The Grandness of The Hotel Windsor at Open House Melbourne

As mentioned in my previous post, last weekend Melbourne hosted Open House 2012, an initiative where the general public are allowed access into restricted buildings or off limits areas within buildings. This is a once a year opportunity to explore your city for free and look at it from a different angle- quite literally and for me, always walk away with a greater appreciation and love for it. You may be wondering 'What has architecture got to do with fashion GT?' Well, in my opinion- everything! Good design can be translated to many things, but just like architecture and fashion, the facade  has to be appealing, perform some sort of function, while beneath it lies all the construction and detail holding it all together, just like a great garment does. I believe your environment also plays part in how your dress and the mood your outfit evokes. For example, exploring the great majestic and historic Hotel Windsor, with its wide hallways which was to enable the women with the full skirts to walk side by side gossipping with each other, made me think that you would have to up your game and dress accordingly in order to do your surroundings justice. It would not be the same to be strolling down the halls in thongs and jeans and a t-shirt. Hmmm, really not quite the same I'm sure you'll agree. Sometimes, great architecture or a venue inspires the outfit you will wear so I believe that just like great art, music, fashion, architecture- all these things influence each other. So it's nice to explore all facets and allow the inspiration to filter through in other ways. I was taken aback by the sheer luminous grandeur of the lighting fixtures alone in this hotel. It really helped set the mood that you were somewhere special. The use of stain glass which was taken out and one point due to it being 'unfashionable' and put back in years later (proving that style revolves around once more) and the detail in the paint work and carpets were exquisite. I hope you enjoy just a small taste of what lies behind the grand walls of Melbourne's Hotel Windsor.

Melbourne opens its doors and welcomes everyone in

Last weekend Melbourne opened its doors over two days to allow the general public a chance to sticky beak into buildings generally deemed off limits-for free. Open House is part of a global family initiative which includes countries such as England, USA, Ireland, Finland, Spain, Italy and Portugal who all participate by allowing the public a chance to explore the architecture and forbidden areas. Melbourne Open House 2012 is in its fifth year and has increased in the number of buildings available starting with just 8 in 2008, to 100 this year. It is a great opportunity to appreciate your city's architecture, history and take pride in your surroundings by understanding the architectural work that has gone into building our city. For an architectural nerd like me, it is a highlight in my calender year, and the most photographed weekend by far. The only time I see that many photographers is in a room full of bloggers at a fashion event! But there is a great spirit of inquisitive minded people who appreciate and respect architecture, students, children, elderly, something for young and old, and a great place to meet people and chat in the long cues. You need a few survival items to get through the day which starts from 10am-4pm. First and foremost is comfortable shoes, as you will be standing and walking for the entire day. (My pedometer went through the roof those two days!)Next, your program guide and a plan on which buildings you wish to see- and a plan B when you see the cues will be too long, and of course a camera to document it all-because there is plenty! Then you need to practise patience while you wait to enter the building, but the wait is always worth it, once you see the smiles on the faces of the group that just finished the tour. You knew you were in for something good. I thought I would share with you some of my highlights- granted this will have to take place over two posts as there is just too many. Melbourne also put on one of its famous weather shows this weekend with heavy rain, sunshine and even a rainbow was thrown in, so in some photos you see rain on the windows, followed by blue sky and sunshine. That's Melbourne! I hope you enjoy the scenic views as much as I did- of course nothing beats seeing it with your own eyes, but hope you enjoy looking at it through mine! Enjoy!

The views below are from the 33rd Floor of the building 50 Lonsdale Street Melbourne

The views below are from the Council House 2 Building- CH2 

Street Spotting-80's Rock and Colour Pop

I really do meet the nicest people Street Spotting. It is a strange thing stalking your subjects before having the courage to ask them to be photographed, and it's another to have them pose in a crowded shopping centre. But I had two very obliging and happy participants with these two who I could not take my eyes off until I finally interrupted their conversation for some snaps. Shopping centres at the best of times can be bland and the clothes themselves in the shops as well as the wearers frequenting them, can begin to all look the same. So, it was rather refreshing to my 80's aesthetic when sitting down for a coffee to see colour explode before my very eyes! I felt like I had entered the film 'Desperately Seeking Susan' (an absolute favorite fashion film for me) with the printed jacket and lace top with the cross necklace, bright hues and striking hairstyles, it was more like costume dressing, creating characters and evoking that mood, which I absolutely love to do myself, and I commend them on being so brave to wear their outfits out in the suburbs with such confidence. It made my day, and I'm glad I made theirs. 

Street Spotting: Layering Colours & Print

When you live in Melbourne you know that you can't necessarily get dressed in the morning by looking out the window and seeing what the weather is doing- as it will change at least 4 times throughout the day, you have to be prepared. Case in point over the weekend when I hastily put out a load of washing in the sunshine, blue sky, wind. Yes, what was I thinking when a mere 10 minutes later it was grey sky, wind and rain. But I digress. To survive Melbourne, it is all about the layers. And putting them on and off throughout the day. Making them a colourful assortment is half the fun. Strolling down the street, I immediately noticed the colour combination of this outfit and stopped to capture it. It certainly pops mixed together and I love the contrast with the black & white patent shoes. A print is always a good way to jazz up an outfit by giving a focal point, as does a great accessory like her belt which breaks up the outfit and gives her a good shape. How many layers and colours can you cram into one outfit? (Yes- that's a challenge- go for it!)

Street Spotting- These Boots are made for walking

You can't go wrong with great boots. And in this case- great cowboy boots! In a gorgeous red colour nonetheless. I absolutely loved them and it's nice to hear peoples stories about their favourite item of clothing or shoes and the story behind them. I loved the styling of her outfit with the three bold leather pieces of her boots, brown belt and brown leather bag, teamed with a casual skirt and striped t-shirt. And especially love the pig-tails and large sunglasses. 

Street Spotting

I love walking down the streets of Melbourne and coming across a gentleman who has not only put thought into his outfit, but incorporated lots of detail with impeccable grooming and styling. Keeping the colours neutral, but adding pops of brights with his shoes, socks and bag is a really easy way to veer off the 'all black' look that we seem to be well known for here in Melbourne. I think it works quite well, don't you?