Behind the Scenes

It was a fashion and beauty dream-team last night, when Bella and I combined our model-stalking powers to go behind the scenes at the 2013 David Jones Autumn/Winter fashion launch. Before the celebrities walked the red carpet, before Miranda slipped into her first of many exits, before the (Veuve) champagne was served, we were on deck to scope the making of this bi-annual fashion extravaganza. We chatted with Miranda — lusting over her Ryan Storer ear candy in the process, bailed up the mega-adorable Stenmark twins, hosted a round-table discussion with Jessica Gomes, Samantha Harris and Bambi Northwood-Blyth, got the D.L on Napoleon's "2013 smokey eye" ...  and that was still hours before that brave model hopped onto her two storey-high perch above the red rug. Phew! It was hectic, but by gosh it was worth it. From the makeup den to the dressing rooms to the front row, consider this your all areas access pass. 

We're going to call it, Isabelle Cornish is officially having a moment. We first fell for Abbie's lil' sister in Puberty Blues, have been a fan of her Instagraming skills for a while, coveted her Ryan Storer ear-bling at a recent beauty launch with Bella, and truly rated her AACTA red carpet ensemble on Wednesday night. We can now add to the mix the announcement this morning that Isabelle is the new face (and feet) of Tony Bianco. We got the heads up on her new gig, so took the opportunity to ask the stylish actress a few pointed fashion questions. She might be stepping into the big (Tony Bianco) shoes of former face of the brand Bambi Northwood-Blyth, but we think Ms Cornish has the style chops to cut it. Let's go behind the scenes of the new campaign and see what she had to say . . .

While some celebs ushered in award season at the Critics' Choice Awards, a smaller crowd got a head start on Fashion Week with Vogue's private dinner and a first look at Alberta Ferretti's limited-edition collection. As you'd expect from an event where Vogue was playing host, the LA presentation was decked out with roses — not to mention, a red carpet on the catwalk — while both Hollywood favourites and fashion insiders took the front row.

We spotted Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, and Alison Brie all looking lovely in their respective Ferretti confections while sharing a laugh before the show. Meanwhile, funny lady Chelsea Handler glammed up in a sharp suit and posed alongside a gorgeous (and super smiley!) Selena Gomez. For all the action from the runway and a look at what everyone was wearing, keep clicking for a little behind-the-scenes sneak peek.

If there's one thing that gets our attention faster than you can say "Mulberry Bayswater Bag" it's the term behind-the-scenes. We love getting access to the VIP areas on big name brand campaign shoots, so when Mulberry sent through the a sneaky look at the making of their latest Spring '13 advertising campaign we were all ears, or eyes to be precise. The making of these fabulously glossy images are sometimes just as, if not more, interesting than the final product — and Mulberry's pastel-hued, underwater wonderland is no exception.

British snapper extraordinaire Tim Walker illuminated us, saying "This season I wanted to focus on the girl as part of the landscape rather than a character within it and, as such, casting was crucial… thus the pictures of Meghan Collison become more like portraits. Meghan Collison was the perfect choice, strong, confident, able to hold your gaze but almost otherworldly, she inhabits a dreamscape.” Keep clicking to see what went on on set, as well as the finished product.

Lara Bingle is full of suprises. When she tweeted that she was on set in LA for CO Cotton On's latest campaign shoot, we assumed that she was in front of the camera. But it's local beauties Alexandra Spencer and Bambi Northwood Blythe that share the spotlight as dual faces for the A/W '13 line, with Ms Bingle taking a behind-the-scenes role. As stylist you ask? Nope. Photographer perhaps? Think again. Lara is stepping in as Cotton On's roving reporter, using her social media skills to share a behind-the-scenes experience of the brand. Clever, huh? We saw the threads last week, and can confirm that they're as good IRL as they look in the campaign. So much so that we're willing to wait until Jan/Feb to get our paws on that two-tone military vest that Lara's wearing on set. Step inside to see the girls at play in L.A.

Le Specs latest campaign just might fog up your glasses, it's so steamy! Aussie model-of-the-moment Nicole Pollard stars in this rather sexy shoot, lensed by US-based snapper Todd Barry and styled by ex-Vogue fashion editor Meg Gray. The sunglasses themselves are pretty special (think cut-out lenses, graphic frame and lots of oversized, sporty silhouettes ranging from $39.95 to $79.95), but they are almost upstaged by the water-sports themed styling and fabulously fit figures on show. The campaign is pretty darn polished, but we thought you might like to snoop some behind-the-scenes snaps, too. Take a peek.

I've been wanting to share this muchos exciting news since way back, but today we can make it official. We've collaborated with Sambag to design a pair of ballet flats exclusively for the Swan Lake Limited Edition Collection, 10% of profits of which will raise funds for the Australian Ballet Company — specifically, going to the pointe shoe fund. I was humbled to be joined by the co-designers Rachael Griffiths, Emma Lung and Alyssa McClelland as well as ex-Prima ballerina Lynette Wills and nutritionist guru Amelia Burton. From the creation day back in June, to the shoot day in July, to prepping for tomorrow night's official launch at Vogue Fashion's Night Out Sydney, it has been fun — capital F. Take a look at the journey and, perhaps more importantly, the finished product! The six piece collection will go on sale at Sambag Westfield tomorrow, then online and nationally as of the 10th of September.

Lana Del Rey is mixing music with style on the cover of Vogue's September issue. The retro-loving songstress stars on the cover, as well as an inside spread styled by Vogue's Christine Centenera and lensed by Nicole Bentley. The threads are suitable mix of Ms de Rey's vintage-tinged but femme aesthetic, with lace-trimmed shorties, prim Peter Pan collars, skater-style skirts and cosy knitwear making the grade. Lana said of her fashion MO, “I wear lots of white and blue shirts from Brooks Brothers and shorts when I’m in LA, and I wear this white cotton sundress every day when no-one’s looking at me. I think it’s Topshop. And I have to sleep alone every night so I have this old mink from Scotland.” The cover is dreamy, but it's the pervy behind the scenes pictures that we were most interested in. Take a peek before the issue hits stands tomorrow! Images courtesy of Nicole Bentley, Liam McKesser and Vogue.

So you've scoped out the red carpet arrivals, taken notes on the topline trends for the coming Spring/Sumer 2012-'13 season and hopefully paid attention to the best runway beauty looks — now it's time for the fun part, the candids! It was a Sugar team spectacular last night at the Myer Spring Sumer 2013 collection launch with Pop, Bella and Fab on deck to soak up the fun-filled atmosphere. We bailed up The Voice's Darren Percival and Sarah de Bono, swapped vintage shopping tips with sass & bide's Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton, hung out with "The Lauras" (Dundovic and Csortan) and complimented Jesinta Campbell on her killer party dress (courtesy of Manning Cartell, FYI). Step inside to see all the backstage, red carpet and front row candid snaps that you won't see anywhere else. . .