Christian Dior Haute Couture FW11/12*

"Dior cultivated structure, surface and a feminine silhouette,

to capture the spirit of la Rose Moderne.

Architectural exactitude inspires new cuts and construction to bloom,

as new fabric techniques are developed by the studio to create

an elegant new Haute Couture."

Loved the collection as a whole (how could one not love Couture?!), yet slightly disappointed. Some of the looks were borderline clown costumes and would arguably be considered tacky if they were not from Dior! Seven key pieces captured the story of the show: first face, a pick from each of the five inspirations and the finale outfit. 


Ettore Sottsass
Bold pastel palette combined with graphic black and white. Dior roses mix delicate petals in pleats, prints and folds of taffeta with light gazar waves and triple-layer organzas with leather applique. Crisp, clean lines contrast with a raw, hand-cut finish while tutti-frutti embroideries pollinate color. Leather and plastic embroideries give high glass to new draping techniques.

Frank Gehry

Shimmering soft metallics with glass sequins, neutrals and a new Dior rose. Modern waves are constructed in light mille feuille forms of natural beauty, frayed iridescent lame and muted taffetas. Metallic embroidery, circular layering and light deconstruction shape a new Gehry-style Dior rose of pure elegance.

Jean-Michel Frank and Jean Dunand
Wood and malachite sequined prints. Soft cylindrical columns in the Deco spirit capture the skill and glamour of creation as luxury, cut and movement showcase this contemporary new-wave couture.

Marc Bohan

Multicolored rose petals on hand-painted chiffons, while intricate hand-pleated pieces feature a modern-day homage to Murano glass in a rich bouquet of artistry and beauty defines the skill of Dior.

Jean-Paul Goude

A night at 'Le Palace', as Dior roses dance in a wild celebration of metallic streamers, color and embroidery strewn over innovatively pleated gowns. Refined craftsmanship ensures that Dior tradition fuses with the future as raw cut, bold technique and Dior Haute Couture make a glamorous statement for Fall-Winter roses.

As night dawns, the moon takes it place in the night sky. 

Another fantastic Couture show has ended, 

while another chapter in the House of Dior has begun.*

P.S. I Love You*

"Even after all this time,

the Sun never says to the Earth:

"You owe me."

Look what happens with a Love like that.

It lights up the whole sky."

Friday night in, switch on the television and to my delight the film "P.S. I Love You" is showing!

A timely reminder to appreciate loved ones ~

whether it be our family, friends or significant other.

Maybe?

We do not time for a catch up coffee with an acquaintance,

lunch with a good friend we have not seen for years,

or to attend family dinner with some distant relatives and cousins.

Maybe... 

We can find time amongst our busy schedules

and just make a little bit of time for those special people around us.

In whatever form it comes, and from whoever it may be, does not matter.

What matters is to appreciate the now, rather than regret the later ~

Because Love, will provide a different kind of warmth from Sydney's coldest Winter*

Heaven to Hell*

Nine Steps down Memory Lane*

"Fashion is in the air and the way we live.

Not measured by the number of breathes we take,

but the moments which take our breathe away."

Iconic moments creating a lifetime of style. 
Like a cat with nine lives, let me capture a life of fashion in nine scenes. 

1. Let us start with the bare essentials

Lily Donaldson in Christian Louboutin

(UK Vogue, December 2010)

2. What could possibly be better than an Hermès bag? TWO Hermès bags!

Hermès LRTW SS11

Transparent Crocodile Kelly

3. A Reality: waiting for the train (Perhaps dressed slightly less extravagant and without a stack of LV monogram trunks in tow).

Penélope Cruz in Rob Marshall’s musical adaptation of "Nine"

4. In our Dreams: wearing a once-off masterpiece.

Christian Dior FW09 Haute Couture

5. While a privileged few shall live a Dream as their Reality

Lady Gaga in Alexander McQueen

6. The Birth of an idea captured using colour pencils, paper and a whole lot of skill!

Manolo Blahnik Sketches

6. Back to Black on Black

Lanvin FW11

7. Although a hint of colour never hurts ~

Chanel SS11

9. As you can see... Fairytales do come true after all!*

Tim Walker "Fairytale Man"

BKSV LoVe*

"Four friends,

Four bags,

Four personalisations,

For LoVe."

Is it coincidence that Louis Vuitton represents tradition, innovation, modernity and creativity?In my language, these values are translated to symbolise lasting friendship. Regardless of the changes in our lives, we may reminisce upon close friendships every time a memorable item is used. For BKSV, this means toting our classic LV Monogram Speedy. 

Courtesy of Bryan Boy: WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE TO FASHION?

"Love is similar to fashion. We can’t survive without it. The love of family is similar to the fashion version of the classics. A classic trench coat can withstand weather, rain, wear or tear, like one’s father. The softness and comfort of a cashmere sweater is akin to a mother’s love. A great pair of jeans that you can bring to places is very brotherly or sisterly. Friends come and go over time so the love of friends are similar to accessories — the timeless classic bag, willing to be there while you carry your baggage, is your best friend. The must-have shoe is your other BFF. Acquaintances and all the people that go through the revolving door called life are trend pieces — they make you happy temporarily but after a few short moments, they’re disposable. Shoulder pads? Check. Sequined jackets? Check. Colour blocking? Check check check!

And when it comes to real, unconditional, special love from THE one and only? We’re all gonna have to go through many, many dresses, some tight, some loose, some probably ill-fitting, but there’s only only one, clean and pristine, dress that will march with us to the altar. It takes time to find that one.

Love is all we need."

For BKSV, 
with LoVe
xox*

El Bulli*

"From French Bulldogs of Shillings to the world's greatest restaurant.

Miracles can happen in the hands of Ferran Adrià:

Avant-garde cooking is his preference,

meaningless molecular gastronomy at his disposal.

While magic in the kitchen is conjured!"

After reading The Gastronomist Gets Real in the New York Times, it got me thinking. Oh the irony of being taught home cooking by arguably one of the best chefs in the world- Ferran Adria. And more importantly, the reality of El Bulli closing FOREVER finally sunk in! No I am not referring to the restaurant of the same name in Surry Hills. This is the El Bulli, the first haute cuisine restaurant in Spain, whom most food critics will concur is the world's greatest restaurant. 

On 30 July 2011, El Bulli will complete its fifty year journey as a restaurant and transform into a think-tank for creative cuisine and gastronomy. Demand has always exceeded scarce availability for reservations. I made a feeble attempt to secure one of these coveted reservations by making an application last July, but to no avail. Even postponed planning my Europe trip in the rare event that I may be granted a dinner reservation, which would mean a detour to Spain for a few days!

My five favourite terms as defined in the Synthesis of El Bulli cuisine:

1. Cooking is a language through which all the following properties may be expressed: harmony, creativity, happiness, beauty, poetry, complexity, magic, humour, provocation and culture.
2. All products have the same gastronomic value, regardless of their price.
3. The information given off by a dish is enjoyed through the senses and interpreted by reflection.
4. A culinary language is being created which is becoming more and more ordered, that on some occasions establishes a relationship with the world and language of art.
5. Decontextualisation, irony, spectacle, performance are completely legitimate, as long as they are not superficial but respond to, or are closely bound up with, a process of gastronomic reflection.

Food for thought, thought for food.
I am sure the culinary legacy of El Bulli will remain on our taste buds forever*

~ ~ ~

El Bulli

Av. de Rhode, 101

17480 - Roses, Spain

+ 34 902 103 636

~ ~ ~

Garfish*

"Possibly the distant cousin of Garfield.

A pelagic needlefish

pale-greenish blue on the back and upper sides,

broad, blue-edged silver band along the middle,

and distinguished by the large bill on their lower jaw."

Routine catch up with K over delicious food- in a relaxing atmosphere that was welcomed by nice weather! Only a short walk from Ripples and the beautiful promenade overlooking Sydney Harbour, Garfish is situated within the serene aura of Kirribilli. 

ENTRÉE

Grilled scallops
with Cauliflower & Saffron Puree, Crisp Pancetta

(Natural sweetness of scallops were punctuated by a strong contrast in flavours. Creaminess of the puree was delicately offset by the crispy pancetta.)

MAIN COURSES

Grain Fed Sirloin 
with Cafe de Paris Butter and Chips

Spiced Swordfish with Mash

(Customised dish matched from a choice garnishes)

DESSERT

Belgian Waffle 

served with Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream w/ Peanut Brittle & Mocha Sauce

(Although the size of the waffle was tiny, it was an awesome combination of sweet on sweet. Like a complicated honeycomb having an identity crisis!)*

~ ~ ~

Garfish

2/21 Broughton Street 

Kirribilli

(02) 9922 4322

~ ~ ~