Winter Beauty

Linda Jefferyes, top makeup artist, and I both came to the conclusion that as Australian's we're coming into winter (unlike our European and American friends) therefore we can be the first to seek inspiration from the OS winter 2010 shows. Clever huh!

All photo's: Patrick Mcgreal for Style Me Romy

Hair: Renya Xydis and Make up: Linda Jefferyes

Model: Jandra/Chic

Burberry Prorsum trench coat

Look: The Heavy Brow

This is the new heavy brow for winter, it's not the solid heavy thick brow that we have seen in the past, it's about seeing separation between the brow hairs.

Brush the brow upwards then use the MAC clear brow set to hold them in place. Define your brows with a slightly darker colour than your own natural colour, I used the MAC brow definer and to complete this look I slightly contoured the cheeks.

Eyes: NARS multiple bronzer added just in the socket of the eyes to give a little definition, then curl lashes and try a brown mascara instead of a heavy black.

Lips: MAC fleshpot mixed with a lip balm and patted on lips with your finger.

Miu Miu shirt and broach

Look: Dark Eyes

To create this dark eyed winter look I used the NARS eyeshadow duo Pandora, this is a real matt black great for getting that heavy black eye effect. I know this is not a daytime look but so great for after dark. Curl your lashes and apply a thick coating of the YSL mascara.

Contour the cheeks with the NARS Multiple Bronzer, this is a very easy to apply cream contour stick. Go under the cheek bone and blend up into the apple of the cheek.

Dion Lee shirt

Look: Red Lip and Pink Eyes

This winters red lip has a shine to it, for this look I used red lipstick on both eyes and lips. Use a small brush and lightly brush across the lid of your eyes also go underneath the eye. Then outline the lips with MAC red lip pencil and then apply a good coat of MAC 'Russian Red' to the lips. I then added a small drop of MAC clear lipglass to give it that high shine effect.

Doubletake

You'll need a bigger budget this season for your winter looks because we're wearing two of everything. Whether you're doubling up your jacket, watches, belts, scarves or bags... here are some ways to make it work.

Photo: Patrick Mcgreal for Style Me Romy

Hair : Renya Xydis Make up : Linda Jefferyes

Model: Jandra/Chic

Ann Demeulemeester leather jacket and pants, Dries Van Noten coat, top and belt all from Poepke. Hermes belt (worn around neck), fur cuffs and bag. Country Road chocolate leather belt and Isabel Marant shoes from The Corner Shop.

Alexander Wang dress and bag, A Detacher fringed belt all from Bloodorange. Louis Vuitton scarf and bumbag.

Camilla and Marc coat. Celine skirt, Laurence Pasquier blouse, Toywatch all from Arida. Hermes silk scarf, Flannel scarf, Burberry Prorsum belt and Gucci shoes.

Celine shirt from Arida, Arnsdorf top (worn underneath), Ksubi jeans, Dries Van Noten leather clutch from Poepke and Louis Vuitton bag.

Mycatwalk ELLERY exclusive

Photo: Daniel Nadel for Style Me Romy

Kym Ellery wearing one of her own designs, an exclusive Ellery dress for mycatwalk.com. Worn over pants or on its own it's a hot pink sensation!

Michelle Jank and Tanya Linney.... ex models unite

I asked Michelle Jank (designer) if she'd team up with Tanya Linney (Photographic Artist) in Perth to shoot her Flight Collection as it launched at Elle Boutique Tuesday evening.

Michelle's latest jewellery collection for Fairfax and Roberts is available exclusively at Elle Boutique in Perth for 2 weeks before it returns to Fairfax and Roberts mid April.

Below the collaboration of two beautiful, creative and extremely passionate artists....

While Tanya was taking pictures Michelle flashed back to memories of herself and Tanya being models at age 16 in Perth, working on terrible night club shows. "Tanya was as quiet as a mouse, I'm sure I was no better! Funny where paths lead and where they twist and turn...the magic of life really. Thanks Romy for a nice opportunity for a reunion." Michelle Jank

The Flight Collection is birds designed to look in flight and suspended on fine chains in different combinations of white gold, diamonds and black rhodium plate and black diamonds. "Its about lightness of spirit and freedom, my bird pendant goes everywhere with me. Its my good luck, I barely take it off." Michelle Jank.

Michelle also designed in Paris (her residence) a debut collection of couture gowns especially for the Elle launch.

Currently Sydney Based Photographic Artist Tanya Linney has been spending the last six months in Western Australia working on her upcoming exhibition "Wear and Tear" scheduled for November 2010.

Chanel... you've got me hooked

I went into the Chanel store and was curious about this crazy invention. What a cute idea, it hooks on the side of the table to hang your handbag, keeping it off the floor.

The perfect gift idea for someone who has everything, or something special for myself.

Chanel Handbag hook $530 from the Chanel Boutique

Goot launch

Designer Josh Goot launches the Goot range at his new store in Glenmore Rd Paddington, Sydney yesterday. A diffusion line of easy care, easy wear, wardrobe essentials inspired from his previous collections of signature pieces that earned him his global recognition.

Fashion consultant and 10 TV's Gabriele Hackworthy was in town and interviewed Josh for Style Me Romy. Apologies for my bumpy camera work, I will have it sorted by Australian Fashion Week!

Light sensation at the MCA

As a stylist I often seek inspiration from all sort of mediums, recently from a modern installation of contemporary art.

I went to Olafur Eliasson: Take Your Time, exhibition at the MCA Sydney. A Danish-Icelandic artist, he plays with light in a powerful way. I walked into rooms and I turned black and white, I was showered with mist and saw incredible rainbow effects, it was truly an amazing visual experience. I've since spoken to people who have been multiple times, it's a must, on until April 11th 2010.

Robby Ingham in Paris

Things are happening on Oxford St in Paddington, Sydney, with a total revamp to retail store Robby Ingham. New labels, new partner and a new direction makes it one of our new favourite shopping destinations. Marlene Mangioni, buyer and partner (previously at Belinda Boutiques) has just returned from her buying trip for the new season. Adding to their exsisting line up of labels - Chloe, Helmut Lang and Martin Margiela - Robby Ingham will be adding Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang, Halston, Givenchy and Phillip Lim to their racks.

Marlene took us to the Paris fashion showrooms and gave us a sneak peek of what she's buying for next season.

Givenchy dress

Givenchy bag... first there was the Nightingale, next the Pandora and now the Antigona, the new "it" bag

Stella McCartney pants, you can't not have a cropped skinny pant for winter with a pointy kitten heel a la Emmanuelle Alt.

Stella McCartney stirrup pants, hot hot hot!!

Balenciaga's Nicolas Ghesquiere in Sydney

Yes the very private, fashion royalty, Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquiere, is coming to Sydney to launch the house's first ever fragrance.

My most desired label, it holds a very special place for me. I married wearing Balenciaga at City Hall in NYC and was nearly brought to tears in a Paris nightclub when I thought I'd lost my Balenciaga jacket...I can easily admit to being a true fashion victim when anything Balenciaga is involved.

A question I hope to ask Nicolas whilst he's here....

Was Tom Ford really in the nude when he interviewed you recently for Interview magazine? (click on link, a must read)

Lets hope I get to meet him and that he's as much fun as his PA, Charlotte Proux, who's already intown. We love you Charlotte!

And the winner is.... Dion Lee

I caught up with the always immaculately groomed and well-dressed designer Dion Lee. He did, however, admit his biggest fashion faux pas is (constantly) wearing track-pants in public. I congratulated him on winning the Woolmark young designer award, we discussed his calm and cool work ethic and I got some insider info on his collection for the up and coming RAFW.

Photo: Richard Bailey, courtesy of Vogue Australia

Romy: You won the Woolmark LMFF young designer award, congratulations. What happens now?

Dion: At the moment I am deeply immersed in my new collection, to be shown at RAFW. I have had so many other things going on, so it's great to finally be able to devote all of my energy to designing. I can't wait to start thinking about the trip to premier vision and working on a new collection with those amazing resources. However, so much to do before then.

R: Your shapes feel so sculptured and modern, your clothes are like pieces of art... Do you take inspiration from any particular artists?

D: Yeah, I do look at alot of artists to source the appropriate references for a collection. For AW2010 'how to be invisible' the idea was to create this surrealist landscape, clothes fading into the body and disappearing, with transparency and stretch silks, weaving through structures. There was one (Salvador) Dali image of particular influence that I seemed to keep coming back too that beautifully illustrated skin melting off the body. The staircase sculpture we created for the shoot had elements of M.C Escher and Rachel Whitehead.

R: I shot a jacket for Vogue from your second collection ever (pictured above) , and I've dressed Sarah Murdoch in a few of your pieces. Who are you thinking of when designing for this summer collection at fashion week?

D: I think there are often multiple personalities in my collection. There are a variety of women whose styles influence me in different ways. With the collection I am working on at the moment, there is a lighter, easier sophistication and I thin a stronger sense of maturity.

Los Adelaidos next stop... Claireinc.com

Can't be bothered with Ebay? Does the smell of the Salvos turn your stomach? Browse Claireinc.com for impeccable quality vintage YSL, Chanel and Givenchy to name a few. Join owner/buyer/stylist/photographer Belinda Humphries and I on the latest shoot for the site.

Clare: Why vintage Bel?
Bel: I saw a huge gap in the market for something trend-based, late-era designer collections in Australia. We focus on avant garde pieces with relevance and that promotes individual style and rejects tired retro stereotypes.

C: How should your pieces be styled and worn by your clients?
B: I think it's important to find a balance and mix in with contemporary collections and great quality basics. Fashion is cyclical and it always looks best when old is blended in with new.
C: Who are your clients?
B: Ironically the majority of our clients are based overseas. We get quite a few high-profile fashion editors and celebs - M.I.A, Lily Allen, Irina Lazareanu to name a few.

C: Adelaide tip?

B: The Central Markets, Amalfi Restaurant and have you heard of The New Guard?

C: Certainly have!

Los Adelaidos - The New Guard

Clare Alstin reports:

I'm back in my hometown, Adelaide, this week and first stop is The New Guard on Unley road. This modern boutique to which all things black, minimal and fabulous reside is owned by Erin Skipter and Anna Sergiou, two of my longtime friends. I drop in and Erin shows me what's just arrived...

Clare: How's the newguard.com.au going one year on from launch?

Erin: Our label mix this season is pretty spot on. We now sell Arnsdorf, Alexander Wang, Friedrich Gray, Acne, Opening Ceremony, Ksubi, Complex Geometries, Dion Lee and Erin Wasson RVCA is landing any day.

Isabel Marant Booties (phone order only) and studded bag, Alexander Wang top, Friedrich Gray leggings, thenewguard.com.au
C: So glad my Isabel Marant booties have arrived Eri, add these to my layby please! What else has come in and what are you loving?

E: I'm loving the distressed knits and sporty-luxe fleece by Alex Wang and I'm so impressed with Dion Lee again this winter. Have you seen this incredible dress? Can't even describe the way it fits but look at the way the fabric's sculpted - it's literally a blazer/mini dress hybrid.

Erin's Adelaide tip: Gouger Street for restaurants and McLaren Vale wineries for the best reds.

Meeting Francisco Costa

When the Calvin Klein team come to Sydney its always too much fun. I have to say my hangovers are milder this time around as they are splitting their stay between Melbourne and Sydney (oh and they didn't bring Kevin Carrigan, Global Creative Creative Director, CK Calvin Klein).

Photo: Belinda Rolland

Calvin Klein Collection, woman's Creative Director Francisco Costa (above) is here to speak at L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival's Business Seminar, Friday 19th March with Malcolm Carfrae, the company's Executive Vice President of Global Communications.

With Fashion Consultant, Claudia Navone. My dress is Calvin Klein Collection Spring 2010 available at Myer Bourke st. store April.
Last night we were celebrating the launch of Calvin Klein home furniture with Creative Director Amy Mellen, at Sydney's Coco Republic.

Image Slim Aarons from his book Poolside with Slim Aarons available at Borders.

Francisco and I chatted about feeling "butch" at Icebergs (Bondi Beach) when jumping from pool edge to ocean and how it reminded him of the iconic Slim Arons picture in the South of France.

Bulgari's golden years on film

I love an old film, the costumes and jewellery they swan in and out of. That sort of 60's glamour exists in a different way today so it's so nice to look back.

Bulgari and the ACMI have collaborated to present 2 of the most beautiful 60's films, Come September (1961) and The VIP's (1963).

Be sure to get tickets for the screenings to Timeless Glamour: Bulgari on Film, Melbourne, 13-18th April www.acmi.net.au

Photo courtesy of Photofest, Still from the film The VIPs (1961)

Richard Burton is said to have quipped about his then wife Elizabeth Taylor ...

" I introduced Liz to beer, she introduced me to Bulgari" and " the only Italian word Elizabeth knows is Bulgari"

Bulgari necklace in platinum with emeralds and diamonds 1961

Also showing in Melbourne and Sydney is Bulgari's Retrospective Exhibition, "Between History and Eternity"1884-2009, 125 years of Italian Jewelry.

Held in the Bulgari stores, this exhibition is the first stop after Rome to show here in Australia.

Email vintage@bulgari.com to make an exclusive appointment to view these incredible pieces.

Anu

I don't always like working on a Sunday but I do like working with a great team, Patrick , Noni, Anita, Jira, and Bart. We were shooting the Anu look book. Be the first to order from the latest collection yet to be seen by anyone, anita@byanu.com.

All photo's: Patrick Mcgreal

From Stockholm to Sydney

The Swedish are taking the fashion world by storm, one shop at a time. Australian's are obviously huge fans and devotees to Acne clothing, after opening their Glenmore Rd store in Sydney, they've recently opened up shop in Melbourne. We've got just as much love for Acne Paper, the sell out creative publication is innovative, full of inspiration and on our reading list, pity it only comes out twice a year.

Whyred, a new label to hit our shores boasts it's clean lines, neat shapes and quirky details.

One of our favourite's this winter, these innovative and money conscious boots, doubling up as a knee high and zipping right off into an ankle boot... how thoughtful.

Whyred boots $969 (02 9360 3609)

Leading the pack in the denim realm, the Swedes do know how to make a good pair of jeans. Labels we love Cheap Monday, Nudie and Dr Denim.

Paris Round up by Gabriele Hackworthy

Style Me Romy j'adores Miss Gabriele Hackworthy, creative consultant and fashion reporter for 10TV. Gab had me highly amused this season at fashion week with her candid interviews with the creme de la creme of the fashion pack. From Editors Carine Roitfeld to Olivier Zahn, photographer Mario Sorrenti, Clemence Posey & Lou Doillon, she even had Kate Moss but forgot to press play on her new flip camera! Gab asks the most candid questions, getting the inside scoop on secret fashion crushes and survival tactics for the week from the likes of L'wen Scott, fashion's biggest stylist's Brana Wolf, Camille Bidat Waddington, Cathy Kasterine and Charlotte Stockdale. I couldnt get enough of the always eloquent Sarah Mower and hysterical journalist Hadley Freeman. It was Gab's raw funny antics that made her reports so compelling.... there was no 'September Issue' take-themselves-too-serious type of responses.

The dawn of an internet Ab Fab! to watch go to 10magazine

Isabel Marant

Balenciaga

Celine

Balmain

Stella McCartney

Lanvin

We Remember Lee McQueen

Courtesy of www.alexandermqueen.com , from their tribute film.

Today in Paris Alexander McQueen was scheduled to show his autumn/winter 2010 collection. I was lucky enough to film the late Lee McQueen at the launch party for LOVE magazine. Our line of questioning for the VogueTV film was love related: "Tell me about your first LOVE, what do you LOVE about fashion" etc. Lee had Jade Parfitt and I in stitches revealing the secret of his first love: "how dirty do you wanna get?" he teased. He was cheeky, down-to-earth and completely unguarded, a quality so rare in the fashion world. See the full video featuring Mcqueen's cheeky love story

Supermodel and presenter Jade Parfitt emailed me the day McQueen died, sharing her memories on working with the designer.

"I often walked for Lee and his shows were always really exciting and a real spectacle! It was also quite scary because they were such big shows and the pressure was really on to do a good job. I walked in many of his shows - I walked with one eye blind (with a white contact lens in) and one of the prop cars blew up as I walked past! In his infamous bumster collection I walked through water for him (literally!) and remember pouring water out of my shoes as I came off stage. I also had to 'freak out' for him in the insame asylum show - my outfit included two stuffed birds attached to my shoulders. That show was an odd experience as we couldn't see the audience or hear the music. I went on to shoot one of his first Givenchy campaigns with Steven Meisel. I always loved working for him. He was such a fascinating and talented designer and man. It is a tragic loss for me, his family and friends and the fashion industry as a whole.

Images courtesy of Style.com