"Hello Lover"

Remember Carrie Bradshaw's comment when she gazed through the Christian Louboutin window, seeing a pair of pink sandals that she couldn't resist? These words were exactly what sprung to mind when we saw these sweet Mary Janes pumps from Faith. (Razor sharpe Shoewawa was first finding these heels).

Balloon Skirts Anyone?

Good to see that our fashion predictions for 2006 are backed up. Take a look at Jean Paul Gaultier's contribution to the spring 2006 couture shows, for instance. Apart from a generally mind blowing collection, he's also bringing out plenty of bubbly skirts, dresses and pants to add to the balloon-trend. We can't get enough of images such as this, where he's teaming up a black, chiffon halter-neck dress with a pair of lichen-green coloured tights... simply divine!

Yes, Karl. You Have Us In Awe

Maybe it's the all black-and-white theme that is oh-so inviting. Or perhaps it's the delicate, tiny boleros flaring out at the back so elegantly. Or it could be the combination of Chanel's tweeded mini skirts, all teamed up a la Parisian school girl look, with flat go-go boots. We're not quite sure. All we can say is that Chanel's couture show has got our endorphin levels all maxed out - and we absolutely love it.

Impractical, Improvisional & Totally Irresistible

Paris: Spring 2006 Haute Couture. The odds of ever even getting close to one of these creations are equal to zero. Having said this, we love the couture shows, as it means so much more than 'just fashion' from Paris. Creating art for the industry is what these fashion houses have been doing for decades now; and that in itself, is an amazing achievement .
Wearability=0 points. Creativity=12 points summarises our view of the shows. But let's be totally blatant on the subject; this is what it's all about, isn't it?

Gorgeous On The Runway (And the Clothes Were Nice Too)

Never mind Posh' appearance in a Roberto Cavalli gown a-la-drop-dead-gorgeous-thigh-high-split-up-the-leg...we've seen Posh (and Roberto Cavalli-dresses) featured like that so often now, that they're almost becoming caricatures of themselves. No, let's concentrate on the gorgeous guys, sorry clothes, shown in Milan. In our opinion, Burberry Prorsum presented the most attractive collection of the lot. Wiry looking men were sent out in figure hugging outfits, showing the double-breasted dinner jacket a 'fashion slave statement' this year. Skinny trousers, woolly jumpers and stripy preppy high school sweaters were outfits we drooled over. Oh, and while we're at it, take a look at John Ray's work for Gucci: Yay or nay? Hmmmh... we're puzzled - but definitely warming up...

Sports Fanatics In Mourn?

Spending all their energy on fancy skiing outfits and swimming goggles, it’s no wonder we end up with results such as this from the Swedish Sports Award gala. Fit they may be, but when it comes to party outfits, these sports professionals may need a few style hints to get things jazzed up. Black was clearly a big ‘safe’ this evening when alpine skiers, athletes and members from the royal family all turned up for the annual award handout. Sassy looking was high jumper Kajsa Bergqvist, accessorised by a rather low profile boyfriend. Swedish Princess Victoria knew her fellow (sport) citizens all to well, and played down her party appearance in a convenient little black dress (bless).

Golden Globe 2006

Spectacular red dresses, and fairytale white evening gowns were order of the day at the Golden Globe 2006. The awards may have a different focus in reality, but coolchiq's own award [and let's face it, the only reason we're interested in this event any way...], "The best dressed woman of the night" goes to Ziyi Zhang who looked absolutely dazzling in an acid green Giorgio Armani gown, with Chopard jewels. Wow, way to go girl! But now tell us; which actress did you think was the best dressed? (Check it out)

Kylie: An Exhibition

We've mentioned it before, but can't stop talking about it: if you're anywhere near Sydney, go and visit this fantastic exhibition that covers Kylie's spectacular show outfits. The exhibition showcases 26 pairs of shoes and over 20 hats, 30 dresses and accessories. Expect to see designs by Jenny Banister, Collette Dinnigan, Jean Paul Gaultier, Manolo Blahnik, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Helmet Lang and Chanel. Phew... Amazing stuff!

Summer 2006: Fashion Don’ts That Make You Crazy

Following The Manolo’s "Carnivale of the Couture", we’ve had a think about what we definitely don’t want to see on the streets in 2006. Here we go...

- Low cut jeans/belts on the hip. The unfortunate flesh baring bum cracks are still common on the streets of Sydney; once and for all: do make sure this trend ends this year.
- The boho trend – Yuck! Sick bowl please... Mary Kate/Ashley Olsen/Sienna Miller copycats; get over it!
- The over dosage of big chunky bracelets (all worn at the same time), etc.
- Cowboy boots. Unless you’re farming a herd of cattle, in which case it’s pretty cool. But let's be honest, when it's +35C, and you've teamed up a mini denim skirt with a pair of thick cowboyboots running down Oxford Street... No, it does not look cool!

Beg, Borrow, Steal...

We'll do whatever it takes to get hold of one of Roland Mouret's stunning dresses from the summer 06 collection. Check it out - isn't his work absolutely gorgeous! Totally classy and wearable of course, we'd rate this to be the best summer purchase.

After Shopping at The Heritage Belgian Beer Cafe

So far we’ve mentioned bars ranging from ordinary, to arty, breathtaking, to hyper-expensive... The Heritage in Sydney is a place where all people are welcome, offering – as the name suggests – an excellent Belgian food and drinks selection. Simply a great place to re-fuel, this is where we’d order a gorgeous selection of their many intresting dishes. How about homemade duck pate, Belgian Ardennes Charcuterie, or L’escargots cooked in Hoegaarden? All Sydney fashionistas will confirm that The Rocks isn’t an area we’d rave about for shopping, but when you’re sick of the seeing Castlereagh, Double Bay, and Paddington, then get glassey eyed over Belgian Heritage.
What: The Heritage Belgian Beer Cafe
When: 6pm +
Where: 135 Harrington Street, The Rocks, Sydney
Dresscode: Anything goes – casual in jeans and t-shirt, or straight from work in an office suit... Can get a bit crowded on Fridays after work, so come here early if you'd like a table.

Fashion Predictions For 2006

What can we say? The Manolo is full of creative ideas... this time, he’s bringing on the dispatch on what we’re likely to see in the streets of the city in 2006. Now, as there are tons of keen readers and writers of this subject, you’ll have noticed that we’ve touched this subject loosely already; the fashion predictions for 2006, that is. Well, darling fashionistas, here we go...

- A high waist (generally speaking) is of course the way to identify yourself as a true fashion slave. Trousers, jeans or skirts, no exception.
- The ‘balloon skirt’ will continue to be an often seen garment. Again, a high-waisted balloon skirt is what will stand out.
- Ribbons instead of belts. Ribbons instead of jewellery, ribbons coz they're fun!
- Colours: Calm neutrals are big this year – sandy beige, cappuccino, mud, off white, light grey, and black. If you’re going for a more colourful range, then a multicoloured, disorganised effect is better, as opposed to a matching, in-harmony effect.
- Shoe-wise: Skyscraper-high is the name of the game. The heel should either be chunky-straight, stiletto-skinny, or just the commonly-spotted perfect v-shaped heel. As long as it’s excruciatingly high, you’ve cracked it...
- Prints/patterns: Veggie prints on blouses, tops will be the ‘new Chloe banana-top’, if you like. We’ve already mentioned Carolina Herrera's radishes, but there are a few other designers who’ve clearly taken a cue from the veg patch. The military trend will be replaced by a more exotic, tropical safari trend.

Parlour X

Sydney is full of fantastic shops. We've talked about Gary Castles for the excellent selection of shoes, Scanlan and Theodore for their dresses, and of course the fabulous little Corner Shop. This time we're religiously in love with Parlour X, on 213 Glenmore Road in Paddington. Closed for a major renovation currently (due to open again in February), this shop offers a magnificent selection of European, Australian-Pacific and American labels. The shop has an open spaced layout, with 'boudoir lush dressing rooms', and is stylishly decorated in a minimalist way. With labels such as Vivienne Westwood, Viktor and Rolf, Camilla and Marc and Eley Kishimoto to name a few, this shop gets 5 stars out of 5 for being so darn fashionably perfect.

coolchiq Wishes Happy New Year!

Finally, the festive season is over - Happy New Year everyone! And when we say ‘finally’, we say that with a split feeling indeed.... it means going back to work, doing the usual ridiculous hours. But it also means going back to the normal diet, instead of the usual Xmas food and drink intake. It means waking up every morning in a city so hot, that you’d have no problem frying an egg on the car engine cap. We’re also happy being back in the cyber world, coz we believe that 2006 has a lot to offer fashion wise. This is the year when low-slung pants will die out. [Rhetorical statement]. And the soft, floaty silhouettes strutting down the streets – please spare us the multi-trillion copies. What else do we have? Ah, yeah, the military thing... Honestly... unless your grading is ‘officer’ or senior, then don’t go down this road.

The same old trends, the same old looks are seen everywhere, in multiple devices. We’re quite happy to see Vogue and other magazines walking through the leave-it-in-2005-lists. Love it, hate it, but you will get affected.