Guest Post at JourneyChic
All a Flutter...

french bohemian style - emmanuelle flahault
A funny thing happened after a recent photo shoot for Real Living. Both the stylist and art director came back in LOVE. They were so taken with one of the women that we featured in our "Style Tribe" shoot - in the April issue - that I was curious. They described Emmanuelle Flahault as one of the most beautiful women they'd ever met. I looked at the images and agreed she was mightily attractive, but there was something more. Let's say a je ne sais quoi.
So when I went to Life In Style I was determined to track down Nell, as she's known. She was busy - a testament to her beautiful designs and stand for her womens' clothes, accessories and homewares business Nell (she sources European fabrics to create one-of-a-kind designs). But when I met her I could understand what the men were talking about. She radiates calm, happiness and has a definite French flair, and, yes, perhaps a little je ne sais quoi.
Which five words best describe you? Generous, optimistic, cheeky, hard worker and mediator.
What was your first career job and what path have you taken since? Fashion designer assistant.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? To breathe when things get tight.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Receiving authentic and lovely testimonials from happy clients.
What’s been your best decision? To move down under.
Who inspires you? Coco Chanel.
What are you passionate about? Travels and tresors.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Barack Obama.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Having a large family.
What are you reading? The unbearable lightness of being from Milan Kundera.
images real living and nell
nancy bird's emily wright
I have to admit that when I first discovered Nancy Bird, and then learnt a little more about its founder and designer Emily Wright I was impressed at how much she has accomplished in such a short period of time. The handbags and accessories are beautifully produced with a thoroughness to detail that's amazing. The fabrics are sourced in Sri Lanka, the textiles screen printed in Melbourne and the leather tanned in Italy. The designs are old school with a modern sensibility. Yes, amazing.
Which five words best describe you? Worrier, dreamer, kind, earthy, curious.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since? After uni I went straight into starting nancybird. I was spending all my holidays making things and selling them locally during uni so it just made sense to keep going. The label came out of the desire to practically use my fine art training, getting artwork out of the gallery environment and into stores, which I thought would have a broader audience. I think it has been both a help and a hinderance coming from a fine art background – it was a steep learning curve for a few years, learning about buying cycles, the way to structure a range, how to cost things properly. But the fine art training has helped in seeing what I do with a different eye – I never saw bags as having to be a certain way, and I enjoy playing with the elements of bag making because I’m an intruder in the world of accessories
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? To juggle. Time management in production so that each season gets into store at the right time, as well as the daily tasks which require switching from right to left brain quite a bit. The other more personal lesson is the courage to move through the self doubt when designing a new range. I think it’s a common trait in creative people, and can be a real block. I now consciously turn those thoughts off, and it works. Once I don’t have the blank piece of paper in front of me and am working on a design, I fall in love again and things click into place.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Seeing a collection at a final stage is when I am most proud – they’re like my little children! I’m really so proud of my business, as it was just me working in it for a long time… I’m proud that I’ve created something out of nothing.
What’s been your best decision? A big decision a few years ago was moving production offshore. Before that everything was made here, which I loved, but it became untenable – lack of skills and manufacturers here the main issue. With a bit of a heavy heart I started looking overseas. The issue of Australian made is a tricky one and one that I could spend an entire night talking about, but for me moving offshore has meant the freeing up of design ideas – so much is possible, compared to the difficulty of sourcing and manufacturing here. My designs really grew wings after that, and the quality increased hugely. I have been so impressed with the skills of the people making my range and their unending patience in my complicated designs. We still print fabrics here in Melbourne, and I really enjoy the immediacy of that too, so I feel quite lucky to have struck a balance I am happy with.
Who inspires you? People living by their convictions, and making their own way.
What are you passionate about? Textile design! I love collecting books with a million designs in them, my latest crush is Indian embroidery. A relatively new passion has been furniture – I’ve just reupholstered a couch and some chairs in some of my textile prints and leathers, it has been fun doing something creative just for me.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I have a bit of a crush on Warren Ellis from the Dirty Three, but I’m sure if we met I’d be too shy to talk!
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Spending some good chunks of time overseas, but not for a while. I would love to really explore Africa, I love their textile prints and I would be keen to meet some of the makers over there. Spending more time out of the city, upholstering more furniture and tending the vegie patch are goals for this year!
What are you reading? Off the Grid Homes by Lori Ryker. My partner Rob has a property on the Yarra River outside of Melbourne and is planning to build on it using solar, tank water and composting toilets, and we’ve been reading this book for inspiration and guidance.
images courtesy of nancy bird
fashion designer fleur wood
There are some stores that I enjoy visiting just for a pick-me-up. One of these is the Fleur Wood shops in Paddington and The Strand. Instantly I'm transplanted to a world where beauty reigns supreme and femininity is the order of the day. Not only do I covet everything I see, but the decor is sublime. Meet the ever-so stylish woman behind the designs.
Which five words best describe you? Busy, sometimes cranky, and always trying to look at bright side. (sorry more than five words).
How did you get your start in fashion and what path have you taken since? I started out as a VM and on the retail floor selling, I never really intended on being a fashion designer.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers? Don't! Just kidding. Work hard and don't worry about what every body else is doing.
What's your proudest career achievement? I am always delighted when I see someone walking down the street in one of my designs.
What has been your best decision? To listen to people with more experience and take good advise when offered.
Who inspires you? My husband.
What are you passionate about? Human rights.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Mary Magdeline.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? World peace.
What are you reading? The beautiful fall, by Alicia Drake. The story of the friendship of Karl Lagerfield and Yves Saint Laurent.
images courtesy of fleur wood
More brights!
Emamo Geisha Triangle Bikini

From the Italian fashion brand Emamo comes the delightful Geisha triangle bikini. Sizzle in style on the beach or next to the pool.
Now you will only need reservations for the Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc in Antibes.
Available from:
http://www.net-a-porter.com
Christian Louboutin Nuria Sandals

Christian Louboutin's Nuria Gladiator Sandals are the perfect sexy sandals to wear during the weekend or for a trip to the beach. No prior gladiator experience necessary.
Christian Louboutin
Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress

Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress designed 1970's
Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress designed 1970's
Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress designed 1970's
Diane von Furstenberg launched this classic wrap dress in the 1970's. The Diane von Furstenberg's Wrap Dress was instantly both a phenomenon of the time and an immediate classic. No buttons, no zippers, slip in and out without a sound.
Classic silk jersey wrap dress with collar and cuffs. The above wrap dress is no longer available but she is re-releasing some of these wrap dresses today. Hopefully, the above model will be re-released again soon.
Diane von Furstenberg
Undercover Frills
Yes, this is a lingerie post, but don't worry Mom, I'll keep it clean. To be perfectly honest, I never wear cute sleepwear. Once I get home, I throw on pajama pants and a giant tee shirt. It's the opposite of cute. But this post over at Style Redux inspired me to take a closer look at the innerwear as outerwear trend that was all over the spring runways. I personally plan to take a (fully-lined!) lace tee and pair it with a short but structured skirt and flat t-strap sandals when the weather turns warm. My inspiration from Elle below:
However, for those of you who prefer to rock this trend in the privacy of your own home, two names to watch are Undrest and Damaris, who make some of the most gorgeous, haute couture undies out there.
I love the pretty bow detail on the back of this Undrest bralette, available here.
And, while I do think Damaris is a tad too dramatic for my taste, I love how they are pushing the boundaries of what lingerie can be.
They also use some seriously pretty fabric!
Mod Fashion Paco Rabanne Tunic Dress

Mod Fashion Paco Rabanne Tunic Dress.
Designed by Paco Rabanne in 1968.
The above example fetched $24,900 at a Christie's Auction in London.
Source
Andy Warhol Souper Dress


The Souper Dress was created in 1966 and features Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup. Vintage and rather hard to find, price for a Souper Dress in mint condition can range up to $3000.
modern design interior is a modern design blog featuring modern design news on modern furniture, modern lighting, modern architecture and modern home decor. modern design interior is the premier modern design blog reporting on modern designs, modern designers, modern furniture, italian furniture, designer furniture, mid century modern design, space age design, fifties design, sixties design and seventies design, modern lighting, modern homes, modern architecture, modern architects, modern prefab, contemporary architecture, modern style, sixties fashion, mod fashion, modern art, modern home decor, modern interior design, modern home design, contemporary furniture, modern design ideas and much much more.
Mod Poster Dress Fashion by Harry Gordon

'Mystic Eye' Mod Poster Dress Fashion
Designed by Harry Gordon
Manufactured by Poster Dresses Ltd in London
1968
'Mystic Eye' Mod Poster Dress Fashion
Designed by Harry Gordon
Manufactured by Poster Dresses Ltd in London
1968
These amazing mod fashion Poster Dresses were designed by British designer Harry Gordon in a series of five different designs. Released by Poster Dresses Ltd in London. Five poster dress designs included the 'Mystic Eye Dress', 'Giant Rocket Dress', 'Rose Dress', 'Pussy Cat Dress' and 'Hand Dress'. Not much is known about this particular Harry Gordon. A Google search reveals at least 100 people with the same name in the UK. But this peculiar Harry Gordon left us with an impressive series of beautiful mod fashion dresses, so where ever you are, Harry Gordon, thanks a bunch.
'The Cat' Mod Poster Dress Fashion
Designed by Harry Gordon
Manufactured by Poster Dresses Ltd in London
1968
Imprinted with oversize photographs, front and back, designed in London, England. To suit your current mod mood. The manufacturer stated "Toughness is woven into the non-woven fabric for long, l-o-n-g wear, and should you tire (which is doubtful), just cut open all the seams and hang it on your wall as a poster, or cover pillows."
'The Rose' Mod Poster Dress Fashion
Designed by Harry Gordon
Manufactured by Poster Dresses Ltd in London
1968
They were made with a blend of 75% rayon and 25% nylon. The manufacturer stated that they were also washable. not be confused with the paper dresses. If you have one of these in your closet, please do not toss and neither cut 'em up for use as a poster .
These mod fashion paper dresses now are highly collectible and can fetch well over $3000.
'Big Rocket' Mod Poster Dress Fashion
Designed by Harry Gordon
Manufactured by Poster Dresses Ltd in London
1968
That is hardly a bargain considering they were sold for $2.98 by the USA importer 'Madison House' in 1968. But if you insist to have all this fabulous eye candy, you may try your luck at Christie's London, vintage boutiques, flea markets, or online auctions.
Mod Fashion Japan Expo 1970

These fabulous mod fashion outfits were used at the Japanese Pavilion of the Japan Expo 1970 in Osaka. They look very stylish, very much in line with the creations of Paco Rabanne and André Courrèges.
Winter Wear?
So the oddest thing has happened here in Houston, Tx...its been like winter time around here! Last week we had actual snow! Yeah, SNOW!!! Supposedly, today is going to get cold again. The funny thing about living on the Gulf Coast is that when cold weather appears, everyone is scrambling to find something to wear! We don't exactly keep winter coats and gloves on hand. So, I'm taking this opportunity to share an online store I'm loving right now called Old Town Clothing. I find it satisfies two of my deepest (usually unmentioned) desires. 1. To dress like I came out of an old movie 2. To wear men's clothing (yes, I have confessed to this before).
Honestly, I would have liked to post every photo on their website...I love everything! Sometimes I try to talk Mark into wearing these type of clothes, but he won't ever go there. Oh well.Thanks to Ancient Industries for introducing me to this site:)
Who is your greatest fashion influence?


































