The last month...

Well well well again my working life (and a few other things) have stopped me from blogging every week as I set out to do, so I'd like to update you on what I've been up to over the last month, hoping that in the future I will be back on track!
As my last post announced I have been planning a workshop for Melbourne Spring fashion Week for a few months on Styling and it all came to fruition on Saturday September 4th 2010.
My wonderful agents at Miss Bossy Boots and I sat down about two months ago after I came up with the idea to create a workshop specifically around the art of styling. After being approached by MSFW to do something 'special' for this years festivities the great folk at Miss Bossy Boots agreed to produce and promote my workshop.
So many ideas went through my mind when setting out to create this workshop, after being asked to speak at many workshops and conferences I really wanted this event to be more like you were watching a TV show or being invited into someone home to listen in on some great information, but mostly to be entertaining. And fun.
I thought the perfect place to hold this workshop was the top floor event space at the Whitehouse Institute of Design where I lecture and the lovely people at Whitehouse came onboard as one of amazing sponsors.
So next I went about finding the right people that would entertain, inform and excite. I also didn't want the audience to be 'talked at' but really to over hear my guests experiences and opinions.
I love the idea of a Fashion Chat Show and went about finding the right presenter to add to this feel, I found the newly arrived to this country , Carolyn Taylor who did an amazing job of interviewing me firstly, but mostly for keeping the workshop upbeat and lively, thank you Carolyn(pictured above with me, Carolyn dressed by Madam Virtue & Co and CK Calvin Klein dressed the Stylist himself), you must look out for her on TV soon as in her native NZ she is very well known and I'm sure will be here very soon.

I thought another part to my workshop would be the addition of a mini fashion show highlighting 3 different parts of my work as a stylist; Red Carpet Events, Fashion Shows and Editorial Photo Shoots and asked three of my favourite Fashion brands, Aurelio Costarella, CK Calvin Klein and Madam Virtue & Co to be our fashion sponsors all modeled by another fantastic sponsor Cameron's Models. (Top pic and above, designs by Aurelio Costarella)

(Above CK Calvin Klein designs on fab Cameron's Models))
Models getting ready for the 'Editorial' part of the workshop in amazing designs by Madam Virtue & Co
The great shoes on this Madam Virtue & Co dress are by another wonderful sponsor Zomp
As I said earlier I've always wanted to host my own chat show about Fashion particularly and the second part of the workshop gave me the chance to do this when I invited three friends to join my celebrity fashion panel all with their own opinions on styling. Vintage glamour ambassador Candice De Ville, movie and TV actress (and client for 5 years) Daniela Farinacci and legendary fashion designer Jenny Bannister. What ensued was a lively, sometimes controversial, informative and mostly entertaining discussion of all things fashion and personal style. I could have sat chatting with all my panelists for days and can't wait to do it again very very soon.
So all in all it was a fantastic success and a very big thank you to Veronica, Garry, Jamie and Dean at Miss Bossy Boots for a great production, to my fab friend Narelle Hall for her Hair and Make Up expertise assisted by the lovely Eve Flight, to all my wonderfully hardworking volunteers, to my assistant Steph for all her work, to the amazingly generous sponsors; Aurelio Costarella, CK Calvin Klein, Madam Virtue & Co, Art Series Hotel Group, Zomp, Cameron's Models, Whitehouse Institute of Design, Urban Jungle, Spook Magazine and Nutrient Water.
On stage my thanks for their entertaining company and performances, Carolyn Taylor, Candice De Ville, Daniela Farinacci and Jenny Bannister.
Stay tuned because we hope to tour the workshop and also plan to expand the idea in many different directions, 'The Stylist Says' will return!

A week later...

Now just when I thought things had slowed down a tad (post workshop) I heard news that the spectacular Charlotte Dawson (of Australia's Next Top Model) was jetting into town and tweeted her did she fancy a catch up and bit of a tour around Melbourne, we promptly planned a breakfast and shopping expedition. After a quick evaluation of Charlotte's wants on the fashion front (and a great breakfast at Il Fornaio in St Kilda sitting alongside the kooky designer Alannah Hill) we zoomed off in my vintage Mercedes (check my earlier blog posts) for Melbourne's fashion hotspots, first stop 'Moot' sunglass emporium in Prahran where Charlotte picked up a great selection of the latest 'face furniture'!

Alexander McQueen sunglasses with tiny skulls on the arm!
Onto Melbourne city where we hit Crossley Streets best, jewellery from Glitzern and accessories from Madam Virtue & Co then off we went to Luisa on Collins Street.
It was so great to have Charlotte here in Melbourne and I look forward to seeing her in Sydney very soon, also look out for the live finale of 'Australia's Next Top Model' on FOX8.

More posts to come on what I've been up to over the last month...

The Stylist Says Workshop!!!

Stylist Philip Boon brings his insight from the worlds of Celebrity and Fashion to this year’s Melbourne Spring Fashion Week in a workshop aimed at Fashionistas, Fashion Students, “Crazy Shoppers” or anyone who has ever wanted to dress (themselves or others) like a “Red Carpet Star”.

Philip has spent almost two decades working as a stylist, designer, and as a creative director with countless independent designers, playing an instrumental role in the launch of their careers. Philip’s work as a stylist has taken him to various cities around the world; including Milan, Hamburg, Miami, Los Angeles and New York.

Philip has styled famous clients as diverse as Sam Sparro and Sneaky Sound System to Magda Szubanski and even the controversial Marion Jones, and has made appearances in many TV shows, including a memorable episode of “Australia’s Next Top Model” alongside Sarah Murdoch.

Those attending the Workshop on September 4th can expect an informative, up-to-the-minute look at modern dressing, presentation and styling in 2010 and beyond, garnished with tales from Philip’s adventures dressing A-List actors, actresses and supermodels, both for editorial and red carpet events.

The audience will also see some of this season’s best when Philip assembles outfits by the likes of Aurelio Costarella, CK Calvin Klein and Madam Virtue & Co. A host of special guests from the industry will also share the stage to make for an informative, interactive and entertaining workshop.

Tickets for “The Stylist Says” are available now and can be purchased online at www.thestylistsaysworkshop.blogspot.com.

MIFF Red Carpet

My wonderful friend (and client) the actor Daniela Farinacci who is currently starring in the feature film 'Lou' along with the amazing British actor John Hurt and is also a star of that fantastic television Police drama 'East West 101' on SBS television called me the other day with an invite to the launch screening and party of the 2010 Melbourne International Film Festival, and asked that I find a suitably glamorous outfit for her to wear, the following blog post is a behind the scenes look at our journey into red carpet glory! I have known (and dressed) Daniela for over 5 years now and love using Australian designers mostly but sometimes like to mix it up with some beautiful international pieces , I found the above, and below, dress at my favourite little boutique 'Madam Virtue & Co' and thought the colour was great on Daniela but we decided it wasn't right for this particular event.
This neck piece definitely has the wow factor but also is a little humorous.
Both Daniela and myself loved this vibrant green gown but again not completely suited to the event.
A gold Givenchy cuff went beautifully with the green gown.
But when Daniela slipped into this beaded black and off white gown we both knew this was the winner, and I commented that it was by far the sexiest option!
Having dressed many actresses over the years for many red carpet events(and a lot of other things) being able to call on and use amazing jewellery has been invaluable, I have always loved Jan Logan's jewellery, whether it be diamonds, pearls or the myriad of semi precious stones she uses, it is always the perfect end to styling an outfit for a red carpet event. I chose the above creations of Jan's to finish the look for Daniela.
The red carpet at MIFF was certainly busy with international stars such as Adrian Grenier, Ashton Kutcher and star of the first movie to be screened Isabel Lucas in attendance, that movie was 'The Wedding Party'.
Daniela looked beautiful on the red carpet and was snapped, and interviewed many times.
We had a fantastic night and I think you'll agree Daniela looked amazing, and especially with the addition of a vintage arctic fox fur, pictured below, snapped after we returned home.
Styled by Philip Boon
All dresses by Madam Virtue & Co 03 9663 8669
Pearl and jet jewellery by Jan Logan 03 9650 9099
Diamonte neck piece and Givenchy gold cuff by Madam Virtue & Co.
Vintage Fox fur by Linda Black 03 9510 3948

A sneak peek at Sam...

As was reported in the press here in Melbourne recently, the talented recording star Sam Sparro jetted into town for a photo shoot with Super Blogger Jamie Wdziekonski of 'Oh Jamie' and myself, Sam in fact made a special trip to Melbourne only to do this shoot! Jamie approached me to style this amazingly talented pop star for some upcoming publicity shots and I couldn't wait to work on the concept after discussing with Sam and Jamie the new direction of Sam's music. Of course I can't give too much away as Sam's new album will be out next year but these images give you a sneak peek into a fantastic day working with a talented pop star and talented blogger.
Sam and Jamie checking out some of our shots half way through the day. You might spy a '90's' style to Sam's outfits!
'Oh Jamie what a great shot you take!'
I love the above look on Sam, really a different direction stylistically for him.

The crew below hamming it up with Sam!
It was such a pleasure to style/work with Sam Sparro and even better to get to spend some time with him on his brief visit to Melbourne, I know that like many others we are all looking forward to his next album. I'd also like to say that it was such a coup for Jamie to get to shoot such a big star and commend Sam on his belief in up and coming talent like Jamie!

Photographer Jamie Wdziekonski
Stylist Philip Boon
Grooming Eve Flight
Stylists Assistant Joshua Koko
Photographers Assistant Hubert Jnr

A Supermodel of any era!

I received a call recently from my wonderful friend Melinda Collette co owner of Cameron's Models and she asked me if I would style a shoot for the amazing Supermodel of the 80's Isabel Cowan who Cameron's represent, sort of as a comeback shoot. Of course I jumped at the chance to style one of Australia's first Supermodels who had graced the cover of Vogue multiple times! As you can see in this blog post her covers of Vogue (and other mags) are the height of 80's fashion and I was so happy that Isabel allowed me to snap some shots right out of her portfolio. Ask anyone that lived through the 80's in Australia and they will tell you that Isabel was the model dujour and commanded the cover of all fashion magazines at the time.

This cover of Vogue is just so now!

I love the coloured fur in this cover shot, again so now!
So our job was to re invent Isabel for 2010, in a contemporary , luxurious, expensive way that could easily be seen in the pages of present day Vogue. I knew that we had to use only high end designers that would reflect Isabel's still amazing beauty and to bring a modern take on elegance.
I decided along with Melinda and well known photographer Andrew Gash (who I hadn't worked with in over 10 years) to create a palette of black, white and nude to really let Isabel's beauty shine.
Shoes by my all time favourite, Zomp
How elegant, yet modern does Isabel look? Stunning silk gown by Madam Virtue & Co designer JC Lloyd Southwell D'Anvers.
The fabulous make up artist Narelle Hall painted a beautiful picture on a beautiful face. Narelle also crafted exceptional hair styles.
I love Isabel in this chic Sonia Rykiel gown, so simple but modern.
I LOVE this image of Isabel that I snapped in the kitchen of the studio between shots, so casual yet so beautiful, of course she brings this Chanel Couture gown to life.
So french this look...
It was such a treat to work with the master photographer Andrew Gash after many, many years and his shots of Isabel are magnificent. I can't wait to do it again.
This Madam Virtue & Co gown encapsulates Isabel's inner elegance so well and in the close up below I decided I needed to give the elegance a twist by using this fantastic diamante skull neck piece. How stunning does Isabel look in this candid shot, just as stunning as in those 80's Vogue covers!
I was so honoured to work with Isabel and to see her again. I hope that she loves these images we created as much as I do. I look forward to her gracing the covers of magazines again!

Model Isabel Cowan represented by Cameron's Models
Photographer Andrew Gash
Stylist Philip Boon @ Miss Bossy Boots
Hair and Make Up Artist Narelle Hall @ Miss Bossy Boots
Stylist Assistant Carlos Mangubat

All clothing and Jewellery by Madam Virtue & Co 03 96638669
Shoes by Zomp 03 96504431

Classroom styling...

I don't think I've mentioned on this blog that this year I started lecturing at a design school called The Whitehouse Institute of Design one day a week on styling and creative direction, it's been a great experience for me and I believe that you never stop learning, even as a teacher! The reason I decided to embark on this off shoot of my career was really to give back to the industry that has been so great to me and to hopefully share some of my experiences and opinions with the students who choose to come along on the journey! Part of my classes are to introduce the students to the talented people I work with every day and sometimes bring those wonderful creative identities into the classroom, recently I thought of producing a shoot for a magazine ACTUALLY in the classroom! I asked photographer Philippe Auger and make up artist Narelle Hall (who I work with often on editorial) if they were up for the challenge of shooting a high fashion story for a mag within the confines of a design school classroom while both of the classes I teach watch on. You can imagine that this was no easy feat and I had to do a lot of persuading! But luckily those fab creative people I work with are always up for a challenge and came through with the goods and then some! The images on this blog post are the result and I think you will be just as amazed as me that these were all shot within a classroom. Big thanks to our amazing model Hannah from Camerons Models, my fantastic friend and incredible hair and make up artist Narelle Hall, Fabulous French Photographer Philippe Auger for his beautiful shots and last but by no means least my students for their assistance on the day and hopefully their ongoing enthusiasm.
This shot: Dress by Madam Virtue & Co, Leggings by Gorman, Shoes by Zomp
Top shot: Jacket by Prada and Neckpiece @ Madam Virtue & Co, Tights stylists kit.
Jacket by Balenciaga @ Madam Virtue & Co
Jumpsuit by Gorman, Boots by Stephan Venezia @ Zomp
Vintage leather dress @ Linda Black, Neckpiece by Madam Virtue & Co, Gloves by Gorman
Dress and tights by Gorman, Neckpiece Madam Virtue & Co, shoes by Zomp

Stylist/Producer Philip Boon
Photographer Philippe Auger
Hair and Make Up Narelle Hall
Model Hannah @ Camerons

Madam Virtue & Co 03 96638669
Gorman 03 94290000
Linda Black 03 95103948
Zomp 03 96504431

A Grand Hotel!

Firstly, again I have to apologize for not blogging for a month, my work life has stopped my blogging life! I am back on track now and have some exciting projects to tell you about in the coming months!
But more recently I was invited to view the newly renovated areas of the Melbourne Grand Hyatt by Marketing Communications Manager and friend, the lovely Lucy Owens.
So many photo shoots, celebrity consultations and fashion moments happen in hotel suites and I'm always sourcing for new locations to use so when Lucy invited me to experience The Grand Hyatt's 'Residence' area I jumped at it! Lucy also gave me a sneek peek into the newly renovated Penthouses and I snapped a few pics of them.
'The Residence' at The Grand Hyatt is an amazing function and event space.
The lovely Lucy Owens of The Grand Hyatt welcoming me to 'The Residence'
So my sneek peek into the Penthouse at The Grand Hyatt revealed a stylish interior, I can't wait to stay! The bathroom was oh so chic!