Our New York Fashion Angel

Malcolm Carfrae, Vice President of Global Communications Calvin Klein, has more than a huge title under his belt. He’s Australia’s fashion angel bringing opportunity to Australians in the fashion industry and facilitating their bite into the Big Apple.

Images courtesy of LIFEwithBIRD

Malcolm Carfrae’s LIFEwithBIRD story …

“Francisco and I met Bridget and Nick from LIFEwithBIRD in a bar in Melbourne, whilst visiting, during Fashion Week. Nick walked over to Francisco and said ‘I know you. You’re Francisco Costa’. We ended up spending all our time in Melbourne with them, having fallen in love with their talent, energy, music taste and great sense of humour. When they told us they were coming to New York we really wanted to help them organize a dinner and introduce them to some amazing fashion people in New York – press and retailers. Of course everyone loved them”

Nicholas Van Messner’s, of LIFEwithBIRD story of the same evening…

“After the opening of our first store at the GPO we all headed out for a much needed drink at Cookie in Melbourne.  We were at the bar and I recognised this guy who’d just walked in, who looked a lot like Francisco Costa from Calvin Klein. I didn’t believe it was actually Francisco, so I quizzed him on his latest collection and sure enough it was him. We ended up having a crazy night on the town and they loved what we were doing with LIFEwithBIRD. Malcolm and Bridget began to scheme this NYC dinner to open some doors for us in the big apple. It was a golden opportunity not to be missed and now writing this email, we’re several hours away from meeting some of the heaviest hitters in the NY fashion scene.”

Francisco Costa, Creative Director Calvin Klien with Bridget (bird) McCall and Nicholas Van Messner, of LIFEwithBIRD

The key to the  city, Meredith Melling Burke, Senior Market Editor Vogue’s place card at LIFEwithBIRD dinner in NY organised by Malcolm. The key was actually a USB with LIFEwithBIRD press kit on it.

Since the dinner it is looking promising that Saks and Neiman Marcus want to stock them next season.

Co founders of Australians in New York Fashion Foundatio, Julie Anne Quay with Malcolm Carfrae

Another of Malcolm’s projects, Australians in New York Fashion Foundation.

“The philosophy of the AINYFF is to help young Australians gain world-class, hands-on experience in New York, and return home with internationally recognized training and contacts. By opening these doors and creating this platform, we believe this will not only assist these individuals but also serve to further expand and enrich the future Australian fashion industry. We’ve become by default the go-to Aussie fashion headquarters in New York, which is funny but fine with us.” Malcolm Carfrae

One Last Buy

Spring is almost around the corner but there’s always room for a few more winter purchases.

Stella McCartney hat from Robby Ingham

Gucci sunnies and bag

Model, Hermione Cahill, Chic.

Hermione came over today to help me model my latest Stella McCartney purchase. We had a laugh and chatted about her understated style, which she says is nearly always black. Oh and she’s a clever chick, studying at UTS. It’s not quite fair really!

A couple more cyber hotspots

We asked some couple experts what their favourite websites are..

Edward Coutts Davidson, Ideas man and Guy Ritchie’s best friend  1stdibs.com

Sibella Court, Interior Stylist/Author and about to be marry Ideas man  srithreads.com

Christine Centenera, Fashion Editor Harpers Bazaar and style blog regular  wwd.com

Josh Goot, Designer and Christine’s boyfriend style.com

Cyber Round-Up

When you clock up as many hours online as I do you see it all, the good, the bad and the plain strange. Here are the sites I love that keep me coming back for more.

SHOWstudio keeps me captive with this clever piece of technology for many more hours that I’d like to admit mixing up sounds and movements to create my very own track.

Of course we all know that Net-a-Porter is the go-to for luxury fashion, but further to the incredible product on sale Net-a-Porter’s video section is well worth a look.

Would you expect anything but a super cool website for cult label Opening Ceremony? Their blog, and of course online store, will keep you entertained for hours.

Australian online boutique, Love Conviction has an eclectic collection of vintage inspired jewelery perfect for when the weather (eventually) starts warming up.

A melting pot for cutting edge fashion, architecture and art, cruising through the superfuture blog is like taking a trip around the world with the best travel guide you could ever imagine.

Gala Galore

It was a great Saturday evening at the NIDA Foundation Gala Dinner. An event to raise money for the schools Student Scholarship Program. The combination of star studded guests and event supporter Bulgari, made it a gem of a night.

Photo: Marnie Haddad for StyleMeRomy.com
Sophie Lowe, me and Krew Boylan.

Watch, we even got fashion tips from The Hon. Peter Garrett AM, MP….

Screen Genius

Tonight Director, Daniel Askill launches his limited edition book at EDITION store- Slow Work on a Bright Screen. It features stills from some of Daniels recent video commissions.

My first experience with Daniel’s work was at Michelle Jank’s show at Australian Fashion Week 2008, where a woman unfolded from water. It was mesmerizing. We asked Daniel and his gorgeous PR girlfriend, Anne Ryan, for Grand Social, to share their ” to-do” lists today. Take a peek into their very busy lives…

Daniel’s to-do list

Photo of Anne Ryan by Daniel Askill

Anne’s to-do list

Style File: Tyler and Joel

Model/Designer Tyler is about to launch his label online later this year tylerockit.com. An all handmade clothing line of jeans, knits and limited edition tee’s. Together with musician and friend Joel you can get a little taste of their customised style.

Tyler Atkins and Joel Houston at the Chanel J12 launch

Photo: Tim Kindler for StyleMeRomy.com

Style File: Janek

Janek is the Director at Polo Enterprises Australia. We chatted about polo, tennis and all things sporty.

Photo: Tim Kindler for StyleMeRomy.com
Janek Gazecki at the Chanel J12 launch

Style File: Chris

Model/Hairdresser, Chris Hunter at Valonz is a watch freak and has hundreds in his collection. So it was only apt that he should be at the Chanel J12 Marine launch. His style is a little rock’n'roll under that black jacket/pant uniform every male in Sydney is wearing. Love the shoes.

Photo: Tim Kindler for StyleMeRomy.com
Chris Hunter at Chanel J2 launch

Style File: Daimon and Charles

These guys are hard to define, renaissance men having lots of fun having fun. Daimon (ex sneaky) now artist and Charlie (MCMhouse) both run JACKPOT MODERN an art collective that they promote locally and internationally.

Photo: Tim Kindler for StyleMeRomy.com
Daimon Downey and Charles Hinckfuss at Chanel J12 Launch