Our HerCanberra Makeover Shoot Revealed!

Written by Yours Truly for Hercanberra.com.au

How many of you, whilst flicking through your favourite glossy, have thought: “I wonder what it would be like to be a model?”

The size zero prerequisite aside, the images can be pretty captivating. The fashion, the makeup, the hair…oh my!

How many of us have photos of ourselves reflecting a time when we felt truly glamorous?
I style fashion shoots frequently and watch the confidence of the models soar as they transform through clothing, hair and makeup and take away beautiful images of themselves as a reminder. Yet this same experience is rarely offered to those amongst us who aren’t experienced models. This is where the impetus for our ‘Be a Model for a Day’ competition and shoot came from – to give four women the chance to dress up, be pampered, and feel beautiful.

 

Our winners

Angie

 

Emily

Flynn

Sophia

Over 60 women submitted entries and every one of them had a story to tell – we wanted to choose all 60, but had the very tough task of selecting just four. I felt very privileged to read every entry: from drastic weight loss, to losing confidence through relationship break-ups and job losses, to balancing motherhood and careers; the reasons for the entries were varied and honest. But one message came through loud and clear – each and every woman wanted the chance to feel gorgeous, to be primped, and to take some much-needed time out.

Behind the scenes

 

On the day of the shoot, these four gorgeous (and perhaps slightly trepidatious!) women met us for hair and makeup bright and early and the girly chat began (even photographer, Geoff Jones, and hairstylist, Eddy Iljin Hwang, seemed to be enjoying themselves amidst swooning over shoes and discussing make-up tips!)

Each of our girls had full hair and make-up from by Mary Li, a clothing and accessories fitting with yours truly, and the dreaded ‘before’ photo (in which they all look stunning anyway!)

Once the prep was done and after a big sushi lunch (fitting for a fashion shoot, non?) we headed off to the newly re-launched Parlour Wine Room in New Acton for the glamorous part of the day.
Our models posed like pros, pouting and contorting while Mary touched up makeup and Eddy and Jenny fixed fly-away wisps of hair, with me squawking about in the background making sure no-one scuffed the $600 shoes!

The quest to get the perfect shot was, of course in the atmosphere, but in amongst the fashion, the flashing lights and the glam location was just the desire to create a fun and memorable day for our four winners. And I think we achieved just that. The last thing Flynn said to me before she left was: ‘I haven’t felt this beautiful or pampered since my wedding day.’

And that, really, was the point.

The results

 

The team

Annie Brown: Fashion Stylist, Concept and Styling
Geoff Jones: Photographer
Mary Li: Make-up
Eddy Iljin Hwang and Jenny Chan: Hair

Thank you

Bodhi Leaf, Manuka (clothing); Department of the Exterior, Manuka (clothing and accessories); Escala, Manuka (shoes and headpiece – Cynthia Jones- Bryson); Parlour Wine Room for providing us with such a beautiful location, and for supplying us with caffeine!

If you would like your very own makeover, email me at anniebrownstylist@gmail.com 

It's competition time! WIN a 2 hour Personal Shopping Session!

It's no secret that I LOVE the warmer weather.

I feel happy, energetic and motivated, but that's just the beginning!

My favourite part is, you guessed it, the FASHION! Floaty dresses and skirts, strappy sandals, dewy skin, just-got-out-of-bed hair and dressing up for parties and events- it's so appealing!

That is, when you know what to wear, what suits you and you find shopping enjoyable.

If not, you have come to the right place!

I am giving away a 2 hour Personal Shopping Session for you (or a friend/ mum/ dad/ daughter/ partner/ nan/ etc)!

In this session, we will have a consultation to figure out your unique body-shape and how to dress to accentuate the best bits and play down the not-as-great bits, work out your must-have items and then hit the shops to find you a style that is perfect for YOU!

To win this prize, all you have to do is:

1. Like my page: https://www.facebook.com/Anniebrownfashionstylist

and

2. Write a post on my facebook page stating in 25 words or less why you (or a friend) need a Spring Personal Styling Session with me! Get creative :)

It's a simple as that!

The winner will be drawn on Thursday 12 September at 7pm.

*Please note the shopping session will be taken in the ACT only.*

Good luck lovelies, I can't wait to see your responses!!

xx

A Wardrobe Audit? What's that?

The Ultimate Wardrobe, non?

Ah Spring. How I've missed thee.

I daresay we're not quite through with Winter yet but today is the first day in months that I've opened the doors and windows for most of the day and have picked the first delightful crop of jonquils to display in a big vase in my kitchen. I even sat outside for a bit reading Vogue in the sun.

Glorious.

I don't know about you but as soon as these sunny skies start appearing after months of Winter chilliness, I start wanting to get organised. I push the re-start button in Spring and my attention turns to health, the new season fashion and Spring-cleaning. I get strangely interested in de-cluttering and arraying my life and home.

And what better place to start than my wardrobe!

I have a few Wardrobe Audits coming up with my clients and it got me thinking about how important it is to do a good 'ol fashioned wardrobe clear-out from time to time. Every 6 months, I make sure I clear out the items that are no longer serving me, are tired or I've simply lost interest in as my style evolves.

So what exactly is a Wardrobe Audit and what are the advantages of booking one with me?

A wardrobe audit is the perfect way to start your new style journey. I like to recommend a wardrobe audit before personal shopping as you need to first have a clear idea about what items are in your existing wardrobe before you try to add to it.

1. We will begin with a consultation to assess your needs, uncover a new style that is uniquely you and ascertain your shape and what colours and styles will suit you.

2. We will de-clutter and array your existing wardrobe, identifying which pieces are no longer serving you.

3. We will identify which items could be brought back to life with tailoring, mending or dry-cleaning.

4. We will ‘shop your wardrobe’- making combinations from existing pieces and creating new outfits that you may not have previously thought of.

5. We will make a shopping list of items missing from your wardrobe that will maximise your current options.

At the end of the audit, I hope you will have clarity and direction and be ready for the next part of your style journey!

If you would like to book in with me for a Wardrobe Audit, email me at anniebrownstylist@gmail.com

CBR Collective- Canberra's very own designer incubus

In recent articles I’ve been highlighting the creative genius that is coming out of Canberra of late. Hip creative hubs, fashion shows and new designers are cropping up everywhere you look. I have even recently heard some out-of-towners saying that Canberra was ‘cool’. Now that’s got to be good news for the most paid out city in Australia.

It’s crept up slowly, this new era of innovation, but it’s here and everyone is feeling it. The buzz is that there are more opportunities to make your mark as a creative person. There is a creative industry that is insular yet supportive as everyone wants to see it grow. Dare I say it, designers, stylists, photographers and other creatives can now make some sort of a living off their craft. This is big news.

That’s not to say it’s an easy road. The big fishes are swimming in a bigger pond these days. However the difference between Canberra and the bigger cities may be that we support each other in a really healthy way, the competition isn’t generally so cut-throat and we share ideas and information freely to boost the industry.

A perfect example of this is Canberra’s first fashion and designer collaboration, CBR Collective. Established by Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre in partnership with Canberra Centre, CBR Collective provides Canberra based designers with the opportunity to grow or establish their brand. The boutique is run with designers and an experienced retail manager. Designers from Canberra are being encouraged to get involved in this unique retail concept and initiative which includes mentorship and peer and industry support.

Currently, 6 designers share the tenancy: E4, FibreStudio Design, M&TM, Pure Pod, T-Heinrich and sofia polak. Other labels being stocked are: Hutch, PNC Metalsmith, Tango & James, I Heart Threads, Cynthia Jones-Bryson and BM designs, with a vintage label coming soon.

Anna Pino, CEO of Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre says, “It’s not just about the retail outlet, but also about supporting the development of broad based business skills and expanding the reach and appeal of their products. Lighthouse and Canberra Centre will remain actively involved with CBR Collective during the first six months with the intention to then hand total control over to the collective itself’

M&TM

“A number of businesses in Canberra have come on board and joined Lighthouse in supporting this creative and entrepreneurial initiative,” says Ms Pino. Its start-up stage also has benefited from a local patron who prefers to remain anonymous.”

“As awareness of the creativity of our local designers increases so does the demand for their collections of fashion and accessories, creating a stronger economic base for the designers and a stronger local industry.”

sofia polak

I spoke to one of the designers in the collective, Janette Lenk of T-Heinrich, to find out why this initiative is helping her grow her business.

Why did you decide to get involved with CBR Collective?

I had been thinking about my own store for a while. Then I heard talks that a fashion incubator was coming and I had to know more… Lighthouse came up with the whole concept and branched out to designers, they have been very supportive in making it CBR Collective happen (thank you). I felt this was as better time as ever and show casing with other Canberra designers would be perfect. It was the next step for me and my label and I wanted to be able to point my customers to a store and CBR would be it!

What has been the response from customers to the store thus far?

Many Canberrans have been saying that this is something they have been waiting for, it has been a long time coming. I had one of Canberra’s fashionistas, Sarah Kelly, come in and she couldn’t get enough. She loved the fact that she could now go in to a store and buy quality local designers items. I mean, people love to support locals and the response we got on the opening VIP night was awesome – you couldn’t move in the store.

How do you think CBR Collective will be a beneficial platform for Canberran designers? How has it benefited your label, T-Heinrich?

It is a platform for the designers to develop and learn from this wonderful opportunity. Also the fact that we have a great support network with the other designers and Lighthouse. We are all in it together and to bounce ideas off. It also gives us ideas of where we want to go next, each designer has their own motive – and this it’s an unlimited positive platform - the sky’s the limit. In fact I think this will only make designers hungry for constant expansion and creative evolvement - it’s very exciting! After seeing how healthy my sales have been, it is motivating – my product is wanted and I want to make my customer happy.

What does the future of CBR Collective look like at this stage?

With the interest from customers and designers there is a bright future for CBR Collective. We are in stages of planning individual designer/VIP nights. We have a ton of creative ideas and we want to make it an experience when shopping at our boutique. We offer a unique experience, the fact you can speak to the designers yourself is a one off; you can even give feedback to the designers. We all hope to be here, well in to the future.

What advice would you give to other emerging designers?

Go get em! Be hungry for it. Network where ever you are, you never know who is around the corner or who the person you have just met knows. Having a clear goal of what you want right from the start helps. Take little steps to achieve where you want to be and watch yourself grow. Learn from your mistakes and be POSITIVE.

6. Where do you see your label in 5 years?

I love this question, in the next few years I want to be able to sell a completed collection with pieces replicated a thousand times (laughs). I want to design coats in wonderful colours, textures and design my own fabric prints. Studying overseas in Italy or Paris is also on the cards. AND long term, I wouldn’t mind selling in Myer or David Jones.

Janette in T-Heinrich

I know where I’ll be shopping this weekend and who knows, I may just bump into the designers themselves. There are not many places where you can do that.

n recent articles I’ve been highlighting the creative genius that is coming out of Canberra of late.  Hip creative hubs, fashion shows and new designers are cropping up everywhere you look. I have even recently heard some out-of-towners saying that Canberra was ‘cool’. Now that’s got to be good news for the most paid out city in Australia.
It’s crept up slowly, this new era of innovation, but it’s here and everyone is feeling it. The buzz is that there are more opportunities to make your mark as a creative person. There is a creative industry that is insular yet supportive as everyone wants to see it grow. Dare I say it, designers, stylists, photographers and other creatives can now make some sort of a living off their craft. This is big news.
That’s not to say it’s an easy road. The big fishes are swimming in a bigger pond these days. However the difference between Canberra and the bigger cities may be that we support each other in a really healthy way, the competition isn’t generally so cut-throat and we share ideas and information freely to boost the industry.
- See more at: http://www.stylehunter.com/featured/cbr-collective-canberras-very-own-designer-incubus/#sthash.fZJ5Ltlx.dpuf

My styling on the cover of the City News, appendicitis and shoe lust

I've been pretty quiet of late. Not by choice but because I got appendicitis and have been forced to rest and recover after some delightful emergency surgery. Feeling pretty blessed I have such an amazing boyfriend, family and friends who have dropped everything to look after me. Although it's been a pretty awful experience, I can't help but be thankful for all the love in my life and I can only hope I can repay the loves of my life with care and kindness.

Anywho.

Before my appendix decided to cark it, I got to be involved in a very fun and very Wintery shoot for the City News magazine. The image I styled graces the cover, do you like?

The model, Deirdre, is just a gorgeous girl, in looks and personality and has the most charming Irish accent ever! She was a treat to work with and was the hilarious and witty photographer, Andrew Campbell. Another stylist, Janette, who I work with through Westfield, styled another of the looks. The location was the Albert Hall and it was perfect. It's such a romantic place and I think it's under-utilised in Canberra because it really is a charming space.

The insanely beautiful clothes were from Pink Inc, Braddon (I want those Pedro Garcia shoes! May have to save my pennies though- they're $699 but SO worth it).

OK back to the couch with a cuppa for me. Enjoy xx

Boutique Lust: Pink Inc

When I walked into the opening party for new boutique, Pink Inc, I forgot where I was for a minute.

Was I in Paris? London? New York? Nay, I was in Canberra, witnessing the birth of a truly awe-inspiring space that is unlike anything we’ve seen here before.

Many Canberrans know the name Pink Inc, as for about a decade it resided across the road from it’s current locale and it has always been the go-to destination for high-end and exclusive Australian and International brands.

Yet as the bustling hive of Braddon is being re-developed and earning a reputation as being the hippest hub of Canberra, it was the perfect time for Pink Inc to re-launch and begin a new era. New shop, new vibe. Even more fabulous.

What a feast for the senses. There is inspiration at every turn.  On the walls, local artist Lisa T has created a whimsical flower garden and the embodiment of the Pink Inc woman.



Quotes from David Bowie and Marilyn Monroe line the walls and only the best flooring by Missoni creates a canvas to compliment the store.

Pink Inc has another fabulous quirk- a shoe and accessories nook filled to the brim with exquisite delights. It feels like your own private haven, the stuff from which dreams are made. Boots by Pedro Garcia. Pony hair stilettos by Kirrily Johnston. Bangles by Megan Park. Bags by Jérôme Dreyfuss and a sparkly clutch by Easton Pearson. Need I go on?

Not to be forgotten of course, are the clothes! Racks of delicious and dazzling designer threads by the likes of Romance Was Born, Easton Pearson, Josh Goot and ELLERY just to skim the surface.


 Pink Inc is world-class and from the clothes to the service to the surroundings, it feels like home. And a very fashionable one at that.

Why a statement necklace can make your outfit

A little something I wrote for Stylehunter and something I preach all the time!

In my role as a stylist, I often get met with blank faces when I ask my clients whether they accessorise. The responses are generally the following: ‘It’s too much effort’, ‘I don’t have time’ or ‘It’s too overwhelming’.

This is fair. With all the options out there, how are you meant to find the exact accessories to match your outfit, easily and without spending a fortune?

Well ladies, I have a style solution for you and it doesn’t have to be expensive or confusing. In fact, it can be fun and once you start, you’ll wonder why you resisted for so long.

The accessory du jour is a statement necklace and for good reason. It can transform an outfit from drab to fab in 5 seconds flat...

Read the full article at Stylehunter.com

http://www.stylehunter.com/featured/why-a-statement-necklace-can-make-your-outfit-annie-brown/

xx

Fashfest Night 2- Highlights

I was hugely lucky this week to be invited to report on Canberra's answer to fashion week, Fashfest. It was an amazing display of local designers. We have so much talent here and Canberra welcomed a fashion production of this scale and caliber to showcase all the creatives that live here. It certainly lived up to expectations and attracted national media coverage, as it should have.

I was given media passes for Night 2 and Night 3 and got to see the back-stage area and hit up the VIP. This was my coverage of Thursday night for HerCanberra.com.

Night number two of FASHFEST sure did have a tough act to follow after the rave reviews from last night’s inaugural opening but despite the high expectations, it did not disappoint.

Night one of Fashfest had created a media frenzy and I was keen to find out what all the fuss was about. Sure enough, upon entering the large industrial space at the airport and taking in every detail, I knew Fashfest was out to impress.

There was an air of anticipation from Canberra’s fashion pack, assembled on the chilly night to support local talent. The champagne and canapés flowed and the music created an upbeat ambience.

People-watching was a dream, and the crowd seemed to vary from hip creatives to the more conservative and everyone in between, chatting about the space, the vibe and of course, what the designers were going to produce in their shows.
The smooth electronica sounds of local band Safia were the perfect backdrop and it wasn’t until I actually noticed the band itself that I realised it was live music. They were impressive and another indication of Fashfest’s commitment to showcasing local talent.

With the scene set, it was time to begin the show! Nestled between three Canberra bloggers, I was in prime viewing position. Here is what I – and my photographer, Joel Cope – saw:

 

Jenifer Aniela

 

Jenifer Aniela’s designs were first off the rank, and the models glided down the runway in ethereal creations that were conjured up images of mermaids on land. Gowns and mini-dresses with sequin detail and floating trains caught the breeze as the model’s walked. The standout piece was a rainbow-coloured gowned that was ruched at the front with fabric that floated out the back like the wings of a butterfly.

Sovata

Next up was a very feminine collection from Sovata. Jewel tones like emerald, cobalt and orange punctuated outfits that had a 1930’s/ 1940’s feel. The outfits were styled to perfection, with impressive matching headpieces and gloves. My favourite outfit was a black cowl-neck top and incredibly high waisted emerald pants, belted with two leather straps at the waist, short leather gloves and a contrasting architectural headpiece. An unexpected combination but executed with perfection.

Purepod

The third designer was Purepod who produced a pretty, wearable collection reminiscent of the 1950’s. The pieces were flattering and I feel any woman could wear them and feel comfortable. Floral headpieces and girly headbands complimented belted a-line dresses and shirtdresses that were paired with tights in contrasting colours. My pick of the bunch was a pale blue printed a-line dress complimented with a floral headpiece- such an elegant pairing that any woman would feel pretty in.

Andie Meredith

As Andie Meredith’s show began, the pace of the music picked up and the model’s strode to the beat. This collection was polished and I could see myself in many of the pieces. The collection was made up of a lot of separates, and it seemed as though the whole collection could be mixed and matched making it very wearable. Shift dresses, maxi’s and vests were the staples and glittery scarves and leggings were in the mix to add razzle-dazzle to the neutral pieces. My fave was a Lurex midi-dress with handless gloves. Perfection.

Gabrielle Everitt

 

Gabrielle Everitt was next and her collection evoked the feel of a garden party in country England- incredibly feminine. The models held pretty lace umbrellas; lace being a common element of the garments. Pretty dresses, suits, blazers and vests in off-white and neutrals. The models played up to the audience, smiling and curtseying with an elegant air. My pick of the ensembles was a pale blue, floaty maxi dress with a rope belt that made me long for spring.

Sofia Polak

Sofia Polak’s collection was next and models came out in rows of 3 in elegant yet eddy designs that could easily be worn to the races or weddings. Each model wore a lace eye-mask creating a darkly romantic vibe. Sofia creates evening and bridal pieces that are very wearable but have surprising elements. Dresses with peplum and leather detail added an element of surprise. The standout piece was a bridal gown with a peplum frill and leather belt. Now that’s my kind of wedding dress!

Baku

 

The swimwear designs of Baku were out next in their collaboration with Mont. Bikini’s and one pieces were paired with puffer jackets, beanies and heels that brought swimwear into a chillier format. The swimwear pieces were bright and cheerful and looked easy to wear. The models were cheeky and fun and strutted their incredible bodies down the runway in such a natural way, I forgot it was almost winter!

Sarah Joseph Couture

 

The final collection of the night was by Sarah Joseph Couture and boy was it couture! Sublimely executed designs wowed the audience; the attention to detail was phenomenal. There was a bit of everything in this collection- Aztec beading, jewel-encrusted bodices, lace, flapper and animal print. I had a hard time choosing the standout piece- it was a toss-up between the first piece and the last. The first gown made from exquisite black lace with a plunging neckline and striking red underlay. The last piece and an absolute showstopper for the entire show was a black cutout, bondage-meets-couture piece with a tulle skirt. The model pulled the daring look off with aplomb and the audience reacted with gasps and wide eyes.

Photos by Joel Cope

Guest post by Lucinda Bounsall from Farfetch.com- MBFWA Round-up

 

MBFWA Street-style

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If there is one thing that we’ve learnt from last weeks Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Australia it is that the Aussies should never be underestimated when it comes to fashion. There isn’t an official chart for which fashion weeks are the most successful or the most popular but it goes without saying that if there were one, we would all know who would take the top spots. ‘The Big Four’ (as they’re known) are comprised of New York, London, Paris and Milan and after such a hectic couple of weeks you wouldn’t blame all editors and fashion industry insiders for potentially not being able to muster up the energy to take the long trip down under.

But it looks like it was worth it after all, proving it to be totally and utterly worth the long haul flight and not just for the fantastic weather. Australia isn’t renowned internationally for it’s fashion exports, more it’s amazing landscape and kangaroos but it’s certainly making its mark on the style world now.

Set against the fantastic backdrop of cool industrial looking Carriageworks in Sydney, this year’s fashion week bought together some of the most influential and up and coming designers in one place over five days. The week kicked off with designers Camilla and Marc who presented a refined and sexy collection with cut out tops and lace long sleeved dresses.

Another sibling duo Ginger and Smart launched a vibrant collection of bustiers and pencil skirts in the season’s most popular silhouettes and all in bold clashing geometric and floral prints.

But it seemed that cult label Romance was Born (apparently Australia’s answer to Meadham Kirchhoff) were the run-away successes of fashion week 2013, with a riotous collection that made references to the seventies through their use of print, bold contemporary silhouettes, fairy tale like make up and coloured fringed wigs. With bright and fun references to pop art and such a frivolous attitude towards colour, Romance was Born seemed to sum up the vibe of the season in a nutshell. Now what more excuse does one need to do their make up like a Liechtenstein alien covered in glitter??

Romance Was Born

The way that Australia’s fashion scene is thought of seems to have been completely turned on it’s head in one fell swoop. Five days and over 50 fantastic shows left the fashion world re-thinking their perceptions of Aussie fashion. No longer will it be synonymous with ‘safe’ style but it now competes with London for the crown of the most cutting edge and innovative designers.


There were a number of trends that emerged from Australian Fashion Week, some amazing, some not quite so amazing and some you just wouldn’t have expected to come out of Australia considering the humidity (I’m talking leather trousers here!)

We take a little look at some of the best from Australian fashion week from some of our favourite street style looks:

Prints



Prints were absolutely huge at Australian Fashion Week and they were pulled off with aplomb, which might be due to the fact that it was actually warm enough to not have to cover up printed masterpieces with overcoats. There was an abundance of geometric, oriental, floral and every other pattern known to humanity worn in every conceivable way possible, showing a fantastic sense of imagination. There were subtle minimalist outfits with splashes of pattern. There were some designers that opted for matching printed tops and bottoms for a chic take on the trend as well as bold print clashes that created the impression of being nonchalantly thrown together but probably took hours!

Print Mania

The Crop Top

One trend that was spotted in abundance at MBFWA, the trend that took first place in the most worn category was the crop top. Luckily Australia’s natives are a body confident lot and thanks to the sun have tans that last longer than a month. Some wore chic cropped tops showing off a slight sliver of midriff and some chose a more drastic approach with bra tops paired with low-slung trousers bringing a stylish and youthful take on the trend.

Ultimately Australian Fashion Week was an unbridled success. Fashion insiders around the world are starting to sit up and take stock of what the country has to offer, especially considering it’s two decades of unbroken economic growth; which compared with the rest of the world is saying something. High-end luxury brands from Australia are experiencing solid growth that you would usually only expect from big name designers such as Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent. Australia really turned up the volume and stepped away from their safe easy going roots into slightly riskier territory and it turned out to be a step in the right direction for them, putting Australia up there on the map as one of the big contenders in the fashion world. Watch out everyone!

This blog post was written by Lucinda Bounsall who works at farfetch.com

xx

DESIGNER INTERVIEW: NEW DESIGN STAR- ZOE BROWN

Slowly but surely, Canberra is making it’s mark on the fashion map.

In the past, Canberran creatives have left our fair city for the Big Smoke, hoping to find more opportunity in Melbourne, Sydney or abroad.  No one ever really considered Canberra as having a ‘fashion industry’. Until now.

There has been a profound shift in the last few years, as talented designers, photographers, models, hair and makeup artists and stylists have created and harboured an extensive and inspired creative community. New opportunities have arisen and they are influencing our talent to stay put.  Fashion events and new publications are shining a light on our new fashion stars in a way that we haven’t seen before.

One such fashion star is Zoe Brown, an up-and-coming designer with a whole lotta talent.

Zoe

 

Zoe has had her fair share of media coverage recently as she forges ahead with her quirky label, Zoe Brown, which she will be showcasing at Canberra’s answer to Fashion Week,  Fashfest, in May. You only have to look a Zoe to recognize she has a love of fashion- her style is eclectic, individual and fashion-forward. She is getting noticed- for all the right reasons.

I chatted to Zoe about her label, inspirations and how she feels about the Canberran fashion scene.

Could you tell us about your history in fashion? When and why did you start your label, Zoe Brown?
I started at a young age; I have always loved fashion- dressing Barbie dolls and always customising my own clothing. I then studied fashion in college and just knew I wanted to continue and graduated from Canberra Institute of Technology in 2011. Since graduating I have continued to establish my label. My new label name will launch at FashFest!

What is your design aesthetic? How would you like women to feel when they wear your designs?
I guess it can be described as fresh, edgy, romantic- like a wonderland where you don’t know the guidelines, the rules or the danger. I like my clothing to be fun, and not to be taken too seriously. I also women to experiment and explore as some of my garments might not seem to be as wearable (as I love using sheer fabrics) but it’s all how you style it! Don’t be afraid!

What inspires you and your creations?
I know everyone says this but the elements of design have been embedded into my brain for so long that I feel I can turn anything into inspiration. I love designing about things I’m interested in, whether it is a new art form, pop culture, emerging trends, movies or music. I like my collections to evolve and show the world the things that I love!

What is your biggest achievement since starting your label?
That I am actually doing it! I’m always gaining new connections and relationships, as you never know where they are going to take you! I’m very keen on meeting as many people as I can and trying to be accessible to my consumer. I like that they are interested in me!

Being where you are now, do you have any advice for aspiring designers?
You might stress about doing it, but you will also stress about not doing it. I think it takes a lot of guts to start your own label; I’m still learning something new everyday and winging it! You need to do your research, start simple, be determined and make connections!

Who are your favourite designers or role models? How do they influence you?
As a child I loved Betsey Johnson’s collections. They were always so much fun and as an added bonus she does the splits at the end of her runway shows! I have also been a big fan of Jeremy Scott, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Emma Mulholland and Romance Was Born. I guess they all have this edge about them- non-serious fashion that is always theatrical and entertaining!

What does the future hold for Zoe Brown?
Releasing my first sellable collection!

Lastly, how do you feel about the fashion industry in Canberra?
I think it is very understated, but there are so many of us here now, we are going to take this place by storm! Its also a great place to meet lots of creative people, because it has been so neglected down here we end up collaborating with a lot of talented artists, musicians, photographers, makeup artists and stylists!

You can check out more of Zoe’s work at www.zoe-brown.com

xx

Latest post for Stylehunter.com: DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: SOFIA POLAK

 My latest interview for Stylehunter.com

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: SOFIA POLAK – Annie Brown

One of the biggest perks to being the Canberra Insider is that I have the opportunity to illuminate the creative talent we have here.

Canberra houses an amazing array of fashion designers that are often overshadowed because of our location and the perception that Canberra is all roundabouts and politics.

The truth is, Canberra is in the midst of a creative boom and our designers and other creatives are making their sturdy mark on the fashion map.

Cue: Sofia Polak

 Read the full article at Stylehunter.com

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Moving Mannequins at Westfield VIP Night and sparkly pants

Happy (belated) Easter everyone!

I hope it was sunny, relaxing, joyous and full of Cadbury!

I know I've been a tad quiet...it has been hectic. With the launch of AW13 fashion and everyone deciding that it's time for a new Winter wardrobe (myself included), it's been quite a time!

I do love Autumn and especially all the Winter clothes that are coming out. Boots, jackets, plush scarves ahhh bliss. The only thing I don't like about Autumn is that is comes just before Winter. Cold + Annie= cold grumpy Annie.

Anywho, speaking of Winter fashion, I wanted to share some pics from the VIP night I was involved in at Westfield Belconnen.

I had the very fun task of styling 'Moving Mannequins' for the event. They were styled according to decades to coincide with the Canberra Centenary. Each MM was dressed in pieces from the 50's to Now- identifiable to each decade but still wearable.

Madge, Debs, Audrey and Elvis- dream team!

I also got up and had a little chat on-stage. Do I look nervous? I know I was meant to picture everyone naked or something but I forgot and well...the crowd was larger than I had expected! I hope my sparkly pants didn't blind the audience!

Chatting away.

Can't wait for the next event!

xx