COLLABORATION WITH THE DAIRY

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Firstly, WOW. It's been a while between posts!
I've been so busy over the last two months on a string of big projects (more about which I can't wait to reveal soon) that I haven't had much time to update my blog or work on anything new for the shop.

I AM, however, thrilled to finally announce a brand new collaboration - you know they're my favourite!

I recently teamed up with Australian, Brisbane-based, company, The Dairy;
Creating capsule collections with many local artists and designers, they produce beautiful, high quality cases for your phone!

I had previously been aware of The Dairy's collections via the lovely images that filtered through my Instagram feed but a chance introduction to its founder, Cameron Parker, led to us discussing the possibility of my own little series.
Needless to say the conversation was a quick one, and within 24 hours Cam had sent me a sample of my work on one of the cases. I was so impressed by the quality that upon receiving it I immediately thought 'let's do this!'
In the words of Dorothy Boyd, he 'had me at hello.'

Sometimes it can be hard to admit that social media rules our lives, but the reality is that we have become a generation that is glued to our mobile devices; we talk, we photograph, we document.
Considering how much thought we put into our daily outfits, it's only natural that we should want to accessorise with our phones, too! It's fun to think that you can carry your favourite artwork around with you and that's what's so great about The Dairy - there's quite literally a case to suit every style and every mood. You can buy one, or buy them all!

My collection, consisting of some new and some previously loved and sold out editions, is available for most models of the iPhone and Samsung via The Dairy now.

www.thedairy.com

DIOR AND I GIVEAWAY

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On Sunday I went to see the brand new fashion documentary by Frédéric Tcheng, 'Dior and I'.
The film documents the appointment of the brilliant Raf Simons as new Creative Director of Dior and the subsequent weeks (8, in fact) that followed - the time in which he and his team had to entirely design and create the next Haute Couture collection. No small feat.

For those that follow fashion, and in particular the Couture collections, this could not be a more riveting film.
We see the moment that Raf is introduced to the Dior staff and the Atelier team (the incredibly talented tailors and dressmakers that create and assemble each design from Raf's vision.)
We see his design process, we meet the staff members, we discover the world of Couture.
We learn that 8 weeks to design and create an entire collection, Couture no less, is extreme.
Using some of the finest, most intricate, methods and processes in dressmaking; it's an artform.

Sometimes in the frenzied glamour that is the fashion world, the speed in which it moves and we consume, we forget to acknowledge the talented hands behind-the-scenes, the ones that work busily, stitching, cutting, crimping, and pressing, to bring the designer's incredible vision to life.
This film celebrates all of those involved in presenting the collection and it's a true feat to behold.

Amongst the chaos there are moments of genius, anxiety-ridden meetings, heart-melting confessions, and a true pride and sense of triumph in those final moments of "the show."
It's emotional and a joy to watch. When it ends you just want the whole thing to begin again.
I can't even begin to talk about the flower walls at the final presentation.
I still remember watching the collection's live show on my laptop at 1am (Australian time) my mouth agape at the breath-taking beauty of an entire house covered in fresh flowers.
To see how that stroke of genius came about was just another treasure.

To celebrate the release of the film, I've teamed up with Madman Entertainment to give away
10 double passes to see 'Dior and I' during it's theatrical run.
One major winner will also take home a DVD pack of fashion films, along with their film pass,
including 'The September Issue', 'Mademoiselle C', 'The Tents', and 'Bill Cunningham New York'.
Lucky duck!

To enter the competition hop on to social media and be sure to do the following:

INSTAGRAM: Follow @birdyandme, like and re-gram the competition image
using the hashtag #birdydiorcomp + tag @birdyandme in your post.
FACEBOOK: Follow the 'Birdy & Me' page, like and share the competition image.
Simple!

Be quick, though, as the competition ends TOMORROW!
Winners will be drawn at random and announced on Thursday, 2nd April.
5 winners will be drawn from each platform (including the major prize winner.)
Please also note that the competition is open to Australian residents only.
Good Luck!

For more information on the film, in cinemas now, visit: www.diorandimovie.com/australia

LA PETITE FLEUR

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I haven't had a lot of time to work on new prints lately due to my workload (so many exciting things to come!)
but I've been plugging away slowly on this piece for about a month or so now, in between client projects/approvals.
It's so nice to finally be able to share the finished illustration with you!

A product of my love for all things décor, floral and Thumbelina-inspired, this brand new print is available for pre-order in my store now!
She may just be my new favourite lady; giving some serious Vogue vibes in her Dior/Valli-inspired gown.

For those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, Spring should just have sprung, so this one's for you, you lucky rascals.
If the Australian weather is anything to go by, my next girl might be wearing thermals and a LOT of angora....

Limited to an edition of 50 A3 prints only, you can order her here:
www.birdyandme.bigcartel.com

ALPHA-H

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I recently had the pleasure of working on a beauty illustration for Australian skincare giant Alpha-H and their '15 Years of Liquid Gold' celebration.

I was first introduced to this product way back in my high school years and it quickly became the only (after many futile attempts with other products) saviour to my blotchy, teenaged skin.
I still use this product - every two to three days - to cleanse and rejuvenate my skin, but it's funny to think back on that awkward time while I sit here typing this post - all grown up and blemish free! Thanks Liquid Gold!

As a super special birthday treat, Alpha-H are offering my readers 10% off their entire range online until the end of the month! (31/3/15)
Simply enter the code KELLYLOVESAH during checkout. Huzzah!

For more information on Liquid Gold, and the celebratory events surrounding its anniversary, visit the website here: www.alpha-h.com

SCENTED

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Sitting on my dressing table is one of my all-time favourite illustrations.

This print is limited to an edition of 50 only, with about 10 remaining, before it's sold out forever.

To give this languid lace-clad beauty a home (among your own favourite fragrances) visit my shop here:
www.birdyandme.bigcartel.com

Frame pictured is by Country Road.

BETWEEN THE SHEETS

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Last year I teamed up with the wonderful Frankie & Swiss to create a limited edition product for their 'Leaf Series'.
One of Melbourne's premiere bespoke textile printers and design studios, Frankie & Swiss created 'The Leaf Series' as a way of collaborating with local artists on a variety of products that could be exclusively designed, printed, and sewn right here in Australia.
My offering is a set of pillowcases featuring my illustration 'On The Prowl' - only this time she has a friend!
Perfect as a his 'n' hers set, these cases feature a saucy pair crawling alongside their feline counterparts.

Available on a made to order basis only, you can purchase for yourself right here:
www.shop.frankieandswiss.com.au

Time to get WILD. Grrrrr.....

ON MY MANTLE

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When it comes to easy interior decorating, I have to say that I LOVE the humble mantle place.
It's always the first place I think of to display a new photo or artwork, and to sit a fresh vase of flowers on. I'm forever changing it around.
These flamingo bookends were a wedding gift and the perfect way to stack our favourite books.
To me some books are artworks in themselves - whether it be because of the cover design, the typography on the spine, or a good old fashion coffee-table book that you love to sit down with and pour over for hours on end.
Also featured here is a vintage Chanel ad (found on eBay) and my new 'Paris' poster which you can purchase in my shop at: www.birdyandme.bigcartel.com

What do you like displaying on your mantle?

A BLACKBIRD + COMME DES GARÇONS

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Blending my love for Paris and Tokyo by delving into the archives of Comm Des Garçons for this new illustration.
I love the monochromatic magic of the sculptural S/S 11 collection - and when paired with a little YSL bow tie and a half-bun - how can you go wrong.
This is also the first time i've 'put a bird on it' in a while!