Behind The Scenes On The Myer Fashion Shoot In South Africa!

When the Myer Spring Summer 2012/2013 catalogue is revealed this week in Sydney and you're enjoying the beautiful images, the stunning designs and the flawless models, just keep in mind that dozens of people travelled halfway around the world to deliver this to you.

At the end of May this year, the Myer crew packed a ridiculous amount of luggage, camera crew and gluten free bread, and headed to Sun City in South Africa. This gorgeous resort and the surrounding National Park was the base for this year's Spring Summer fashion shoot, and the diversity of landscapes and locations meant that you will have visually spectacular backdrops accompanying some incredible clothing this season.

Check out my behind the scenes video below (apologies for the footage but the professional film crew was stuck back here in Adelaide) and some photos to get you in the mood.

The full reveal will be happening this Thursday in Sydney and I'll be there to bring you all the updates! Follow me on Twitter at @KellyNoble.



Related articles

• On Trend In South Africa This Season With Myer (glamadelaide.com.au)
• First Glimpse of Myer Spring Summer Campaign Shoot in South Africa With Jen Hawkins & Jess Hart! (kellynoble.blogspot.com)
• Off To South Africa! #SA2SA (kellynoble.blogspot.com)

First Glimpse of Myer Spring Summer Campaign Shoot in South Africa With Jen Hawkins & Jess Hart!

After weeks of patiently waiting, I'm excited to reveal some of the amazing photos taken by Alex Coppel on my visit to South Africa! The images were shot for the upcoming Myer Spring Summer catalogue and truly capture the beauty of the amazing landscape of the country, as well as the stunning designs we can look forward to wearing next season! The models and the crew enjoyed the trip as much as we did behind the scenes, and to show you what went on I'll be uploading some behind the scenes photos and video shortly. In the meantime, enjoy the photos that were taken at our hotel, The Palace of the Lost City (in Sun City) and at the national park that surrounds it... 

Black Caviar - Being a part of history!

Black Caviar is the greatest race horse in history. With 20 straight wins under her belt, the opportunity to witness her 21st win wasn't to be missed. Especially when it was going to happen right here in Adelaide before she leaves Australia to race at Royal Ascot.

So, like any good race-goer, we bundled our baby daughter up and headed to Morphetville on May 12th 2012 along with 30,000 other punters.

To their credit, the SAJC handled the sell out crowd as easily as they did any other smaller race day, and everyone we saw there seemed to be having a fantastic day out.

It was an odd mix of people, with the hardcore racing crowd mixed with families, fashionistas, business men, young party goers - plus many people who you'd never usually see at the track. And everyone fit in just fine. 

Our first glimpse at Black Caviar before she was led to the track for the race!

Ivy adored the crowds and I enjoyed a champagne while Steve patiently humoured me and my $2 bet on Black Caviar to win.

Ivy flying the flag for Black Caviar

And win she did. Without a whip being cracked or the jockey having to try. It was truly amazing.

I can't pretend I know the first thing about the techniques using in horse racing, but you could see the ease with which she won the race. Everyone soaked it up along with the incredible atmosphere on the day.

I love that we were able to be a part of it, and even Ivy can say she was there when...

Good luck to Black Caviar overseas!

Singer Cat Southern & I in our Autumn colours

Sunsets, Champagne & Amazing Women

The lovely Deb Landau & I in front of our boat

This week has been a busy one for me! In addition to our beautiful Sydney boating adventure, I was also lucky enough to head out to sea with 13 amazing women including Marta & Christina from the Women's & Children's Hospital Foundation on The Boat That Frocked!

We had been brought together to help come up with fundraising ideas for the charity - while enjoying champagne, delicious delights from renowned Adelaide chef Chris Jarmer, an amazing sunset and a once-in-a-lifetime cruise on the Pickard family's cruiser (which left from the marina in Glenelg).

Each of the women were invited for being at the top of their own field and bring a diverse mix of skills and experience. Some great ideas were born out of the brainstorming - and most importantly, a new group of friends who will help the Foundation to realize them. 


I love being involved with these sorts of things - the people who are involved are so inspiring, and I am always left with some great experiences! 

Holdfast Marina at Glenelg

A perspective shot - it was a HUGE boat!

Setting off from the marina. (Lucette dress. Sollis necklace)

Our first glimpse of the sunset at the marina heads

The sunset went from great to simply AMAZING

Such a beautiful boat. What a great night. 

It was the perfect reason to wear my new Sollis necklace too!

My Adelaide Cup Day - Fashion , Fillies & Fun

Adelaide Cup Day. One of my favourites. And this year was no different.

Back before baby, I usually spent months carefully putting together the elements of my outfit - first the hat, then selecting a dress to match, and finally shoes, handbag and accessories.

These days there is a lot less time to dedicate to the cause, but knowing where to go for each element has put me in good stead for the future.

As I judged the Myer Fashions on the Field this year, I also wanted to showcase local designers wherever possible.

1. The hat/fascinator. Luckily for me, I know a very talented local milliner (Georgie Young) who creates a range of gorgeous, race-appropriate head pieces. Her label Georgie Lou is available at One Rundle, which is where I picked up one of her latest headband creations featuring black, leather flowers. Perfect for an Autumn racing carnival. 

2. The outfit. Although colour blocking was in this year, I chose traditional racewear. Black and white. Liza Emanuele always has fantastic classic pieces which are timeless, and I decided upon a white pleat skirt with black band along the bottom, and a striped halter neck top with ruffles down the front. I also added a black suede Morrison bolero to the outfit to bring the Autumn leathers together. Oh, and black patent stilettos.

3. Hair & make up. Thanks to my trusty GHDs, I have mastered the art of doing my own hair when the salons are shut on a Monday (why oh why do they shut on Adelaide Cup), but I did manage to get my make up professionally done. Aleisha Gannon is a brilliant make up artist and she got me 'race ready'. I'd readily recommend her any day. I chose red Mac lipstick to bring some colour to my black & white outfit.

Once all the preparations were done, it was off to the track to hang out with Rebecca Judd & Kris Smith in the Myer Marquee before judging the Fashions on the Field.

Although there were some bad outfits this year (we even saw butt cheek), the girls who made it through to the top ten were all amazing.

Casey Saint, the Face of the Adelaide Casino Adelaide Cup & I

I took a quick snap (above) of my 'thank you' gift from Myer - a fab gift pack with Marc Jacobs perfume & moisturiser.

After my duties were done for the day, it was off to the Adelaide Casino's Chandelier Lounge (Tapestry Pavillion) for some bubbles, some catching up with friends (including the gorgeous Face of the Adelaide Casino Adelaide Cup, Casey Saint - pictured right) & enjoying the trackside view of the races.  

I had yet another brilliant day at the track and would recommend it to anyone. If you are considering going next year, do try and get a marquee ticket - it's a far more comfortable way of experiencing the races!

See you trackside in a few months for the next installment - Irish Race Day.

Judging Myer Fashions On The Field

Casey Saint, Face of the Adelaide Casino Adelaide Cup

I'm not sure why I do this to myself. I've agreed to judge the Myer Fashions On The Field, South Australian Preliminary Finals and State Final of the Women’s Racewear competition. This is terrible news. It means I can't enter. It also means I'll be spending the day hanging out with super glamour Rebecca Judd, who is the Myer Ambassador. As someone who had a baby at the same time as me, there is the potential for us to sit there, swap baby photos and talk about nappies, but somehow I don't think that will be happening. Instead I'll be wondering how she managed to lose her baby weight so quickly.

Anyway, focus Kelly. Back to the point of today's blog. The Myer Fashions On The Field.

I'm actually quite excited about this, because in some small way, by judging again I'll be able to help give direction to the women of Adelaide as to what is and isn't acceptable at the races. One of my passions.

As someone who has previously won several Fashions on the Field, I feel somewhat qualified to be dishing out this advice, so here they are. My pearls of wisdom. Please note, these are specifically targeting those wanting to win fashions on the field - or just look fabulous on the day.

Race Day Fashion

1. Wear a hat or fascinator. This is the races. It is expected. It is tradition. It is a great way to accessorise your outfit. If you can afford it, go to a milliner and have something made to match your outfit. If hats scare you, there are lots of great little fascinators which work just as well, and make your outfit into a race day outfit. Without a head piece you may as well be going to a cocktail party. Come on, this is the RACES! Make the most of it.

2. Limit the amount of skin you are showing. This is not the beach. Nor is it a nightclub. Do not show too much cleavage or leg if you actually want to have a shot at winning the Fashions. This is a classy affair ladies. There are plenty of other places to wear your new sexy, figure hugging outfit, so leave it in the wardrobe and find an outfit that specifically works for Race Day fashion.

3. Wear appropriate shoes. The Fashions On The Field are held early in the day. Wear fabulous shoes that match your outfit. Then, if you can't bear to be in those shoes all day (on grass in particular) take a change of shoes for when you're not on the catwalk. DO NOT GO BAREFOOT. Ever. That rule goes for anyone at the races. If you can't wear them all day, either bring a change with you or don't wear them in the first place. There is nothing more unglamorous than girls without shoes on. We want you to look special on the catwalk, but we also value your integrity for the rest of the day.

4. Pay attention to the little details. As a judge we look at everything. It helps us choose between you and your competitor. Make sure your nails are neat and  clean and your nailpolish matches your outfit. Fingers and toes ladies. If your handbag doesn't go with your outfit, get one of your friends to hold it - don't bring it up on stage. Make sure your make up is touched up. Make sure you don't have red wine teeth. Make sure your hair has been looked at since the last time you went out in the wind. VPL - avoid it if possible. Shave your legs. Moisturise. Trim loose threads on your outfit. All these little things matter.

5. Wear something you're comfortable in. If you feel good and are confident in your outfit, you're more likely to look GREAT!

6. Last but not least, wear a versatile outfit. If you WIN the Adelaide Cup Myer Fashions On The Field this Autumn, you'll be sent over to Melbourne in SPRING to compete in the Melbourne Cup Fashions On The Field - in the SAME outfit! Unfortunately this is just part of how it all works, so try and wear something that looks good now, but will also work during Spring Racing Carnival too. You never know what the weather will do during either event anyway, so having something that works on a hot or cold day (ie think about jackets, umbrellas, shawls etc) can be useful regardless.

Good luck ladies!

My Summer must haves from Liza Emanuele's Boutique

I'm not sure if it's cheating or not to own my 'must have' fashion pieces for this season, but rather than talking about aspirational items, I'm lucky enough to have these in my wardrobe at the moment.

Here is what I love right now from the Liza Emanuele Boutique on King William Road.

Ignore the Winter clothing - this was taken in London. Pay attention to the bag.

My favourite handbag is from After The Apple (see above). This demon of a bag holds EVERYTHING and has both a shoulder strap, which is sensational for travelling, as well as shorter woven handles for toting around. Leather (of course), the After The Apple bags are designed in Australia by a woman who used to design for Mimco. I love her style and how unique each bag is. They are currently stocked at Liza Emanuele Boutique and retail for around $600.

Here's a more detailed photo (and the colours are more true to form).

My next must have for this season, is a versatile black dress.

Look at the dress, not the sensible ballet flat for walking.

This dress is also from Liza Emanuele Boutique (yes I stocked up before I toured Europe) and is extremely comfortable to wear, while standing out from the crowd. People in Europe and back home in Australia, all assumed I bought this in Paris. No. I just wore it there. This is a great dress for work, dressing up for a cocktail/NYE/Christmas party, or dressing down with flats and spending the day shopping on the Champs Elysees.

No, you can't have my best accessory. He's not for sale.

Next up - a great, lightweight Summer frock from Liza. This gorgeous design was the perfect dress to wear to the Church for one of my best friend's weddings. The neckline is stunning and luckily for us, Liza designed several different versions of this dress with different fabrics. I thought this was a one-off wear dress when I picked it out of the rack, but since the wedding I've worn it a dozen times. It's my new favourite, particularly on hot days.

Lady in Red

For my finale piece - who can resist a great gown. This beautiful Liza dress had to be taken up as I'm pretty short (5'3") but now that the length is right, this dress will always fit me. As it's a wrap dress, it can shrink & grow as my culinary trends vary over the coming months/years. The fabric is soft and billowy, and the dress truly feels like it was made for me. This gorgeous number comes in a variety of colours and is guaranteed to turn heads. Definitely a must have if you have a more formal event coming up.

Check out what's in store at Liza Emanuele Boutique at 147 King William Road, Hyde Park or visit the website at http://www.lizaemanuele.com/

It's Black & White

Let me start by saying that the Women's & Children's Hospital Foundation Night of Lights Gala Ball was spectacular. Bravo to their events team. The food at the Adelaide Convention Centre was great. We had a brilliant waitress called Rebecca who did a sensational job looking after our table. The decorations were beautiful. The entertainment, entertaining (and with Kate Ceberano headlining how could it not be!). All in all, it was worth going along. I'd highly recommend it for anyone thinking of booking a table in 2012.

The reason for this post however, is to focus on the dress code for the evening. If you saw my last post, you will have seen a sneak peak at what I was planning on wearing. The invitation said Black Tie With A Hint Of Sparkle. The perfect opportunity to dress up. My dashing partner wore a black Armani tuxedo and I wore a full length Sherri Hill gown from After Dark Boutique on Fullarton Road, accompanied by stunning statement jewellery from Liza Emanuele Boutique on King William Road. The lovely Andrew Elsegood from Andrew Elsegood Hairdressers on Goodwood Road did my hair, and I completed the outfit with silver stilettos from Gary Castles (Sydney).

Here's a photo to show you how the look turned out.

Now back to the reason for my post. It seems I was under the false impression that black tie meant tuxedos for men and long gowns for women. I went so far as to Facebook and Tweet about this (& the lack of long dresses I was seeing at the ball), and was absolutely slammed by my friends & followers for misunderstanding the dress code. I wasn't far off it, so luckily I wasn't inappropriately dressed, but I thought I'd share my findings so that if you're faced with anything similar, you know what is or isn't appropriate. What I was thinking of, was White Tie (which I'd never heard of). The less formal evening counterpart of white tie is black tie, which allows women to wear cocktail dresses.

Here's a quick run down.

Black tie for women: Women's dress for black tie occasions can vary, ranging from a cocktail dress that is at or below the knee to a long evening gown, determined by current fashion, local custom, and the occasion's time.

Black tie for men: For a man, the main component is a black jacket with contrasting lapels, known as a dinner jacket (in the Commonwealth) or tuxedo (mainly in the United States), and a black tie. 

White tie for women: Evening dresses, full length gowns. 

White tie for men: White tie for men means tops & tails. The chief components for men are the black dress coat commonly known as an evening tailcoat, white bow tie, white waistcoat and starched wing collar shirt. I can't say I've ever seen this done, not properly...

Now what I'd like to know is what you'd call an event where you'd like men to wear tuxedos (which is as formal as I've seen in Australia) and women in floor length gowns. This is what I'd expect to see at any ball, but apparently this is a mix of the two dress codes. Perhaps invites could state white tie for women and black tie for men? This is getting more difficult than it should be.

At the end of the day, all I really want is the odd occasion where us girls can glam up and wear long, beautiful dresses. Formality is all but gone these days, so it's nice to feel like a princess once in a while.

Black tie with a hint of sparkle

Tonight is the glamorous Night of Lights gala ball for the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation. The dress code is 'Black tie with a hint of sparkle'. At the moment I don't like to do things by halves. I saw the word sparkle and I've run with it.

I'll be wearing a blue Sherri Hill gown with jewelled bodice from After Dark boutique on Fullarton Road, and I have some amazing Rodrigo Otazu Swarovski statement jewellery to accompany it. Rodrigo Otazu has designed for Kylie Minogue, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and the Sex & The City film (to name a few) and luckily for us Adelaide girls, there are now some statement pieces stocked at Liza Emanuele Boutique on King William Road.

I've just spent ten minutes trying to figure out what shade of blue the dress is, but it's beyond me, so here's a sneak peak.

Oh, I can't forgot the shoes. Gary Castles Sydney silver stilettos from their boutique on King William Road. A very simple design to counteract the over-the-top, top half of my outfit. The perfect must-have pair of shoes, that have proven to be a very worthwhile purchase.

The next step? Hair & make up. Time to hit Andrew Elsegood Hairdresser on Goodwood Road for some pampering. I'd love to wear my hair down with some loose curls, but the necklace demands my hair to be up. Let's see who wins this battle.
I'll post some photos of the finished look later on.

Hope to see some of you at this amazing event!