Neuw Denim - Service Party & the bands played on.

What was it all about; to be frank I have no idea but I guess it was the Neuw Denim, new season launch party. I had simply come along with one of my friends after a quick drop in at the World Square 30 days of Fashion launch, which was fairly quite by comparison.. But here on Oxford Street there was no shortage of guests enjoying themselves; I caught two 3 piece blues based groups, very tight, great sound. The joint was jumping and even I had my picture taken for a change! Mind you with the super sexy Fujifilm X-Pro1, in my hands a least, it seems to stand out like dogs balls as, when editing the shots, I spotted so many people eye-balling me and I was not even wearing my trusty Akubra hat, sooo its clearly too good looking to be invisible, even in the dark!

I had a great time at this launch party and it was nice to be testing the X-Pro1 in tricky light with the new 2.0 firmware installed - the new firmware rocks with the camera focusing quickly and accurately. And it was nice to see the Neuw denim product and to get acquainted with the labels philosophy reading 'SERVICE' Edition One on my way home. Pretty cool stuff; drop in to the store to pick up a free copy.

Scooter Commuter - On The Platform - Town Hall Station

Ah yes how could I resist asking if I could grab of shot of this lovely and very coolly dresses scooter commuter training it from Town Hall Station to - wherever they need to be. Great geometric style and a very smart way to places fasssterr. Yes; love it! Wish I had grabbed a shot of the back pack too, just check out the straps and Dream On.

What do you think, pretty cool yes?

At the Gallery - Bill Henson - But is it really Spring?

Is it really Spring? It did seem that most of the young and stylish attending the Bill Henson 2012 show at Roslyn Oxley 9 gallery last night were placing an each-way-bet on what season it might really be; that the chill of Winter might put in an appearance before the night was out, but then again, it might really be Spring.. It was however I am pleased to say, peace and love all evening long; and although Bill Henson has returned to working the Nude form; there was, no controversy this time around. Which is as it should be when the work is done with something at its very heart, something that is seldom talked about these days. That thing is Taste. Or, to be more precise; Good Taste. Now that's not a phrase you really here any more is it, it's all art theory and stuff to make your eyeballs roll back into your head 'please no more art theory, we surrender!'

And good taste has a long history, it was what you needed as a musical performer in the classical period; sure most of the pieces by Mozart or Handel were written out in musical notation you could follow; but there were little unwritten tests; like the trill, or how well you extemporised on a theme - no matter what or how you did it, you must, to achieve greatness, do it with taste! Good taste. Forget art theory, Bill Henson continues to take on classical themes including the nude and extemporises on those themes as fairly few can; never a cliché, true and well felt; always in good taste. Just go and see the work for yourself.

But what of the trendy art and fashion set I hear you ask, well here they are, in all their glory, and all I can say is, damn you Melbourne weather, how dare you spoil our Sydney fun! Ummm, maybe Bill brought the weather with him!

www.roslynoxley9.com.au/

Kurt Sorensen 'into the unknown' - Plump Gallery 'Matters of the Heart'

It's been an interesting week for art & fashion already; & with the Bill Henson show tonight.. well it is no where near over yet, and its only Thursday. But so far it's two/three photography exhibitions and it would probably be fair to say that all three are at the beginning of their art careers. That said; Kurt is a fair way down the track and already at or beyond the pivotal launch point of what I think is going to be a solid career in art photography with a focus on the landscape and history. This is Kurt's unique approach to photography and its the sort of simple yet sophisticated idea that has you saying to yourself. "I wish I had thought of that!' I first saw his work at MCAP 2011 and again, 'historically' based portraits with landscape triptych at MCAP 2012. This show 'into the unknown' was produced in part from an Artists Residency at Hill End, a residiency that seems to be helping artists to produce some really splendid work. Of course Kurt also has some stylin' friends who were kind enough to let me photograph them for Street Fashion Sydney, including Kurt himself, in the artist portrait below.

Collaboration -  'Matters of the Heart' - Plump Gallery..

'Matters of the Heart' by El Cesana along with the photography and installation work of Aaron Stathi was a very different art show with both artists, Aaron in particular at the very beginning of their public art journey.
I do think they had the bad luck of the weather being particularly miserable on Tuesday night but the smaller turnout (at least while I was there) gave me plenty of room to view the art and meet and photograph the artists. I am not sure the general public realise what a big call it is to put your work up on a wall in a public space, gallery, cafe, wherever; and then have people come down and take a look. But it does take courage and commitment, much much more than simply posting your work on the internet! We need more of it.

www.kurtsorensen.com/

www.dickersongallery.com.au/

Kurt Sorensen 'into the unknown'
19 Sep 2012 - 14 Oct 2012


Matters of the Heart - Plump Gallery
Tuesday the 18th September until Tuesday the 25th of September

Artist and fashion pics shot with the Fujifilm X-Pro1.

The Colours of. Fringe Arts at The Forum..

Are people always dressing in such colour coordinated ways or am I just developing a heightened awareness because, Colour + Personal Style = Street Fashion Picture? I suppose it is appropriate that I was to experience both art and powerful colour blocking fashion combinations at The 'Italian' Forum in Leichhardt. And while I knew there were apartments and shops and restaurants in there; I had no idea there was a theatre complex and the local library as well - all tucked away inside. The exhibition spread throughout the foyer areas of this performance space consists of a small but dedicated selection of artists working across a number of different disciplines including painting photography and installation works. If you are in the area and in particular if you have never been there, slip on in and check it out; I think The Forum will welcome as many people heading into their Piazza and shopping precinct as they can.

http://2012.sydneyfringe.com/fringe-arts-forum

Artist Photographed websites,
http://jeanettelandstedt.com/
http://ministryofclouds.com/
http://www.soyounfotoarts.com/

Shot (at ever higher ISO) with the Fujifilm X-Pro1.

Two Watches White Sunnies & Teen Singlet - Men's Style at VFNO

Well OK I got this shot off of this charming and I suppose a little eccentricly dressed gentleman while I was awaiting the arrival of Miranda Kerr at the KORA stand in Martin Place last week at VFNO.
You know I think there is a time in some peoples life when they just say to hell with fashion; I'm going my own way. And if you can do that with style then there is no holding you back. And this is style, its the kind of street style I love and it all works, from the red web belt with the blue jeans, the colours of the Gothic munch-kin print on the white singlet - Blue -White - Red - right down to the watch faces. Fantastic, we need more of this in Sydney!

And if anyone can identify the character on the singlet, please let me know in a comment below. I know I should know it; almost on the tip of my tongue, but...

Shot with the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and the 18mm lens.

Miss Earth Australia - Behind The Scenes 2012

What's it like to be part of the Miss Earth Australia pageant? This year my name was put forward to be part of the judging panel by my friend and Dear Pageant Girl founder Peter Sereno. Unlike Miss Universe's 'half days' where I first met Peter; Miss Earth has one full day of judging then the Final the following evening. All the contestants have already been working on their green credentials and also attended tree plantings in the immediate run-up to the main event.

Its a long day starting at the East Ocean Restaurant in the Haymarket. The now 19 contestants begin by introducing themselves to the panel one by one. Next comes a quick change and the behind closed doors 'Best in Swimwear'. Miss Earth Australia has chosen to move the focus away from swimwear (there is no swimwear parade in the final), however there is swimwear at the International level so we judge the girls in their cossies to make sure they are ready for the Overseas competition. After a quick bikini walk around the room the girls get back into their street clothes for a run-through on the Miss Earth questions; yes there are some nerves on show but all contestants do very well; these girls really know their environmental stuff!

 Next is the 'Best in Environment' speech, a one to two minute timed piece; just you in front of a panel of judges who just so happen to be seated in front of a half dozen or so photographers & video operators busily snaping and recording the whole process, everything that's going on. Not to mention some of the judges myself included taking their own pictures too HELLO!  But too many pictures are never enough, before we can break for lunch its time for formal group shots with the organizers, sponsors and of course the judges. At last we all sit down for a lunch time feast at the East Ocean Restaurant, one of the pageant's sponsors and the food is great.

It's then time for a change of venue, a quick trip a few block closer to the CBD to the Hard Candy fitness club's studios for the 'Best in talent'.  This is a non compulsory stage but I have to say, find something to do! Read a poem, play an instrument, juggle, sing; it really is in your best interest to try something..

The Final Miss Earth Australia 2012

Venue, North Sydney Leagues Club.
Saturday is another long day for the contestants, starting preparations at 12, full rehearsals for the evening show beginning at 2PM. Dresses need to checked and made ready, hair and make-up done. The judges begin arriving around 5 in the afternoon for the scheduled 7 PM start time and the judging panel grows in number with four new additions for the final.

A little after seven the proceedings begin, first a speech from Miss Earth Australia founder Maria James; then an opening dance number from all the contestants in sparkling sequinned dresses, I didn't know they could all do that! A song from our MC, introductions, the former Miss Earth (but who will win tonight). There is the best of the talent intermingled with changes of dresses, more walk bys, the gowns, the judging, 19 down to 10, Jenna dances, 10 down to 4!

After what I am sure must seem an eternity for the remaining four contestants...
Starting with runner-up
Miss Earth Australia Fire 2012 - Michelle Rimmer,
Miss Earth Australia Water 2012 - Audrey Tan,
Two awards to go, one announcement and we will know it all.

 

 

Miss Earth Miss Earth Australia Air 2012 - Taylah-Jessica Marsh,
And the Winner, Miss Earth Australia 2012 - Jenna Seymour from NSW Australia.

Congratulations to all the contestants, you really are all wonderful!

 www.missearth.com.au/
All shots by Kent Johnson, made with the Fujifilm X-Pro1.