So despite having lived abroad for most of my adult life, I actually hail from the land down-under and spent my entire childhood until I was 18 living in sunny Australia. Despite all my travels, it’s probably still my favorite place in the world, and I still am always on the look-out for hot Australian designers.

Here are a few of my fave Aussie designers:

LOVER

If you don’t know LOVER you should start right now! From a market stall in Bondi to a 10 year anniversary show at the Sydney Opera House, LOVER is a brand to watch. Created by Susien Chong and real-life partner Nic Briand, the signature lace dresses have been worn by Anne Hathaway, Alexa Chung and Kirsten Dunst, and their White Magick collection has been a hit with fashion editors and stylish women since it’s debut.

Lover White Magick collection

Maticevski

Toni Maticevski is one of Australia’s most promising young designers, with three major fashion awards across two continents under his belt since launching his  label at the age of 21. After taking a break from ready-to-wear for five years to focus on private clients, Maticevski made his comeback in 2011 to a tremendous response at Australia’s Fashion Week. His signature designs have been worn by the likes of Abbey Cornish, Kim Kardashian and Sheryl Crow and have a modernist, dramatic aesthetic that’s hard to forget.

Myer Spring summer campaign 2012/13 featuring Maticevski Planet cocktail dress

Nicholas

A cult hit in Australia since its inception in 2009, Nicholas encapsulates the spirit of the quintessential Melbourne girl. Offering wardrobe staples and must-have pieces of printed cocktail dresses, tee’s and skirts, Nicholas apparel and accessories are notable for clean lines, innovative detailing, and a rich color palette. The brand is proud of its Down Under heritage; all Nicholas products are designed and made in Melbourne.

Nicholas Autumn/Winter ’13 campaign

Happy New Year everyone!

Holt Renfrew has partnered with iconic Italian brand Missoni to create a limited-edition, worldwide-exclusive bear and elephant toy that make great holiday gifts for fashion-forward adults. The best part is that 100% of the sales go to OrphanAid Africa, a non-profit organization with the goal to ensure that orphans and vulnerable children in Ghana grow up in safe and permanent family settings with appropriate care and protection.

Holt Renfrew wants to reach its goal of raising $100,000 for children and families for OrphanAid Africa and every elephant and bear will help. I love mine, get yours soon before they’re all gone!

Vogue’s creative Director, Grace Coddington, releases her memoir titled ‘Grace’ this November!  I am a huge fan of her work and I cannot wait to get my hands on this book! Check out these cute end eclectic sketches drawn by Grace herself.

Images via VOGUE

I am loving neon signage lately since seeing some of Tracey Emin’s amazing work. Here are some other super cool signs including handwriting by Bruce Mau designer Sarah Foelske, an homage to Canada by Mason Studio, and  customizable signs by Penny Farthing that are sure to light up your space.

Art by Tracey Emin

Sarah Foelske’s ( Designer at Bruce Mau) apartment

By Mason Studio, IDS 2012

Penny Farthing Design

Ingredients:

3 cups (750 mL) mangoes, (2 medium about 12 oz/375 g), cubed
1/3 cup (75 mL) instant dissolving fruit/berry sugar
1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
1 cup (250 mL) Balkan-style plain yogurt or 2% plain yogurt

Process:

In food processor, whirl together fruit, sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add yogurt; whirl until blended.

Press though sieve into 9-inch (2.5 L) square metal cake pan; freeze until almost solid, about 1-1/2 hours. Break up and purée in food processor until smooth. Scrape into air-tight container; freeze until firm, at least 4 hours. Or freeze in ice-cream machine according to manufacturer’s instructions. (Make-ahead: Freeze for up to 1 week.)