A SPECIAL FASHION EXHIBITION

 

Welcome to October, dear Reader..

A popular and highly successful exhibition finishes this weekend at Brisbane's GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art).

'Iris Van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses' celebrates the work of innovative and acclaimed Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen.

Almost 100 of Van Herpen's fabulous and unusual gowns are displayed, along with a selection of contemporary art which mirrors some of her themes.  Gowns designed for Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, and many other A-listers have excited Brisbane patrons for the past three month.

Here is a selection from my personal photo shots on one of my many visits to enjoy and admire these incredible creations.

Many of the fine layered fabrics are laser cut, and 3D printing techniques have made some of the elaborate shapes..

The fine petal-like layers fascinate the viewer..

Accompanying accessories..

Everything is surprisingly wearable - there are videos of models walking them on the catwalk..

I looked as closely as I could, and observed that many are built upon a layer of fine skin-coloured tulle,

 with a simple invisible zip at the back..

Those with more solid, sculptural forms, I am guessing are hinged at the sides and possibly laced up the back.  The most intriguing ones were shown in positions where I could not get a close look around the sides :)

Back to my sewing machine for a bit of basic home sewing over the weekend..

What are you doing?

Take care and be good.

XXXX

REFLECTIONS

 We are missing our three smallest grandchildren, who are on holiday in Ireland, the home country of their mother.

I have been looking at pictures from our journey to the Emerald Isle eight years ago for the wedding of our son and his Irish lass.

The above photo was my first ever sighting of a primrose and  shamrocks, which you can see in the grass.  We had arrived at the beautiful area of their wedding venue, South of Dublin in County Wexford.  

I recently learnt that my Irish forebears came from a little West of this location, in Kilkenny.

We trust the little family is having a grand time getting acquainted with  their Irish kinfolk.  Gorgeous photos have been seen...

I saw this picture online, a map of Australia superimposed over Europe.

We tend to forget the vastness of our continent, as most of its centre is desert, or semi-desert.  It is hard to imagine all those European countries plus the U.K. and the North Sea would fit into our land mass!

The Red Cardinals live on the yellow (Russian) area, East of Kiev and a bit further North.  Brisbane is on the Pacific coast.

Seen on my daily walk:

Two wild ducks, paddling in our shallow local creek.

It is very dry these days, and the creek will dry up soon if we do not get a bit of rain.

As usual I checked out the photos from the Emmys.

Meryl Street looks lovely in her pink pants suit.

I would enjoy wearing this, although not sure to what event!

This is old-school elegance on Naomi Watts..

Reece Weatherspoon, growing up gracefully...

I do enjoy seeing the fashions on the older women.

Recently, there have been attempts to get 'back into sewing' at the Red Cardinal nest.
Old patterns have been donated as they no longer fit my ageing body.
I am testing a 'Curvy Petite' pattern which I bought online from the US.
So far it is looking promising....

I bought this silky rayon fabric from Big Spot, the only remaining fabric store on our side of Brisbane. (I know, so disappointing and shocking).

Remember this is the Tropics, and in the next few months, it will become very hot indeed.  I plan to make palazzo pants and a sleeveless top to get me through the Summer.

I wear a lot of neutrals, but now and then my inner heart escapes to the bright and dramatic...

The first bud, full of promise for our annual display of blue Agapanthus.

(The Jacaranda is also covered in buds as we speak...)

Spring and Summer are well underway at our nest.

Do you stitch and sew too?  I'd love to know...

Have a great week

XXXX

PS I paper collaged an old school case from my children (which has held Lego for years).  A Parisian theme sprang to mind :)

   

   

PARTY IN THE GARDEN

 

Our Garden Party was a great success...

The plants put on their best display, the sun shone, and over 25 guests from our Club  seemed to enjoy themselves.

The King Orchid retained its mass of tiny flowers for two weeks, right up to our special day: and the next morning, they all wrinkled up and started to fall.  What a good sense of timing..

The Lavender garden in our pool area was very popular..

At the last minute, we placed a vintage cage under the palms..

White garden furniture in small groupings around the lawn..

Here are some of my girlfriends who helped with the tea arrangements:

Thank you ladies....

September 1st is the beginning of Spring here in Australia, and we had perfect weather for the event.

Today heralded the arrival of the first Summer storm - thunder and rain, just a taste of the coming season...

We live in a semi-rural area on the outskirts of Brisbane.

On my daily walks, I enjoy seeing the horses, popular pets around here.  The above pair looked pretty in the afternoon sunshine...

Thank you for popping by.

I am off to start sewing again...

XXXX