piece to have this year having sold half of the first release of them through preorder.

Our crystal points have been exquisitely carved from natural amethyst, citrine and quartz into a point that faces straight upwards off the finger - one of the strongest and most symbolic compositions for channelling the highest energies of the stone.

Our Armour Ring is a gorgeous rough textured finger length statement piece finished in 14ct gold or silver.

YouTH is one of the latest and fastest growing independent labels grabbing the international attention of celebrities and trend setters alike - within the next six months YouTH has film and fashion ventures throughout Europe, USA as well as collections including clutches, silk chiffon scarves and of course more jewellery.

State of Mind features a niche collection of designs, using multi-dimensional gemstones, including quartz, black onyx and jade, and plating in antique metals, such as 14-carat gold, silver and bronze.

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sommelier

Let prodijee know what region you would like John Anthony to meander through by contacting him at sommelier@prodijee.com

Something to wine about WORDS: JOHN ANTHONY

Shaws Road Vineyards

THE WWW (WHO, (WHO WHERE & WINE): WINE) The three Shaws Road Vineyards are all located North of Eltham with the Cellar door conveniently situated at 225 Shaws Road, Arthurs Creek.

The Shaws Road vineyard produces excellent Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet fruits, whilst the Eltham vineyard has Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon fruits. Stathewen Hills has plantings of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with small parcels of Semillon, Cabernet Franc. Phew!! That’s a lot of varieties.

This all goes to make this vineyard a must see for all Melbourne (and visiting international) wine buffs. A great afternoon can be had tasting the wines at the cellar door (bookings essential) or over a relaxing meal in the café.

THE REVIEW: Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 This is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon, full of flavours and fruits with an excellent bouquet prominent of the two years American and French oak maturation. I still love that sound of real cork, squeaking from the neck as my old faithful barman’s friend does its job.

Carrying a beautiful deep cherry red colour, this relatively young wine produced lots of fruity flavours on the palette, particularly of wild berries and just a hint of spices. This wine complimented my hearty and succulent roast beef dinner perfectly, but would have done justice to a light veal luncheon or even to just partake with some fine cheeses and fruit. The velvety tannins were present but not overpowering, leaving me quoting Oliver Twist’s request of “more please”.

Chardonnay 2009 I was drawn to this chardonnay whilst still in the glass as its fresh, vibrant and clean colour invited me sit down and enjoy. The nose and flavour did not disappoint, as this is a great white to have whist enjoying a good meal and chatting with friends.

The plethora of citrus and melon flavours were tempered and rounded by that almost essential year-long maturation in French oak.

This is a wine I could enjoy every day, whether with tonight’s tangy Thai pork curry (a family favourite), a flavoursome coq au vin or simply to enjoy on its own.

For my part, I’d just like to say thank you to the Yarra Valley Vineyards like Shaws Road, which have persisted against a lot of trends with this beautiful cold-climate wine.

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r d o t g n i r and da THE UNIQUE GAME OF AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL IS NO LONGER CONFINED TO THE ISLAND NATION, WITH THE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE TAKING THE SPORT TO ASIA, THE USA, AND THE PACIFIC.

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ream...

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WHEN MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB BEGAN ITS ‘IRISH EXPERIMENT’ BACK IN THE 1980S, NO ONE IN THEIR WILDEST DREAMS EXPECTED IT TO DISCOVER PLAYERS TO THE CALIBRE OF 1991 BROWNLOW MEDALIST JIM STYNES AND SEAN WIGHT. SO WHO SAYS IT’S NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE NEXT AFL SUCCESS STORY TO COME FROM AS FAR AFIELD AS CHINA? WORDS: ALLAN EDWARDS PHOTOS: AFL MEDIA.

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rish-born Sydney Swans player Tadhg Kennelly’s ‘jig’ after collecting his premiership medallion in 2005 on the makeshift centre stage at Melbourne’s famous MCG stadium remains one of the all-time highlights of the Australian Football League.

Everyone who follows AFL, regardless of his or her team allegiance, loves the story of the international players arriving in a foreign country and taking on the skills of a game that is uniquely Australian.

The success stories of Melbourne’s ‘Irish experiment,’ graduates Jim Stynes and Sean Wight, are legendary as is the rags to riches tale of Kennelly, but where is the next international star going to come from?

While Ireland remains the most likely country to provide international stars for our game in the immediate future, the AFL is casting its net much further afield in its long-term search for new talent.

Indeed, there are already a number of players on club lists that were born in countries outside of Australia other than Ireland, including Sydney’s Canadian-born PRODIJEE.COM

Mike Pyke and Collingwood’s rookie-listed (now delisted) United States-born Shae McNamara.

Sydney has also committed to an American college basketballer from Florida, Alex Starling, who will join the team in 2013.

In addition, clubs are beginning to sign talent directly from the

Pacific region, with among others, Kurt Heatherley, a 17 year old basketball star from New Zealand, having been signed by Hawthorn on an international scholarship.

Kurt is now based in Melbourne and playing in Caulfield Grammar’s first 18 and also playing in the TAC Cup, while Richmond has signed Gideon Simon from PNG on their international scholarship list.

In fact, the AFL is investing heavily in its international program in an effort to unearth new talent, wherever that may be located around the globe though AFL International Development Manager, Tony Woods, says Ireland won’t be forgotten.

“Our international strategy absolutely includes Ireland. The proof is in the pudding thus far. There has been an established recruiting network on the ground there; the Gaelic game has enough similarity to our game that a good player can make the transition reasonably seamlessly so we are not discounting Ireland. For the next two, three, four years we expect Irish players to dominate the international players coming in, but we are now spreading our view beyond Ireland” he explained.

The former Fitzroy, Hawthorn and Collingwood player, who is now charged with growing the game internationally, believes the

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Top: PNG battles the USA. Above: Andrew Dillon. governing body owes it to the sport to invest in its development beyond our shores.

“People ask why are we doing this? Yes, it is to deepen the talent pool. As custodians of the code, we have an obligation to continue PRODIJEE.COM

to seek ways we can increase participation in the game. So it’s talent and participants, but ultimately long-term we have to be using a combination of those two to drive revenues. Are we going to get a long-term commercial return out of Ireland? Probably not.

But I’m tipping that if we had a seven-foot-one Chinese ruckman for Melbourne running around the MCG that was being beamed live into China that we would sell more jumpers in a month in China than we would in five years in Ireland,” he said.

“Yao Ming really put the NBA on the map in China and as a direct result of his success, MBA merchandise sales in China overtook merchandise sales in the United States. That is what we have got to strive for.”

The Melbourne Football Club has once again been the pioneer in developing Australian Football

Rules interest from China. As far back as 2005, the club took its first tentative steps to link with the City of Melbourne’s sister city in the Asian country, Tianjin, which has now led to the establishment of the Tianjin Demons in China’s fledgling AFL competition.

In 2010 Melbourne played Brisbane in an exhibition match at the Jiangwan Stadium near Shanghai.

Strategic Partnership Manager, Melbourne Football Club and the China consultant to the AFL, Tom Parker, is convinced that the ‘China experiment’ will one day prove even more fruitful than its Irish predecessor.

“The football club’s approach has been not so much talent identification or game development, we will leave that to the AFL and obviously we will support them where we can, it is probably more about commercial opportunities

in that China is Australia’s largest trading partner,” he said.

“The other aspect of that is Australia, and in particular Melbourne, has a very strong Chinese heritage - our Chinatown is the oldest continuous Chinatown in the world. Up until federation (1901), a quarter of Victoria’s adult population was Chinese and there were a lot of Chinese playing footy, and so we see that as an opportunity to engage with Melbourne’s and Australia’s Chinese community and bring them back into footy.”

While Melbourne Football Club has put its hand up to develop AFL in China, Richmond has taken a similar interest in doing the same in India. Richmond will play Greater Western Sydney in an exhibition match during the next AFL offseason.

The potential of exposing AFL to places such as China and India is not lost on former Melbourne player and Australian cricketing legend, Max Walker.

“Why wouldn’t you look at how many strings you can attach to your business?” he muses.

“You look at the population of China, and India… I have been

on a few trade missions to India and been a spectator on the two Melbourne trips over there and to see (famous ex-Melbourne coach, Ron) Barassi in a Melbourne jumper and a young Chinese kid on the front page of the South China Times, which has a massive distribution… It was terrific to sit in a radio studio for an hour and talk footy with Ron Barassi and a young Chinese female presenter; it was

extraordinary and they said that radio program went to four or five hundred million people!”

General Manager, National and International Development, AFL, Andrew Dillon, believes that a Chinese-born player breaking into the ranks of an AFL club can become reality within the next decade.

“We’d like that to happen in the next five to 10 years. I think there is

Top left: Women are a big part of the AFL’s international program. Top right: Sweden v India. Above: India v Timor-Leste.

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Top: Andrew Dillion believes a Chinese-born player will play in the AFL within the next decade. India (above) may not be far behind.. a lot of work to do, but we could do it,” he said.

China, however, is only one exciting prospect for international talent. The AFL is currently running a number of talent identification camps, which it calls ‘combines’ around the world to identify and test athletes.

The AFL has either held, or is planning to hold, combines in Ireland, New Zealand, the United States and China this year, while further exhibition games are also being considered in South Africa, England, India and China.

Every three years the AFL runs its PRODIJEE.COM

International Cup – which last year fielded 24 teams from outside of Australia, including five women’s teams - at the MCG and was won

by Ireland after a come from behind victory in the final against Papua New Guinea.

Dillon hopes to expand the 2014 International Cup to 30 teams.

In fact, the AFL treats the future expansion of its international program as serious business.

“It’s a focus of ours… we see international as a place where we can grow support of the game and get more people interested in it.

It’s not our highest priority, but it is

certainly a focus for us,” Dillon told prodijee.

“Historically, the program was about servicing an ex-pat market but in the last five or 10 years, it’s become much more than that. It’s now about two things: one being a talent outcome and one being participation based. The strong focuses we have now are talent (identification) and participation, and after that we have commercial outcomes,” he said.

“We are under no illusion or delusion that the future of our code is not very closely linked to what we do in our heartland, which is metropolitan and country Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

“And in addition, of course, we have terrific future growth opportunities in New South Wales, ACT and Queensland, particularly on the back of the introduction of the Gold Coast Suns and the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants. “(However), while the future of the code is reliant on the fantastic and passionate support that we enjoy within Australia, it is even more vitally incumbent on the AFL to challenge itself to look beyond our shores for future growth opportunities, some of which could provide short-term benefits for us, others which may take decades to bear fruit.”

While the AFL’s investment in its international program is only a tiny fraction of its annual revenue of $400million – about half a percent – it still has a big commitment to growing the game overseas.

Currently, there are approximately 100,000 overseas participants in AFL, but Dillon hopes to double that in the next five years, which would make ‘international’ the sport’s third largest participation territory behind Victoria and New South Wales.

As Australian Rules Football is different to most international ball games and is not well known amongst many foreign markets, the AFL has had to be innovative in the way that it promotes the sport in other countries.

In South Africa it has introduced ‘Footy Wild’, which is an Auskick (junior development program) equivalent that is based on the AFL’s ‘big five’ of kicking, marking, handballing, tackling and evading.

It currently has 15,000 participants.

The AFL has also introduced a game called ‘AFL Nines’, which allows countries without sufficiently large playing fields to play a modified version of the game, requiring fewer players, on soccer pitches and rugby fields.

In New Zealand, where the take up of Australian Rules has been extremely encouraging, the code has been sanctioned as an official primary school sport.

The AFL uses players from multicultural backgrounds, such as GWS’ Tongan-born Rugby convert, Israel Folau; fellow ex-Rugby player, Gold Coast Suns’ Kiwi-born Karmichael Hunt; and Fijian-born West Coast Eagle Nick Naitanui, to promote the game overseas.

The international program includes a ‘scholarship’ where any of the 18 AFL clubs can identify an overseas-based player between the ages of 15 to 23.

They can choose to leave them in their own country and develop them there, or bring them to Australia for training and development before introducing them to their rookie list.

There are currently 13 players on PRODIJEE.COM

Top: AFL International Development Manager, Tony Woods.

Above: Talent identification programs are conducted in China. international scholarships across five AFL clubs.

Most international players avoid the traditional draft system under a rule that allows clubs to place players who haven’t played the sport in Australia for the past three years PRODIJEE.COM

straight onto their rookie lists.

However, it’s not just participation and talent that the international program is aimed at. It’s also about building the passion for the sport amongst a new spectator base.

As such the AFL has invested in a

television program to promote the game in international markets.

“We are on a number of different networks around the world,” says Dillon. “We spend decent money on a weekly highlights show which is developed for various international markets.”

Dillon sees the internet as a great platform for promoting the code internationally.

“One of the difficulties that we do have is that international sports networks have a lot of competing content and Australian (Football) in a lot of markets is a niche product. “(But) we can go directly to consumers with a product we have got at the moment called AFL Live TV, (where) in certain areas you can watch every game live via the internet. “I believe as broadband speeds increase and as wireless networks improve, the internet will become a good way for us to distribute our content internationally.”

The next exciting step for the AFL international program is an AFL game to be contested off shore for premiership points.

That long-term dream came true this month when the St Kilda Saints announced it had reached agreement to play the Sydney Swans in Wellington, New Zealand on Anzac Day 2013.

“We had a goal to play a game outside of Australia for premiership points, so it is nice to be able to do that,” Dillon told prodijee.

“We will play a game for points in New Zealand next year. St Kilda has put their hand up to lead that.”

St Kilda will then play two games for premiership points in 2014 and a further two games in 2015.

The matches will be played at Westpac Stadium in Wellington, which has already been given the green light as an AFL venue.

Apart from the development of the game in New Zealand, one country where AFL is close to becoming a major sport is Papua New Guinea, as Woods explained: “It really blew me away when I first went up there; there are more than 120 footy grounds spread

throughout PNG as a direct result of it being part of Australia before gaining its independence in 1975.

“What typically happened was the missionaries would go up there and build a church, a school and a footy ground, so now I can, as a direct result of that, walk into a meeting with the PNG foreign minister who played first rover for Boroko in Port Moresby in the 1970s and then walk next door to the PNG finance minister who played half forward for the Boroko back in the ‘70s.

Footy has been in PNG for a long time, we just dropped the ball, pardon the pun, in ‘75 when they won their independence and we, the AFL, had no investment or presence up there so we dropped off and NRL stepped in. NRL is now the dominant sport in PNG. “But through our efforts over the last 10 years there are now about 30,000 PNGers playing footy throughout PNG.” The ‘Irish experiment’ proved in the 1980s through to the 1990s that from small acorns big oak trees grow. So will the fruits of

Top: In 2010 Melbourne played Brisbane an exhibition match in Shanghai. Above: Members of the AFL’s International Cup. the work currently being done

by Dillon, Woods et al see more sales of a Melbourne jumper in China than in Victoria during 2025? Will we see a Chineseborn ruckman grace the makeshift centre stage of the MCG after the 2020 AFL Grand Final to collect

his premiership medallion? Who knows? But one thing that is certain: the game that was once confined to a handful of states within Australia will soon be played by the world! www.afl.com.au PRODIJEE.COM

Ingrid De La O LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I grew up in Mexico City, one of the largest populated cities in the world. I grew up very free, as a child I made that city my own little playground, walking down the streets with a microphone and a recorder I enjoyed interviewing all kinds of people. Then I got into magic tricks so I would walk down the street doing magic tricks for people, I liked to make people smile. My mother was a big fashion designer in the 80's. I grew up watching her on TV while other models wore her clothes, that definitely planted a seed in me. At 12 years old we moved to Los Angeles, CA and I started a new chapter of my life. Learning English was tough, making new friends and changing my lifestyle was a huge impact for me. I love Los Angeles, there's no other place I would rather live but Mexico is always in my heart.

brands like Maxim Magazine, Playboy Lingerie, various beauty magazines, makeup campaigns, swimsuit lines etc. It's been a fun ride.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK DO YOU WANT TO DO? I want to be able to do more of the same but unfortunately as you get older in modeling the less work you get because there's always the younger version of you walking through the doors. Eventually I want to go into acting and stand-up comedy. Acting in Los Angeles is very competitive, I think everyone that is young and beautiful is an aspiring actress/actor but that has never stopped me. I got my first role in a short film recently and did a segment on a Playboy reality show called ‘Playmates!’. So far, it has been exciting.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MODELLING? I have been modelling since I was 4 years old. I used to go into my mother's closet and do runway shows whenever here friends came over the house.

Professionally modeling started when I was 21 and then took a short break to do swimsuit design, following my mother's footsteps.

WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER INTERESTS? I like to travel the world, find places where almost nobody has been to. I traveled to North Korea last year. I'm also into art, I paint, it makes me feel relaxed.

One of my other biggest interests is design. Designing anything from swimsuits to creating fun flavoured lip balms (coming out with a line of lip balms soon) to making animations with Flash. Anything I can create.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO MODELLING? I was always studying body posture since I can remember. I would watch Marilyn Monroe movies and would watch her every move, every move she made was very calculated and very conscious. I wanted to capture that on camera. My mother entered me in a contest when I was 21 for a makeup company. I won the contest and the modelling world started then.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES? My boyfriend is one of my biggest influences, he is a well known writer and just seeing where he is now, even though there were many obstacles in his life, makes me want to become like him. He inspires me a lot. Another influence is Stephen Hawking, he has a progressing neuron disease that is deteriorating him everyday, and he hasn't given up in life. Inspiring.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT MODELLING? Modelling is like acting without any words. You have to tell a story only by facial expressions. I like to be able to capture that. It's like being immersed into another world and being able to pretend to be someone you are not. Like playing dress up. I'm not that girl in the sexy lingerie or the girl with the 20 layers of makeup, I'm the girl who is in shorts and a t-shirt playing video games with the boyfriend.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK HAVE YOU DONE? The type of work that I do the most is commercial modelling. I'm not super tall to be a runway model. I'm only 5'6" I've had the pleasure to work with household PRODIJEE.COM

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Fabulous Years of Fashion HOW A HORSE RACE BECAME AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER SOCIAL AND FASHION EVENT PHOTO: MATTHEW WREN

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Fashions on the Field GLITZ, STYLE AND GLAMOUR COME TOGETHER IN ‘FASHIONS ON THE FIELD’, AN EVENT AS HOTLY CONTESTED AS ANY OTHER DURING THE SPRING RACING CARNIVAL. CAROL SHERIDAN TRACED THE HISTORY OF THE EVENT THAT CHANGED THE NATURE OF RACING FOREVER.

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n 1957, the Australian Woman’s Weekly, (at that time, Australian women’s bible for fashion, gossip, recipes and news), used the headline “In the Fashion Field for Flemington” to describe the beautiful fashion on display at the race course.

From there, the idea sparked, and in 1962 the Victoria Racing Club’s (VRC) Fashions on the Field competition was instigated, to woo more women to the races.

The objective of the competition was to find the smartest dressed

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women at the Carnival and women were enticed to enter due to a generous prize pool of cash and the grand prize of a car.

Initially there were three categories for entrants to vie for prizes, one for those whose outfits had cost £30 (approx $60) and under, one for those worth £50 (approx $100) and over and a category for Most Elegant Hat. Fashions on the Field proved to be an enormous success; it was extensively covered by the press and captured the imagination of the

public. The event that changed the nature of racing forever.

Throughout the rest of the ‘60s, the competition kept evolving, new sections were added, celebrity judges were invited who gave the event a new prestige and glamour, and the prize pool greatly increased.

The fashion event proved to be a huge spectacle but it did have its critics. Jack Elliott, Chief Racing writer for The Herald criticised the VRC saying that there was “too much nonsense at the Melbourne

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economic climate, the event had to down scale. In ‘72 and ‘73, Fashions on the Field was replaced by the race club’s Fashion Contest, a competition on Final Day for girls who had won contests at race meetings throughout Australia during the year.

In ‘76 and ‘77, the VRC hosted the ‘Ten Elegant Ladies’ contest while in ‘76, The Sun newspaper ran ‘Pick a Fashion Double’ for the most stylish couple.

The decade also saw a number of sponsored days, such as the ‘Polaroid Photo Finish Stakes’, the ‘Bruck Pony Contest’ (where the prize was a pony or one of 20 pairs of jeans) and in ‘79, the ‘Myer Girl of the Day’.

The entrants from the ‘Model of the World’ competition attended the Carnival, with model Nerida Piggin, Parisian fashion designer Madame Carven and UK designer Zandra Rhodes invited to be judges.

Jean Shrimpton returned as a guest of Myer and Du pont, making

Cup Carnival this year”. He called for the Club to give “more thought to promoting the HORSE”.

Jack’s criticism fell on deaf ears, and the fashion and social side continued to grow. The fashion profile was huge and when English model and actor, Jean Shrimpton, attended the event in 1965, she set tongues wagging by not wearing the ‘respected tradition’.

Considered to be one of the world’s first supermodels and an icon of ‘swinging’ London, Jean attended every day of the carnival, accompanied by Hollywood actor, Terence Stamp.

She went to the opening event of the Carnival, the Victoria Derby, wearing a white shift dress designed by Colin Rolfe, which ended 10cm (3.9in) above her knees. She wore a man’s watch but no hat, stockings… shocking!

Fashion traditionalists were PRODIJEE.COM

outraged but the world’s fashion spotlight immediately focussed on Flemington.

The event continued evolving through the ‘60s with fashion queens, socialites and Baronesses the judging the fashion. VIP guests, including models and television personalities, were invited to functions to view the event and were served food and drinks. Lunches, afternoon teas, soirees both on and off field became the place to be, everyone wanted to be a part of this fashion gala.

The Australian Women’s Weekly, Du pont International and Qantas sponsored the appearance of seven ‘swinging’ top UK models at the Melbourne Cup. Three of them featured on the cover of the Women’s Weekly that year with the coverline ‘At the CUP the LONDON LOOK’ (22 November 1967).

In the ‘70s, due to a terrible

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in-store appearances, commenting on fashion trends overseas, as well as hosting fashion parades.

In the ‘80s, the competition of the fully-fledged Fashions on the Field competition was re-instated and proved to be immensely popular.

Sponsorship increased and the prize pool expanded again.

Media coverage was again huge and the celebrity judges, such as UK royal fashion designer, Mr Hardy Amies and Madame Nan Legeai, a Director from the House of Christian Dior, brought contestants flocking back to Flemington.

Thanks to New Idea magazine, Schweppes and Pam Am, the prize pool reached more than $20,000 for four categories: outfits costing less than $250; between $250 and $500; over $500; and the best dressed couple.

Myer also became the major sponsor of the event, with the media now referring the competition as ‘Myer Fashions on the Field’.

The popularity of the event soon grew from 50 entrants a day to more than 200 a day, and in 1989 the elimination of the original price category sections in favour of broader categories was introduced - The Open; Invitation Only; The Fashion Outfit; The Complete Hat; Young Contemporary Fashion; Designer Fashion; Classic Racewear; Crown Hats; Crown PRODIJEE.COM

Carnivale; and Classic Hats.

The ‘90s saw a change in sponsorship and the naming rights for the event went to the Crown Entertainment Complex (casino) and for the first time the prize pool exceeded $100,000. Later in the ‘90s, the prizes included trips to Hong Kong, Paris and Tahiti and a fashion wardrobe.

In 1999, Myer returned to sponsor Fashions on the Field and has remained principle sponsor of the competition ever since.

The event continued to attract massive worldwide media attention and celebrity judges, including Frederick Fox, Milliner to the Queen, Bruce Oldfield, society diarist for UK Harpers, and Jennifer Guerrini-Maraldi, fashion editor of Country Life.

Every year, Myer Fashions on the Field claims record crowds, prompting new categories, including women’s racewear and millinery, and now there has been the successful introduction of a men’s competition.

Local and international celebrities vie for positions on the judging panels and for invitations to attend some of the many events that surround this Carnival.

In a Fashions on the Field first, the VRC introduced a national competition, bringing the excitement of the Melbourne Cup Carnival to

the rest of Australia.

Women from New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia were invited to show off their Women’s Classic Racewear finest at competitions in each state’s capital.

In 2008, Tasmania was added to the competing states and the national competition culminated with the five state winners taking on the Victorian winner in the National Final on Crown Oaks Day. In 2006, the crucial role milliners played in the glamour of the celebration that captivates a

nation was fully recognised, with the introduction of a stand-alone, invitation-only Millinery Award on Crown Oaks Day. The VRC and Myer introduced the industry-based Millinery Award to focus attention of the judges purely on the hat or headpiece.

These awards now provide designers and milliners with a prestigious platform to showcase their exclusive designs.

More recently, some of the judges for these events have been Australian born actor, Heath Ledger, who judged the inaugural Myer Men’s Fashion on the Field competition, and Hollywood star, Eva Longoria.

TV’s Carson Kressley has hosted Myer Fashions on the field and actor Sarah Jessica Parker was a special guest of Crown.

This year, the VRC and Myer celebrate 50 years of Fashions on the Field at Flemington, which

is now said to be Australia’s largest and most prestigious outdoor fashion event. It includes all the events at the Flemington Racecourse, but there are also a multitude of events that have developed around the Carnival.

There are fashion runway events, cocktail parties, lunches, dinners, information sessions, designer launches, book launches; it has become an opportunity for members of the fashion industry to showcase their designs for men and women alike. It has become an international event that designers worldwide clamber to enter and attend, to win here is prestigious, your name will forever be known in your industry. To be seen here, at Flemington Racecourse, whether you are a part of Fashions on the Field or there to watch the horses, the fashion or just to participate in the excitement of the day, it is THE place to be seen each spring.

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“I have been to many cup carnivals after that, but the greatest excitement was when I won the first Fashions on the Field.” Margaret Gaudion 1962 Fashions on the Field Winner .

1963 Flemington fashion house models Photo: ARM collection

“I didn’t plan my outfit especially for the competition and was pleasantly surprised when I won.” Janet Farrow - 1971 Winner, Fashions on the Field Winner.

MARGARET GAUDION (nee

Wood)

er 1970 Heidi Swed LECTION L CO M USEU Photo: RACING M

LISA BRANCATISANO Photo :

Pat McGrath

“I had always been told by my mum that gloves and stockings were compulsory at the races so I also had a cream pair of gloves to match the outfit.” Lisa Brancatisano - 1988 Winner, Myer Fashions on the Field.

“It was the most beautiful sunny day in Melbourne the day I won the event, and the rose bushes at Flemington almost matched the roses on my outfit” Sarah Renshaw - 1997 Winner, Myer Fashions on the Field Classic Racewear.

2007 Lorraine Cookson

“I knew that I wanted a hat of a certain style and the rest of the outfit flowed from there” Lorraine Cookson - 2007 Winner, Myer Fashions on the Field Classic.

y, Sarah 1997 Overall Winner Oaks Da senfeldt RenshawPhoto: Andrew Ro

“The Melbourne Cup Carnival is the best excuse to get dressed up and my yearly fashion highlight” Angela Menz - 2011 National Winner, Myer Fashions on the Field

Angela Menz

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HATS OFF TO BONNIE WINNING THE SPRING RACING CARNIVAL’S HATSRAVAGANCE COMPETITION CAN REALLY PUT YOU ON THE MILLINERY MAP. CAROL SHERIDAN TALKED TO LAST YEAR’S WINNER, BONNIE FARMER.

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ne of the many exciting events that runs during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is the Yellowglen Vintage Competition at Hatstravagance, held in the Atrium at Flemington Racecourse Last year’s winner, wearing a hat titled Lady Yellowglen, was the very bubbly Bonnie Evelyn. Bonnie’s hat wowed the judges with her hat’s scrumptious display of two toned yellow stripe abaca, natural coloured sinamay, handmade cream silk satin flowers and an array of Swarovski crystals, fire polished beads and fresh water pearls conjuring up the idea of endless bubbles.

Bonnie Evelyn Farmer is the creator of exquisite, unique hats and headpieces that suspend belief with their sculptural contours, adventurous silhouettes and design aesthetics that push the bounds of the imagination.

Bonnie started out studying fashion at Box Hill TAFE, and went on to become a tailor with the Australian Defence Force. “I honed my skills in precision by working for the military”, said Bonnie, “this didn’t provide me with much of a creative outlet because it was very strict and mainly just alterations. (But) I made a hat for one of my colleagues, who was going to the races and I was surprised that I really liked doing it. It was a lot easier than making a dress. I have a short attention span and when you are making a hat, it all comes together very quickly.

“I started out making hats for friends and family then I decided that I wanted to sell them. I knocked on quite a few doors until I found The Essential Hat on High Street in East Prahran. They took my hats on consignment and then I later went on to do work there. The wisdom and experience of Susan Drerup, owner of the Essential Hat, has guided me through my journey.

I still work there occasionally and I have a range of hats that I sell through

them, I also take orders from them as well. Since then I’ve built up a home studio in Armadale, where I see clients and they can bring in their dresses and outfits for me to match their hats to.

“I’ve been coming up with a lot of new designs for this season; a lot are very different to what I have done

before. I love making hats; they are close to someone’s face so when you are talking to the person, you will see a lot of the hat.

When Bonnie started out, she purchase fabric to make flowers that would match the client’s outfit. She still makes flowers, but these days is making more structured pieces and uses a lot of French Abaca/Ginsen.

Bonnie feels that not having been formally trained in millinery has allowed her to be more creative, she doesn’t feel the need to stick to tradition. But, even though she has no formal qualifications, she is very pedantic and insists on her hats having a very good finish.

“I think that a hat should be a part of the outfit, it should complement the outfit, not overpower the outfit and its

very important to listen very closely to what your client wants. At the end of the day, they are the one who is going to wear it. So, as much as I can impart what I think will look good, if the person doesn’t feel fabulous when they are wearing the hat, then it’s not the right hat for them.”

As well as winning Hatstravaganza, Bonnie made a hat for a young lady from Toorak who won the Fashions on the Field for Oaks Day. She wore the same hat on Cup Day as well, but came third on that day.

“Since winning Hatstravaganza, I have been noticed more, it’s been a really good stepping stone to getting my name known. Melbourne has a set of very well-known milliners and it’s a hard circle to break into, but this has helped me a lot. bonnie@bonnieevelyn.com www.bonnieevelyn.com A range of Bonnie Evelyn Headwear can also be found at: The Essential Hat 610 High Street, East Prahran, VIC 3181, Australia Phone: +61 3 9530 2266 www.essentialhat.com BONNIE’S HAT TIPS 1. Make sure your hat compliments your outfit.

2. Make sure your hat is comfortable, there is nothing worse than having to adjust a hat all the time, it takes all the fun out of the day.

3. Get me to make it! (laughs) 4. Don’t be afraid to try on different styles, you need to take into consideration, not only your outfit, but your size, shape, hair colour etc. You may not find what suits you when you first start trying on hats, but you will definitely find what doesn’t suit you.

What looks good on the shelf might not look so good on your head.

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Judges love M&Ms FASHION ON THE FIELD FINALIST 2010 & 2011, MARIA PALMUCCI, TELLS PRODIJEE’S FASHION & ACCESSORIES EDITOR, CAROL SHERIDAN, THE STORY BEHIND HER LABEL, MUCCI & ME, AND WHAT LED HER TO FLEMINGTON SUCCESS.

I

t was at a young age that Maria Palmucci realised her love of fashion and design.

“I had a real passion for fad fashion when I was in my teenage years and when I began watching music video clips I would over exaggerate my own version of what they were wearing.

When I was 14 I got my first ever Coco Chanel book and it became my fashion bible! I knew I wanted to design one day so through my college years, I studied all the subjects that led me into Fashion Design with a merchandising course at RMIT. From there I went into children’s wear for six years before moving into textiles and women’s wear design. I have now been designing for 14 years in total and have owned and designed the mucci & me label for just over three years.

Maria loves showing off the feminine form and works a lot with silk georgettes and CDC to get the classic and sexy silhouettes into her designs.

“I love to work with clean but showpiece shapes that have a standout feature or look different yet stunning,” she said.

When approached by Phoebe Vile from PVPR to enter The Designer Awards Fashions on the Field Contest, Maria’s interested was sparked. She was very interested in designing an outfit from head to toe (hat to shoes).

“I love the whole idea of a woman looking stunning in a pantsuit, and with all the racewear requirements, I didn’t want to push the boundaries too much. However, I really believed in the pantsuit being accepted as such a classic, sophisticated style for race day” said Maria.

“Being a finalist helped to get the brand out there; we were already

stocked in Myer stores Australia-wide so people who didn’t shop at Myer became more aware of the label being on the Fashions on the Field stage.

“We began getting more interest from boutiques and more online inquiries and Facebook likes. It has opened more doors as the more people became aware of the label, the more the range grew with more pieces

will take me. As long as fashion is my temple, the designing is my life.”

Having been a successful finalist at Flemington for the last two years, and also successfully reaching the top 10 at Caulfield last year up against very successful and well known designers at both events, will we be seeing one of Maria’s magnificent designs this year?

“I am interested in entering the competition once again however I’m not sure if my busy work schedule will allow it this year”, said Maria.

As much as I love that Maria is really busy with mucci & me, let’s hope that she can find time to have one of our favourite mucci & me designs entered in this year’s spring racing carnival.

MARIA’S FASHION TIPS 1. Don’t over expose with backless dresses, dresses that are too short or reveal too much,

season to season.

As more and more of these doors open to mucci & me, Maria sees the label growing into its own identity and destination for party frocks.

“There are so many cheaperend party wear pieces around but nothing that has the polished feminine silhouettes in beautiful fabrics at affordable prices; pieces that will allow you to subtly stand out in a crowd with a showpiece frock. I would really like to focus my future on taking mucci & me to the international market and have already had interest expressed from Dubai, so who knows where the label

2. Don’t wear one solid colour unless all the colours are dyed to match exactly. Contrasting colours are better to wear rather than trying to match accessories such as shoes and bags to the colour of your outfit, 3. Don’t wear a showpiece ensemble unless you can carry it well and with confidence and finesse.

4. Carry a gorgeous, simple and small clutch bag.

5. Wear a stylish pair of high heels.

6. Moisturised skin and a good gloss or lip tint. www.facebook.com/ pages/Mucci-andMe/158319800868702 PRODIJEE.COM

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A lady of leisure LISA XU BEGAN MAKING HATS TO KEEP HER INTERESTED WHEN HER PARTNER TOOK HER TO THE RACES BUT LITTLE DID SHE KNOW THAT HER HOBBY WOULD QUICKLY TURN INTO A THRIVING BUSINESS. NOT SURPRISINGLY, LISA’S CREATIONS ARE IN HOT DEMAND DURING THE MELBOURNE SPRING RACING CARNIVAL. LISA TOLD CAROL SHERIDAN ABOUT HER PASSION FOR MILLINERY.

I

n the space of 20 seconds, a flick of a hand, a pinch of some fabric, some twisting and turning, talented milliner Lisa Xu turned an old floppy looking thing called a hat (that I would have pitched into the bin), into a beautifully shaped piece of headwear.This girl has talent!

I first met Lisa last year at Caulfield’s Blue Diamond Stakes Day, where the hat she was wearing took my eye. It stood out in the crowd as being something special; it was elegant, classy and above all, it was different. I asked where she found this hat, which milliner designed and made it and where could I go to get something made by this person.

To my surprise, the person wearing the hat, Lisa Xu, was the milliner herself.

We exchanged business cards and she has been on my radar ever since, someone who I really wanted to talk to and someone I thought that every person wanting to buy a hat should know about.

I met with Lisa and learnt about how she found her way into millinery, this is when I saw her turn a ‘nothing’ into a beautiful ‘something’ so effortlessly: “This all started as a bit of a

hobby. I have always gone to the races a lot; my partner and I are VRC members, so we are always there. He has a horse and I just got a bit sick of going to every single race day, early in the morning, and going from the track to the bookies, to the track to the bookies, and so

on.

I’ve always enjoyed dressing up and buying hats for the race meetings and I’ve had a few favourite milliners I would buy from but after a while it just got to be a bit too expensive.

It was 2010 when I first thought of making my own hats. I entered Fashion on the Field wearing one of my hats. I had no skills back then and the hat I wore was all glued, you could even see some sticky tape.

It was a wet Derby Day, and I entered (mainly for the free show bag and lip gloss), but surprisingly I made the preliminary final. That made me wonder what I could have achieved if I had really tried.

I already had my interest in making hats properly so I went from there. Those are embarrassing times now, (laughs).

When Torb & Reiner (hat store/supplier) opened up in Murrumbeena, I did a millinery class with Waltraud Reiner and just became obsessed. I HAD to do this, I HAD to learn this, I HAD to learn more.

Waltraud is lovely, she has guided me, she is a very creative soul, and nobody is too ‘small’ for her to help.

I have since trained under Louise Macdonald, Lynette Lim, Georgina Conheady, as well as international milliners, Eugenie Van Oirschot and Lina Stein. Different teachers teach you different styles and to work with different textures.

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I’ve often asked if I should do my certificate IV in millinery, which is a very recognised qualification that goes over the ‘sticky’ bits of how to draw, how to do pricing and things like that but I have been told that I have already done that work. I have already learnt all of that from the different people who have taught me.

So, what started as a bit of a hobby has progressed to shops asking to stock my hats. Pearl Rock Boutique wanted me to create an affordable Spring range for them and Torb & Reiner also wanted to stock some of my creations, and that’s how it has become a business PRODIJEE.COM

- one day a hat making class, the next my apartment is full of hats and materials.

Since then, I have had to have a business name a website and Facebook page.

I only do this part time at the moment. A lot of milliners make the bulk of their money from wedding millinery, which I will do, but it’s not something I am passionate about. I’m not as comfortable doing wedding millinery as I am about fashion millinery because I like to plan out a whole outfit.

I like women to wear hats for all occasions and now, in winter, I love making felt hats for warmth. I wear them to and from work, it’s really nice to wear something I have made myself.

I work pretty much on commission but I did manage to do a spring range. Now, every week, I have new work given to me, commissions, so I don’t have time to play around making hats for my own range, unless I am doing a class somewhere.

For custom orders, I have a few various styles here that I can show

the clients. That way the client can give me an idea of what it is they are after.

I can also then tell them if the hat is maybe a little too vintage or not quite right for the dress they are planning on wearing. Sometimes a client will want a particular hat.

I will get the same straw as the one they have seen but, being a natural fibre, the fabric will quite often not go the exact way as the other one has. Each piece will be a little different in the way it folds/ pleats and moulds, nothing is identical.

I suppose I have become a stylist.

The customer asks for my honest opinion, saying that I’m the expert.

I can tell them what will suit their face, if the brim on one hat is too big for them, whether the hat will suit their outfit.

When I start designing and creating, it can all come together in a different design. I think I learn more when I am forced to try to do something different. It’s a lot easier when you have the clients outfit, and you look at the dynamics of their pattern, their dress, and you

can create something to suit that in particular.

I like using fashion as a platform for getting noticed. I like seeing hats on people, I try to make hats affordable for everyone. I much rather seeing my hat on someone’s head instead of just sitting here on my shelf, which is why I try to keep my prices around the $200 mark. If there are a lot of textures and shapes involved, I will have to charge more, but its custom made, and still affordable.

I try not to make more than one of each hat but occasionally, a boutique will ask for more of the same because it will match a dress that has been selling particularly well.

In this instance, I will do my best to create another one as close as possible to the original one, but as I said, the fabrics all act differently and when you run steam through them. A whole new ‘movement’ can be captured.

One day, I would like to have my own little workroom somewhere, maybe with a small shop and maybe I would combine that with someone else, possibly a photographer.

I think I would like to do this full time but it’s very hard to be creative every day. At the moment, it’s a small business, it’s something I love to do, and it takes my mind away from other things.

I don’t think I would want to work in the shop front and deal with customers too much. What I do is called ‘real millinery’; it’s 99 per cent hand stitched and hand wired, and I think I would take it very personally if customers didn’t respect the hats when they tried them on. It can be difficult dealing with the public in a retail situation.

Here it is August, and I already have girls coming to me with four outfits wanting four hats to wear for the Spring Racing Carnival.

It’s definitely going to be a busy time, especially with Spring Fashion Week to make hats for too.

This year, I will also be supplying my hats to www.my-boutique.com. au, which is mainly an online store, but if you are in Geelong, you can arrange to try something on by contacting them via info@myboutique.com.au This boutique has affordable dresses and I supply them with affordable headwear. We are working together and we are showing at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week at Earth Candy on September 8 at Spice Market. www. thatsmelbourne.com.au/Whatson/ Festivals/MSFW/MSFW2012/ program/LookStopShop/ Pages/0c0f7ddc-390d-4896-8a1c0066043ec166.aspx I have also been contacted by a boutique in Longreach, Queensland who have requested to stock my hats.

Lady of Leisure Millinery by Lisa Xu – Designer & Milliner can be ordered directly from the website: www.ladyofleisuremillinery. com or www.facebook.com/ ladyofleisuremillinery LISA’S HAT TIPS: 1. Know how to wear your hat properly. I have sent some of my hats to people interstate and found that they have worn them back to front! So, make sure you know how your hat is meant to be worn. Your hat SHOULD sit where your hair parts, traditionally towards the right hand side of your head.

2. Angles and sharp edges make a statement, but ‘big’ is not necessarily better.

3. Have a play around when trying on hats, try on different colours and different styles. Learn what suits you and what doesn’t. Grooming and deportment are extremely important, so consider your whole presentation.

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Racing Fashion Hints and Tips to keep Tres Chic from Tres Geek!

WORDS: ANNA MOTT, PRESENTER - RACING FASHION TV

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earing a hat for the first time can be a little daunting but really, it is a races must. Hats and headwear can range from $20 to in excess of $2000, but the most important thing is to have something to show respect for the tradition of racing.

Opt for a smaller piece to begin, just in case you feel swamped.

Re-hydrating is a must.

You are at the races for a long time. In a night club, if you have had a few too many you can hide in a corner but at the races you are in broad daylight with all ages and social groups.

Enjoy the day, but in between make sure you try a water or something to keep your wits about you.

Also having food in your stomach helps. Keep eating through the day to make sure you are soaking up all the fluid.

When choosing a dress, look toward cocktail wear rather than night club wear.

This will mean that your shoulders should remain covered or have some sort of straps.

You can get by with wearing a shrug, cape, pashmina. Trust me, even when it is boiling hot, you

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never know in Melbourne when the wind is going to change and the course is COLD! Sunscreen is also a must, this is not just for premature aging, it is common sense and in Melbourne

we have some of the harshest sun in the world. Make sure your face has 30+ on and your shoulders , back and neck are well covered.

Spray on aerosol tins may not be environmentally friendly but will be

a saviour in your bag.

Ladies, do I even have to mention the shoe thing? It is an unwritten law, I don't care how much your feet hurt, your pride will hurt more when you are photographed in a beautiful dress, with hair done and make up in place and you are trailing behind with shoes in your hand. A BAD LOOK! Do not wear new shoes.

Wear them a few days before around the house with a pair of socks.

Generally your hair in racing fashion should be swept to one side, up or back off the face. Show off your natural beauty.

Philip Treacy's Number One rule is that hair should never be down.

Enjoy the day, watch the drinks and be comfortable.

If you are not in clothes that are comfortable when you leave the house, they are not going to last seven hours, so change into the clothes that will take you through the day.

Now you’re ready to go!

Watch Racing Fashion TV, 8pm Thursday on Channel 31, Melbourne

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on Dubai

SITUATED HALFWAY BETWEEN EUROPE AND ASIA, DUBAI ENJOYS ONE OF THE BEST LOCATIONS ON THE PLANET. PRODIJEE.COM

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DUBAI

United Arab Emirates DUBAI IS A UNIQUE DESTINATION THAT IS BOTH A DYNAMIC BUSINESS CENTRE AND A TOURIST PARADISE, OFFERING ATTRACTIONS, SHOPPING, FINE DINING AND QUALITY HOTELS. FROM THE TIMELESS TRANQUILLITY OF THE DESERT TO THE LIVELY BUSTLE OF THE SOUK, DUBAI PROVIDES A KALEIDOSCOPE OF ATTRACTIONS FOR VISITORS. WORDS: CAROL SHERIDAN

B

ehind Dubai’s wow factor is a city with history and culture that is still rooted in Islam and trade. The Arab culture and folklore is expressed through music and dance; vibrant souqs (markets) and rich art.

Traditional sports such as falconry, camel racing and dhow sailing are popular in Dubai to this day.

It’s possible to see the traditional side of life here – in the bustling souqs, from a local wooden boat on Dubai Creek, and in galleries, museums and cafes throughout the city.

Dubai is famous for its traditional souqs – Arabian-style covered outdoor bazaars with a warren of lanes and central courtyards.

Nothing compares with the atmosphere and chaos of the souqs – the colours and textures, the cacophony of sounds and the shop owners bargaining for customers.

Unlike in the modern shopping

malls, bargaining is the norm here.

Some of the best include the Deira Gold Souq for gold and jewellery; the Deira Spice Souq for exotic herbs and spices; Bur Dubai Souq for textiles and trinkets; and Madinat Jumeirah or Souq Al Bahar, a modern take on the souq where you can find just about anything.

If you want to explore some of Dubai’s history, culture and traditions take a trip to the Dubai Museum, a 1799 Al-Fahidi Fort, considered the oldest building in Dubai and once the seat of government and residence of Dubai’s rulers.

It tells the Dubai story through displays of old-time fishing boats and traditional dwellings, instruments and hand-crafted weapons, traditional costumes and jewellery and galleries charting Dubai’s exponential growth from tiny trading post to megalopolis.

Al Ahmadiya School and Heritage House is a renovated 1890 courtyard house that once belonged to Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk, the founder of Al-Ahmadiya School (now a museum which you can also visit), and offers a rare opportunity to peek inside a wealthy pearl merchant’s residence.

Built from coral and gypsum, its rooms wrap around a central courtyard flanked by verandahs.

The tiny Heritage Village, Bastakiya is the oldest Emirate neighbourhood in Dubai.

Established at the end of the 19th century by well-to-do textile and pearl traders from Persia, its labyrinthine lanes are lined with restored merchant’s houses, art galleries, cafés, and boutique hotels.

‘The Bastakiya’ is a picturesque step into Dubai’s past. It’s big on atmosphere and a delight to wander.

Left: Burj Kalifa. Below right: Wild Wadi - Master Blaster: Below right: Derset Safari.

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Top left: The Leap of Faith at Aquaventure; Above & Left: Dubai Mall - The Grove; Singer Maya Diab at Paris Gallery launching the Maya Loves Aqua make up collection; Kim Kardashian.

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Above: Glide alongside sharks, rays and wrasse at the Ultimate Dive at Atlantis, The Palm.

Typical houses are two storeys, with a central courtyard with rooms opening onto it, and decorative arches featuring intricate carvings.

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding operates guided Bastakiya walking tours, but the compact area is also easily explored on an aimless wander.

They also host breakfast and lunches through the week - the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Emirati meal while chatting with an Emirati host about UAE culture, customs and religion.

Smoking sheesha is Dubai’s most relaxing traditional pastime and a palm-filled Sheesha Courtyard is the most enchanting place to enjoy it.

Sheesha, also known as a hookah pipe, is both the act of smoking the fragrant flavoured tobacco and the long-stemmed, glass-bottom pipe you smoke from. Sit back and relax on the cushions and puff away!

Every day 15,000 people cross Dubai Creek (the Creek) on abras, traditional wooden water taxis. You can cross the creek from the Deira to Bur Dubai side for just one dirham (25 cents) or you can hire an abra for a personalised cruise, with the wind in your hair and seagulls in your face.

If the boat captain speaks English you might learn a lot about the Creek and those who work on it.

Dhows are long, flat, wooden vessels used in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, and they’ve docked at the Creek since the 1830s when the al-Maktoum family

established a free-trade port, luring merchants away from Persia.

You’ll see them precariously loaded with everything from air-conditioners to chewing gum to car tyres, almost all of it re-exported after arriving by air or container ship.

Heritage and Diving Village is a traditional village, located near the mouth of Dubai Creek in the Shindagha district, it features potters and weavers practicing traditional crafts, as well as exhibits and demonstrations of pearl diving. T The area also includes the official residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai (1912-1958).

The house, which dates from 1896, houses a rare collection of historic photographs, coins, stamps and documents that record Dubai’s history.

While Dubai is steeped in history, it is also a modern metropolis, full of massive hotels with huge swimming pools, huge shopping malls, and bustling population.

Just outside the city centre is expansive red desert and rugged mountains where you can go off-road driving in the dunes, camping under the stars, camel riding, skydiving over The Palm and sand-boarding.

There are many exciting ways to experience this unique environment. Even around the city itself you can go indoor skiing or ice skating, kite surfing or diving among wrecks in the warm Gulf waters.

One of Dubai’s biggest adventures is in the sea of sand that surrounds the deserts of the United Arab PRODIJEE.COM

Clockwise from top left: Burj Al Arab Royal; Suite Sheila and Abaya fashion show at the Dubai Mall.

Burj Al Arab’s amazing Al Mahara restaurant.

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Emirates - a 4WD Safari.

Safari tours often include some ‘dune bashing’ (there are some decent-sized dunes out in the Arabian Desert and what better way to get from top to bottom), a sunset camel ride and a night in a Bedouin-style camp, complete with Arabian barbeque dinner.

Sand boarding and sand skiing are very similar to snowboarding and skiing, only slower, hotter and scratchier. There are plenty of local operators in Dubai that will get you out on the sand.

Many visitors to Dubai are surprised that, in addition to the rolling sand dunes and world-class beaches, the city is just a short drive away from the impressive Hajjar Mountains. These mountains play host to one of the locals’ favourite past times – ‘wadi bashing’.

‘Wadi’ is the Arabic word for valleys or dry riverbeds formed by streams that flow through the mountain range.

A bumpy 4x4 drive through the wadis (or ‘wadi bashing’) is great fun - and isolated rock pools filled

with fresh mountain water provide the perfect place to cool off.

These terrains are best for adrenaline seekers who can enjoy exhilarating drives and a range of action-adventure activities.

The landscape is also ideal for exploration through trekking, mountain biking, abseiling or rock climbing.

Locals, expats and travellers camp freely in the desert, and if you’ve got a 4WD, the possibilities are fantastic. You can head to the windswept sand dunes of Al Faqa

Clockwise from top left: Nasimi Beach at Atlantis, The Palm. Mall of Emirates’ Fashion Dome.

There’s always plenty happening at The Dubai Mall - Part of the Kim Kardashian ‘meet and greet’ show; Dorothy Perkins opening event. The magnificent Mall of Emirates. The stunning Palm Island.

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the wadis near Hatta, the mountains of Ras al-Khaimah or the East Coast beaches around Dibba.

If you don’t have a 4WD, you can still find some beautiful spots within walking distance of wellpaved roads, or you can organise a camping trip with a tour company.

The city’s most incongruous attraction, Ski Dubai is a faux winter wonderland built right into the gargantuan Mall of the Emirates.

It comes complete with ice sculptures, a tiny sledding hill, five ski runs (the longest being 400m) and a Freestyle Zone with jumps and rails.

Gulf Arabs particularly are fascinated by this snowy display, especially the Snow Park with its igloo filled with carved-ice penguins and dragons.

Skiers and boarders whiz down a forking slope, which at 60m may be an ant hill compared with a real ski mountain, but if you’ve never skied or boarded before, it’s a good place to learn the basics – and at -1°C, it’s a great place to escape the desert heat!

Dive into the warm Gulf waters and you can nose around shipwrecks submerged on the sandy seabed at a depth of between 10m and 35m and encounter clownfish, sea snakes, Arabian angelfish and possibly even rays and barracuda or go pearl diving.

With calm waters and predictable winds, Dubai also has a huge range of fabulous water sports.

Water lovers can water ski, jet ski, parasail, kite surf, wakeboard, wind surf, scuba dive, snorkel, or go deep sea fishing.

Drift high above the Arabian Desert and Dubai itself on a dawn balloon ride.

The tranquillity is a sharp contrast to the

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chaotic city and the views are amazing.

Thrill seekers can also sky dive over the desert or the Palm in Dubai – what better way to see it!

Dubai is a haven for world class sporting events. The combination of great weather and first class facilities attracts sporting enthusiasts from all over the world.

Of course, in the city there are unbelievable hotels, divine restaurants, amazing beach and rooftop bars, and cigar bars, and you can be pampered at the most luxurious spas in the world.

Here are a few recommendations to get you started.

Accommodation: One & Only Palm Dubai - West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Burj Al Arab - Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai. Qamardeen Hotel - Emaar Boulevard, The Old Town, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Moevenpick Hotel Deira Corner Abu Baker Al Siddique and Sallahuddin Road, Deira, Dubai. Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites - Al Sufouh Road, Dubai Marina, Dubai.

Spas in Dubai: Talise Spas (Jumeirah Hotels including Jumeirah Zabeel Saray with traditional hamam experience). One & Only Spas (One & Only

Royal Mirage and The Palm). Amara Spa (Park Hyatt Hotel) Assawan Spa (Burj Al Arab). The Armani Spa (Armani Hotel) Satori Spa (Bab Al Shams Resort & Spa).

Dining out: Pierchic – Souk Madinat Jumeirah Nobu – Atlantis the Palm. Al Hadheerah Desert Restaurant - Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa. Bateaux Dubai – dinner cruise. STAY by Yannick Alléno – One & Only The Palm. Vu’s – Jumeirah Emirates Towers Armani Ristorante - Armani Hotel. Rivington Grill - in Souk Al Bahar and Madinat Jumeirah.

Beach/rooftop bars: Barasti (Westin Mina Seyahi – famous for Friday night drinks). Bahri Bar (Mina Salam Hotel – lovely for sundowners). 101 Dining Lounge and Bar (The One & Only The Palm). 360 (Jumeirah Beach Hotel). The Rooftop (One & Only Royal Mirage).

Cigar bars: At.Mosphere in Burj Khalifa (restaurant and bar). Bar 44 (Grosvenor House). Cavalli Club (Fairmont Hotel). www.dubaitourism.ae

N

ow that I have whetted your appetite into visiting a land of mystery, history and excitement, you will want to know how to get there.

Emirates connects Australians to the Middle East, offering special fares to Dubai starting from $1,816 return in Economy Class and from $7,388 return in Business Class (fares valid at time of publication).

Emirates’ currently operates 70 flights per week to Dubai from Australia, rising to 84 by the 1 March 2013, connecting Australia to Emirates’ global network which now features services to 125 destinations in 74 countries.

All passengers enjoy Emirates’ award-winning inflight service from an international crew, including gourmet food and wine menus and an inflight entertainment system with up to 1,400 channels, and generous luggage allowances.

Getting There

www.emirates.com/au Top: Fly to Dubai in style aboard Emirates majestic Airbus 380.

Middle: Enjoy the journey as much as the destination in Emirates’ Business and First Class Lounge.

Bottom: Even the airport is spectactular in Dubai.

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