VIKTOR + ROLF

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The second illustration in my series of Couture looks is a whimsical beauty from Viktor + Rolf.
Never a pair to shy away from a dramatic silhouette, the SS/15 collection had it all.
I was so in love with this show from the moment it hit my feed.

Encased in huge structured 3D florals, with over-sized straw hats covering their milk maid braids, the models looked like ethereally zany garden gnomes floating down the runway.

While initially I put it down to yet another wonderfully insane "Alice" like offering from the duo, upon further investigation I discovered that the inspiration for the collection was, in fact, the landscape renderings of Vincent Van Gough, and named after thusly.
*Insert face palm here*
Being an art school graduate I should have been onto that far sooner than I was.

It was hard to choose my favourite look from 'Van Gough Girls' to draw, but this horizontal, gravity-defying dress was the winner as I thought it would have the most impact and make for an interesting shape on paper.
I hope I was right!

Image Credit: 1 + 3 - Peter Stigter / 2 + 4 - Philip Riches for Viktor + Rolf

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

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Inspired by last week's series of Couture shows in Paris, I started illustrating some of my favourite looks from each one!
First up is the always incredible Giambattista Valli.

With a colour palette that resembled a twisted garden in full pastel bloom, the models glided down the runway in a sea of coral feathers, fairy floss pink, and bold yellow petals, their eyes covered in black veils creating an impacting sense of drama.

I don't think there's ever been a GV collection that I haven't loved. Valli is, after all, all about whimsy, drama and the most AMAZING textures I have ever seen. SS/15 was no exception.

Photo Credit: vogue.co.uk

SARA ET LE FRENCHIE

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It's been a couple of years since our last collaboration, but I recently had the pleasure of working with the crazy talented Zanita Whittington again!

Our latest venture features the always stunning Sara Donaldson of Harper & Harley, a whole lot of paint splatters, and Archie the French Bulldog. Hence the Parisian spin on the title of this post! Isn't he just the cutest?

I had so much fun getting messy with these images.

To see behind the scenes footage of the shoot, check out episode 7 of Fashion Bloggers which is airing on the Style Network in Australia, along with E! in the US, UK and Asia.
You can also read more about Zanita and her vision for the shoot in her interview with Lucky Magazine here.

Credits:
Photography: Zanita Whittington
Illustration: Kelly Smith
Model: Sara Donaldson & Archie
Make-Up: Christabel Draffin
Hair: Frankie Endersbee
Styling: Sara Donaldson

CHRISTMAS LUST-HAVES

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When it comes to Christmas, wishlists used to be so simple.

As kids we'd climb onto the local shopping-centre-Santa's lap and rattle off a long list while ticking off a handful of fingers representing all of our must-have toys; Barbie, Barbie Car, Barbie Dream House...et all.

However, as we get older this tradition gets a little harder. We no longer have the Big Fella in Red to divulge our secret yearnings to, and the price tag of each item also seems to grow along with our age.

So, instead of must-haves, we'll call them lust-haves; the items we'd ask for if Santa's budget was priceless - you know, if he was sitting on a gold throne with a diamond grill in his mouth.
Because when it comes to WISHlists, it's all about the dream, right?

I've also included a few fashionably affordable (read: more likely to appear under the tree) items!

Clock-wise from left:

1. Prada Candy Florale, EDT - PRADA
2. YSL Monogramme Mock-Croc Bag, SAINT LAURENT
3. Sacré-Coeur Silver Vase, LOVESTAR
4. Puss 'N' Boots Sunglasses in Smoke + Silver, PARED
5. Illustrated 'Merry Christmas' Cards, BIRDY & ME
6. Printed iPhone 6 Cover, LANVIN
7. Rockstud Heels, VALENTINO
8. 34 Blvd Candle Holder, DIPTYQUE
9. Classic Sheffield Watch, DANIEL WELLINGTON*
10. 'How to be Parisian' Book, RANDOM HOUSE

*You can also save 15% AND gain free shipping at danielwellington.com right now with code:
"holidaybirdyandme"