Iris Apfel - the first bohemian!

Inspiration is everywhere but sometimes i come across a person or object that blows me out of the water. That person of the moment is Iris Apfel. I wont bore you with all the details and you can google her life story easily but suffice to say i am totally inspired by her unique style and character. Rachel Zoe (as much as i love her) has nothing on Iris. Her jewellery collection alone makes my jaw drop. 

check out these amazing photos from recent exhibitions.

If you want to know more i recommend buying the book "Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel"

cover story

http://digitaledition.theweekender.com.au/?iid=30884

Whenever Dolly Rockers is fortunate to score a bit of mag coverage or at best an editorial piece i am always over the moon but this week The Noosa Weekender (Qld mag) has featured myself and my label Dolly Rockers as the cover story and it is over 4 pages! Phewww

My thanks go to Lizzie who wrote the beautiful article, Debbie who took most of the photos of my jewellery and models (the article would not have happened without the campaign shots) and to Catherine from The Tribune who gave such a lovely and complimentary quote. 

Special thanks to my friend, spontaneous PR agent and TS14+ manager, Tanya who made me feel like a very famous person for the whole of the friday following the articles release. 

cheers

BJ

Red is the new Black

Red is the new Black! 

Dolly Rockers is very excited to be a part of World Aids Day (WAD) Dec 1st. Join hosts Kellie Alderman, Sunday Mail Fashion Editor, and Leigh Buchanan from Project Runway this World AIDS Day for all the frocks and fundraising of The RED LUNCH.  Bid on one-off pieces from the likes of Chelsea De Luca, Kirstin Ash, Peter Lang,  Alannah Hill, Dolly Rockers, Dinosaur Designs, Paula Kyle Walden and Daniel Lightfoot. Remember, all proceeds from raffles and auctions go to the Hope Fund.  

Date: Tuesday December 1, 2009  

Location: Courtyard Marquee, Hotel Conrad,  William street, Brisbane.  

Time: 12 noon – 2pm  

Cost: $90 per ticket. 

If you are a designer of fashion, fashion accessories, fashion connoisseur or just a designer who is dying to be noticed, a spot in Vogue would have to be at the top of your "top 5" goals. I know that for me it has always been a dream and this month, Vogue December issue page 90, it has become a reality. 

One of Dolly Rockers stunning crystal handcrafted necklaces has been featured within the pages of Australia's (and the world's) top fashion magazine - or bible as it is rightly referred to. 

That's one to cross of the list.

xx

BJ

A very excited designer!

Dolly Rockers @ MBFF 2009

Dolly Rockers @ Mercedes Brisbane Fashion Festival 2009

Dolly Rockers jewellery was worn in Jean Brown's "The Tribune" fashion parade, Queensland Government Design Innovation show, MBFF 2009.

photos courtesy of "Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane”

Where the Wild Things Are

Not only is Where The Wild Things Are one of my very favourite books but Maurice Sendak is a very talented artist in his own right (i have "The Art of Maurice Sendak" and highly recommend reading it). 

Adapted from the book, Spike Jonzes film is going to be so brilliant i am just bursting at the seams to see it. You know when you see a trailer and it sends chills down your spine and makes the hairs on the back of your neck tingle..that's how exciting this film is going to be. 

New Designers Store!

Dolly Rockers is very happy to announce that by October 2009 we will have a new stockist - Young Designers Online http://www.youngdesignersonline.com.au/. All of our best pieces from The Abandoned Princess will be available. Watch this space!!

simply divine!

Sometimes i come across a picture or two and i have to hold my breath because they are so captivating. These photos are no exception. I have no reason to post them but simply to inspire creativity.

Enjoy!

Dolly Rockers showings

Dolly Rockers held a small number of showings last week for the release of our new collection "The Abandoned Princess". The Emporium Hotel in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane was the lovely venue.  Thank you to all those who attended and made it such a exciting experience. Here are some photos taken of our showroom and jewellery stand.

Here it comes!!!

Within the next few days the much anticipated Dolly Rockers collection for 2010 will be on the Dolly Rockers website and available for purchase. "The Abandoned Princess" is a culmination of all things romantic and retro. Every necklace, earring, cuff, charm bracelet and ring piece is a statement in itself. 

Enjoy!

Interview on LeeLoo

the beautiful and quirky website LeeLoo has included Dolly Rockers in their blog. you can read it here..

http://www.leeloo.com.au/blog/

thanks Ang!

Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland

I love Tim Burton films as they are so visually enchanting but i have never been more excited to see the initial pictures of the characters for his 2010 Alice In Wonderland film. Everyone loves Depp (playing the Mad Hatter) for all sorts of reasons but i am even more excited to see a cast which includes but not limited to, Alan Rickman, Stephan Fry, Crispen Glover (hope he plays a sinister role) and the adorable (as Tweedledum and Tweedledee) if not slightly warped, Matt Lucas. Of course Helena is The Red Queen of Hearts.

With Where the Wild Things Are and Alice coming out expect to relive your childhood in "the most peculiar of ways"..

Out 11 March 2010 Australia

Coming Soon..

It's raining men's fashion

Men's Fashion week in Milian is proving very interesting. 

One of the more colourful shows came from Dsquared who played out an all American camp out! No pun intended.

My favourite by far for sheer theatrics comes from Alexander McQueen. An amazing, if not slightly sinister collection of Jack the Ripper inspired dandy's swaggerd beneath London street-lamp lighted runway. 

Dolly Rockers may be launching a range of men's vintage pins later this year and i am feeling very inspired by these shows.

Everything's just dandy!

The Abandoned Princess part 2

I may have found my beautiful muse..check out this photo spread 'Zauberkraft' (Magic Power) in the current Vogue Germany.

Schon! (that's beautiful in German)

xx

The Abandoned Princess

Just arrived from Paris into the Dolly Rockers studio are these beautiful vintage Rhinestone and crystal flower brooches. 

The colours and style are truly beautiful. Each will be made into necklaces, cuffs, earrings and rings for the new Dolly Rockers 2010 range due for release Aug 2009. It's still under consideration but i am thinking of calling the collection "The Abandoned Princess" - a beautiful Russian Princess has been abandoned from her castle - what does she take? Why her jewels of course.

From the markets of Paris more pieces will be arriving..watch this space.

Why are we obsessed with "statement" jewellery?

Ok, maybe its only a fashionista obsession but to be honest the love of all accessories that are bold and a little bit over the top is becoming very popular with women of all ages (and some men too).

A statement necklace (like the ones on DollyRockers.com.au) can completely change the look of ones outfit. Reworn again and again, statement jewellery is very economical way of updating last seasons fashion outfit. Best of all statement jewellery can be a very personal way of accessorising your look. Express your personality through your jewellery choice.

On a personal note i love it when Dolly Rockers customers choose our handcrafted pieces that are true "statement" items..necklaces that you boyfriend may wonder what you have wrapped around your neck, rings that could act as a weapon and cuffs that express your individuality to the hilt. As Maddy once said.."Express yourself".

xx

Dolly Rockers Newest stockist revealed..

Located in Brisbane's leading fashion precinct Fortitude Valley, Jean Brown's Tribune (the 3rd store to the stunning Jean Brown Gallery and Jean Brown Robe) is the latest fashion boutique to carry Dolly Rockers statement jewels. Stocking over 20 individual pieces from Dolly Rockers winter 09 range, Midnight Opulence, including a couple of exclusive Bespoke necklaces, The Tribune is a fashionista's dream. If the designer labels aren't enough to impress, check out the amazing interior with its vaulted ceilings and New York style loft. Dolly's jewels arrive mid July in-store but contact Catherine (Tribune's manager) to find out more.

The Tribune Shop 164b Arthur Street Fortitude Valley, 4008

http://www.jeanbrown.com.au/

Inspiration #2 Tim Walker

Some of you may know of Tim Walker from Vogue. His beautiful photos have been published in many magazines but within the pages of Vogue Italia he is a true master of his art. His photos capture a sublime moment in time, evoking a sense of drama and motion. 

Working with Hermes for spring 2009, Tim Walker has once again captured a spirit of a moment without overdoing it..also check out the Tim Walker 'coffee table' book. 

Inspiration #1 Chanel Moscow

Chanel Inspiration..

wow this blogging thing is easy. First blog, first day..

Ok so i am often asked about what inspires me to design jewellery. Since fashion is a big part of my life and my work, i am always keeping up to date with the latest fashion shows, especially those out of Milan, NY and London. I hate mass marketed trends (as much as i hate designer fakes but that's a whole other blog) and do not follow them. 

Instead i look at Couture and am always immedialty inspired by the colours, styles, fabrics and themes - fav's are always the 2 Christians, LaCroix and Dior, Chanel and Gaultier.

One show to blow my mind has had to be Chanel's Paris /Moscow 2008/9. I am still reeling from the accessories video which can be seen here -  http://www.chanel.com/fashion/7#7-paris-moscou-fashion-show-chanel-fashion-show-9,4

What a show! and such an inspiring collection.

kiss kiss 

To blog or not to blog.

Finally i have given in and started a blog. Actually truth be told i have wanted to start one for ages but being a very private person i was not sure i would have that much too say. 

I have come to realise that you do not have to write in your blog everyday or about everything..instead this blogger is going to share her favourite things (which basically means all things fashion) and perhaps not so favourite things. 

so here i go..on your marks..start blogging.

xxBJ