Friday, December 30, 2011

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! What a year we've had.

JANUARY....Stavroula Mountzuoris leaves us for an incredible job in Sydney at an animation studio, we miss her terribly but know that this is the right thing for her, Stav is just too big a personality for little old Adelaide, we still miss our lovely girl. Stav's best friend Marie takes over her role and fits it like a glove, could we have any more beautiful girls. Sven Kovak / photographer comes by with Marie and we have lots of fun doing photo shoots at the beach and on the lake with Sven, Marie and Ginger.
FEBUARY...Greta Kate comes to the door with cupcakes, crying. I just know she has had an amazing job offer and I just want her to be happy so we rejoice with cupcakes, tears and a cuppa. A big Adelaide designer has snapped Greta Kate up. We love Greta Kate.
We ask Izi who we have been outsourcing to for 5 years to join the team working full time at our studio, we love Izi too. Can we be any luckier, yes we can.
MARCH...has bought us William Lazootin, he has moved here from Sydney and decided to make Adelaide his home. William is so much fun just like Stav and Greta and he's an amazing pattern maker so everything is back to normal, well as normal as H.C. can be anyway.
APRIL... we were really excited when our shipment of fabric arrived from Japan, so many beautiful designs the Koi fabric made up the most amazing sarongs and they just walked out.
MAY..was our shoot with Harmony Nicholas at Louis Bond. Such a fun day Ginger and Libie Jean modeled for us. Evie Sebben and Arrabeer did the make up and Molly Harrison did all the hair. The girls looked stunning and we went on to use 3 of the shots in ads.
JUNE.....Two Bit Villains opened in Adelaide and you couldn't meet a nicer couple than Sass and Liam they have had a wonderful six months and are expanding in March. It is the perfect place for us to stock, the turn over is excellent and for people who don't have time to come up to our studio it's perfect.
JULY...Ruby Chew had another SOLD OUT Art Exhibition. What an incredibly talented girl Ruby is, we love that she has worn exclusive Hot Couture for each of her openings.
AUGUST...always brings out the 50's fanatics. Sarah Easter and I flew up for the annual Fifties fair at Rose Siedler House in Sydney. We had the best weekend, I have had a stall for the last 8 years but decided I wanted to enjoy myself this time round and watch all the goings on. So happy I did what a great day. We also squeezed ina  night out at our fave restaurant Porteno.
SEPTEMBER...bought us issue 19 of Deadbeat it was the 12th issue for us  advertising and in this one we had our Harmony Nicholas ad shot at Louis Bond, words can not explain how beautiful this photograph looked. We were also lucky enough to have a photo shoot with Aspen wearing our strapless gingham Marilyn.
OCTOBER...I ran into this wonderful girl in the city, I actually did run into her. Chloe and I chatted for a bit, she's a student at the design course here at Tafe so I offered Chloe work and she has been working on and off here at H.C helping out. What a gorgeous, vivacious girl to have around.
NOVEMBER...We waited ages for Julia and Brett's amazing cowboy wedding. Hot Couture dressed the wedding party but that wasn't the best bit, actually attending this wedding was the highlight of my year.
We also had Miss Pin Up Australia and the lovely Lauren and Annie come to us for day wear and evening wear. We loved dressing these two fun girls and Lauren won Miss Perfect which was perfect for all of us. Lauren and Annie have since become regulars at our studio and we adore when they drop by.
DECEMBER....Huge month for us, we launch our new website and have 16,000 hits in the first few days. Were over the moon with the website and even though it took longer than we thought it would it has paid off big time. Thanks to everyone involved.
Issue 20 of Deadbeat comes with our ad photographed again by Harmony Nicholas, now this one is my favourite. We also have a lovely spread on "Girly stuff" photographed by Shannon Brooke.
So you can see it has indeed been a huge year for us and apart form the odd trip to Sydney we haven't even had a holiday. Why would we want one when every day we are doing what we love and like Willy says it never seems like work at Hot Couture it seems more like a party. That's the way we like
it. So stay tuned when we get some time we will still be having the odd Monday Special, we are making up some nice men's shirts as well so keep and eye out for them. We also have a surprise SALE soon just to move any returns and samples, we will let you know via facebook.
HAVE A WONDERFUL AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FULL OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER. Thank you for following our blog and I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoy having you peek into our world. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Lots of love and hugs Joy XXX

Monday, December 19, 2011

Shannon Brooke Imagery.

 



We were so excited to have Shannon Brooke photograph Hot Couture for this issue of Deadbeat under the heading (GIRLY STUFF) I love that.
Hot Couture is alongside non other than “Lucy & Lingerie” and “Miss Lulu.”
The very lovely Shayna is wearing our perfect Isle of Capri pants and Ava top in black, we love this shot of her by the old gas pump at George’s Ranch and Garage.
On the next pages Shayna is wearing Lolita in black with cherry motifs and Lolita in red satin. These frocks are perfect for the festive season in fact in one of the photo’s the girls have knocked off a bottle of champers, my kind of models.
Thanks Shannon for the stunning photo’s.   

Photography…….. Shannon Brooke Imagery
MUA……..Randee Rachet
Hair………Danielle June of Pompadour House of Design
Shot on location at George’s Ranch and Garage.

XXX Joy

Monday, December 12, 2011

Addicted to Hot Couture





We've been going back through our Hot Couture orders to organise a mailing list and got a very pleasant surprise. Many of our customers have ordered more than 4 or 5 garments. This is not only testament to how well they are made but how well they fit and it feels pretty good knowing that we are doing it right.
Just recently we met Lauren Thiel who is one of the Adelaide Burlesque dancers. Lauren came to our studio to talk about outfits for the Miss Pin Up contest and bought several frocks. Since then Lauren and some of her friends have come up to the H.C. studio on a regular basis. To date Lauren has bought 8 garments and has several more on order. Not only is this great for us but the girls who come to us are getting quality garments made to measure. I can't stress enough how much better a garment looks if it has been fitted on you. Here are just a few of Lauren's new frocks.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

WEBSITE LAUNCH NOT LUNCH PARTY.







On Friday night we had our launch party for the new website, it was really lovely catching up with everyone who had worked so hard to make the website happen. Everyone was there from Xtrashiny, Sven our photographer, our hair and make up girls Jen and Cat. Our model Ginger and her gorgeous new boyfriend Jordon. All of the Hot Couture peeps and of course my very supportive husband Deane. We held it at Louis Bond, I have been itching to have a cocktail party or a parade there so this was the perfect excuse. The boys that own Louis Bond are just wonderful and I can't say enough about the fabulous food, in fact there was so much we didn't even need to go out after to eat. Kylie and Mel from Delectable Sins dropped by with the cupcakes for everyone to take home, they had made Deane his own special one with a skull on it, how cute is that. It really was the perfect launch for the new website and our model Ginger finally got her payment for working so hard on the day. One bottle of "Sailor Jerry Rum." Hope everyone enjoyed the night as much as I did. XXX Joy

Monday, November 28, 2011

MISS PINUP AUSTRALIA S.A. & W.A finals




MISS PINUP AUSTRALIA
CONRATULATIONS to Lauren (Lolly Dolly ) Thiel, Miss Perfect Pin Up,
Chance Chalmer (Miss Illustrated) Adriana Obsenities (Miss Vava Voom) and Tim Van Sim (Mr.Pinup)


We attended Miss Pin Up Australia on Friday night. Having heard lots about it on facebook and because Hot Couture had two girls wearing our frocks, we thought we should go along and support them.
It was at The Gov in Adelaide and when we arrived it was pretty packed, so much for being late.
First out was the day wear, Lauren Thiel was wearing one of our new pink gingham Bardot frock’s with a wide belt, just a little bit proud.
She looked amazing and her poses were pretty much spot on, I’m sure the photo’s will look just like the one’s from the fifties.  All the girls looked beautiful there was a mix of original vintage and reproduction.
Next was swimwear and same again there was a lovely vintage and repro mix, some of the vintage ones were to die for especially one that had a little sailor collar detail and one pair of tiki bikini’s I rather liked.
Then came lingerie, there was some amazing underwear, each girl was incredibly individual from sexy Betty Page looks to the more demure Doris Day type frilly gowns and nighties.
I think my favourite segment was the evening gowns and not just because we had a couple of girls wearing them. Lauren was wearing one of our new frocks “GRACE’ it has a black velvet bodice and champagne silk skirt she looked delicious.
Annie was wearing a beautiful aqua blue shot silk frock called ‘LANA’with a rouched top and full skirt she looked lovely as well. A gorgeous girl was wearing the most divine original frock I’ve ever seen, a velvet bodice and shot green skirt, I may have been inspired a bit there. There was Miss Vava Voom and Miss Illustrated next and they were all gorgeous.
Next was the talent and there was definitely a few surprises, Candice made cocktails which I found most entertaining, Annie had a crinkle in her frock so she took it off and ironed it, I loved that one too. Lauren in her underwear, apron and rubber gloves mopped and polished the floor to some fabulous tune, very cheeky. Curly Sue danced to one of Buddy Holly’s songs that I love. One of the girls did the Charleston, one did the twist to Chubby Checker’s famous tune and my absolute favourite was Tullulah Rand who came out and did an ad for Meata Vegebeata or something like that it was like looking at an old ad from the fifties. As she drank it she got more and more tanked, it was soooo entertaining.  
No kidding I wouldn’t have wanted to be a judge that would have been too hard. I think they did a great job of picking the winners, well done judges.  I think I might have to go again next year I didn’t expect it to be so much fun. Thanks Lauren Glennie for the pics of Lolly. XXX Joy

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Adelaide Hills Magazine Ad's.





This month's Adelaide Hills magazine is featuring one of the new evening frocks in silk dupion along side Alexis George. This is the second time Hot Couture has been in this wonderful magazine. One of our lovely summer gingham numbers was featured when the magazine was first launched and we were thrilled to be a part of it.
Stay tuned H.C lovers!  XXX Chloe

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Julia and Brett's Wild West Wedding


11.11.11…………..I will remember as Remembrance Day and the day I was lucky enough to attend a very special wedding.


We walked across to the The Willunga Courthouse where everyone was standing around dressed in attire so perfect I felt as though I really was about to witness a wedding in the Wild West.
It was the perfect backdrop and as the sun was going down we heard a squeal of tyres and through a huge cloud of dust a gold charger with the Brett and the boys pulled to screeching halt.
The boys all swaggered across the stone bridge to the verandah of the Court house. I’m pretty sure I heard the jangling of spurs.

Julia and the girls pulled up next in a stunning red Cadillac. Julia, Nikki and little Mia climbed out to applause and cheering and as if that wasn’t exciting enough someone shot off their cap gun which of course led everyone to follow. It couldn’t have been staged any better and that pretty much sums up the rest of the night, spontaneity, laughter and much love.
Julia with both of her lovely dad’s either side and both of her moms in front walked up to the verandah to meet Brett and his best man. Julia’s wedding gown was stunning even if I do say so myself and she even carried the little gingham horse-shoe I had made to match the dress.
Brett pretty much yelled “I DO” and we all clapped to that as well. Julia and Brett laughed and smiled and joked all the way through the ceremony which is just how it should be. Nikki cried a bit and laughed a lot. Little Mia was adorable in her little check frock.
After the ceremony we all walked to the pub down the road and then onto EL RANCHO MUCHO FUN. I know this because that’s what the sign out the front said. Louise and Sam, Julia’s mom and step dad had turned their property into a real live ranch. The fences had roses threaded though and there was an entrance into the party complete with steer head and horns. The eyes lit up later in the evening they had gone to so much trouble.  As we walked through I noticed the side of the shed painted with cactus and sunset, Brett’s handy work I was told later.
We were already having a great time so once we all had drinks and the band started up it didn’t take long before it was one swinging western party.

The absolute highlight for me and I’m sure many others was when the Samoan side of the family got up on stage and sang a traditional Samoan song I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house and as if that wasn’t enough Julia’s nephews then did the Haka. Behind me roller derby girls were fanning themselves, I don’t think they had ever seen so many gorgeous men in one place before. There was an awful lot of love in that marquee.
The speeches bought tears to everyone’s eye’s there wasn’t a single boring speech 9 people got up and talked of love, friends and family and it was beautiful. Nikki sang a song to Julia I think it was I’ve got a friend but I was crying through that as well so what do I know.
The Roller Derby girls gave the newly married couple a huge cheque, another favourite moment of mine. The Saucermen played and we all danced out  feet off, if we weren’t dancing we were out the back with the mechanical bull.
I was soooooooo happy when the band played Rawhide that went down a treat with the crowd all screaming and hollering.
I for one felt very privileged to have been a part of this wonderful day and night and I will never forget it.
When I told Julia that when she got married I wanted to make her wedding gown little did I know I would be part of something so incredibly special.
XXX Joy

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

More website news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had a wonderful meeting with AJ, Nat and Matt from Xtra Shiny this morning and we are well on the way to making our dreams come true. I sat in the offices of Xtra Shiny with my mouth agape. In front of me on a huge screen was the front page for the new Hot Couture website, it took my breath away. I swear I was lost for words and that rarely happens. Every little detail has been taken care of, not only does it look really pretty but it is user friendly and ordering will be a breeze. We're already off our feet at Hot Couture I think we may just be needing more people if everyone feels like I do when they see it.
Now.........I think I should post just one more photo that can't hurt right.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

My first day at H.C.H.Q.


Day one at The Sherbert Studio: An introduction to gingham and dots.

I stepped down the stairs into the sherbert-pink den that is Hot Couture Head Quarters, with H.C queen Joy leading the way and sighed with relief; finally a job that was going to be more fun than work.

Joy hands me a camera and tells me to get snapping. “Lets write about what’s going on here!” She proceeds to hum along to Marilyn Monroe as she starts her cutting work for the day. I raised an eyebrow suspiciously, it was all seeming to good to be true…

I’m a fashion student with big dreams of living a life engulfed with fabric, like Joy, and that’s why I’m here! Not entirely sure what my role here will entail just yet… I’m never going to be a super amazing cutter, as I’m left handed, and I’ve only just commenced study at TAFE, but I know how to make things look pretty, and let’s be honest, that’s what Hot Couture is all about!

The Sherbert Studio, as I’m going to name it, is stuffed full of goodies and oozes glam style. Sitting behind the desk here I’m feeling pretty lucky. I’m surrounded by polka-dot fabric of every colour, there are Vivienne Westwood shoes and bags every where I look, a stack of vintage Barbies in their original boxes to my left, and a toy revolver in front of me. I’ve died and gone to Aesthetics heaven.

Joy calls up the stairs at two H.C customers to come down and join us in the Studio. As I sit in the main office organising some networking stuff I hear laughter as Joy bombards the two girls with stories of a dangerous zoo visit whilst she measures them up. This little space is full to the brim with fun and charisma, and it’s a little infectious.

I’d say for a first day I’ve had a pretty charming glimpse at the H.C world, and I’m excited for more..


Stay tuned H.C lovers!  XXX Chloe

Monday, October 24, 2011

Emerald Fontaine/ Burlesque Queen

One of our favourite London based customers now has her very own website emeraldfontaine.com. We have been selling garments to Emerald now for the last five years and just recently made her Baltimore costume for her stage show. This particular frock will be on the new website, we had so many inquiry's about it after putting it up on facebook. We're delighted that Emerald has named Hot Couture as one of her favourite places to shop for vintage inspired frocks. Have a look at her site , she is fast climbing the ladder in the burlesque world, I hope she doesn't mind us comparing her to Dita Von Teese but all of us at Hot Couture think she is just as beautiful and we're all die hard Dita fans. Thank you Emerald we adore you XXX Joy

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Chris Isaak .......my story.

I first heard of Chris Isaak in the early 90's, we were living in San Fransisco at the time as my husband Deane was working on a film. Chris was performing a lot at the clubs over there and I had been told that he lived nearby. I was completely smitten, seriously who doesn't like him, not only is he gorgeous to look at but he is just the nicest guy.
We moved back to Sydney in 1993 and I started to tell my friends about his music, it seemed no one had heard of him except the odd person who had seen Blue Velvet. Chris came over to perform at The Enmore in Sydney in '95 and I talked all my friends into going along. The theatre wasn't even packed and I was really upset for him. Honestly he couldn't have cared less, he was so happy to be here and talked a lot about surfing and how fun it was to be here in Australia.
After the show we waited around to get an autograph, I asked him to write on my T/shirt " Joy will you marry me" I figured if he signed it, it would be a legal document. He wrote " Joy will you have my baby" talk about smooth. I was completely hooked, what a doll. I have since seen him schmooze every girl he comes across, it wasn't just ME. Reporters go weak at the knees, I don't know what it is that he does but it would be a scary world if every man sent us women into a spin like that.
The next time Chris came back to Sydney I managed to buy tickets right in the front row. I went with my daughter Gypsy who was 18 at the time and her friend Emma. This time the Entertainment Centre was packed. Yay, finally word was out. When he came on I pushed my way right to the front, Gypsy and Emma were up the other end of the stage right underneath him but I didn't want to get a neck ache so I stayed put. Thank the Gods for that one because I was right by the steps and when he ran up the back of the auditorium and headed toward the stage, I was right in line with where he was headed. I can't even tell you how I felt when he past me and turned around, grabbed my hand and pulled me up on stage with him. He was wearing his mirrored suit and let me tell you he was dazzling in it. I was mesmerised I have no idea of the song he sang to me, I thought I was actually in heaven, I'm sure clouds were swirling around my ankles. Then out of the whole audience the lead guitarist pulled Gypsy up on stage, there we were either side of Chris and neither one of us to this day knows what song he was singing. Gypsy and I were all dressed up 50's with petticoats and full skirts, they asked us to stay on stage and dance, after the show everyone was asking us if we were part of the show. BEST NIGHT EVER!!!!!!!!!! Somewhere is a photo of Gypsy and I with Chris. I have been completely in love ever since. It's O.K. Deane understands and likes him too, he does think I'm a little obsessed though.
I went to many more concerts and had close encounters of the fan kind.
Then one afternoon I was working in my costume hire shop and he came on radio, he happened to be in town so I rang the radio station to see where he was headed, the lovely girl on the switchboard who was just as smitten as me told me that he was headed to the city for a signing of his new album Baha Sessions. ( Now my favourite  record. ) I closed up shop and caught a cab into the city where to my dismay was a line all the way down Pitt St Mall. I needed some quick thinking, I went to the entrance where there was an escalator going down and the other was stopped and people were lined up. I know this is unfair but I couldn't help myself I went down the escalator, it was 5.25pm and the security guard said they were closing shop. I told him I had to buy a CD for a present and begged him to let me in. He said Chris Isaak was signing his new album so of course I said " WHO" he let me in.
I hid behind one of the counters, I told you I was obsessed. Chris came out with Kenny ( he's a doll as well) and sat right opposite me. I'm sure Chris recognised me, he looked scared. He started singing before anyone even came down the escalator. He sang Sweet Leilani and I almost melted, it was as though he was singing just to me. I know, I know, he wasn't but it felt like it. So happy I went.
In between were a few more concerts and The Music Awards which Gypsy managed to get tickets to.
I don't know if this is the highlight but it sure comes close. a few years ago Chris was coming to Adelaide where I now live. A friend of mines band was supporting The Chris Isaak Concert at one of the winery's. He asked if I wanted to come along and hang out, I had to pretend I was the band's manager which was lots of fun I even got to take up water on stage. There was a VIP area set aside where I hung out for most of the day. It was over 40 degree's I wouldn't have done it for anyone else, gosh it was a long day. At around 6pm his entourage turned up and I hung out the rest of the night with one of the girls who worked for him, Gillian. She had been working for him for years, doing his wardrobe,now there's a job I'd like. We all had dinner together and when Chris came out to dish up his dinner I was right next to him and couldn't say one word. I had spoken to over 800 people that day but couldn't think of one thing to say, What a schmuck. It was the most beautiful night and the music was lovely wafting over the winery. It couldn't have been more perfect.
Maybe if I had spoken to him then it would have been perfect. That's my Chris Isaak story. XXX Joy

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

IN THE MOOD


Last night I went to see one of the best shows I’ve seen in years, my only regret is that it was the last performance in Australia otherwise I would have been e mailing everyone I know telling them to go.
You might not know this about me but it’s not just the 50’s I adore, I have a collection of old swing and have been an avid fan of the big bands from the 40’s for a very long time.
 I was transported along with every other person at the performance to the war years and the years of all of that fabulous music and dancing. The band were here from New York and had toured to packed houses all over Australia. I first heard about it from a friend of mine who insisted I fly up to Sydney for their one night only performance at The State Theatre. I was going to do just that on Gerry’s recommendation but they had sold out, luckily Adelaide was on the tour as well. 

In my 30’s myself and two of my friends performed Andrew Sister’s music to poor unsuspecting people at our parties ( Actually I tell a lie I think they may have suspected.) We ended up performing at The Trocadero in Sydney which was amazing in itself. The photo is of Linda, Doris and I at my 30th birthday in Sydney.
Back to last night……..The band started off by playing Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman. The singers were absolutely wonderful, the three girls did a lot of Andrew Sister’s and I had to hold back from jumping up on stage and joining in. One of my favourite parts of the whole night was when one of the girls came out dressed in a nurses uniform from that era and a sailor and swing danced like I’ve never seen before. At the end the sailor tilted her back and kissed her just like the famous photo in Times Square the day the war ended.
I hope that wasn’t lost on the audience, it was beautiful. I of course was overwhelmed by the whole thing and burst into tears. XXX Joy
 

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Rockabilly Rumble/ website news and more.

There's been so much happening this month at H.C.H.Q I'm reeling. The website is taking longer than expected which in one way is frustrating but in another is a good thing. This website will be up for some time to come so we want to get it right, sadly this means waiting another month.
We had our fabulous ad in this month's Deadbeat that we are all amazingly proud of. Harmony Nicholas did an incredible job and it was well worth the wait. We were also lucky enough to have photo's of the very sassy Aspen in the same issue wearing one of our summer frocks.
We have been incredibly busy, making of all things Hot Couture bridesmaid dresses, I thought it would never end but just last week we finished the last of them. They are all October and November weddings so we should have some great photo's of them soon.  One in particular is a cowboy themed wedding that we are invited to Yeehaw to that.

We also had Smokin Betty's Rockabilly Rumble this month which just like last year was way too much fun. Last year we had a fashion parade but because of being really busy and not having our fabulous Stav to help out we decided not to do the parade. We did however have an unexpected parade of girls wearing Hot Couture, once word got back to us how many girls were actually wearing H.C to the R.R.we decided a prize was in order to say thank you. I had nothing to do with the judging as it would have been a bit bias, I pretty much knew most of the girls who were there. Tia who was wearing one of our lovely new frocks "Vivienne" won the prize of a made to measure Hot Couture frock. Congrats Tia it couldn't have gone to anyone sweeter. Thanks Jessi, Phil and Two Bit Villians for making it all happen.
Two Bit Villian's had a great parade and included a couple of H.C frocks which looked stunning on the girls. Christina really rocked the red Bardot. The funniest part of the night, was as Willy and I were leaving my studio I was madly tearing the place apart looking for a bolero to go with my sarong frock. I has 15 minutes and clothes were flying everywhere, I have 3 bolero's but of course couldn't find one. I screamed at Willy, " I'm going to have to run one up and ran into the cutting room and started to madly cut fabric off. Willy just laughed and held up the bolero he had made while I was in my panic. You gotta love a man that can not only read your mind but can whip up a bolero in 15 minutes. Thanks everyone who came along in Hot Couture, next year if it's OK with the organisers I will make it official, everyone in Hot Couture wins a prize.
Wow! What a month September was, can't wait to see what Frocktober brings. XXX Joy

Saturday, September 10, 2011

ASPEN for Deadbeat magazine.

We adore these photos of Aspen in Deadbeat magazine, how cute does she look.  H.C has this lovely new frock on our new website in duchess satin and between Stav and I,  thought it would be the perfect frock in gingham for the ad. I am now wishing we had made this one up in the gingham, I've had so many people ask about it. Don't worry though, if you like it we are more than happy to make it up in any colour gingham your little heart desires. You can e mail us at hotcouture@bigpond.com
Sometimes I have to pinch myself I'm so lucky to have wonderful people in my life like Stav and her boyfriend Aaron who took these stunning photo's.

The Model is ASPEN.....Photographer...AARON SCHUPPAN......Art Director/ stylist STAVROULA MOUNTZOURIS......Hair TONY VACHER from STERLING H.Q.......M.U.A ..ANGELIQUE HOGAN. Thanks everyone for making Hot Couture look even HOTTER. XXX Joy

Deadbeat magazine Issue 19

If you haven't got your copy of Deadbeat mag yet you better hurry, I hear they are almost sold out in Adelaide, we were very excited to see our ad in this issue and we think it is our best one to date. Sadly our new website didn't quite make it at the same time, it should have said new website coming soon. Never mind, all good things take time and were not worried, having seen what they are doing at Xtrashiny we know it's worth the wait. Thanks to everyone involved in the shoot especially Harmony Nicholas who is one amazing photographer. We have been hanging out to work with Harmony. Our lovely models Ginger and Libie Jean were were so much fun and we think they look gorgeous, not to mention the new frocks they are wearing. Molly Bellman who did both models hair and Evie Sebben who did Ginger's make up stayed all day to help out and did a great job. Thanks to Arabeer as well Libie's very own make up girl. My husband Deane did the illustrations in the mirror, I was worried it would all be too busy but in the end Harmony's vision was spot on. It was all shot on location at Louis Bond in Magill. WE LOVE DEADBEAT and we love Sarah and Pete the creator's of this fab magazine. XXX Joy

Monday, September 5, 2011

I love Mondays off with William.

I usually take Mondays off and meet William in town and we either go to the movies or just go anywhere that might be fun. We worked all day on Saturday up until 7pm so we really needed today off. Last Monday Willy and I walked all over the city, we took stood in the middle of a poppy patch, had cupcakes and tea at Better than Sex, Willy disagreed with their name but those cupcakes were pretty damn fine. Willy also tried to knock off a nanna so we could get a seat at B.T.S.
Guess what cupcake Willy chose, Mr Big and I had the Bridgette Jones, very appropriate. We also went to see the crotcheted reef, now there's a sentence you don't hear every day. It was amazing and it was in the old stock exchange building which we decided to explore.
Today after meeting the website people we went to the movies to see 'The Help" my new favourite film. It was soooo beautiful, sad and happy and thought provoking. It hurt my heart to see black people treated the way they were in the 50's. The clothes were wonderful and I couldn't help thinking how great it would have been to work on a film like that.

Then Willy and I explored all of the neat furniture shops where we found a huge elephant in a wooden crate ready to ship off. I wanted that elephant. We also went to look at underwear, Willy thought the leopard high knickers were a must, I wasn't so sure. It was such a fun day. I wonder what next Monday will bring. XXXX Joy

Saturday, September 3, 2011

This is why I love Hot Couture

What a week. The SALE was more successful than I could have ever imagined, we have sold everything that wasn't nailed down. We are all ready for the website to go live as we have plenty of room now at the studio. I hope everyone is happy with their bargains. One thing we don't have sales very often but when we do you know you are getting the real deal. William Izi and I have worked really hard this week trying to get everything out on time. We've had a few hiccups but all in all I think we did pretty well considering the amount of work. Willy even gave up his Saturday so he could help catch up.
The best part of our day was when the girls from Delectable Sins Kylie and Mel + Erin and Jane, turned up with our favourite cupcakes. RED VELVET talk about perfect timing. Not only did the girls buy about 6 frocks between them but we all had lots of fun watching them try on all of the new frocks. Williams patterns are beyond perfect, I am so thrilled, we make an awesome team, my designs and Williams expertise, perfection. After the girls left


( we managed lunch at the pub first thank goodness ) Willy and I got stuck into writing the product placement for the new website. I had no idea it was so much work and I am so grateful that Willy was here to help me. Thanks girls for making the day so much fun, I can't wait for next Saturday when you bring the baby sausage dog. He may never leave the studio you know that right. XXXX Joy

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Fifties Fair 2011

What an amazing few days Sarah Easter and I had in Sydney. The highlights were of course the fifties fair at Rose Siedler House and our night out at Porteno in Surry Hills. Sarah also had her hair done at our favourite hair parlour Sterling HQ.
Sarah and Tony made it into the paper on Sunday, Tony did such a great job of her hair, she looked like she had stepped out of an old movie her hair was to die for and everyone kept asking about it.
Porteno is a lovely restaurant in Surry Hills, Sarah and I got there really early so we could get a table and were joined by Stav who used to work for H.C and her lovely boyfriend Aaron. Then Sarah and Pete from Deadbeat turned up along with some of our other friends from Adelaide. My daughter Gypsy was having dinner downstairs with her friends and they all joined us, pretty soon we were having one fine time. Such a great night I can highly recommend the tapas bar upstairs as well as the restaurant, all of the staff there are the nicest people. The next day Sarah went off to have her hair done, I sadly stayed behind, feeling a little under the weather after our big night out. I was really disappointed to have missed out on getting my hair done by Tony but I will be back up there soon.
We were pretty worried about the rain on Sunday but got up nice and early and headed off to the the 16th fifties fair.
It was wonderful catching up with everyone, I only bought some earrings and patterns this time, it was all a bit overwhelming. The crowds weren't quite so bad this year, I think a lot of people stayed away because it looked like rain but luckily it didn't rain until later in the day. We had already left when the skies opened and I felt sorry for all the stall holders who had to pack everything up. I've had to do that before and believe me it's no fun.
Gypsy had Sarah and I over for a wonderful dinner which was the perfect end to the perfect day. So happy we went, there are rumours that it may be the last one, I hope that's not the case.
 Sarah and I shopped in Surry Hills and Newtown all day on Monday. It was a nice ending to a very eventful and happy weekend. XXX Joy