I love... Eyebrow Threading at Ottoman3 at Myer Highpoint

Over the weekend I headed to Highpoint where I had my eyebrows threaded at Ottoman3. I’m sure no-one knows what I am talking about by eyebrow threading but soon enough you will.

It is an ancient technique for removing unwanted hair from the brow area and in turn, achieving sharp, defined brow lines.

The below image should give you a bit of an idea of the technique used, but it basically consists of an eyebrow artist using their fingers to twist and loop a thread which in turn removes the hairs one by one.

It originated in India and spread to the Middle East before being adopted by Western Europeans and becoming a hugely popular choice for hair removal. Many celebrities such as the Beckhams, Brad Pitt and Salma Hayek swear by it and have it done regularly to maintain the shape of their brows.

In my opinion it was only slightly less painful than waxing, but the result was much better- my brows were left looking really well defined and had a great shape.

The Ottoman3 brow bar is currently only open at Myer Highpoint but after a very successful start, there are plans to expand into Myer stores nationally.

Melbourne Central - Behind the Scenes

Check out the 'making of' Melbourne Central's Autumn/Winter advertising campaign which celebrates 'Living Melbourne'

Two Blocks @ Melbourne Central

We've just wrapped on an amazing fortnight, bringing the best art, design, fashion and music from the streets and laneways into Melbourne Central.

Live paintings, a brilliant live fashion shoot and a fantastic official festival party were but some of the great activity happening, right in one of Melbourne's busiest hubs.

Here are some pics to show you what went on. You can see full galleries of the festival party and the fashion shoot at our Flickr site.

Linda Farrow and Lizzie Fortunato - ARRIVE AT GRACE BOUTIQUE

Melbourne boutique Grace has expanded its offering with two new and exciting collections in store now.

The collections include Linda Farrow vintage – known for producing luxury eyewear for leading fashion designers - encompasses over 200 styles inspired by the 70’s and 80’s and has established itself as one of the most exciting brands in fashion today.

The section collection is Lizzie Fortunato; a jewellery range inspired by textures and patterns of the American west, features hand covered leather beads, crystal studded collars and hand embroidered bandana style necklaces.

Visit Grace at 595 Malvern Road Toorak to view these beautiful new collections!

Jenny Bannister, doing it for the kids!

Renowned Melbourne designer Jenny Bannister has offered Melbourne Girls Grammar students her beautifully designed dresses as part of the school’s annual fundraiser parade.

The lucky 15 students were treated to their very own personal fitting and styling session at Jenny’s flagship store in Chapel Street - where the excitement was through the roof.
Jenny Bannister will be the guest speaker at the school’s fashion parade this week, where she will talk to students about the inspiration, passion and dedication that is involved in constructing a garment.

For further information on Jenny Bannister’s designs visit: http://www.jennybannister.com.au/

AMPR loves Tracey Lee Hayes

We had some new AMPR team photos taken this morning by the amazing Tracey Lee Hayes. She impressed us when we worked with her on Eat Street and didn't fail to impress again today.

Even though none of us were very comfortable being on the otherside of the camera she made us feel relaxed and made the experience as enjoyable as possible.

Stay tuned as they'll be up on our website soon but in the meantime don't forget to check out her portfolio at www.traceyleehayes.com

Zoe Elizabeth Bikini Queen - Summer 2009

We Love: The Zoe Elizabeth New Summer 2009 Collection

Made from the highest quality 100% cotton fabrics, each Zoe Elizabeth bikinis are in bold signature prints, displaying designer swimwear with a twist.

This summer must have for any cossie lover!

AMPR is expanding

AMPR is very happy to announce the appointment of three new team members...

Karla Dawes joins us as an Account Executive in the fashion department. She has over three years of industry experience and has already impressed us all with her strong work ethic, efficiency and good humour.

Alexandra Gibson has come on board (only yesterday) as AMPR’s Office Manager. She’ll manage day-to-day duties, assist the team and be the cheerful girl on the other end of the phone.

And last but not least, Lauren O’Hara joins us as an Account Coordinator, working specifically on Kmart. She will be based at Kmart headquarters but will also join AMPR in the office for a day or two each week.

All girls can be reached via e-mail (first name@ampr.com.au) or on our office number (03 9537 3311).

Forever New showcases its Spring collection at Spice Market

On Monday night Forever New previewed its Spring fashion collection titled ‘Exotic Goddess’ to media, VIPs and staff at Melbourne’s newest hot spot - the exclusive Spice Market in Beaney Lane.

The opulent Middle Eastern inspired venue was the perfect fit to showcase the Forever New collection; which features stunning Grecian style maxi dresses in opulent prints and jewel tones, bold accessories and body con dresses, creating a unique look of modern glamour.

On the night, Melbourne’s young fashion elite were treated to a selection of mezze style dishes of Middle Eastern flavours, designed and overseen by renowned MoMo Executive Chef Greg Malouf, while listening to the rocking sounds of DJ Andy Murphy.

Kudos goes to the male models dressed in ‘Troy-like’ outfits, which made a few hearts race on the night!

Favourite dish would have to be the delicate jeannie bottle arancini stuffed with haloumi – delish!

Tanning Tips from California Tan

Beat the winter blues with a sunless tan that will help you survive the dreary months. Just because the weather is bad, it doesn’t mean your tan has to be! Here are the top tips from Califonia Tan:

Tanning Preparation

• Exfoliate your skin with PRIMER at least 2 hours prior to sunless tanning application to smooth skin for even tanning results. Spend a little extra time on knees, elbows, feet and hands.


• Shave at least 6 hours before your sunless tanning session. Wax at least 12 hours before.


• Do NOT moisturize skin at least 2 hours prior to your sunless tanning session. Lotions can create a barrier, preventing the absorption of sunless tanning solution and products.


• Remove makeup prior to sunless tanning application for best results.


• Wear dark, loose fitting clothes. Sunless solution washes out of most clothing, but the immediate cosmetic bronzer could wipe off on lighter clothes, giving a temporary appearance of discoloration.


• Do not wear wool, nylon or silk during or after your sunless application for at least 8 hours as bronzer may react with these fabrics and could cause staining.

Looking after your Tan

• After your sunless tanning applications, wait at least 6 hours before you shower. This will allow time for the self-tanning reaction to occur on the skin. Leave overnight if possible.


• Do not moisturize until after your first shower. This could effect the immediate reaction of the sunless solution on the skin and cause streaking.


• Do not swim after your sunless tanning session. Immediate contact with water, chlorine and salt water could effect the immediate reaction of the sunless solution. Also, keep in mind that chlorine and salt water may dry your skin and cause your sunless tan to fade faster.


• Wait at least 6 hours before you exercise. Excessive perspiration could effect the immediate reaction of the sunless solution on the skin.


• Do NOT exfoliate straight away unless there are areas you want to remove. When you do exfoliate, remember to do so gently and evenly to preserve an even, sunless tan.

Goodbye Egg! *sob*

Lil' Sare has flown the AMPR coop for an exciting adventure overseas. We'll all miss her and her amazing sense of style.

Victorian Designers at G'Day UK

Gwendolynne

L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) in collaboration with the State Government of Victoria will showcase exceptional Victorian fashion design at an exclusive dinner as part of the inaugural G’Day UK celebrations in London on Saturday June 27 2009.

Held at the exclusive 33 Portland Place, the evening provides an opportunity to profile Victoria’s key areas of business and innovation that distinguish it from other States and territories in Australia. This includes a strong focus on Melbourne as a creative hub and an exciting tourist destination reinforced by its strong focus in fashion, food, wine and lifestyle.

Under the creative direction of Festival Director, Karen Webster, LMFF will curate a fashion installation featuring the innovative works of leading Victorian designers including Toni Maticevski, Gwendolynne (collaboratively with milliner Richard Nylon), MaterialByProduct, Fool, S!X and Dhini. Each of the outfits created especially for G’Day UK will reflect Victoria’s excellence in design, innovation, manufacture, fashion direction and unique styling.

Jessica Mauboy Hits the High Notes at Highpoint

Over 4000 fans flocked to Highpoint to see Jessica Mauboy perform her new hit single 'Because' on Sunday.

Jessica invited a lucky few up on stage to sing along with her, and signed copies of her album until the centre closed.

The performance marked the end of auditions for the 2009 Star Search, a search that has been discovering talent in the west for 21 years.

The Star Search journey continues with the heats (6 - 10 July), the Semi Final (15 August) and the Grand Final (19 September). For more information go to www.highpoint.com.au

EAT STREET'S WINTER WONDERLAND JUNE 23RD 2009

Australia’s leading chefs and designers will come together on June 23 at Eat Street’s Winter Wonderland, to raise funds for the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF).

Eat Street is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and will feature hawker-style stalls from over 30 top chefs and winemakers, alongside great entertainment, celebrities and high fashion.

The Flower Drum, Fifteen Melbourne, Maha Bar and Grill and Vue de Monde are just some of the restaurants taking part. Fashion designers including Alice McCall, Willow, Sass & Bide and Gwendolynne have created hand-crafted, one-off pieces with the theme Winter Wonderland to be auctioned off on the night.

It is sure to be a fantastic night that will see guests enjoying fine food, fashion and entertainment, all in support of a very worthy cause. All proceeds from the night will go directly to the ACF to provide counselling to children traumatised by abuse, neglect and family violence.

WHEN: Tuesday 23rd June from 6pm
WHERE: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Grand Ballroom
TICKETS: $145 per ticket

TO BOOK: PH: 03 9653 7744 or e-mail H1902-re13@ACCOR.COM

Photography: traceyleehayes.com
Digital: rick @ rapdigital.net
Hair/Makeup & Stylist: Jodie Watts for Sweet Caroline
Model: Abul @ Vivien's Model Management

VIP Shopping Day At Highpoint

This Wednesday...

Melbourne Central's Winter Shopping Day

This Wednesday...

I love...

This little Alex Monroe bee is so sweet it has all the girls in the office buzzing with excitement. Soon to be available at Grace, his entire range is worth a look!

Japanese Menswear

Bought an Assin single/double hybrid black jacket the other day. I love when something ostensibly simple has a subtle twist, or nuance that makes it different and therefore you feel that bit more special.

Same goes for The Viridi-anne, now on sale at Cose Ipanema in Melbourne. This is a great example of simple executed brilliantly; cut, colour, structure, texture - all have a role to play.

The Viridi-anne is a Japanese menswear label with a well-earned reputation internationally for its use of superb materials, craftsmanship and style.

For the spring/summer '09 collection, ‘Breathe’ The Viridi-anne’s ever-inventive designer Tomoaki Okaniwa focused on a different way of presenting the collection.

A special conceptual film installation was produced, inspired by Japanese visual creators Shimurabros and first shown in Paris, then in Tokyo.

The Viridi-anne’s esoteric designs were born from Okaniwa's dissatisfaction with the clothes he saw around him. Although coming from a fine arts background, he began to make apparel that embodies an aesthetic motto of ‘quiet and strong’.

Of this duality in the spring/summer '09 collection, Okaniwa explains: "On the outside the designs are simple, but inside they are really strong, complex and comfortable".

The Viridi-anne is stocked internationally in leading boutiques including Cose Ipanema in Melbourne, Le Bon Marche in Paris, Vertice in London and Atelier New York.

HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY KMART!

This month Kmart turned 40 and AMPR were onboard to help them celebrate the special occasion.

We held a morning tea at Kmart Burwood (‘K1’), where Kmart began as Australia’s first discount retailer back in 1969.

Kmart’s Managing Director, Guy Russo, spoke to past and present employees and customers who had travelled far and wide to join in the celebrations. He was also joined by Helen Harris, Mayor of the City of Whitehorse and Keith Rooney, then Mayor of Nunawading who ‘cut the ribbon’ at the Kmart Burwood in 1969.

Special thanks go to Rod Stebbins, Kmart Burwood’s Store Manager from 1969 who flew down with his wife Estelle from Tweed Heads and had more than a few good stories to share. Things have definitely changed since then but it seems Kmart is still providing customers with great quality products at great value.

Read more here....

This Winter – We Love…

Show off your tough side with this winter’s Chinese Laundry Bounty heels. Braided, crossed and weaved supple leather straps shape to your foot, while a back full zipper and antique eyelets add danger to this glamorous style! Wooden heel and 1" platform with a 5 1/4 inch" heel

Bounty Heels $239.95

AMPR Showings

The AMPR bi-annual Sydney media showings will be held at Susie Sharrock Agency in fashionable East Sydney next week.

Over 50 key media, stylists and industry contacts will be the first to view spring/summer collections from our fabulous clients over the five days.

Brands including Pepe Jeans, Forever New, Cose Ipanema, Samsonite, Levante, Ambra, Jonathon Aston, Croft, Chinese Laundry, Joanne Mercer and Zoe Elizabeth Bikinis will showcase the hottest new trends for next season.

LiveStyle VIP Preview Party Pics

LiveStyle had a very special preview party last wednesday. thanks to the amazing Tiffiny, Sam and Rhys for all their support

Rhys & Sam

Rhys & Tiffiny

Amy & Luke

Daniel & Grant

Thanks to Anthony Licuria for the pics.