the days of glamour

Valentino Retrospective...Fabulous!

2010-09-24T17:27:00.000+10:00

I was so excited to go to the Valentino Retrospective in Brisbane recently.. over one hundred dresses on display from one of my favourite designers and the chance to see them up close was just amazing! What I loved most was seeing all the details up close like beading, ruffles and work that could only be done by hand. You just can't see the real beauty of these things in a picture, I was dyeing to have a look at the inside of those dresses to see the construction, while I love design I also love the construction side of fashion just as much. What I also enjoyed was seeing pieces that were from 1960's collections that are just as relevant and fashionable today as well as some great history there with Jacqui O's wedding ensemble, complete with a ladder in the stockings.

Whilst I didn't get to take any pictures at the exhibition as I forgot to pack my camera for the trip to Brisbane and I'm not sure that photos were allowed in there anyway, I did buy the book on the way out which shows all of the garments from the collection, so here's just a few of my favourites...

Desert Rose Spring 2010

2010-08-24T14:49:00.000+10:00

The Spring 2010 collection 'Desert Rose' is now online! The name of the collection 'Desert Rose' has formed the basis for inspiration mainly through the images that those two words conjure in my mind; neutral, sandy colours, abstract roses, exotic prints and textiles, people in far away places, luxurious draped fabric. The detailing in some pieces is also inspired by the actual Desert Rose: a beautiful rock formation found in the desert that looks like rose petals.

The collection is all about Spring races dresses with feminine details and prints, formal dresses in draped silk jersey, party dresses in block coloured silk, and oversized rosette fascinators to finish off the outfit. My favourite piece is the first dress here, the Cascade silk jersey gown, a lustrous silk blend jersey pleated and draped into a luxurious, soft sculptural silhouette and adorned with rosettes on the straps. I just can't wait for an occasion to wear this one!

View the full collection in the online boutique here

Dreaming of Summer...

2010-07-21T10:34:00.000+10:00

I'm getting ready to put the new Spring collection online within the next couple of weeks and I can't wait! The start of a new season is always very exciting for me, it brings something fresh to look at and work with. I'm particularly looking forward to Spring though as it brings the prospect of warmer weather, the Spring Racing carnival and the end to heavy Winter fashion.

This image just makes me long for a Summer holiday in a far away place that only requires a bikini, cotton dress, sandals and a big floppy hat.

image: Harpers Bazaar 1952 by Louise Dahl-Wolfe

Loving Christian Dior Resort 2011

2010-07-02T15:17:00.000+10:00

I was quite delighted when I saw the pics from the Christian Dior Resort 2011 show. Inspired by the 1960's & French New Wave it's full of so many things i love about fashion. Nipped waists, girlie block colours, ruffle details and lace. These are just a few of my favourites, the shades of pink are just gorgeous, a colour I love but wear quite rarely lately.

Just another one for a bit of fun :)

2010-06-29T12:24:00.001+10:00

Another one of my faves from Gil Elvgren, love it!

My next collection is well underway and I can't wait to share some images of it in progress shortly.

Back to it!

2010-06-07T17:00:00.000+10:00

Wow I just realised it's nearly been a month since my last post - that month feels like only a week. As usual it's super busy around here, among everything I've been planning my next collection. I watched The Notebook around the time I began the collection and was inspired by the gorgeous 1940's fashion in the movie (that was only a couple of weeks ago and the first time I have ever seen the movie, I'm a little behind on that one haha) . I've done a bit more research into the era which is one that I had never really explored much before and was surprised at how much of it really translates to today. Particularly the outfit in the below Revlon ad, this is not the sort of thing I would have associated with 1940's fashion and I just think it looks so classic yet like our modern version of classic. I still haven't completely decided on the theme of the collection, I'm so indecisive so it could completely change!

Vintage luggage

2010-05-10T09:37:00.000+10:00

I've had a slight obsession with Vintage luggage lately, I think it started with looking for the perfect piece to use in a photoshoot (never found). I've come across many inspirational images on the internet of luggage being used creatively as home decor but I actually want it to use as functional luggage. So I don't think the true vintage kind would be suitable to stand up to whatever happens to our checked luggage, I'm seeking something brand new that looks vintage, I've found a few but nothing that strikes the perfect balance between modern does vintage. I shall keep hunting...

Hair and make up

2010-05-02T21:11:00.001+10:00

I just loved the hair and make up from the Winter shoot so much I thought I'd share a couple of closeups. Hope everyone had a lovely weekend :) Oh also everything is online now, I won't swamp you here with ALL the pics from the collection so check them out here

New Winter pieces

2010-04-27T21:18:00.001+10:00

Yesterday I did the photoshoot for my Winter collection and the day went unbelievably well :) My model for the day Olivia Arezzolo was just stunning and it didn't take long at all to get many perfect shots for each look, we finished two hours early which has never happened for me before! I also had a wonderful make-up artist / hairstylist Ash Macdonald who did an amazing job with the sixties inspired hair and makeup based off my rather vague description, I just love the heavy eye makeup with super thick false lashes. I can't wait to try this look on myself next time I have an occasion.

There's quite a few more looks to come and everything will be on sale on the website http://www.kristahochwallner.com.au/ within the next couple of days.

Bubble 1963

2010-04-20T21:34:00.002+10:00

It's no secret that Vintage fashion photography is one of my favorite things, my list of favorites is growing quickly! I've only recently come across the brilliant work of photographer Melvin Sokolsky, these images are from the 'Bubble' series he did for Harpers Bazaar in 1963, there's 25 in the series and these are just a few of my favorites, I just love everything about them, the clothes, the beautiful models and hairstyles, the street settings, it's all just gorgeous!

Red, bows, organza and Hayley Mills

2010-04-16T08:59:00.008+10:00

Keeping it short and sweet today, a few images I have saved under 'red' in my favorites.

I so want shoes like these with the bows around the ankles, I think they might have been quite popular a couple of years ago, anyone know where I can get some now? mynewshoes by kuhkay on deviantart.com

Cherry skirt and Scarlet top from my 'ROUGE' collection (available online now)

Love the hat, love the car, love the model and overall composition of the image, source unknown

Gorgeous red organza ruffles and bow, looks so fun LOVE! source unknown

Hayley Mills all grown up - the only way I remember Hayley Mills is in Pollyanna, one of my favorite movies as a child, I always remember the scene with all the crystals strung up shining in the sun and making the pretty reflection on the wall, anyone else remember that?

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, I'm looking forward to it as it's supposed to be sunny and fairly warm here : ) Tomorrow I'll be finalising some pieces and set for the next photoshoot and Sunday going to a beauty fair with a friend who's studying beauty therapy, should be a day of pure girliness!

Lace booties and fingerless gloves

2010-04-09T10:03:00.003+10:00

So I haven't posted in a while, I took a bit of an extended break over Easter to go back home to Brisbane to see the family and generally just relax and have a break from work. While up there I had the time to do a fair bit of shopping, it's quite strange as Melbourne is my closest city but I tend to do most of my shopping in Brisbane as I never really have the time when I'm in my usual routine. I don't shop for clothes as I make nearly all of them so I was looking for shoes, boots and winter accessories. Here are my favorite things I bought...

*Lace peeptoe booties from Zu - when I bought these I was thinking they would be perfect for Spring Racing but I also love them with tights for Winter.
*Grey angora fingerless gloves with bows at the wrists - absolute bargain from Forever New and they are soooo soft and cosy.
*Grey tights from Myer - slightly shiny and another addition to my growing collection of tights for this Autumn/Winter, so far I have a few pairs of white, cream and grey but I want to add some red/burugundy, in the past I've only worn black tights but that is not happening this Winter.

Ruffles

2010-03-26T09:22:00.001+11:00

I just adore ruffles and particularly in the extreme amount, but I think there was a bit of a ruffle overload a while back and I went off them a little, this picutre has certainly rekindled my love of the girly frou frou-ness of ruffles. Oh how I would love a coat? like this to dress up in for Winter, if only I had the time to make one, but tiered ruffles take soooo much time to cut and sew.

Elio Berhanyer dress, image by Sharok Hatami 1965

New Autumn pieces...finally!

2010-03-17T17:44:00.001+11:00

I finally got the shoot for the Autumn collection done after two cancellations, I'm fnalising all the images over the next couple of days...so more to come soon!

Sale time!

2010-03-11T18:11:00.001+11:00

Sales don't happen all that often around here, but it's time for the end of season sale, many pieces from the Spring/Summer 09/10 collection 'Flying High' are on sale in the boutique at http://www.kristahochwallner.com.au/ at up to 50% off.

and just a bit of fun...

2010-03-09T11:53:00.002+11:00

These cheesy pin-up style pictures always brighten my day, I just love them!

image by William Medcalf

All dressed up and nowhere to go...

2010-03-09T11:43:00.001+11:00

Well that's what it kind on feels like with my Autumn/Winter collection at the moment. It's all done and ready for the photoshoot but it's just not happening! Photoshoot day is my favorite but this one has been delayed a couple of times now due to un-reliable people, so frustrating. The last couple I did had no problems and went as planned with some wonderful people to work with, perhaps I was just lucky on those. Fingers crossed the shoot will be complete by the end of this week, meanwhile here's some of the garments on the rack just waiting to come to life. Oh also a couple of weeks ago I posted about my quest to find vintage inspired hats for the photoshoot, well I ended up making a couple instead and they will be for sale as part of the collection, I'm so excited about this new addition and can't wait to share!

Autumn & ankle boots

2010-03-01T20:25:00.002+11:00

First day of Autumn today and it sure felt like it this morning!

I'm always captivated by images of a tree lined road in Autumn, there's something about the beautiful colored leaves and touching branches framing the road that captivate me. I would just love to live on a road like this and get to travel down it everyday, it's like a beautiful path home in a fairytale......

And the perfect shoes to walk that road....I'm looking for some ankle boots for this Autumn/Winter, these are a few styles that I like but now need to find in Australia within my budget!

Red boots: Christian Louboutin from barneys.com

Pink boots: Joie from shopbop.com

Ivory boots: Boutique 9 from endless.com

Busy busy....

2010-02-23T21:50:00.000+11:00

If only work was as carefree as this ad from the 1960's makes it look....I've been so busy working on the business side of the business (as opposed the more fun creating fashion side) and I feel very un-inspired hence why posts have been few and far between. Deadline for what I'm working on is this Thursday so after that I will be back to more balance between the two : )

A great fashion photographer

2010-02-17T09:32:00.002+11:00

As I try to learn more about photography myself I have been inspired by the work of many brilliant fashion photographers, at the top of my list at the moment for modern day photographers is Nicoline Patricia Malina. Based in Indonesia Nicoline has worked for some top magazines and brands in The Netherlands, China & Indonesia including Elle and Harpers Bazaar among many and received Elles Young Photographer of the Year award in 2009, some great achievements in only 5 years. I love her whole portfolio from the soft fairytale dream of the first couple of images here to the slightly sultry beauty of the last few, Nicolines work is so diverse, for more see http://www.nicolinepatricia.com/. I'd love to hear who your favorite modern day fashion photographers are too : )

Then & Now: hair inspiration

2010-02-15T21:16:00.000+11:00

As I've never failed to state I just adore the 1950's and 60's fashion and take a great deal of inspiration from the era, the one thing I struggle with though is the hairstyles. They look oh so glamorous in the pictures but I find it hard to translate them to a modern look. I fnd there are many dresses that I could easily pull out of a vintage fashion photo and wear today without changing a thing (hence the popularity of vintage these days I guess) but the hairstyles I just can not do - they seem to require alot of time and effort (something I lack when it comes to my hair) and on the odd occasion that I have tried they just don't suit me, and it doesn't help having long thick hair which is not at all suited for true vintage styles. I do however find inspiration from Taylor Swift, love her or dislike her she does often have a great updo, classic and glamorous with a hint of vintage that never looks overdone and she still looks young and fresh.

Where do you get your hair inspiration from?

image 1: simplicity pattern book 1957

Seeking vintage hats

2010-02-08T18:36:00.005+11:00

When I first saw this gorgeous picture my first thought was a post titled 'Gossip'....umm but I don't have any.

So what I'm actually posting about is vintage or vintage inspired hats for Winter. I've never really worn hats other than to the races, but in going through all my favorite classic fashion pictures it's reminded me that back in the days of glamour hats were an important everyday accessory and were the perfect accessory to top off an outfit. It's provided me with a bit of inspiration for styling the photoshoot for my Winter collection and I also plan to add some cute millinery to my wardrobe this Winter. Below are a few of the many styles I have on my favorites list, I found most of these on Etsy (both vintage and handmade) but they are all from the US, I'm all for supporting Aussie designers so I would just love to find an Australian designer to buy from, does anyone know of one with a great array of vintage inspired headpieces?

Bella

2010-02-07T16:37:00.003+11:00

This is my sweet little dog Bella, I spend more time with her than anyone. Because I work from home she's at my side all day every day, she comes in the car for short trips, travels home on the plane to Brisbane with me and I run with her for exercise. I can't imagine life without her : )

Wearing: her adorable pink name collar that my boyfriends mother gave her for Christmas, I was so excited to open this present!

More Bows...

2010-02-02T21:14:00.001+11:00

I've got bows on my mind today...This beautiful image is by Henry Clarke, another brilliant fashion photographer who was at the height of his game in the 50's & 60's.

Lilac & Bows Lilac & Bows Lilac & Bows

2010-02-02T18:42:00.003+11:00

My cutting table is full of this gorgeous lilac silk jersey fabric and bows at the moment, I'm using it in my Autumn/Winter 2010 collection which is finally nearly finished : ) Pictured is the pile of bows I sewed onto the skirt of one of the last dresses today, there's quite a few on this particular dress (40 to be exact) which makes it quite time consuming but the result is delightful, I can't wait to share the final images in 3 weeks!

Glamour & Housework?

2010-01-31T16:12:00.001+11:00

Heels & housework anyone? It certainly doesn't happen around here but I love the glamorous ladies depicted in famous pin up artist Gil Elvgren's illustrations, whether it be doing laundry, baking or gardening there's always heels, a beautiful face full of makeup and suspender stockings....The closest I might get to looking nice doing housework is replacing my old brown apron with a pretty new fifties style one complete with frills...something I might make next weekend.

So disappointed...

2010-01-28T22:25:00.000+11:00

So I was excited today to see that images of the Valentino Haute Couture Summer 2010 collection were online....until I actually saw them. The collections haven't been the same since Valentino retired from designing for the house in 2007 but I've been checking out every show since hoping that there would be a return to the amazing design and continuity Valentino provided, but to me this latest Haute Couture collection couldn't be further from it. Where are the pretty, girlie details, opulent red carpet gowns, beautifully cut feminine jackets, timeless styles - these are all the things I used to love about Valentino and that made him my favorite designer along side Elie Saab. I think it's time for me to accept that the Valentino collections will never be the same without the master designing it and that now it is a brand with his name on it taking a different direction, appealing to a new audience. I prefer to stay enthralled in his past mastery and there is certainly plenty to be admired from Valentino Garavani's spectacular 45 year career...here are just a couple of my favorites from the last few collections he designed.

Spring 2007 RTW

Spring 2008 RTW

And from his final collection, Spring 2008 Haute Couture

All images from style.com

Happy Australia Day!

2010-01-26T11:03:00.002+11:00

Happy Australia day! I thought I'd take a step back in Australias history and find something glamorous, I came across the Miss Australia competition archives. The competition was introduced in 1908 by a magazine to 'find Australias prettiest lady' (and to boost the magazines circulation), it had many re-inventions over the years and one re-launch happened in 1945 with a new role as a fundraising event for various war charities. It also came with the intention of the crowned Miss Australia to promote Australia abroad 'with her trim figure dressed in Australian wool, our greatest product'

This image is from 1947, the year of Dior's new look, though I don't know how soon the new look of the big skirt created with metres and metres of fabric reached Australia as fashion certainly didn't move as quickly back then and we weren't inundated with knock offs made in china. This brings me to thinking about the depleting amount of Australian made fashion and the abundance of Made in China, but I shall save that discussion for another day and leave today as a relaxing one and to celebrate all that is great in Australia.

Me on a Sunday

2010-01-24T18:46:00.004+11:00

So occasionally I get to have a life away from the business of fashion, today I went to a winery nearby to have lunch with a friend. The weather here was beautiful today and we had a very nice view from our table (you can kind of see it in the background of the picture) The food was quite nice but one of those fancy small bit of food in the middle of the plate type meals. I'm wearing the 'Freedom maxi dress' from my summer 09/10 collection, you can see more detailed pics of it here http://kristahochwallner.com.au/products/Freedom_maxi_dress-57-16.html Don't worry I'm not turning this into a 'what I wore' type blog, just thought I would share : )

Fashion & Elephants

2010-01-22T14:27:00.001+11:00

I've only recently come across this iconic photo by Richard Avedon, I find it so fascinating. I adore elephants and was delighted to see them blended with fashion so beautifully.

Just a few favorites...

2010-01-22T10:14:00.001+11:00

So we're all sure to have seen some form of a best/worst dressed list from the Golden Globes this week, while I haven't trawled through every red carpet picture, from what I have seen there hasn't been any standout 'I just love' dresses. Though it did remind me of this gorgeous dress from one of my all time favorite designers Elie Saab. It's from the Summer 2006 Haute Couture collection and I just love everything about it, the shape, the detailing but I think it's the colour that has kept this one in my mind for the last few years.

And a couple more of my favorite pieces by the master Elie Saab...

Summer 2009 Haute Couture

The pleating in the skirt and the detailing on the jacket are just perfect on this classic shape.

Autumn Winter 09/10 Haute Couture

This collection is full of white/ivory with the clever use of textures being the feature. (Can't wait to wear white stockings like these this Winter!)

all images by Marcio Madeira for vogue

Red coats & Barbie

2010-01-18T15:00:00.002+11:00

I've got red coats on my mind today, firstly because it seriously feels like winter here today at 18 degrees (!) even though it's the middle of Summer. And mainly because I'm working on a sample for my Autumn/Winter 2010 collection...a red wool coat in a sixties inspired cut, though it's not as flared as the gorgeous coat barbie is wearing in this pic. I'm really excited about the coat, the sample has come together without too much drama and it's the first time I've done a coat for my label. Stay tuned for some sneak peak pics of the new collection over the next few weeks.

The matter of Barbie...At the age of 22 I still have a love for Barbie (I'm pretty sure this is quite common though?) My first foray into fashion would have been with Barbie as I'm sure is the case for most girls, doing Barbies hair, changing outfits and playing with the colour change make up is what I remember. I'm sure this has had an influence on my love for fashion today, and with Barbies 50 year history I can always turn to her to see fashions changing faces over the years. Sadly my mum got rid of all my Barbies when I thought I was too cool for them as a pre teen. Someday I want to start collecting and have a dedicated pink Barbie room with shabby chic furniture and a huge sunny window. Ok enough of Barbie and time to get back to the real world!

Perfect setting for a sundress...

2010-01-17T19:27:00.000+11:00

I would love to be spending my Sunday afternoon in this gorgeous garden party setting wearing a ladylike cotton sundress and large brimmed hat indulging in cocktails and cupcakes.

I just love the colours and not-a-care-in-the-world look of this, I often save images like this to use as design inspiration particularly for the colour palette.

image from countryliving.com

A day at the beach

2010-01-16T12:05:00.002+11:00

Then...

I'm a bit behind this year and even though we're already half way through Summer in Australia I've just started thinking about getting a new bikini. I just adore this image from 1952, she looks so relaxed and glamorous, it's inspired me to put aside the string bikini this year and look for something fifties inspired....

and Now...

At the top of my list so far is this gnome print high waisted bikini from the Hotel Bondi Swim 'Peaches & Cream' collection. It's the exact shape I was after but it's the cute gnome print that's really got me hooked on this one, it's something a little different. Now to make time to actually get to the beach for the first time this summer...
images 1. Photo by Nina Leen from July 1952 LIFE magazine 2. http://www.hotelbondiswim.com/

Captured beauty...

2010-01-14T15:10:00.000+11:00

This is one of my all time favorite fashion images, shot by iconic fashion photographer John French in 1965, this image of Jean Shrimpton epitomises the elegance and beauty that really inspire me.

image by John French via memoryprints.com