Esz, Kesenya, Me & Marianne – Photo by Nada
Making things look easy is hard work! Yesterday I gave the first of two lunch time session workshops for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, and I have to tell you, pulling something like this together is no easy task.
Given that this blog and pretty much everything I do is a one woman show, I have to be super organised and multi talented to make it work. The last few weeks have really put me to the test to see just how much I can do and has also taught me that without a good team, there are some things that just can’t be achieved.
I’m sure that over the course of this week, you’ll be reading all about the highlights of MSFW, the shows, the clothes, the models; so I want to give you a different view into what goes on behind the scenes. Here’s what it takes for me to put on a one hour session, and keep in mind this isn’t a whole production with multitudes of garments and models – that would take an army!
Firstly, you have to come up with your concepts. This is the bit that most people enjoy the most, things like mood boards, topics, the imagination part. Then you have to work out how you’re going to turn that into something that entertains and informs for a whole hour.
There is a set to stage, making sure that things look pretty and that it all works. That your guests are warm and dry and that everyone can see and hear what is happening. There is a mood and ambience to set, all of which require props, lighting and people to make it happen.
Given that what I’m presenting isn’t really a catwalk show I needed to come up with ways to illustrate what I’m talking about and make the hour more than just me on stage like a bump on a branch. So I’ve been pulling together several outfits, beautiful models, doing fittings, repairing garments, writing booklets and doing all the graphic design, DVD presentations… all sorts of things!
The long and short of it all is that I’ve been working about 14 plus hours a day for the last three weeks just to pull together a one hour session. It sounds like an insurmountable task, which on some days it does feel like, but one of the most fabulous things to come out of all this has been the great team of people who have pulled together to make it happen.
Esz, Nada, Me & Marianne – Photo by Kesenya
We’re a small crew, but the marvellous Nada has been helping me prepare models backstage, Kesenya of Alice Jean’s has become my “Adrianna” (only you Australians of a certain age will know what that means), and the wonderful Marianne from Esme & The Laneway and Esz from Kitty’s Drawings, put up their hands to show how beautifully vintage can be worn.
So with all that prep time in mind make sure you get down to see Thursdays session at 3.30pm in City Square! Now that we are officially in Spring the weather is bound put on a good turn out for us… (positive thinking works).
It was such a super busy day yesterday that I didn’t even get a chance to take any proper outfit shots of what I was wearing! But you can get a fair idea from these pics at least. It was…
1940′s Silk Taffeta Blouse – via Etsy
French Navy Wide Leg Pants – Made by Me
Shoes – Black faux snake skin lace ups by Kumfs
White floral headpiece- by Samantha Sultana
I’m thinking after the last few weeks that it might be time to bite the bullet and hire an intern…. any takers?
I only wish I could try for the internship, but unfortunately, living in Canberra means that I am too far away… It would have been great to see how you manage the one woman show, and have a chance to help out.
The ladies look so lovely too…
xox,
b. of Depict This!
We get by with a little help from your friends don’t we? Looks fantastic. I’ll try to make it with my girls on Thurs. Well done!
oops, *our friends*
I’m pretty sure every one of your readers would sign up to be your intern (including myself).
It sounds like the hard work will’ve paid off though. And I love your blouse. It’s delicious!
Oh bother I was SO looking forward to seeing your talk on Thursday but now I have to do my uni internship so can’t make it
thanks for giving us a sneak peek though!
And I am definitely putting my hand up for intern!
Ooh, I really like that pink/green outfit, tres cute!!!
Ohh wow! congrats on all the hard work!
I would love to intern but I live in Perth…..Virtual Intern?
You lovely ladies all look delightful! And I wouldn’t mind interning for you!
XXASAB
PS. gave you a little shout out on my latest post
I’d love to intern for you; what would be involved?
Ally: I’m going to put together a proper list and post it up soon… as soon as the dust settles!
Woo thanks so much for giving me the opportunity SKM – Tuesday was a blast and tomorrow shall be awesome also.
It is amazing the amount of work you’ve done to put all this together – it’s so good to be able to represent the lifestyle
All the the work paid off it was a really good workshop! I’m glad I was able to get a late lunch and come!
I absolutely LOVE your outfit! it’s a gorgeous blouse
Nathalie: Thank you! It was such a find, rather delicate but the tailoring and shape is just beautiful.
As with the others, I’d be interested in ‘interning’!
I look forward to seeing your list.
Also, I forgot to mention.
I have come up with a question!
Where in Melbourne would you go to buy the foundation garments you were showing?
And what would you wear to practice yoga, given *supposedly* you’re meant to have an elasticated waistband, and skirts are somewhat immodest.
Catherine: I’m going to put up a list of everything you’ll see in the show, where it came from and clickable links. That waist cincher is handmade in Australia by a friend of mine and she will custom make to your desired size and shape. Check out ‘Vintage Charm by Kim’ for more info.
Thank-you!
I wish I could intern but since I am in the US I am guessing that I could not be of much assistance. If you think of anything that I can do to help out please let me know! I would love it!
Sarah: Oh that is very sweet of you! If I can think of anything I’ll let you know. Perhaps when I take the next trip there?
Wow, you all look awesome!
I’m feeling like a sloth thinking about everything you have on your plate.
It was such a fun day today, and Tuesday too! The hard work really paid off – it was fantastic
I was honoured to work with such lovely ladies and would do it again in a flash! 
I thouht it was about time I said hello….. Beautiful outfits ladies! I wish I could have been there to see you all, but alas, I’m still stuck at home.
Sounds and looks like it was a wonderful event. Looking forward to checking out the links for garments.
How many interns can you take? I think we’d all love to be in on that one
xox
Lady S: If it where up to me I’d have a whole village of glamorous girls to work with!
Hope to see you at at workshop one of these days. Take care.
Honey, Tuesday was just soooo much fun – thanks ever so for asking me to be a part of it all. You never cease to amaze me with your talent, your drive, hard work and dedication. Congrats on a wonderful sucess soul sista!! Cant wait to hear how Thurs went too !!
My poppets are still a tad groggy and I am feeling the effects of the lurgy too unfortunatly, I am so very sorry I was unable to make it yesterday.
I simply loved getting to know all the girls just that little bit better too…..arnt we so blessed to have such kindred spirit friends in our lives?
Love you honey, you are a constant source of inspiration and joy in my life !! XX
Hi! If you like to follow me back (@julianarobin) or check out my photography work http://tiny.cc/gkhnx (about pin-ups, of course) it would be nice! ;D
Love your blog!
You truly are a very talented lady!Congrats on pulling all that together,i look forward to seeing more pics ,when you have time of course:)
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