Creepy Beautiful

A Girl (2006) - new born baby, with part of umbilical cord and some blood.

Untitled (Big Man) (2000) - a nearly seven-foot sculpture of a naked, completely hairless, belligerent-looking man sitting with his knees drawn up and his elbows resting on his knees, his head in his hand.

Mask Self Portrait (2007) - eight-foot sculptur

Seeking something eerie yet completely fascinating to do? Well pop down to the exhibition at the Ron Mueck NGV. Mueck, an Australian artist, creates sculptures that represent the human form in all of its perfection - right down to the last imperfection. His style is what you call Hyperrealism meaning, he creates unbelievably life-like sculptures. Sculptures that are as detailed as a high res image. His work is that accurate, that you feel as though you're looking at a living and breathing new born child or naked man, even if they are 3 meters long and motionless.

Ron's attention to detail is truly unbelievable - his sculptures have dewy cheeks, wrinkled ankles, cracked lips, rough elbows, real hair and awkward facial expressions that suggest they have feelings and thoughts.

Whilst pretty bizarre I would suggest heading to NGV to see it with your own peepers.
A National Gallery of Victoria Touring Exhibition
22 Jan - 18 Apr 2010 NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road
Temporary Exhibition Spaces 2 & 3, Ground Floor
10am–5pm Closed Tuesdays, except Australia Day 26 Jan
Open until 9pm Sun 28 Feb

Up Close & Personal - Vol 3.

Image: Pashley Bikes

Dear Tuxedo Black Cashmere Pink - week ending Feb 26 (oh my god - feb is nearly finito - yikes)

What a pretty morning I woke up to today. Nothing makes me feel better than the morning sun, that semi cold but bearable air that gives you a minor head chill, and the noise the birds make in the tree outside of my bedroom (their species - sadly I do not know). My week on the other hand, like this pretty morning, has also been wonderful. I say wonderful because wonderful things have happened to me this week, things like - a complete stranger bought me a coffee because when I went to pay my wallet was pennyless, I shocked myself when I accomplished a 40km bike ride (afterward, quads not one bit sore), and remember how I blogged about my all time fav site, The Cool Hunter in 'The Greatest Site of em All'. Well Bill from the actual Cool Hunter itself yes that's right - The Cool Hunter, shocked me by emailing me this....

'I love your profile - well written and don't take comments seriously. Your blog is inspiring so if anyone has written something not so pleasant, its just out of jealousy or anger - water of a ducks back - don't think about - just delete' Bill.

I would love to tell you Bill's position but like the bird's species - it remains unknown. So to you Bill, you lovely man...thanks for taking 2 secs out of your day to write to little old me! You made me smile!

Okay now for the crescendo of this wonderful week; listen to this one or should I say read!?
An old high school crush emailed me saying that - whilst working in Japan he had stumbled across my blog and kinda liked it. This old high school crush liked it so much that he has referred my blog into a new International Fashion Maggie regarding a potential writing opportunity for me. There is one bummer though, the email was sent at the start of this month to my hotmail address which I never check, like never! So I have only just now responded, 3 weeks later. So please say a little prayer for me that it's not too late....please!

Anyway other things on the blogging agenda
For the month coming up I have some pretty exciting things to share with you!

1. Of course you'll be the first to know if this writing opportunity eventuates into something - you better be praying!

2. I have roped creatively inspiring young fashionable types into allowing me to write a little somethang about them. The first on the agenda is a stylist, only 24, accepted to do an internship at Vogue NYC. The second, a well know Makeup Artist and third you'll just have to wait with baited breath!

3. I am going to sign up to Patsyfox Drawing Salon to brush up on any old drawing skills that still remain. If my drawings are any good I will show you.

4. Lastly I have artwork coming for a new title for Tuxedo Black Cashmere Pink from a talented buddy of mine. Get ready for it, I think it's going to be super cute.

Now onto today's picture choice...I chose this picture because after doing the 40 km bike ride, which was amongst 6000 others and included peddling over the Westgate Bridge, I have decided that I love bikes - espesh these bikes from Pashley in the UK. Admittedly this love will only last for a few weeks but for now I want, I want, I WANT!!!

To wrap this one up - tell me has anything wonderful happened to you this week?

Mr Lincoln

Do you know Mr Lincoln!? If not get yourself to Gertrude Street to check out this florist, it is my flowering fav! My heart melts over this place not only because I am a flower junkie but because Sarah, the mother nature behind the store, creates these fabulous window displays using recycled materials like old coke cans, smith's chip packets, tomato tins - you name it she has done it. These displays always get you thinking....

I took the pic above for a few reasons. One: I like the hessian wrap around the pot plant. Two: Sarah bought the a-frame for next to nothing and painted it with black board paint (cute right?) and three: I never knew ginger flowered, did you? I thought it was only one of those rooty kinds....see I told you she gets you thinking!

Mr Lincoln
102 Gertrude Street
Fitzroy

Bring the Fashion Festival Home

Image: lmff

Are you a tad sick of just watching stemmy men and women prance down a runway riddled with jealously of what they are wearing!? Ok, ok you're probably not - but listen up now you can actually 'DO' something by bringing the Fashion Fest home. The cultural program of the L'Oreal Fashion Festival has this fashionably great workshop called 'Do' which allows you to 'do' just that...'do'. Confused!? Don't be...I will explain. 'Do' is a program where designers share their techniques straight from the runway, intensive fashion drawing workshops, creative and sustainable inspiration to update your wardrobe and hints on how to make this season’s trends work for you.

Don't let me hold you up. Sign up here and let that inner Lagerfeld emerge.

The program is in collaboration with PatsyFox so if you miss out don't fret...click here!

The PatsyFox Drawing Salon
20 - 24 Guildfod Lane, Melbourne
(03) 9642 0042

The Coolest Site of Em All

Minjae Lee, 19 year old self taught artist.

Nikki Farquharson - London based graphic designer a.k.a multi media extraordinaire

Images: The Cool Hunter

Happy Tuesday everyone - sorry for the lack of post yesterday - hectic day BUT I am back (clearly) feeling uninfected by someones negative comment left on my Up Close & Personal post (which will remain unpublished) from last week....hiss hiss

You see when I am little down I turn to things that take my mind away from the trials and tribs so my existence. On this particular occasion, for an instant pep up, I turned to the exuberant and delightfully artistic site - The Cool Hunter.

The vision of the artwork from Nikki Farquharson and Minjae Lee above, whilst poles apart, suddenly shot a rush of energy back into my veins this morning, influencing this blog post and I guess in a way told me to suck it up and saddle up that horse of mine. So to The Cool Hunter... thank- you for showing me there are better things in life then letting some anonymous person affect you.

Be sure the check this site out (if you haven't already). The commercials or ads that The Cool Hunter Team creates are marvelous.

The Cool Hunter
The Cool Hunter has become the world's most-read culture and design site, a leading authority on all things creative and a truly global hub for what's cool, thoughtful, innovative and original.

Up Close & Personal

Image: Vampire Weekend (something I love this week)

Dear Tuxedo Black Cashmere Pink - week ending Feb 19

Another week, another thing or two learned. This week, let me tell you, has been completely disastrous - everything has pushed my tolerance levels and for an intolerant person that's not a good thing.

What's that saying about bad luck? Is it that it generally comes in threes? Well, if that's it then this week for me has lived up to that saying plus some.

A Man in Need of an Education;
Last week a dashingly handsome young man asked me out for a bite. Instead of giving him my general 'sorry I am busy' line, I accepted. I mean, who could resist those rugged good looks he had going on!?

So Tuesday night rolled around, the big date night. At 8pm my phone alerted that I had a message. I thought surely not, that's not him. But to my slight disappointment it was him saying 'out the front'. Lesson one; either call to say you're out front or better yet bring the romance back - just knock on the door.

Anyway I decided not to judge to soon so with my tummy slightly growling with nerves (or was that hunger umm not sure), I gave myself a quick perfume spray and out the door I went only to be greeted by him still sitting in HIS CAR! Lesson two; get out of the car when you see the girl that you're about to head out with. I mean, really!? I contemplated pulling my second favorite 'sorry, I am just not feeling my best' line. But then I got a glimpse of that face and thought - my god you're gorgeous. Call me superficial but his looks seduced me into the car.

After a kiss on the cheek and a quick chat in his stationary car he then asked 'where do you want to go'. Oh my - you're kidding me right!? Lesson three; least have some idea of where you think we should go. I am positive that you would not go into a football match untrained or a meeting unprepared? I am right aren't I!? Then why on earth would go into a date with no idea?? What a nightmare this one was!

With it left up to me to call the shots, I then suggested that instead of dinner we should just have a drink around the corner from my apartment as I suddenly wasn't 'feeling my best' .

Oh Tuxedo Black Cashmere Pink where have all the nice boys gone?

My bad luck plus some moments:

1. Noticing that the person you share an office with chews really loud (sorry I love you but didn't your mum ever tell you to chew with your mouth shut?)
2. Being locked out of your apartment for over an hour in your pj's without a mobile phone
   
3. Having fire fighters run through your apartment at six in the morning (reason unknown)
4. And lastly having no choice but to listen to an awful fight and then the makeup sex of your neighbour
   

Anyway on a brighter note....here are things that haven't annoyed me this week:

Ate At - Longrain
Entree:
Betel leaf topped with prawn peanuts mint
& chilli paste
Shared Mains:
Steamed whole baby snapper with lemongrass
lime & roasted chilli paste and
Mussaman curry of mandagery creek venison with baby onions kipfler potatoes & peanuts
Dessert:
Samples plate of goodness

Listened To - Vampire Weekend
Particular Tracks - Campus and I Stand Corrected

Fall in Love With: Abbey Lee
The Vogue Spreed on Cover Girl - Abbey Lee

So if something annoyed you this week, or a man has really REALLY stuffed up a date or if you're loving something - drop me a line. I would love to know!

GaGa, Surprisingly Tender

Image: Hint Magazine

Crowd goes all GaGa over a beautiful performance honoring Alexander McQueen.

Watch Lady GaGa's tribute from the Brit awards here

The Devil Wears It

Image: prada.com

The devil wears it, my Aunt wears it, Sienna Miller wears it (sadly I don't) but now it can lie on my coffee table. I am of course referring to Prada, and to be more specific - the book that was unveiled to media yesterday in Soho called (wait for it)....'Prada'. The 5kg, 708 paged book of pure diviness is the latest thing to be sort after. It's a fashionistas, fashion students, art lovers, book collectors dream asset offering a detailed photographic journey of the Prada Empire. Artistically documenting their saffiano texture, advertising campaigns from fall/winter 1987 to 2009 and yesterday's designs, the book can be described as being broken into two parts, Inside and Outside. The 'Inside' section is about Prada’s history, documenting the design and production process whilst the 'Outside' section summarises Prada’s various engagements with the likes of commerce and culture. Pick up your Prada today, it even gives a glimpse into the future of the brand.

To buy the Prada Book click here

Happy Tuesday

My creative, cat loving, badge making and much adored work buddy isn't in the office today but with this mornings 'post it' message (left on my desk) she still managed to brighten my day. So from her to me, me to you - HAPPY TUESDAY!

Visit her blog - handmaderomance...it's a la romantic and very homemade!

Live Streaming is Born

Image: SHOWStudio

Besides deathly heels, fearless new fashions, tabloids running wild - NYC Fashion Week has now given birth to something called live streaming. Apparently everyone is doing it, it is the next BIG thing! Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs are the leaders of broadcasting live audio and/or video over the Internet, synonymous with webcasting. Alexander Wang has not only embraced this new trend but has now taken it to another step by slapping his fall collection show across the big screen at Times Square.

First shown:
February 13, 6:00 pm
American Eagle store, 46th St. & Broadway

View Wang's Times Square Show here

Up Close & Personal

Dear Tuxedo Black Cashmere Pink - week ending Feb 12

It’s been some time since I drifted off to sleep prior to the clock striking twelve. My need for little sleep baffles my friends. Perhaps they think I am different, maybe slightly off centre (which I probably am anyway)…but who cares if I only need 6 hours sleep a night – I still function. Anyway all this sleep talk is funnily enough making me sleepy so I am going to cut to the chase. Whilst attempting to shut my eyes prior to some ungodly hour, my mind always seems to race with various thoughts. So here’s a new post idea for Tuxedo Black Cashmere Pink….it’s time you got up close and personal with me.

At the end of every week I am going to summarise my week just been. My likes, pet hates, achievements, mistakes (boy, these seem to be happening so much lately) and anything else I want to get off my chest.

So here goes nothing / everything…..

Hating - Facebook;
If I see one more person post their status as ‘Friday’ when it is in fact Friday I am going to one, write to them saying – Thank you very much for pointing out what day it actually is as I had absolutely no idea. I feel much more intelligent for reading that. Two, delete as friend - immediately, to prevent further day status'.

Mistakes;
Didn’t proof read my message (to a potential new flame) prior to sending. How could I mistake writing ‘Bump’ for ‘Pump’? The message suddenly became offensively sexy and I don’t even like him….oh god why did you make me so silly!?

Achievements; none so far. Wow, inspiring…

What I love this week;
Mum! She wrote me a goodnight message and called me angel. It made me smile.

Thoughts;
This week I thought about a friend that I hadn’t spoken to for a while, a friend that once meant the world to me. I wonder what he is up to these days.

Sayings;
A woman that I work with said to me - 'The more you know. The more you know'. Isn't that saying just awesome!?

Lastly the pic above is from Tallow and Graham, a store filled with marvelous things. The snap was taken on my way to work. I took it because, well, I just luuurrrvvvve that store. Thank-you Tallow and Graham for making my walk to work so pretty!

So, what drives you mad? Achieved anything this week? Embarrassed yourself in front of an admirer? Come on spill the beans….I wanna know!

The Endless Garment

Image: Sandra Backlund

In light of the previous post about Nikki Gabriel comes a similar post called, The Endless Garment. The Endless Garment is a cutting edge knit exhibition proudly brought to you by RMIT. It showcases woven masterpieces from the masters themselves, both machine driven and computerised. Don't miss your chance to see some of the finest knits from our shores and international waters. Nikki's work will be there and so will Sandra Backlund's...oh and Issey Miyake and Hishinuma's...ok, ok I'll stop now or else I'll ramble on forever.

Designers:
ISSEY MIYAKE (Japan)
SANDRA BACKLUND (Sweden)
WALTER VAN BEIRENDONCK (Belgium)

COOPERATIVE DESIGNS (UK)

MARK FAST (UK)
NIKKI GABRIEL (Australia)
YOSHIKI HISHINUMA (Japan)
SAVERIO PALATELLA (Italy)
FREDDIE ROBINS (UK)
SIBLING (UK)

Loco:
RMIT Gallery
344 Swanston st
Melbourne

Open Hours:
Exhibition runs Feb 12th - March 21st 2010

The Endless Garment

Riddled with Envy

Image: The Design Files

Yesterday The Design Files had yet another giveaway, it was for the hand-made ebony knitting needles above from Nikki Gabriel....yes, that's right - Nikki Gabriel! I wanted them, I wanted them so bad - I really did. You see , I thought that if I won these hand-made ebony knitting needles they would magically kick start my desire to learn how to knit, spin yarn into superbulous creations just like Gabriel's. Sooooo, to the person cradling these in their hot little hands, (I am sure you're a deserving winner) you have riddled me with envy...happy?

Seduced by a Book

Images: timwalker.com

Last year I gleefully tagged along to a shoot for new head shots for my boss. The studio was a hollow shell in Richmond. All that lived in this studio was a red fire extinguisher and a fire place (guess the two go hand in hand really), I am a sucker for simplicity. Whilst the photographer and stylist did what they do best, I was distracted by the most the amazing book I have ever laid eyes upon - Pictures by Tim Walker. There it was lying peacefully on a stool, next to the red fire extinguisher and the fire place. It pulled me towards it somehow. I could have even sworn the cover opened slightly forming the shape of a mouth murmuring – read me, read me, love me, love me.

Tell me, has Pictures seduced you too?

Salacious Scandals

Image: Playing the Field - Zoe Foster

After a decade of hip and shouldering fellow WAGS and football players, Zoe Foster has released her second book 'Playing the Field'. 'Playing the Field' is laced with salacious scandals, high heels and back to back social events - all relevant to the football world. If you're not familiar with Foster- here's a snippet...She was once the Beauty and Lifestyle Editor at Cosmopolitan magazine before becoming Beauty Director at Harper's BAZAAR. And now!? Well now Zoë is the Editor in Chief of online beauty destination primped.com. This little busy bee even has her own blog, wow and I thought I was busy.

To buy this book, click here.

New Designer from Queens

Image: lacquansmith.com

Wanna make it big time? Well take a leaf out of Queens Designer - Lacquan Smith's book by teaching yourself how to sew, rock up at parties which you haven't been invited too, introduce yourself to right people pretending to be someone they want to know and BOOM you're a sort after fashion designer. Hmm think there's one thing missing, what could it be!? I know, talent. Probably still need that and Lacquan clearly has it!

When Life Gets a Little Flat

Image: ted.com

Now that I am writing this little blog (online diary - as I like to refer to it), old and wonderful friends are crawling out of the woodwork. They are sending me things to write about, to read about, to fall in love with - some are a little worthless (ouch, sorry) whilst others magical. So here is something for you that someone sent to me, ted.com. Bookmark this little baby for when life gets a little flat so that you can refer to it. It will expand your mind, have you thinking in ways you didn't think possible and somehow inject a gust of energy back into your sole. View Phillipee Stark's, the master of design, talk - 'Why Design?', its pretty god damn amazing.

Robert Duffy - What a Tease

Image: Marc Jacobs

Robert Duffy dropped a bomb on Twitter yesterday - he hinted that a Marc Jacobs Store may be opening in Australia. Can you imagine? Let's hope he is a man of his word!!

Recycling the Deceased

Because I am in recycling mode, here's something to create with dead flies. Look at them playing see-saw and running races...who knew the deceased could be so utterly adorable!? Now, before you go all ' animal rights' on me, relax, I didn't take part in their death. My girlfriend just sent me the pictures. Thanks J - you could say you've made my day a little bit more fly!

Busting for the Loo

Yesterday I installed a new window display for Valentines Day at work. The love heart was made from recycled toilet paper rolls - clued, stapled and hooked together. I love it that much that I may just send it a Valentines Day card as a token of my affection. If you walk past it, let me know what you think!

Half Plucked Chicken

Image: Pixie Market

This morning Drop Dead Gorgeous posted 'Trend to Try' - luckily they pretty much agree with my feelings that fringes are completely done to death. I am hating fringes on clothes, why are people still wearing this rubbish!? There's this girl right, at my morning coffee stop shop, that wears a tee with feathers that hang from the shoulders. She wears it most days and most days I feel like telling her that she looks like a half plucked chicken or some sort of derelict bird. BUT she makes a really nice coffee so I think I will keep my mouth shut...