Self taught in pattern cutting and tailoring, London-based designer Rachel Freire has never studied fashion. Her influences stem from her love of historical costume combined with futuristic imagery. Behind the dramatic silhouettes and decadent embellishments, the pieces are designed to be wearable, durable, feminine and flattering. Freire and her team also undertake specialist commissioned projects ranging from bespoke couture pieces to entire show creation.

Germinal Roaux.

Established in 2008, BORCHER describes itself as a fairytale, where every detail is sensual and so too should the woman in Borcher feel. Designer Cristina Borcher cites fairytails and the revolving universe as her inspiration, citing it as very dark, dramatic, passionate and surreal.

Of her label, she says “Often, the scene of the 1800′s appear in my mind. Old cobblestones, sophisticated and mysterious women. Dark figures and unknown creatures that linger in the dark. Ravens, black pearls, feathers and the subconscious dark inspires me a great deal. I feel a craving for luxurious materials in my designs and therefore the exclusivity is number one priority regarding the creations.”

BORCHER‘s strict black palette and slick silhouettes coupled with origami like design features delivers a highly wearable yet visually captivating collection. Wishing to create wearable art in order to lend a dramatic element to fashion, Borcher says that her label is less a brand and more a sensory experience.

image sources unknown

the ocean reminds me.

source unknown

Direct from the Museum of Modern Art, New York, Tim Burton: The Exhibition explores the art and imagination of one of Hollywood’s most unique filmmakers. An Australian exclusive, the landmark show brings together over 700 examples of concept designs, drawings, paintings, photographs, puppets, costumes and films. This extraordinary range of artworks charts Burton’s 28-year career from his earliest works to his most recent portrayal of Alice In Wonderland.

I was delighted to have been invited by ACMI and Nuffnang to review the exhibition and visit the Burton Bar. Arriving at just the right moment, I was also very lucky to get a seat in the Masterclass with Burton hosted by Margaret Pomeranz.

In the Masterclass Burton discussed growing up feeling normal but being treated like an outsider, and how he empathised with the antagonists in horror films as a child. It was such a fantastic experience being able to hear in his own words his choices and inspirations behinds his most famous works. Sadly Burton did not have the opportunity to go into more detail about his work as an artist; I would have loved to have known more about his choice to go back to poetry and art with the release of his book The Melancholy Death Of Oyster Boy in 1997 after a slew of cinematic successes.

Although I’ve felt less of an affinity with several of Burton’s more recent film re-visitations (you couldn’t really call them re-makes when generally they’re all vastly different to their original counterparts) I’ve been a dedicated appreciator of Burton’s highly stylised and delightfully deranged artistry for many years.

A feast for the senses, Tim Burton: The Exhibition is the largest temporary exhibition to ever be staged at ACMI. Curated in three thematic sections; Surviving Burbank, Beautifying Burbank and Beyond Burbank; the exhibition includes several elements not previously seen at MoMA. I loved the exhibition so much I’ll most certainly be returning before it closes on the 10th of October.

Thanks to ACMI and Nuffnang, I have five “buy one get one free” passes for Tim Burton: The Exhibition to give away. ENTRIES ARE CLOSED. Thank you for entering – if you’ve won you’ll be notified via e-mail! xo

Post sponsored by Nuffnang.

So beautiful and inspiring. Crystal clear Romanic Cube Cuff Bracelet by Fabio Cammarata.
Luisa Via Roma.

Evolution is life. Stasis is death.

So says the website of Enfants Perdus, a men’s jewellery label by designer Quatre Tsien who splits his time between Toronto and New York. Tsien produces intricate, dark romantic pieces from 18ct gold and sterling silver studded with diamonds, pearls and quartz featuring skulls and orchids. His current collection, Miligram, is touted as the gothic exaltation of spirit, and the art nouveau glorification of life.