sparkling new website updates

Websites are like paintings - no matter how much you work on them, they are never quite "finished" ... there is always more you want to add, change, improve or tinker with (perhaps the same goes for blogs, too...)

So, after several weeks of writing, editing, collecting wedding photos from my recent clients, and defining exactly what my label Culture Shock is all about, i am very pleased to announce my website is now fully updated, and that i am really, really excited about it!

i have revamped my PHOTO GALLERY section, with lots of fab new examples of our most recent "Couture Bridal" Gowns, and added a whole new gallery of "Inspirational Themes" which i hope will assist in inspiring brides to think outside the square, and step away from the outdated big white meringue look! Within these sections, I've added new photos from 2 recent photo shoots i did with Nicole Ritchie (awesome photographer!) and my latest obsession- fabulous bespoke hats made by the talented milliner Sandie Bizys, which complete the look with a dash of fun and old-school Hollywood glam.

in my NEWS section, i've added some "Testimonials" from a diverse range of my bridal clients over the past 6 odd years, with photos to show just who is saying what about Culture Shock... Also in NEWS, i have offered a group of downloadable PDF's, with articles i have written myself, containing loads of helpful tips and advice from the perspective of an excitable Sydney wedding gown designer who loves to share her knowledge and passion about all things bridal fashion!

so, if you haven't done so already, check out my website, and feel free to email or comment on it... i love to hear feedback! http://www.culture-shock.com.au/
xx lisa

Dreamtime dinner with a President

OK, so i am going to brag a little... sorry, i just can't help myself, it's so exciting!?!!

Tonight, my dear friend and former Miss World Australia, the lovely Caroline Pemberton, is off to the Opera House in Sydney to attend a gala black tie function... dressed in a fabulous couture Culture Shock gown!

Due to her wonderful and very dedicated fund-raising work in East Timor during the 2007 Miss World competition, Caroline met and befriended a very famous East Timorese leader, the Nobel Peace Laureate President José Ramos-Horta. Tonight Caroline will be accompanying Mr Ramos-Horta to a special dinner at the famous Sydney Opera House, and she'll be proudly wearing our black silk "Dreamtime Gown", as pictured.

My team and i created this one-off couture gown last year especially for Caroline to wear to the Miss World finals in China. The authentic Aboriginal dot painting was meticulously handpainted onto the silk by a very talented indigenous artist, Yarramunua. This gown has also been worn by Caroline at the Melbourne Grande Prix last year, and always grabs attention due to the colourful artwork, her gorgeously curvey figure, and of course the "spirit of reconciliation" in modern Australia, which i think this gown helps to represent. Yarramunua is having an art exhibition in Melbourne of his work in September, and this stunning creation will be travelling to the exhibition to be displayed as part of his body of work - i'll be heading down there to say G'day to him with dress in hand! xxx lisa

Beyonce Knowles Elegant Hairstyle, For Glamorous Look in 2010

Beyonce's Elegant Hairstyle, For Glamorous Look in 2010

The world can’t seem to get enough of Beyonce Knowles. She has achieved monumental success over the past several years, and has always sported cutting edge style. One of the most notable aspects is the Beyonce hairstyle, which women across the globe try to imitate.
Beyonce's Elegant Hairdo

One of the most popular Beyonce Knowles hairstyles is the one she had at the New York Cadillac Records premier. This style featured long layers, which were cut in such, a way that the waves were carried through right to the tips. It is perfect for any height and any face shape. If you want to create this style you will need a radial brush, and a curling iron or some hot rollers. Be sure to apply a bit of styling mousse when your hair is damp, to help keep the style in.

Use a larger radial brush to blow-dry your hair. Remember to part your hair into sections and always start at the back. Blow from the top until you reach the ends, where you will blow from the bottom. To get the curls you can use a curling iron or rollers. If you are using hot rollers, remember to arrange the side ones in a vertical pattern. Leave in until the rollers have cooled down. When you are done, apply some smoothing shine and comb through gently to achieve the waves. The key to this Beyonce Knowles hairstyle is to get the waves right. If you follow these steps you can create the style in no time.
Photo/PR PHOTOS

Beyonce Knowles Elegant Hairstyle, For Glamorous Look in 2010

Beyonce's Elegant Hairstyle, For Glamorous Look in 2010

The world can’t seem to get enough of Beyonce Knowles. She has achieved monumental success over the past several years, and has always sported cutting edge style. One of the most notable aspects is the Beyonce hairstyle, which women across the globe try to imitate.
Beyonce's Elegant Hairdo

One of the most popular Beyonce Knowles hairstyles is the one she had at the New York Cadillac Records premier. This style featured long layers, which were cut in such, a way that the waves were carried through right to the tips. It is perfect for any height and any face shape. If you want to create this style you will need a radial brush, and a curling iron or some hot rollers. Be sure to apply a bit of styling mousse when your hair is damp, to help keep the style in.

Use a larger radial brush to blow-dry your hair. Remember to part your hair into sections and always start at the back. Blow from the top until you reach the ends, where you will blow from the bottom. To get the curls you can use a curling iron or rollers. If you are using hot rollers, remember to arrange the side ones in a vertical pattern. Leave in until the rollers have cooled down. When you are done, apply some smoothing shine and comb through gently to achieve the waves. The key to this Beyonce Knowles hairstyle is to get the waves right. If you follow these steps you can create the style in no time.
Photo/PR PHOTOS

Day 89 - Longwood Gardens

So I went to Longwood Gardens to see their holiday display, and the weather was predicting 20-30 mph winds.  I needed a hairstyle that would be out of my face & unaffectd by the wind.

So I did a french braid down the side, a bun in the back & a small braid on the other side for an accent.

The only thing I forgot was that it was so cold outside I would be wearing a hat all day!  Oh well...

My hair ended up holding up OK through the day... and we had a blast!

NYE Style - Bond Girls

Tomorow's New Years Eve & I'm going to a party with a "Bond Theme".  So, I figured I'd pick a hairstyle with a bond theme.  Here's some choices... which do you like best?  Also - any pictures you think I should look at for ideas?

And I think I'll try out some of the tips here: http://www.taaz.com/beauty/celebrity/movies/bond-girl-makeup.html

(Pictures from http://www.bondmovies.com/girls.shtml)

Solitare (Jane Seymore) from Live and Let Die

Xenia Onatopp (Famke Janssen) in GoldenEye

Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) in Casino Royale

Day 88 - NYE Style Option1

I'm thinking about how I could do my hair for New Years Eve, and I've decided to test run one before I go.

It's inspired by this syle I saw in a Micheal Kors Ad for Very Hollywood Fragrance

I'm just afraid that my bangs won't stay back all night & that I'll look silly by the end of the night.

Here's the side & back.

Womens Fashion: Latest Fashion Trends

Womens Fashion: Latest Fashion Trends

New photo shoot sneak preview

IT's always so hectic this time of year in the Sydney wedding industry - my staff and i are meticulously hand-finishing lots of fabulous new wedding gowns for all our current Spring/ Summer 2008 brides, and at the same time, i am chatting to lots of prospective NEW clients for their upcoming Autumn weddings in March/ April/ May 2009.

With lots of final fittings and often emotional "goodbyes" as we see our finished work leave the studio in the arms of the beautiful brides who will wear them so proudly, my team and i always get goosebumps and the feeling can best be described as "nervous excitement".... we hope the weather will be kind, the bride will look and feel AMAZING on her big day, and all the plans that have taken so many months to organise will all go as smoothly and stress-free as possible!!! I often wonder what sort of reaction will take place on the day- will the groom cry when he see's his bride in her gown for the first time?? Will the guests let out a collective sigh of "ooohhh's and aaaahh's" as the bride makes her grand entrance?!?! And what will the grandma's, aunties and best friends say to our brides after the ceremony and formalities are over, and everyone is relaxed and full of smiles and congrats?? This is when the goosebumps start appearing in anticipation! Luckily the Sydney weather is being kind for now, with a stunning weekend full of sunshine and mild temperatures ...so for our brides Gillian, Sarah and Helen, i hope you all had a BALL and enjoyed every moment of your weddings recently!!

In between keeping all our gorgeous smiling brides happy and looking just FAB on their big day, we've also been busy creating some exciting new designs for upcoming fashion shoots and magazine editorials. Although i deeply adore our Indian and Japanese-inspired looks, i know that it's not always what everyone is looking for.... so our latest Couture additions include a softer, more romantic "vintage-inspired" feel, using pastel dusty pinks, latte's and antique rose colours.

These hot new photos were taken yesterday at a brilliant shoot by "Empire Creative", with our stunning models Olga and Tereza, make-up by Danielle and hair by Corrine. i will soon be putting more images on my website, with the dream styling teams' contact details! If you're ever looking for recommendations on make-up artists, hair stylist, photographers and the like, don't hesitate to ask... personal recommendations for highly skilled people who are great at their job, keen and reliable, are always invaluable, and i am happy to pass on my contacts.

ciao for now, xx lisa

Short Hair Envy Pt 3

After donating my hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, I'll need a new do.  Here's a few more options.  What do you think?

http://vintagedesignerhandbagsonline.com/blog/?p=557

http://www.rtvchannel.tv/tag/katie-holmes/

http://hairstyles.hairboutique.com/details.php?ID=17230

http://hairstyles.hairboutique.com/details.php?ID=5323

Hehe... just kidding.  Checking to see if you're paying attention ;-)

Kim and Carl do it in style...Wedding Gown

i get VERY EXCITED, often goosebumps too, when i finally get to see my clients' wedding photos- it's a real warm, fuzzy feeling of achievement, a reward for all the hard work and long hours my team and i spend creating a Couture wedding gown, and a beautiful & happy ending to a friendship made between the bride and all of us here at Culture Shock... it's also often the first time i get to see the lucky bloke they end up marrying, too!


So let me introduce you to Kim and Carl, who celebrated their wedding earlier this year in Sydney, beautifully photographed by Guy Lerner at Guy Lerner Photography... http://laqtres-theelegantweddinggown.blogspot.com/
We created Kim's fabulous 2-piece Culture Shock Couture wedding gown from a fabulous vintage kimono we sourced together online ( a great way to go kimono shopping without leaving your keyboard!). Being a beautifully pale-skinned bride who wasn't into the often unflattering "white wedding look", the rich bold effect of black silk spliced together with the fab red/white kimono worked wonderfully against the industrial backdrop of their harbourside pier location. AND we're sure that Kim will be able to wear her fabulous wedding frock again and again... Just goes to show that breaking with bridal tradition can look amazing, and be so much fun to wear, too !!!

Hairstyles In 2010, Try Something Different

Hairstyles In 2010, Try Something Different!

If you want to see some great hairstyles that add a little spunk to your life, there are plenty of examples of celebrities wearing them today.

Take a look at Halle Berry in her pixie hair cut; she has a beautiful glow about her that accentuates her eyes and high cheekbones. It gives her an innocent and sassy look that adds spunk to her image.

Another celebrity that has pushed the envelope in fashion this year is Pink. Her platinum blonde fringe hairstyle that she is wearing for her Funhouse tour adds a sexy element to her explosion of fun image for the tour. She has really made a gorgeous look work in some spunk as well.
Adam Lambert Emo Like Hairstyle

On the men’s side, take a look at Adam Lambert from American Idol, he has taken the Emo look and added his own spunk. He is a great singer, but he has also made the Emo look much more popular this year. The use of his bangs and shorter cropped sides is a perfect example of the innovative way that stylists are using bangs this season. He is clearly a spunky fashion icon this year. And this style will be carried into 2010 for sure!

And who can forget the looks of Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner in the Twilight series movies. They have added spunk to the vampire scene without question! And they have inspired a generation of teens to follow their high-fashion images! Pushed up spikes that make them look like flame-topped perfection for the ladies has made these stars the most sought after look this season.
Photos/PR PHOTOS

Hairstyles In 2010, Try Something Different

Hairstyles In 2010, Try Something Different!

If you want to see some great hairstyles that add a little spunk to your life, there are plenty of examples of celebrities wearing them today.

Take a look at Halle Berry in her pixie hair cut; she has a beautiful glow about her that accentuates her eyes and high cheekbones. It gives her an innocent and sassy look that adds spunk to her image.

Another celebrity that has pushed the envelope in fashion this year is Pink. Her platinum blonde fringe hairstyle that she is wearing for her Funhouse tour adds a sexy element to her explosion of fun image for the tour. She has really made a gorgeous look work in some spunk as well.
Adam Lambert Emo Like Hairstyle

On the men’s side, take a look at Adam Lambert from American Idol, he has taken the Emo look and added his own spunk. He is a great singer, but he has also made the Emo look much more popular this year. The use of his bangs and shorter cropped sides is a perfect example of the innovative way that stylists are using bangs this season. He is clearly a spunky fashion icon this year. And this style will be carried into 2010 for sure!

And who can forget the looks of Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner in the Twilight series movies. They have added spunk to the vampire scene without question! And they have inspired a generation of teens to follow their high-fashion images! Pushed up spikes that make them look like flame-topped perfection for the ladies has made these stars the most sought after look this season.
Photos/PR PHOTOS

24 hours in Melbourne...

Isn't it FAB how interstate travel has become so quick, easy, cheap and accessible??!!

i have just spent the last 24 hours in Melbourne, and it's amazing how much you can do in just 24 hours, believe me! i had 2 glorious art exhibitions to visit, and lots of fabric sourcing/shopping to do for my new wedding gown designs, so with a combo of fast-paced walking, planes/ trains/ trams and friendly yellow cabs, it was a breeze!

After visiting my favourite kimono and Japanese textile collectors, and a few silk fabric suppliers, i sped over to the GORGEOUS Art Deco Exhibition at the NGV in St Kilda Rd, and fell in love with EVERYTHING!!! Amazing collections of jewellery, furniture, music, film, objects d'art and of course FASHION, the highlight for me was naturally absolutely breathtaking Couture gowns from the 1920's and 30's, by such luminary designers as Coco Chanel, Lanvin, Poiret and many more... definitely worth the trip, it's on until 5th October - see website http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/artdeco

Then last night i had the pleasure of attending my friend and fellow collaborator Stan Yarramunua's official opening of his stunning Aboriginal art exhibition, in the foyer of the prestigious 101 Collins St building. Yarramunua's collection of paintings are a refreshing, colourful and modern take on the traditional Indigenous dot painting, and his use of "totems" such as the sea turtle and the goanna, mixed with his main theme of water, are spectacular.

Also in attendance was the beautiful Caroline Pemberton, who modelled a glamorous silk Couture gown that i designed & made for her to wear at the 2007 Miss World contest in China, where she proudly represented Australia (see gown in photo's here). Her fishtail-shaped, personally fitted and sharply tailored Culture Shock creation was hand-painted by Yarramunua, and last night it looked just AWESOME on Caroline as she mingled amongst all Yarra's paintings... You can only imagine how it must have stood out to the other Miss World contestants last year when they were on the world stage- so uniquely Australian, and yet so chic and so sexy, too! This one-off Culture Shock showpiece will remain on show with Yarramunua's exhibition til the end of this week, so if you're in Melb, do drop by for a look.

WOW - what a trip! i ADORE Melbourne and always feel sad to leave so soon - it's such a pleasure to visit a vibrant, culturally diverse and happening city that makes everything so easy for it's guests... i will be back very soon, Melbourne, so don't go changin'!!! xxx

Short Hair Envy pt 2

How about this look?

The Traditional Corsetry-Style Gowns

I've noticed so many more brides these days wanting "lighter" wedding gowns... made from fabrics that are lighter in weight, styling that's softer and more flowing than The Traditional Corsetry-Style Gowns, less restrictive construction, and of course - more COMFY!

I guess this need for wedding dresses that don't weigh more than the bride who wears them is due to several reasons:-

a)- Global warming! Who wants to be hot 'n' sweaty on their big day under multiple layers of thich, heavy fabric?

b)- "Bridget Jones" undies - whether we like them or not, the Nancy Ganz-type of super-stretchy shapewear and control lingerie (aka- "foundation lingerie") out on the market these days REALLY WORKS! So it now enables brides to rely less on corsetry in a wedding gown, and gives women the choice of having lighter-weight gowns and much more comfort in the lingerie dept, whilst still getting a great silhouette, flat tummy and nipped-in waist.

c)- Beautiful, soft, flowing gowns using sheer fabrics look SOOOOO romantic, whimsical, elegant and classic... the ethereal "Grecian Goddess" inspired look is definitely here to stay, as seen at every glamorous Awards ceremony this year... and you DON'T have to be a size 6 to rock this look!

I recently did a fabulous photo shoot to showcase my Grecian-inspired Couture bridal gowns... & as you can see, we created some beautiful looks on the day! Big thanks to the super-talented team that worked hard to create these images with me on a Sunday afternoon- Dario Gardiman the photographer, Simone and Claire the fab make-up artists, Jack the hair stylist and our gorgeous models Alicia and Zara - stay tuned as these images (and more) will shortly be appearing in more detail on my website, too!

ciao, xx lisa

White Ribbon Charity Fashion Parade of Wedding Gown

It was such a pleasure to be invited to show my gowns at the "White Ribbon Charity Fashion Parade of Wedding Gown" at the funky DOME venue in Surry Hills, Sydney, last week. There were loads of exciting local designers showcasing their work, some up-and-coming, and others more established, and the level of enthusiasm, excitement and energy on the night was AWESOME!

Organiser Sharon Garrard did an amazing job, co-ordinating and managing the whole event, and raising much needed funds AND awareness for this worthy charity, to help prevent domestic violence against women. The place was packed full of fun-loving fashionista's, and the parade ended on a high note with an Opera singer performing her aria as the Culture Shock Couture models glided down the catwalk for the grand finale - oooohhhhh, what a wonderful sight!

At the risk of sounding like a complete tosser - i felt very proud of my team, our work, the fabulous models, hair and make-up crew, and the great feedback we received on the night - so a veryheartfelt THANK YOU to all involved!!!

And a very special merci beaucoup to the talented photography team at ModalSoul Photo, who captured these brilliant Culture Shock pics on the runway.... one word, guys - W O W !!

xx lisa