Stylish Perth label polishes rock

Image House of Zaccaria

I was excited to recently view the Winter 2013 collection of successful Perth label, House of Zaccaria. Appropriately named, the 'Delicate Darkness' collection is certainly impressive and uses the most beautiful fabrics and colours.

The 'Delicate Darkness' collection features a colour palette that includes 'toxic liver' crimson tones and 'midnight moon' blues…. Adding colour with a level of sophistication. Although under wraps for now, I can say that the collection exhibits the most impeccable workmanship and you will want to start your winter 'Wish list' the moment it is released…. So stay tuned!!

Here is just a peek of what's in store for winter 2013;

Signature pieces always remain true to the design philosophy of House of Zaccaria, which encapsulates the truth in beauty. Garments are a contradiction between masculinity and femininity, soft yet tough and splendous yet simple.

This description sums up the design duo behind the label, Noeleen Radalj-Zaccaria and Tiffany Spencer. The pair each bring their own unique strength to the House of Zaccaria and create garments that have a rock individualism with a romantic, polished edge. The designs are created for every woman with a true love of ageless, opulent, simply beautiful designer pieces.

The House of Zaccaria, is a proud Perth based label. The quality of garments, together with its unique style makes this label one that suits any woman from size 6 – 16.

The current collection, 'Truth in Beauty' Summer 12/13 is one that I instantly loved. Each piece uses the finest fabrics and leathers and yet has a durability for everyday wear. The collection displays a beautiful contrast of colour whilst including staple pieces in blacks and white.

I was lucky enough to view the Summer 12/13 collection whilst at The House of Zaccaria and with their online store, you can purchase your own designer piece at ;http://www.houseofzaccaria.com/shop/

Here are some favourites from the 'Truth in Beauty' collection…

The House of Zaccaria is currently making its mark in Asia and I am confident that it will attract the attention of more than just this part of the globe!

Stay tuned to STYLEWA in 2013 for Winter 13 collection by House of Zaccaria.

Beaufort Street hosts an open invite party!

Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley has long been one of the trendiest streets in Perth. It is a street where, no matter what your style, you are bound to feel a sense of warmth and belonging. For the muso's, the artists, fashionista's and culinary connoisseur's, there is something for everyone along this stretch and the list of attractions to the area continues to grow!

From the early days of the Astor theatre, whereby the men and women of Perth would dress in their finest to attend shows playing in the trendy suburb of Mount Lawley, this street has long made its mark on the style maps of our gorgeous city

Today, Beaufort Street still manages to pull a very stylish crowd and it is without surprise that in 2012 The Beaufort Street Festival celebrated it's third year with record numbers!

In the weeks leading up to the event, Beaufort Street hosted a 'Roving Dinner' put on by four of the streets much loved venues. Tickets to this event were snapped up so quickly that a second Roving Dinner was held.

The James Squire Bar put on a week long celebration prior to the Festival and many other venues and retailers announced other events which were posted on the web; http://www.beaufortstreetfestival.com.au/

So with the sun shining, Saturday just gone was a gorgeous day for the eagerly awaited, Beaufort Street Festival.

Beaufort Street was closed to traffic and crowds flocked to take in a piece of the action, starting from 12 noon.

Keen to check out the STM Fashion Stage at Bamboo Bar, I planned my journey so that I was sitting down with a cool drink, ready for the 3pm show.

Featuring fashions from local retailers and models from Viviens…. this show was HOT. The styling on the runway together with an amazing job by hair and make-up team made this show one not to miss.

STM Runway at Bamboo Bar

It was a good thing the parades were repeated throughout the afternoon as I was stopped several times by people wanting to know where they could find the STM show and land their hands on one of the STM goodie bags I was carrying!

The street closure allowed us to make our way up Beaufort Street taking in all the sights and sounds as well as the opportunity to find bars and restaurants that we often drive past unnoticed.

We stopped for a drink and bite to eat at one of our favourites 'Must Winebar' who served Sangria premium beer and Moët by the glass at their make-shift garden bar.

Much loved Mt Lawley Art exhibits all over…

Must Wine Bar's garden bar

With so many participating venues to choose from, it was evident that the festival provided an excuse for groups of friends and families to meet up and enjoy the afternoon together.

With pop up bars and stages all around the festival precinct we managed to discover some great local bands and try some of the trademark drinks mixed by one of the many Mexican restaurants now on Beaufort.

Margarita slushies – won my vote!

The sun shone brightly on The Beaufort Street Festival this year and I'm sure that given the success and record numbers of 2012, next year will be even more fantastic…..rain, hail or shine!

Article featured in the Sunday Times following the Event

 

Tea with the Duchess

Anything but a quiet afternoon of sipping on tea was what presented when I joined my three friends at the Duchess bar in Claremont.

Being late on a Saturday afternoon, we encountered a buzzing crowd all sitting for high tea at this very trendy bar-come dining room.

With not a seat to spare, groups of friends and acquaintances created a hum of voices….. resounding the weekend was here!

Diners were presented with tables beautifully set with cutlery, flowers and a menu which delivered the high tea options.

For our table, it was as easy as coffee, wine or Moët. Depending on if the requirement for caffeine…. (Or those with young children!)

A selection of sweet and savoury treats soon came our way on a 3 tiered tray. Classic high tea menu items; sandwiches, pastries, macaroons, cupcakes and scones were served – something for all tastes.

An afternoon catching up with friends for high tea was enjoyable and blissfully indulgent.

With Claremont Quarter being on the doorstep of the Duchess indulgence continued for some of my friends with the final retail hour spent searching for a fabulous outfit!

The Duchess bar has all the ingredients for a fun Saturday afternoon in Claremont…. Bookings are necessary and be sure to allow enough time to check out the retailers in the Quarter too!!

http://duchessbar.com.au/

Suburbia Style

No matter where you live, most suburbs have a nearby store that is your 'go to' for that last minute gift or outfit…. should you have “nothing to wear!!”.

I grew up in Guildford and back then, my Saturdays would entail working all morning at a local cafe and then heading to The Swan Valley Boutique to check out some gorgeous clothes to spend my earnings on!

The Swan Valley boutique was a small white house, filled with room after room of beautiful clothing and accessories which appealed to the polo and race going women who would shop there.

I would mostly dream when sorting through the beautiful garments but my mum would often purchase something fabulous to wear to a special occasion.

Whilst the Swan Valley Boutique no longer remains in that little white house I have since found many boutiques that stock some labels that I adore.

In recent times, I've stumbled across Sorella Store in Alfred Cove.

Set back off Canning Highway, this store is a gem for locals and I love seeing a mix of local designers together with some international labels.

Sunday just gone, Sorella store celebrated it's 3rd birthday and it was fantastic to head in for a fix of fashion for the upcoming party season!

Occupying two rooms, Sorella has a mix of fashion, footwear, accessories and cosmetics… Just what you need when running short of time and inspiration before heading out for the night!!

A rainy Sunday at Sorella Store and sipping on birthday champagne I found myself falling in love with some Manning Cartell, Shona Joy, House of Harlow and more… great way to spend some time after a long Sunday lunch!

If you are local to Alfred Cove, then head into Sorella Store, if not… Plan an outing or find yourself one of the many fantastic boutiques about town!

(Some other great boutiques to find…Woven & Willow, Et Seq, Shop 28).

 

Betty Tran Opens Flagship Store

Betty Tran Flagship store Opens with Style

Friday just gone saw the opening of Betty Tran's Flagship store at 300 Murray Street, Raine Square, Perth.

For those of you who haven't yet encountered Betty Tran, here is a snapshot!

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Her mother, Cherry worked as a tailor for over 30 years whereby she created garments of the highest quality. It was from years of witnessing her mothers hard work ethic together with the production of fine fashion that Betty's love for the industry evolved.

Originally from Saigon, Vietnam Betty moved to Australia 9 years ago where she studied in Sydney before moving to Perth to be with family. Betty commenced studies at Curtin University where she studied Fashion and Textile for 3 years and Graduated in 2007.

In 2008 Betty's designs were chosen into the Mercedes Benz Fashion Awards which launched her design career in 2008.

“Betty Sugar” was Betty's first label and saw “La Foi for Betty Sugar” open it's concept store in the Carillion Arcade, Perth. Garments under this label show a respect for the female figure as well as an understanding of textiles and design. Betty created this label with much love and as evolution has seen, her success has lead to the creation of a label of her own name “Betty Tran”.

2012 has already been such a successful year for Betty who was chosen to feature her garments in New York, alongside Jessica Bratich at the New York Fashion Palette 2012. It was here that the world met Betty Tran!

Betty's knowledge of fashion design as well as the sophistication of her new label has meant that the Grand Opening of Betty Tran's new Flagship store has been much anticipated among the fashion following public….

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And so Friday, 2 November 2012, Betty Tran's Store at 300 Murray Street Perth was officially opened.

Lisa Scaffidi, The Lord Mayor gave the official opening speech and what a heartfelt one it was! She spoke of Betty's journey and it was lovely to hear a story so humbling.

LM Lisa Scaffidi opens Betty Tran store

You would think that Betty Tran has opened a fashion store a thousand times over as the night was a smashing success. With bubbles flowing, gorgeous garments as far as the eye could see, a DJ, canapés and Betty's name lighting up the shop front, it was a recipe for success.

The highlight of the evening was the gorgeous parade of Betty's collection. I'm in love and adoration of so many garments.

With femininity, class and sophistication, Betty's garments would suit so many occasions and it is without a doubt that I could happily wear her entire collection.

I can't wait to head back to Betty's new store in Raine square and I recommend the label to every woman in need of that special piece!

Models glamourous in Betty Tran gowns

Perfect combinations of colour with style

DJ mixes for Guests

Sophisticated and chic white

Stunning pieces on parade

Betty Tran with models

Perfect gift! Betty Tran gift vouchers!

Betty Tran fashions on the street -stand out from the crowd!

One of my favourites from the collection!

Stylewa x