Daria...

Game Girl, French Vogue, May 2009

I have been meaning to post this piece of editorial for such a long time because I think it seriously is BEST swimwear shoot I have ever seen. Ever.

Starring the amazing Daria, it was styled by Emmanuelle Alt, with photography by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.

Aside from the roadside USA locations (my dream place to shoot), I love how each photo is captioned Daria Vs...whoever she is bashing up! Also love the cowboy boots and use of denim to tie all the pics together.

Let it snow...sequins, denim and leather.

French Vogue, May 2009.

I know, it's so hot, how can I possibly be even vaguely excited about winter?

Well, I am. Why? Because it's going to be about three key things - denim, sequins and leather. I adore these pics from French Vogue because they show that you just need a couple of key pieces - sequin jacket, distressed denim, chambray shirt, high-waisted leather skirt, heavy chain necklace (looks a lot like the Mezi one currently on birdmotel) - to mix to maximum effect.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Dree Hemingway...

British Vogue, July 2009, Dree Hemingway photographed by Lachlan Bailey.

I really believe that you just can't beat Breton stripes. Always chic, never out of style.

Dakota...

Dakota Fanning photographed for Teen Vogue, Dec/Jan 2010

I am so in love with the Rodarte for Target leopard dress worked back with mixed metal jewels: crystal necklace, silver cuff and a thick chain bracelet in gold.

This shot was styled by Teen Vogue Fashion Editor, Havana Laffitte and photographed by Norman Jean Roy.

Are you ready to rock?

The three spring birdmotel shoots are coming together. Well the seeds for styling, location, models, make-up, hair, and photography are planted and are truly growing nicely. There are always anxious moments when I panic that the clothing and accessories that I carefully ordered 4-5 ago months ago will actually gel into some nice themes. It always works out, but I was born worried.

The clothes are starting to pour in and I have been creating mood boards with some of my favourite pics.

The first story is 80s rock. I am quite inspired by this shoot because I recently went to an 80s theme party as Slash, and ever since I have been strangely possessed by him. Bleached denim, leather, studs, short bodycon dresses, zippers, dark eyes, pale lips. Bring it on.


Pics: Knight Cat; Fashion Toast; A Perfect Guide; 4th & Bleeker; Vain & Vapid; Hedi Slimane.

And I think I'll watch this a few more times before the shoot!

Natalie by Annie...

Natalie Portman, this time by Annie Leibowitz.

I love the feeling here that Annie has captured 'a moment'. The green cast, the crinkled white blouse, Natalie's porcelain skin with red lips, makes it feel like a Pre-Raphaelite painting. Also love how she is emerging from the blackness of the camellia tree behind her, like it could engulf her. Brilliant.

Film Noir by Leibowitz...

I searched and searched for my favourite all time Annie Leibowitz shot, all to no avail. It is of Tom Cruise. I know. But it is the most amazing atmospheric photo of him walking in heavy rain, the kind that slants like a curtain billowing in the wind. The kind from old movies. He wears a dark blue suit with the collar up, his body is slouched but his eyes, his eyes are focused and piercing at the lens. And it is infused with green light that is in so many of Annie's shots.

I love that photo. It makes me so mad that I know that the large format slide is sitting in a photo agency in Sydney, and has been for so many years, and no one has published it here. If anyone owns the copy of Vanity Fair that appeared in the States, let me know!

So instead, here is her series of her photographs called 'Film Noir' featuring some of the biggest celebs in Hollywood. I also have a soft spot for these: the light, the sets, the drama. Brilliant.