Recession Runways 2 - Myer Autumn/Winter Launch 2009

In the Perth Myer store, only a half hour after the David Jone's launch to perpetuate their "friendly rivalry", the Autumn/Winter Launch was in full swing. The Face of Myer, Jennifer Hawkins, led the pack of local models. Myer's catwalk was all black with pumping music and a large crowd of shoppers straining to catch a glimpse of the former Miss Universe.

Jennifer chatted about Myer's winter line - bold purples and rich blues, detailed dresses, funky bohemian "festival" looks and tasselled boots.

Wish - gorgeous lace dresses


Karen Walker - bold prints


Ben Sherman - the "Fabio" model


Bardot - love the embroidery on the black jersey dress


Blue Juice



Unlike the intimate David Jones launch, the Myer launch felt like it was bursting at the seams. It was glitzy glam featuring a longer runway, reserved VIP seating, pop tunes and bright lights. The only evidence of the recession was the second fashion show which showed off Myer's affordable designers like Wish, Miss Shop, French Kitty and Pilgrim.

I managed to meet Jen after the first parade and grabbed an autograph and quick photo op. Jen was gracious, polite and unfazed by the dozens of cameras flashing in front of her eyes. A true media professional.

Recession Runways - David Jones Autumn/Winter 2009 Launch

On a humid Saturday morning in Perth's downtown David Jones, Brand Ambassador/Supermodel Miranda Kerr launched the Autumn/Winter fashion line. There were distinctive "credit crunch fashion show" signs - a shortened runway and only a handful of models and outfits. Yet the small crowd of enthusiastic wannabe teen models, fashionistas and the media scrum weren't fazed, perhaps already planning their purchases with their K-Rudd bonus.

Introduced and interviewed by Shop Til You Drop's Fashion Director, Rebecca Caratti, Miranda charmed the audience with her dimpled smile. Dressed in a black Alice McCall dress and brown leather jacket, she flaunted her sky-high patent Sachi stilettos. "I've been wearing them all week!" Miranda gushed.


Miranda spoke about the trends of the season - warm layers, investment pieces such as designer dresses, patent shoes and bags, wet-look tights, leather jackets and floral prints.


Sass and Bide - rat pants!


Eastern Pearson




French Connection - love the metallic silver mini skirt!


After the brief fashion show Miranda fielded questions, the first one from a young gentlemen in the front row; "Miranda, could you show us your catwalk?"

Miranda obliged him with a smile and, without missing a beat, showed off her supermodel strut like a pro causing a frenzy in the media pit next to me. She whipped off her leather jacket revealing the beautiful beading on the neckline of her dress. "Interesting question!" she said as she sat back down.





Miranda also revealed to the delight of the many teenage girls that her boyfriend Orlando Bloom was in Perth, "He's not here in the store, but he's out riding his bike and enjoying Perth."

I asked Miranda what had been the highlight of her modeling career. "Definitely being the David Jones Ambassador and representing such an influential Australian brand, being one of the Victoria Secret angels and traveling the world."

All in a day's work really.

The Swell Season Concert at Fremantle Arts Centre

Last month I went to the lovely little "mini festival" Swell Season concert at Freo Arts Centre. The Swell Season is also known as Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova from the movie "Once". The Irish band the Frames (of which Glen is a singer/guitarist) make up the band members,

It was a warm though breezy Sunday afternoon with girls in sundresses and boys in shorts and mandals. There was a seated area and a picnic area at the back, though Glen nearly caused a stampede when he encouraged everyone to come on down near the stage to get a better view.

Glen's a bit of a charmer, he told us funny stories about meeting Bon Scott's son and bantered about the songs. He has an incredible range going from rock god to acoustic singer/songwriter in a matter of minutes.

Marketa was absolutely gorgeous, however her songs are all ballads and a friend made the comment that she almost gets washed out in comparison to Glen.

All in all, it was a nice relaxing concert complete with Irish hecklers, badly taken concert photos and a warm and fuzzy singalong at the end.

Melbourne, I love you

Melbourne has become a home away from home for me. An exodus from Perth has occurred among my bored twentysomething peers. For me this mean free accommodation in Melby and having a little difficulty returning home.

1. Penguins at St Kilda

Melbourne's best kept secret is that penguins live amongst the rocks in the groyne - past the jetty. We spotted a wet penguin who stepped out of its abode but quickly got a bit shy and hid again when he noticed how much commotion he was causing. A little boy then spotted a penguin right near the path, "Is it real?" he asked his parents. Yes indeed.

2. St Kilda Festival

St Kilda is a little boho and a little rough around the edges. It has a Fremantle vibe to it but its not as clean nor as picturesque. It does attract a mixed crowd and last Saturday evening the St Kilda hosted the Yalukit Wilam Ngargee - People Place Gathering Main Festival Concert next to Luna Park. It was a balmy evening and hippies and non-hippies alike took off their shoes and danced in the sand to acts like Lee Morgan.

Also had a spot of coffee and dips at The Fringe Cafe. This bustling corner cafe has a nice ambience with cozy couches inside and sidewalk dining outside. The homemade dips were very yummy.

3. Shopping on Chapel Street

I prefer shopping on Chapel St than in the CBD, perhaps I find it easier to hunt down those bargains or I'm less likely to get lost. Either way Chapel Street is a well known favourite for fashionistas with boutiques and chain stores dotted along the strip. Even if you're on a tight budget it is possible to find a few low-priced goodies. At a little stall called 2% in the Chapel Street laneway I bought a dress reduced to $25! I later found a belt at Dangerfield (on Brunswick St) that cost $38 (more than the dress!) but completed the look. Why are nice belts so hard to find at a good price?

4. Cookie

At Cookie my vodka and cranberry was served from an individually chilled cranberry juice in a test tube like bottle. Interesting touch. I like the different levels at Cookie giving you the option of bar hopping within the same location. On the third level a DJ spun mainly old school beats whilst late-twentysomethings got their groove on the dance floor. There was some rather interesting dance moves and two enthusiastic guys jumped onstage to give an impromptu camp performance - complete with a ladder as a prop. Nice improv.

5. Lygon Street, Carlton

This street reminds me of Fremantle's cappuccino strip except its about 20 times the size with plenty of restaurants and bustling with cafe patrons dining al fresco. We ate at this fantastic no-fuss Italian place called Cafe Correto which was heavily decorated with Grand Prix paraphernalia on the walls. I had penne pasta with mixed vegetables - mushroom, semi-dried tomato, capsicum - and bacon. The penne was al dente perfection! It was a huge plate and only $16.50. Great value for money. An "astonishing" fact - we ate dinner at 11pm. I don't think any Italian restaurant in Perth has a kitchen open that late.

For dessert we trekked into a packed Gelato place and tried the top three flavours - we deduced they were rum raisin, choc mint and ferrero. Sharing a small cup was a smart idea as the serving was huge.

There was one major downside to my Melbourne trip though - being stuck on the M1 for an hour and 15 minutes before my flight home. No apparent reason for the traffic jam surfaced, except for impatient motorists who don't know how to merge. Luckily though I ran into the bag drop, to security check, got my baggage frisked for illegal substances, ran to the lavatory and ran to the gate. No time to pick up some Krispy Kremes, although I did spy someone carrying 3 boxes of KK donuts home.