Tluxe Blog

McQueen spring/summer 2012 collection in Paris last week 

Anna Lindsay MacDonald 

Waltraud Janzen

Shona Wilson

Maurizio Anzarri embroidery via Yellowtrace

While we’re not ones to flounce around in lacy creations ourselves, the “shockingly beautiful” images from Sarah Burton's Alexander McQueen show in Paris last week have definitely caught our attention. For a dose of edgy, contemporary lace creations closer to home it’s well worth checking out the Powerhouse Museum’s current Love Lace exhibition. On our visit we particularly loved the jewellery by Canandian artist, Anna Lindsay MacDonald, Waltraud Janzen’s Tree and Shona Wilson’s Heirloom, made from a collection of natural, found materials. If the meticulous patience of this kind of modern-take on a traditional craft is up your street, take a look at the wonderful world of subversive embroidery, curated by the ever-brilliant Yellowtrace blog.

If you love the quirky fashion of Dutch art duo Viktor & Rolf don’t miss the English version of their book, Fairytales, out this month. Stories reflecting the ideas behind some of their more fantastical fashion collections include hand-drawn characters such as the brilliantly pink-haired Candy Floss, a lonely disco hedgehog, and Giselle, a princess who had ten of everything. We love it.

And while we’re on the subject of fashion books, check out ex French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld’s new coffee table tome, Irreverant, which she launched just last week at a vampire-themed party during the Paris ready-to-wear shows. Overflowing with the sexiest of images from her career in styling, including her sure to be iconic stint working with Mario Testino for Tom Ford when he headed up Gucci, it’s a fashion lovers must-have. Check out Madame Roitfeld’s interview with the inimitable Suzy Menkes for a little background on the book and her own personal rock chic style, where she says: “My silhouette has not changed, my body stayed young. But you still have to change — there is nothing more vulgar than a woman who dresses inappropriately for her age.”

What better way to kick off the week than with a fash-tastic flash mob under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower care of legendary queen of the wrap dress and Studio 54 icon, Diane von Furstenberg. Underlining the continuing trend for putting the fun back into fashion DVF herself headed up a dance routine of ladies in her fab print dresses getting down to the sounds of Chaka Khan‘s “I’m Every Woman”. Go girl.

Statement accessories have been a catwalk staple for a few seasons now and are a great way to add a touch of wow to clean, minimalist dressing. Our current love affair is with Bottega Veneta’s new baroque meets disco jewellery, which will look great piled on with the clean lines of a Tluxe maxi dress or our Melissa O jumpsuit.

If you love the style but not the hefty price tag, nothing beats the joy of trawling a vintage market or auction house. Our personal favourite in Sydney is Mitchell Road Antiques. Keep your eyes peeled for Victorian-inspired pieces, or if you have a little more time, check out an auction, such as the fine jewellery sale at Lawsons, held once a month.

We’ve been watching the street style blogs as much as the catwalks this last few weeks and are loving the fresh look of a long maxi skirt. From this season’s essential flowing numbers to the elongated column dress - which is being touted as the new basic shape for summer - we've selected a few of our favourite looks so you can see for yourself how easily this style can be dressed up or down. Try heels, a loose fit shirt and chunky accessories for a few evening drinks or leave it clean and casual with a simple T-shirt, slimline belt and flat sandals for weekend brunch. And don't forget you can buy the summer's all essential Tluxe maxi online here.