New York fashion publication tours Australia

REFINERY29, an online fashion publication based in New York, will be touring Australia between the 12th and the 18th of March.

Philippe von Borries, the founder of the website, and Style Director Piera Gelardi will be running a series of interactive seminars in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, where they will be sharing their thoughts on fashion based social media, trends in online retail and new directions in fashion reporting and business. Tickets to this strictly limited event can be purchased via Portable, or alternatively you can check out REFINERY29’s online site.

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: New York fashion publication tours Australia.

Amy Winehouse collaborates on fashion collection

Amy Winehouse has collaborated with British fashion label Fred Perry to create a 17-piece collection of pants, skirts and polo shirts.

The collection aims to re-work the traditional Fred Perry aesthetic in accordance with Winehouse’s retro rock style – signature preppy plaids get a pop punk injection while pencil skirts are hitched up and decked out in checks. The collection is the first of four that Winehouse will work on for the label, and has been described as "Amy all over – sharp, clever, sexy, lots of attitude." The collection will be released in stores this October.

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: Amy Winehouse collaborates on fashion collection.

Julia Nobis' career skyrockets

Up-and-coming Australian model Julia Nobis is having a stellar first season of shows.

After being booked exclusively for the Calvin Klein Autumn/Winter 2010/2011 show in New York, the svelte 17 year old also opened at the Richard Nicoll and Topshop Unique shows in London. In Milan she walked for Dolce and Gabbana and joined the Prada line-up with fellow Australian models Abbey Lee, Catherine McNeil and Miranda Kerr. Lauded by New York casting agent Michelle Lee as this year’s model to watch, Nobis has come from Bondi origins to become one of international fashion’s most promising young stars.

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: Julia Nobis' career skyrockets.

Diane von Furstenburg re-designs London landmark

Diane von Furstenburg has announced that she will be playing a major part in the re-design of some of the famous Claridge’s hotel's rooms and suites.

The designer, whose collections have been inspired in the past by the hotel’s ornate Art Deco interiors, is honoured to have been included in the re-design process. Von Furstenburg’s bold prints and signature colour palettes will feature heavily on furniture pieces, adding the designer's unique vision to a landmark that she claims defined her time spent as a young business woman in London.

The hotel has a history of forward-thinking design, though its timeless glamour has never been compromised.

Read full article: Diane von Furstenburg re-designs London landmark.

Calling all aspiring photographers

Oyster magazine is delighted to be involved in 10 BEST 10; an international photography competition sponsored by New York’s WIN-initiative.

Oyster magazine is delighted to be involved in 10 BEST 10; an international photography competition sponsored by New York’s WIN-initiative.

Oyster is seeking a photographic artist from Australia, New Zealand or the South Pacific to work on an Oyster coordinated shoot. The chosen artist will present work that is highly innovative, displays excellent composition, and is immediately accessible and interesting. The selected photographer will be deemed an international finalist in the 10 BEST 10 competition, which is operating in conjunction with several other top independent art and culture magazines from around the world.

Aspiring photographers are encouraged to submit ten high-quality images that they feel completely showcases their unique talent. Submissions close March 8th, and the winner will be contacted on March 23rd.

For more information on the competition, visit Oyster’s giveaways page.

Alternatively, you can submit your photographs here.

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: Calling all aspiring photographers.

Hobo appeal to support the Trippple Nippples

International photography collective Hobogestapo has recently launched an on-line appeal to support the upcoming Trippple Nippples tour of China.

Hobo has agreed to match the amount that is raised during the appeal up to $3000, which will be used to send resident photographer Carl to Shanghai and Beijing where he will be photographically documenting the tour. Although Hobo's photographers work internationally, here in Australia they are currently trailing the Good Vibrations Festival where they are working with the likes of The Killers, The Gossip, Basement Jaxx and Art vs Science. The Hobo appeal was launched in an effort to heighten the international exposure of the Trippple Nippples, a Japanese electro and performance art trio who have collaborated with Jeremy Scott, Ksubi and Kirin.

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: Hobo appeal to support the Trippple Nippples.

Sia sees people in need

Indie-popstress Sia is doing her bit to support the victims of the Haiti disaster- and you can too.

Following the Australian born Sia on twitter reveals her avid support for this amazing cause. In her spare time, between writing songs for some of the world's biggest names in music- she's sending much needed medication and medical equipment to the survivors of the 12th of January earthquake in Haiti, and is looking for donations.

Follow and contact her on twitter to find out how you can help.

Read full article: Sia sees people in need.

Wardrobe Revamps & Valentine’s Romance

Here at Oyster, we pride ourselves on sharing a slice of coveted, cutting-edge culture with our favourite person- you!

While giving you the news on everything shiny, showy and sartorial, we'll be hurling a smattering of goodies in your general direction regularly, so that you too can revel in everything worth wanting. Right now, we've got a $400 voucher for Beginning Boutique, an online store which scopes the hard yards of fashion for the best designers for you. In addition to BB's frock-tastic giveaway, we're excited to be giving away a double-pass to the Australian Ballet’s production of ‘The Silver Rose,’ which will be debuting in Sydney at the Opera House this April.

We're shelling out loads more giveaways every week, so if you’re keen for delectable frozen treats from Igloo Zoo, some great sunnies from Arnette or some effortlessly cool footwear from our friends at Ecco, Converse, or Le Coq, then head to our giveaways page. Entries close for the Beginner’s Boutique giveaway next week, while you’ve got until this weekend for the Silver Rose double pass- just in time for Valentine's Day! Get going so we can start giving!

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: Wardrobe Revamps & Valentine’s Romance.

A New Era for DVF

Creative Director Nathan Jenden and Diane Von Furstenberg are parting ways with a smile, ending a successful relationship that's lasted almost ten years.

After their final DVF show at New York Fashion Week, Jenden will bow out gracefully to work on his own brand and make way for the newly appointed Yvan Mispelaere. There are high hopes for Mispleaere, who's currently head of women's design with Gucci and has previously worked for Chloe, Lanvin, Valentino and Louis Feraud.

The baton will pass come April 1st and we look forward to seeing what this new era holds for the designs of DVF. We're sure they'll continue with their passion for prints, colour and all that is glamourous.

Words by Nic Burdekin.

Read full article: A New Era for DVF.

Willow NYFW Sneak Peak

With New York Fashion Week just days away, Kit Willow has revealed her upcoming autumn/winter 2010-11 collection will be a mix of both figure hugging and free falling pieces.

Willow, introduced in 2003 at what was then Mercedes Fashion Week Sydney, has since grown in strength and style and her upcoming show promises to be a testament to this. Willow's feminine aesthetic is this time inspired by skin, tattoos and sleek lines. Born from fabrics such as silk organza and fine silk tulle, this second skin uses curves as the canvas to create a precise silhouette to hug the female form.

Ideal for the modern woman who looks for beauty with an edge, check out the collection when it walks the runways at NYFW come February 12.

Words by Nic Burdekin.

Read full article: Willow NYFW Sneak Peak.

Moschino and Dita design for AIDS

Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese will be pairing up with Moschino to create a limited edition eye mask, with profits going to amfAR.

Already a long-time admirer of Moschino's timeless style and humour, Dita has added glamour to the common travel item in support of the Foundation for AIDS Research and their work as a leading nonprofit organisation in AIDS and HIV research, education and prevention.

A piece of charitable style retails at £80 at www.moschino.com. Although not exactly so cheap, "Dita for Moschino" is definitely chic.

Words by Nic Burdekin.

Read full article: Moschino and Dita design for AIDS.

Donatella tells: models not so super

Donatella, sister to Gianni Versace and creator of the supermodel, recently revealed her take on the problem with the lacklustre model of today. And it's not their questionable age, rail thin frames, or the over-paid gigs.

"There is not enough ego!"

Today, the age of the supermodel seems a distant memory. Designer Donatella tells Love Magazine, "It was a time when designers were afraid of models with fame. They were afraid that the clothes would be overtaken by the fame of the models". And we have to agree; it is hard to remember when such fame was reserved for the model (not to mention the cover).

The past decade has struggled to cultivate a breed of the calibre of Kate, Linda, Naomi, Kristen, and Cindy. This was a time where their beauty was unattainable, yet we knew them all on a first name basis. For now, let's just hope there is a fresh-faced ego waiting in the wings.

Words by Nic Burdekin.

Read full article: Donatella tells: models not so super.

Watch this space

Four designer's names have been plucked from the hopefuls as the Vauxhaull Fashion Scout's 'Ones To Watch'.

The lucky few recipients of this up-and-comer's dream were Askh, Eudon Choi, David Longshaw and Florencia Kozuch. All four will unveil their showcase A/W 2010-11 collections at London Fashion Week's initiative for new talent.

Askh is the work of Ann Sofie Madsen and Katrine Hedegaard, and their designs lie in the space between ready-to-wear and couture creations. From Eudon Choi, you can expect a striking balance between elements of menswear and a more feminine silhouette. This silhouette finds a playful and avant-garde aesthetic under the eye of David Longshaw, who was influenced by his previous work with Alberta Ferretti and MaxMara. The creations by Florencia Kozuch are even more theatrical than her name, inspired by her native Buenos Aires.

All eyes will be on these new names; they are set to impress when they unveil their men's and women's collections at LFW.

Words by Nic Burdekin.

Read full article: Watch this space.

London Fashion Week goes digital

London Fashion week will be the first to break the frontier of the digital era, confirmed by the recent announcement that it will be screening all its shows live via the internet.

For the first time, members of the general public will be able to watch live from the British Fashion Council tent, direct from Somerset House. Additionally, some designers, including Hussein Chalayan, Twenty8Twelve and Danielle Scutt, have announced that they will be posting their own fashion films on the London Fashion Week website. The CEO of the British Fashion Council, Caroline Rush, has spoken about the recent innovation, commenting that ‘enhancing designers' experience and reach through London Fashion Week is an important area of development for the future.' The fashion week runs from 19-24th February, and will be hosting shows from icons of British fashion, including Burberry Porsum, Christopher Kane and Mulberry.

For a digital schedule of the shows, go to: www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/digitalschedule

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: London Fashion Week goes digital.

Would you ever?

Louis Vuitton are releasing this garbage bag inspired handbag....


Retailing at $2000 its slightly above the price of your average set of 30 garbage bags. However the design comes in dark brown and grey, with a changeable leather strap. The immediate connection to the "Derelicte" collection of Zoolander really puts this in to context with one blogger commenting "If someone is willing to buy what is an obvious anti-capitalist statement, then let'em."

Words by Gabriella Singh

Read full article: Would you ever?.

Liam Gallagher sets July as deadline for new album

Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher has set July as the deadline for the release of his first album since Oasis split in mid 2009.

Gallagher, who has formed a new group with other ex-band members Gem Archer and Andy Bell, has confirmed that the trio have been working on new songs and hope to enter the studio within the next few months. Although the new project remains untitled, the members reportedly have a working title of Oasis 2.0. The original band was formed in Manchester in 1991
and is widely credited with pioneering Britpop music.

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: Liam Gallagher sets July as deadline for new album.

Sartorial delights on display at 2010 haute couture shows

Members of the international fashion elite flocked to Paris this week for the annual Spring/Summer haute couture shows.

The event ran from the 24th to the 28th of January and featured the work of eleven fashion houses, including Chanel, Armani Prive, Givenchy and Christian Dior. While Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel sent models out in a pastel array of 60s inspired frou frou confections, Givenchy went for sumptuous Edwardian glamour injected with a strong dose of goth rock. Other highlights included Elie Saabs’ ultra feminine eveningwear, where models floated down the shimmering catwalk swathed in billowing chiffon of soft apricot, feathery rose and powder blue. Jean Paul Gaultier closed the event with a playful Mexican inspired show, complete with basket woven bustier dresses, feathers, chains and the odd Cuban cigar. The bi-annual couture shows are organised by the Paris based Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, and represent the ultimate in international luxury fashion.

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: Sartorial delights on display at 2010 haute couture shows.

Introducing Sir Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs gets a nod from the French government.

French Culture Minister Frederic Mitterand will acknowledge Marc Jacobs impact on the french fashion industry when he is decorated as a Chevalier des Artes et des Lettres (Knight of Order of Arts and Letters).

Jacobs is, of course, known for his position at the helm of Louis Vuitton as Creative Director, as well as for his own brand Marc Jacobs and the diffusion line Marc by Marc.

The ceremony, which is taking place during Mens Paris Fashion Week, will also honour Nathalie Rykiel, who is President and Creative Director of her mother Sonia Rykiel's label.

Words by Gabriella Singh

Read full article: Introducing Sir Marc Jacobs.

Artists Jump up to Apply to ArtStart

Applications have opened for the second round of ArtStart grants and to inspire potential applicants ArtStart organisers have revealed a new art fad called Pogoism.

The art form uses pogo sticks to create giant artworks. A video of Pogoism in action has been released today as budding artists around the country prepare their applications.

With over a hundred $10,000 ArtStart grants being offered by the Australian Council for the Arts, it’s surprising they need to generate enthusiasm at all.

The ArtStart gives artists (who’ve graduated from an accredited artist-training scheme in the last three years) the opportunity to build an income-generating career. To apply for a grant, applicants need to submit a written application outlining a simple five-year plan of activities they believe are important to establishing their practice. To find out more, click here.

Read full article: Artists Jump up to Apply to ArtStart.

Tom Ford directorial debut picks up two BAFTA nominations

Tom Ford’s highly anticipated feature length film, ‘A Single Man,’ has recently been nominated for two BAFTA awards, including Best Actor (Colin Firth), and Best Costume Design.

The film is the directorial debut for Ford, who is also credited with resurrecting Gucci in the 1990s, and more recently, directing his own fashion label. ‘A Single Man’ is adapted from the novel by Christopher Isherwood, and recounts the daily life of an English professor after the sudden death of his partner. The film opens in Australian cinemas on the 25th February, and is already being lauded by critics and fans alike as a visual masterpiece.

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: Tom Ford directorial debut picks up two BAFTA nominations.