I recently interviewed designer Lui Hon in his Nicholas Building studio for Fashion One tv and was treated to a peek at his upcoming Spring range. I can’t show you that just yet – suffice to say his new love affair with fiery accent colour continues – but I can share his cosily luxurious Autumn/Winter collection ‘Liberty of Love‘. Collaborations with genius milliner Richard Nylon and wonderful jewellery label Maripossa should set Lui in good stead as he vies next month to represent Australia at the International Woolmark Awards.

After a quarter of a century working in the fashion industry as a stylist, creative director and designer, Philip Boon presents an intimate styling masterclass. During the session Mr. Boon will reveal his expertise, tips and tricks for styling everyday men and women to models and movie stars (in the past he has styled models Alice Burdeu, Andrej Pejic and Megan Gale, actress Rachel Griffiths and musicians Sneaky Sound System). The class will be especially useful for emerging stylists, personal shoppers and fashion bloggers. I hear their will be a few luxe treats for attendees too. For more details on the masterclass on May 26 click here.

Milliner Ann Shoebridge returns with a brilliant trans-seasonal collection (rivalling her ‘Petit Fours’ collection; the one that initially made me fall in love with her hats). Titled ‘Tokyu’; the designs are colourfully shot by local photographer Jo Duck with complimenting Harajuku-influenced nail art by The Super Rad Nail Sisters. Obviously the collection celebrates Japanese style. What, in particular, was Ann thinking of when creating the pieces? “Cherry blossom season, warm sake, big city lights and a hint of Kyoto rustic charm”. Anyone for a nice glass of umeshu?

Photography – Jo Duck
Styling – Lauren Dietze
Hair & Make-up – Fiona Middleton
Nails – Rohani & Rosalie Osman

Here’s a peek at a recent editorial I styled recently with 35mm Fashion Photography, Make-up Artist Trish Sousa and Petra from Giant. It’s all about key pieces for the season, metropolitan layering, cosy textures and a tiny hint of Winter colour. Petra wears a luxurious puffer jacket by independent Melbourne designer label Elle Louise and gold Shakuhachi earrings. Love what you see so far? Click here to see the whole ‘Live in the Layers’ fashion editorial.

Did you see? StyleMelbourne was recently featured in the wonderful Adore Home magazine. Founding editor Loni Parker kindly included a few of my favourite things in the publication’s current fashion issue. The list includes Love & Lustre lingerie, Voluspa candles, earrings by Anna Davern, the artworks of Kelly Thompson, and O.P.I nail glitter polish. A few things that didn’t make the final edit that I suggest you seek out; “jelly mould” hanging planters by Angus & Celeste, Letters from Letty, silver loafers from Habbot, a Rapp print scarf, and addictive earl grey tea infused organic drinking chocolate by the Tea Room from Grace. You can still read the current fashion issue of Adore for a limited time only.

Paspaley literally cut the ribbon on their new boutique in Southbank last night, anointing the second home for their lustrous Australian South Sea pearls in Melbourne. I’ve admired Paspaley’s precious strands before at their titled polo in the city and while being personally adorned (such a treat!) with them during a fashion shoot in Broome; so am firmly on the side of the pearl making a fashionable comeback. The new “jewellery box” of a boutique may help sway others. It has been designed by architects who feature the likes of Celine, Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton amid their portfolio. Forget shining like a diamond (though Paspaley have those too). Who’s now considering gleaming like a pearl? Find Paspaley at Shop 13, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank.

Meet Goldie. She offers costume jewellery personally sourced from New York; the very essence of “statement” pieces. Dream of pearls still nestled in gilded oysters, strands of Bacchanalian grapes, nods to the art nouveau and golden filigree? Goldie’s got ‘em. These are jewels too good to simply covet. You’ll fall in love with Venetian glass chokers and be charmed by Deco-era cuffs. Visit Goldie here but be warned it may prove to difficult to look away without possessing something gleaming.