ORGNL.TV launch

The quest for originality is ever challenging, in an age where every stone seems to have been turned and ideas already born. Apple maintains its legions of adoring fans through their domination of the concept of innovation, and few have managed to follow confidently in its footsteps.

The launch of online editorial channel ORGNL.TV presented by Stoli on 1 August was a pilgrimage to the concept of originality – “celebrating all that is original in Australian art, music, fashion, technology, taste and exceptional talent”. 

 

The night began with a free UBER pick up, the brilliant app that allows you to watch the progress of your “private driver” navigating through Sydney’s windy streets. At a secret location in Chippendale, we walked in to discover a silver clad angel singing a song called “Stupid” in front of a psychedelic screen. The angel turned out to be an incarnation of emerging artist Brendan Mclean, also known as Klipspringer from The Great Gatsby. He in turn shared the stage with a caricature of a strip show by self proclaimed beauty queen, Betty Grumble, who left little to the imagination and met the criteria of “one of a kind”.



After wandering through the 300+ crowd, enjoying 5 original Stoli concoctions tailored around the 5 themes of the new channel (art, fashion, music, tech and taste) and admiring vintage fashion on haughty mannequins that appeared to be mingling with the guests, our intrigue was sufficiently piqued.   

You can view ORGNL.TV on all devices at orgnltv.com and via facebook.com/StoliVodkaAustralia. Join the conversation via hashtag #ORGNLTV.

Annual High Tea Party, Shangri La

"Take some more tea," the March Hare said to Alice very earnestly."I've had nothing yet," Alice replied in an offended tone, "so I can't take more"

Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland 

Bursting at the seams with ladies, couture and goodie bags, we discover a wonderland of girliness at the annual High Tea Party at the Shangri La Hotel. Billed as a gorgeous excuse to catch up with the girls, we delve into the fray to discover stalls touting every possible requirement for a girls' day in (or night out). Girls rest stilletoed feet in deck chairs while served free coffees, pose for polaroid photos with pearls and feather boas, and ascend the staircase while rifling through racks of vintage clothing. Fabulous fascinators, flouncy frocks and frilly accessories are all on hand for feminine dress ups as we navigate the various floors.

For those feeling under-groomed, solutions abound (provided one has time to wait in line). Queue for a manicure after indulging in a hand massage, have a spray tan on the spot before having your make up done professionally. Get your bra properly fitted before picking a summer bikini... and even sign up for a month of free online fitness training. Overwhelmed by choice and with an aversion to queuing, we opt to relax in the Galliano Lounge pop up bar and enjoy generous servings of Galliano Mocha Martinis – a decadent combination of Galliano Ristretto, Russian Standard Vodka, Lavazza Espresso topped with Bols Crème De Cacoa White. 

Our High Tea sitting is at 2.30pm, and we leave the female frenzy for an oasis of calm in the Shangri La ballroom. A gentleman croons Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a wonderful world’ as we sip bubbly and admire models parading elegant fashion between tables. A selection of finger sandwiches include smoked salmon, minted cucumber and York ham, followed by Sara Lee mini desserts and buttery scones fresh from the hotel kitchen. 

A ladies’ only event full of fun, indulgence and pampering, the High Tea Party was a novel opportunity to embrace quality girl time in an otherwise hectic schedule. High tea sittings were at 10.30am, 12:30pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm and took place on October 8 and 9, 2011. Tickets were sold through OurDeal, and included cocktails at the Galliano Lounge. Every guest received a gift bag with products and special offers.

Lifeafterfive* and friend attended the High Tea Party as a guest of OurDeal.

Westfield Doncaster Styling Suite, Melbourne

Sydney versus Melbourne. A friendly rivalry that most likely began with Captain Cook sending telegrams to his Victorian counterpart boasting about grazing land and rum quality, the Sydney v Melbourne contest has persisted to the modern day.   As Sydneysiders point to sandy beaches while Victorians claim the cultural crown, there are certain unarguable elements acknowledged as distinctively superior in both cities.  In Melbourne, this is the races – The Spring Racing Carnival, to be precise.

Taking place over 50 days in Spring, the world’s greatest thoroughbreds, most respected trainers and thousands of spectators turn Victoria into the horse racing capital of the world.  While some are focused on horses and racing, the Carnival is a key event on the social calendar of locals – an excuse for glamorous dress ups, drinking champagne and enjoying a fun day with friends.

On a whirlwind trip to Melbourne, a girlfriend and I were invited to the Westfield Doncaster Styling Suite on the Melbourne Cup Carnival Preview Day.   A flock of brightly dressed fashionistas in the latest styles matched with colourful, artistic hats greet us as we entered the tent.  

For your chance to win a VIP trip to Melbourne Emirates Stakes Day, read my review of A Day at the Races  as the NSW Blogger for lastminute.com and enter here.

Diesel Island; the land of the stupid and home of the brave

A pink goat greets us as we enter a non-descript warehouse in Alexandria, followed by crashing waves, a denim flag and a welcome line of models threatening to fight us with feather pillows. 

Welcome to Diesel Island, ‘the land of the stupid and home of the brave’.  Where cocktails are served with provocatively labelled flags, scantily Diesel-clad ‘island natives’ loll about in tree houses and Alexandra Richards (daughter of Rolling Stone, Keith Richards) DJs to over 250 well-heeled ‘pioneers’.

Diesel Island... where heels are high & goats are pink

The locals in their natural habitat

Island Law #2; Trouble makers shouldn't be sent to jail but art school

We have been invited to ‘help shape the future of this magnificent country’ at the Sydney event on 31 August 2011.  The controversial global campaign aims to provoke discussion and push boundaries by stating that the world is f**cked up, but Diesel Island is the least f**cked up country of all.

Conceived by advertising agency Santo, the campaign documents the first pioneers arriving on the tropical island – “living exciting experiences, solving some of the world’s oldest problems and holding wild parties to celebrate the birth of their nation”.

Alexandra Richards DJs to the crowd

Martin Matthews, General Manager of Brand Collective, explains that while Australians aren’t as aware of Diesel’s satirical, ironic character, the concept of challenging the status quo and rewriting the rules while having fun resonates with the Australian ethos.

The natives stand to attention as the Diesel Island anthem plays over the big screens, the cocktails are abundant and a giant seafood paella is cooked under driftwood scaffolding.  I am reminded of island law # 7 – everything that exists was once imagined.  Somehow, I don’t think it’s going to be a hard sell to Aussies looking for a utopian escape.  Just be sure to reach the island before someone calls on the PM to ‘stop the boats’.


Watch the history of Diesel Island

Pioneer Jane Willesdorf enjoys a rebellious cocktail

"We prevent terrorist attacks by not pissing them off"

Fashion's Night Out

Feeding Sydney’s hunger for fashion is Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) on Thursday night, hosted by Vogue Australia.

The first of its kind in Sydney, the night starts at 5.30pm at Martin Place and ends at Ivy. FNO has been held in 16 countries around the world, and claims to be the biggest fashion (and shopping!) party in history.

Check it out at:

http://fashionsnightout.vogue.com.au/