Fleur Wood

Small Spaces

2012-03-02T12:28:00.000+11:00

There’s a real move towards living more simply, that’s also tied in with leaving less of a footprint behind us. One part of this is living in smaller spaces, with fewer possessions, but those possessions are made to last, from beautiful materials. My good friend Sarah recently opened a shop in Surry Hills called, appropriately, smallspaces. A lot of the furniture and storage solutions come from Denmark and also Japan, where living in small spaces is a constant. There’s a certain minimalism at play in what Sarah has chosen for her shop, but also quirky, fun little touches and some great artworks. One idea is that the few pieces you have should be multifunctional, so there are side tables that double as stools, and ottomans that can also be used as side tables. Whether your space is small or not, you’ll find something beautiful to take home with you.

smallspaces, 674 Bourke St, Redfern; (02) 8399 3144
www.small-spaces.com.au

Indigo In The Air

2012-02-21T14:52:00.000+11:00

Our wonderful buyer and visual merchandiser, Dani, discovered this beautiful range of jewellery called Indigo In The Air, created by expat Sydneysider Micaela Nisbet. The range uses raw crystals and sterling silver to create chunky, one-of-a-kind rings. Of course, being crystals, they also carry their own unique energies, which I love. The crystals include citrine, smokey quartz and amethyst as well as more obscure ones such as white apophyllite and pink stilbite. I think they are a great complement to my current winter range, which has just started dropping in store.
www.indigointheair.com

The Winner of our Valentine's Day Competition is...

2012-02-14T15:10:00.000+11:00

My most romantic moment has to be my boyfriend’s wedding proposal. We were holidaying in the South of France and he had secretly smuggled the ring in his suitcase and snuck it out to the pool with us one day. While I wasn’t looking he started to recite some French travel phrases, absolutely butchering them with his strong Aussie accent. He kept repeating a certain phrase over and over and saying “do you know what that means?” while I tried to block out his rambling. Eventually I turned around to see him kneeling with a ring, to which he finally managed “it means ‘will you marry me?’” Of course I said yes and we are getting married in 2 weeks, and I will be wearing Fleur Wood’s incredible Blushing Crinoline wedding dress!

Congratulations Ursula, you are the winner of our Valentine's Day Competiton. A second congratulations is in order, for your upcoming wedding. We hope you have a very special day.

Thank you to everybody who entered our competition we had an amazing response and lots of really great entries which made it a very tough decision.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day.

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-09T15:35:00.003+11:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and it got me thinking about how romantic acts can happen at the most unexpected times. They don't have to be over blown, big gestures; and sometimes it's the smallest, well-timed action, that really shows how well your partner knows you. These are the romantic encounters that stick in your mind and the memories you hold dear.

The most romantic thing that happened to me was when my boyfriend surprised me on the eve of my Sydney fashion week debut and turned up completely out of the blue. He’d been reporting on a revolution in Nepal, of all places, and said he might be there for weeks. But he managed to slip out, get a late-night plane and hightail it to Sydney via Bangkok. He even called from the plane, making it sound as if he was still in Kathmandu. Now that boyfriend is my husband.

If you would like to share the most romantic thing that anyone has ever done for you please email us and our favourite story will win a special Valentine's Day treat - $500 Fleur Wood gift voucher and appear on our blog.

Winter 2012

2012-02-01T13:39:00.000+11:00

Our Winter collection has just arrived in store and having recently come back from Christmas in the UK, I’ve given a lot of these pieces a test run. I love the beginning of a new season, when you can revamp your wardrobe by adding new pieces to your existing collection and I really feel like our Winter line titled Barbizon, is great for doing just that.

I’m particularly obsessed at the moment with the inspiration for the range, New York’s infamous Barbizon Hotel for Women. From the 1940s through to the ’60s, it was a breeding ground for the fabulous, the soon-to-be-famous—and a few that never quite made it out. It was essentially a boarding house for the well bred, many of whom moved to New York as young ladies from the Mid West, some with modelling contracts, others attending secretarial school, or those simply on the hunt for a wealthy husband. All of them armed with youth, beauty and a dream. Its former residents reads like a who’s who of the times: Sylvia Plath, Grace Kelly, Carmen dell’Orrefice, Clorice Leachman, Joan Crawford, Candice Bergen, Ali McGraw, Jaclyn Smith, Liza Minelli, Cybill Shepherd, Betsey Johnson, Edith Bouvier Beale (aka “Little Edie” of Grey Gardens infamy)… I could go on, but I think you get the picture. Vanity Fair described the imposing building on the corner of Lexington and E. 63^rd as an “elite dollhouse” in an article a couple of years ago. It was certainly that, and so much more. The Barbizon has become that most glamorous of urban legends.

You’ll recognise some familiar and evocative names among the collection: the Bell Jar Cardigan, Charm School Dress, East 63^rd Coat, Kitty Foyle Blouse and Stork Club Pant. Just add dreams…

To read the Vanity Fair article on The Barbizon in full:
http://www.vanityfair.com/society/features/2010/04/barbizon-hotel-201004

Charm School Dress, East 63rd Blazer

Stardust Allure Dress

Morning Star Dress

Jaclyn Blouse, Lillies Skirt

Stocking Fillers

2011-12-14T15:21:00.000+11:00

I love little gifts at Christmas, either to fill up a stocking, or as a little token for a new friend or visiting relative. Here are some that we have in store that may be appealing to you and yours…

The Wizard of Oz is one of my favourite films—this trinket box would be perfect for the film buff in your life. $12

This thoughts and blessings box comes from close to home, made by my artist sister Frances Hansen, who also created the Keepsakes book. This is a lovely gift for a close friend. $19

Swans always appeal to me in a design sense, from paintings to statues. This candle is whimsical and charming, and so much more interesting than a classic scented candle. $39

Want to add some sparkle to someone’s life? These rhinestone baubles are just the trick. $10

These patchwork reindeer come from the craft regions of India, where they are created by artisans in traditional workshops. I like to source beautiful things in this way, as it keeps traditional craft skills alive, but also provides a source of income for families in these regions. A gift with heart. $49

Fleur Wood Avalon Pop-Up Shop

2011-11-28T16:06:00.000+11:00

Summer is almost here (although this weather is keeping us in suspense), and we’ve just opened a pop-up shop in Avalon on Sydney’s northern beaches to celebrate the season. It’s filled with all my favourite elements, great furniture, gorgeous trinkets, and as well as selected spring/summer pieces you’ll find some more unique pieces, including one-off samples.
We're open until March 6th, so be sure to come and pay us a visit next time you're in the area.

Fleur Wood Avalon
4/42-44 Old Barrenjoey Road
Tel: 02 9918 4992
Email: avalonpopup@fleurwood.com

Edward Mapplethorpe

2011-11-23T14:01:00.000+11:00

There’s nothing like a little serendipity while travelling. When Nick, Billy and I were in New York recently, we went for lunch at 'inoteca in the Lower East Side and Billy started working his charm on the table next to us. As it happens, one of the people at the next table was Edward Mapplethorpe, brother of Robert Mapplethorpe and an acclaimed photographer in his own right. Quite aside from his abstracts and nudes, he is also renowned for his portraits of babies, particularly 1-year-olds. He is currently working on a book of these portraits. Billy must have really played his cards right, as Edward offered to take a portrait of him. We’re crossing our fingers that this photo finishes up in the book, too. But either way, I wanted to share this picture of our gorgeous boy. How adorable?

Check out Edward's website:

http://edwardmapplethorpe.com/about.html

If you're ever in New York be sure to look him up and get a portrait taken of your kid.

Portrait of Billy Bryant by Edward Mapplethorpe

Jeff Leatham

2011-11-18T10:08:00.000+11:00

Last week I was lucky enough to attend a dinner with Myer in Melbourne to celebrate the work of American florist Jeff Leatham. If you haven’t heard of him, he’s the creative director of flowers for the Hotel Georges V in Paris (nice work if you can get it!), and is also the go-to guy for celebrities including Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah, and he did the flowers for both Chelsea Clinton’s and Eva Longoria’s weddings (alas, the latter didn’t go the distance). He’s known as the rock ’n roll florist and even has his own TV show.

I can say that his work is unbelievably beautiful, bringing a real modernity to the game, along with the use of truly lush, deep colours. It was such a sublime evening, with the table glittering with over $90,000 worth of Waterford crystal and a delicious menu that included lobster and and duck. Jeff proved to be a charming host, as he regaled us with tales from the life of a celebrity florist, with all of us believing we were at a glittering soirée in Paris by the end of the night.

Happy 1st Birthday Billy

2011-11-16T09:45:00.000+11:00

It was Billy's 1st Birthday on Saturday and the girls in the office threw him a wonderful surprise party. They decorated the office with balloons and bought him a delicious carrot cake from Bourke Street Bakery, not to mention the most gorgeous bike for him to cruise around the studio.

Fleur Wood on the Fields Competition

2011-11-11T10:51:00.000+11:00

A big thank you to everyone who entered our Spring Races competition. We have been inundated with fantastic photographs of you sporting Fleur Wood on the Fields and it was very hard to pick a winner. I was lucky enough to be judging Fashions on the Fields on Oaks Day in Melbourne and there were some great outfits but I have to say our competition entries were just as good, in fact the winner was a runner-up

in the Best Dressed Classic Racewear category at Randwick.

Congratulations to Rachel Fenwick, the lucky winner of $1000 Fleur Wood gift voucher!

Our Winner - Rachel Fenwick

Daylesford

2011-11-10T12:15:00.014+11:00

So how come nobody has ever told me about Daylesford? The beautiful spa town. The foodie haven. The best kept secret in rural Victoria. Just a ninety minute drive from Melbourne, Daylesford was a complete revelation. There are few places in the whole of Australia that offer more pampering or better food. A big thank you to Tourism Victoria for introducing me to such a great find and for organising our fantastic trip.

After a very hectic couple of weeks of travelling to New York and Melbourne for the races, I was very happy to have a relaxing few days with my husband, Nick and our son, Billy, in what can only be described as absolute heaven.

First dinner was at our cottage, Lakeleigh, which as the name suggests, overlooks the lovely lake. http://www.dayget.com.au/lakeleigh It’s a real picture postcard residence, with a lovely warm glow. Our chef, who came courtesy of Tourism Victoria, was Christian Reuther of Ego Cakes and Catering. He’s one of Victoria’s top chefs, and has just opened up a terrific café in Daylesford with the snappy name of Culinaria. His slow-roasted pork was to die for. http://www.egosculinaria.com.au/

Lakeleigh

Daylesford became a foodie haven after the chef Alla Wolf- Tasker opened up The Lake House in the mid-eighties. It put the town on the global culinary map. Dinner in the two-hatted restaurant overlooking the lake is an absolute must.
http://www.lakehouse.com.au/

The Lake House

The Wolf-Tasker’s latest venture, the Wombat Hill café in the beautiful Wombat Hill botanic gardens, is another treat. They call it their ‘house in the gardens.’ The décor is beautiful and so is the food. Alla’s daughter, Larissa, has done an exquisite job.

Make sure to try the local spring water, as well.
http://wombathillhouse.com/gallery-cafe.html

Lunch at Lavandula, a beautiful Swiss Italian farm surrounded by stunning lavender fields, as the name suggests, is another must-do. It is also a great place for kids. http://www.lavandula.com.au/

Lavandula

No trip to Daylesford is complete without a spa treatment. I was lucky enough to squeeze in two, in between my busy schedule of meals and more meals. Both of the main spa retreats in town have been recently renovated, and are both very stylish. At Peppers I got an amazing relaxing and revitalising mud wrap.
http://spacountry.com.au/mineral-spa/about-us?utm_source=mineralspa.com.au
At Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, I got a fantastic massage and minerals spa. http://www.hepburnbathhouse.com/

On our last night we had dinner at Kazuki’s, a fabulous new restaurant in the old Raglan hotel. It was set up by chef Kazuki Tsuya, who used to work at the Lake House, and is a Japanese inspired modern bistro. The night we were there it was full of chefs, which is always a good sign. Nick and I both agreed it was the best meal we’ve had this year, worth travelling to Daylesford, alone.

Peppers Mineral Spa

So for a weekend break or a longer holiday, Daylesford is one of the most restful and relaxing locations I have come across in Australia, only risk is that you might come back a couple of kilos heavier.

Hat tricks

2011-10-28T15:49:00.001+11:00

Spring racing has hit the racetrack—and for many of us it's more about the fashion than the fillies. A fabulous hat is the finishing touch to every race-day outfit. I particularly love vintage styles, as seen in fashion photography from the 1950s and Old Hollywood films. A small hat can be easy to wear, and won't overwhelm a beautiful dress. Marlene Dietrich wore hats particularly well, such as chic hats with veils that covered the eyes and even sailor styles. At the opposite end of the style spectrum, huge-brimmed hats are spectacular (and are also good for keeping the sun off). Take a lead from the '50s, when sweeping skirts were balanced by hats that curved gently from crown to brim. And whether you go small or large, floral trimmings are especially beautiful—you'll be perfectly placed in the trackside gardens.
Check out our favourite milliners:
Neil Grigg: http://www.neilgriggmillinery.com/
Sandie Bizys: http://hatsandhair.com.au/

Pie in the sky

2011-10-21T11:01:00.000+11:00

Banoffee Pie is one of the great dessert indulgences. Not one for the dairy intolerant, but if you like all things banana, caramel and cream, you'll love it. This recipe comes from Café Sopra (another one of my favourite places to eat out), it's truly delicious and is as easy as it looks. I made it for the first time recently to take to a friends house for lunch and it got the big thumbs-up from everyone. It's worth a go—just beware, you may become addicted...

Café Sopra's Banoffee Pie

Ingredients

2 x 400g cans of sweetened condensed milk

180g unsalted butter, chopped
375g digestive biscuits, halved

60ml thickened cream

Scraped seeds of 2 vanilla beans
75g icing sugar, sifted

4 bananas
30g dark chocolate, finely grated

Method

Serves 12
Start this recipe a day ahead.
Place the cans of condensed milk in a large saucepan of water and bring to the boil over a medium heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 2 hours adding water if necessary to ensure cans remain covered, remove cans and cool in the fridge for a couple of hours.

Meanwhile melt butter in a small saucepan, and then cool slightly. Using a food processor crush biscuits to fine crumbs, add the butter and process briefly to combine. Press crumb mixture over the base of a greased 28cm loose based tin then refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm the base.

Open cooled cans of condensed milk and spoon caramel evenly over the biscuit base and refrigerate overnight to firm.

To assemble pie - using an electric mixer whisk cream, vanilla bean seeds and sugar to stiff peaks. Cut bananas into thin slices. Remove pie from tin and loosen base and place on a plate. Spoon or pipe half the whipped cream over the caramel filling, then place the bananas in an overlapping circle working from the outside in. Top with the remaining cream and sprinkle with grated chocolate.

Cut into slices with a hot dry knife and serve immediately.

By: Café Sopra

Afrocubism

2011-10-12T09:51:00.000+11:00

This is currently one of my favourite albums, featuring one of the original members of Cuba’s Buena Vista Social Club with incredible musicians from Mali. It’s such an upbeat album with amazing rhythms and it exudes a really infectious joy. With summer nearly here, I’m really looking forward to this becoming the soundtrack to some sunset cocktail parties on the back deck with friends. I know it will put a smile on their faces, too.

Track – Para Los Pinares Se Va Monotro:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_jyECG25uQ

Woven wonders

2011-10-07T16:19:00.000+11:00

Here’s a beautiful (and exclusive) addition to our stores for summer—mochila bags from South America. These colourful hand-woven bags are made by the women of the Wayuu group that lives on the border of Venezuela and Colombia, on the La Guajira Peninsula. Weaving is something that the Wayuu have done for centuries, passed down from generation to generation, and is something in which they take great pride. Traditionally they would be worn two at a time, across the body, to carry heavy items. I love that no two bags are alike, each being unique to the woman that created it. But also, the colours and patterns are so vibrant and uplifting, these will be the perfect beach bag this summer.

We Love Coffee Cartman

2011-09-28T14:32:00.000+10:00

I have to share with you my favourite place to grab my morning coffee - Central coffee cart, or ‘Cartman’ as we like to call him, is located just outside Central Station and right by my studio. Cartman does the best coffee and homemade cakes in Surry Hills, so it’s not at all surprising that he has a loyal following from all of the Fleur Wood girls in my office. Next time you’re in the area be sure to stop by and grab a coffee and a piece of delicious apple and date cake…yum!

A Slice of Heaven

2011-09-23T13:01:00.005+10:00

I have to confess a weakness for a good chocolate cake. There is nothing as satisfying or sinfully delicious as a slice of rich, dark baked chocolate goodness. This particular recipe is from the River Café in London, and it’s one of my favourite desserts to bake—and is also my friends’ favourite. It’s rather aptly named the Chocolate Nemesis Cake, which pretty much says it all—it’s certainly the nemesis of any waistline. I made it last weekend for a dinner party and everyone loved it, so I thought I’d share it with you, too. It doesn’t really need any embellishment, but a dollop of cream and some fresh berries never hurt. Oh, and when you’re making it, always leave that little bit extra for licking the bowl…

Chocolate Nemesis Cake Recipe

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 340g Dark Chocolate - broken into small pieces.

• 5 whole Eggs.

• 290g Caster Sugar.

• 225g Unsalted Butter - softened

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 160 C

2. Line a 20cm cake tin with baking paper. (Don't use a springform tin)

3. Beat the eggs with a third of the sugar until the volume quadruples - this will take at least 10 mins with a hand held mixer or about 4 mns with a freestanding.

4. Heat the remaining sugar in a small pan with 125ml water until the sugar has completely dissolved to a syrup.

5. Place the chocolate and butter in the hot syrup and stir to combine.

6. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.

7. Add the warm syrup to the eggs and continue to beat more gently until completely combined - about 20 seconds and no more!

8. Pour into the cake tin and put that into a bigger cake tin or roasting pan.

9. Fill the second tin with water so it acts like a bain-marie.

10. Bake in the oven for 30 mins or til set.

11. Leave to cool in the tin before turning out.

Recipe by Rose Gray & Ruth Rogers

London Girl

2011-09-21T09:43:00.000+10:00

As I’m always on the lookout for inspiring images and ideas, one of my favourite magazines in which to find them is London’s Lula. I love its photography and gentle, whimsical sensibilities—coupled with a little dose of indie attitude. The girls always have a naivety that’s underpinned by sense of smarts, and sometimes something a little bit grittier. These photographs should give you some idea of what I mean, and show you why I adore this magazine. But she’s a rare bird, Lula, with only two issues a year. This one is hot off the press, so hurry out and get a copy while you can.

Wanderlust & Glam Ephemera

2011-09-14T12:45:00.000+10:00

I wanted to share with you a sneak peek of my summer collection—Wanderlust & Glam Ephemera—which is now dropping in store. I was really inspired by the photography of David Hamilton—particularly his images of beautiful young girls shot in a soft-focus femininity—as well as the notion of the modern-day nomad, globe-trotting creatures soaking up different cultures, food art and music. Overall, I think this is a very romantic collection, with just a touch of hippie chic. There is some soft tailoring in cotton-linen blends, pretty chiffon party dresses and great printed maxi dresses. The colours are subtle—creamy whites, latte and burnt peach—and the prints are faded. I hope these pieces bring a little free-spirited romance into your summer, too.

A Taste of Fashion

2011-09-09T17:07:00.000+10:00

Last night’s Vogue Fashion’s Night Out was a huge success, the city positively heaving with happy shoppers. I had a pretty hectic night, too, popping into my two Sydney stores in the new Westfield and the Strand Arcade. Robyn from the team at HQ made coconut ice from my book Food, Fashion, Friends, which was a clear winner with visitors to the stores.

I was also put to the test in the culinary department, taking part in MasterChef Live in the Pitt Street Mall. I was lucky enough to be partnered with former MasterChef contestant Hayden Quinn, working alongside Alessandro Pavoni from Spiedo Restaurant & Bar. We whipped up one of Spiedo’s signature dishes, Casoncelli alla Bresciana—or pasta sheets cut up and filled with pork and served with burnt sage butter. Delicious!

Move to Myer

2011-08-23T13:04:00.000+10:00

We’re very excited to announce that we’ve launched at Myer, joining the ever-growing stable of great Aussie designers. I love the Myer spring/summer campaign shoot, full of vibrant colour and we think Jennifer Hawkins looks amazing in our Confetti Floral maxi dress.

The move to Myer is like being part of a whole new extended family.

You’ll find us in these Myer Stores:

Bourke Street and Chadstone Shopping Centre, Melbourne

George Street and Westfield Bondi Junction, Sydney

Queen Street, Brisbane

Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

Rundle Mall, Adelaide

Murray Street, Perth

Sam Haskins

2011-08-17T14:44:00.000+10:00

Photography is a constant source of inspiration for me, and perhaps my all time favourite photographer is Sam Haskins. His 1964 book Cowboy Kate is one of my most loved books of images. He changed the way nudes were photographed—with Sam, they could be cheeky, nonchalant, casual or slightly surreal, and while they’re sexy, they’re not at all overt. It’s amazing to think that this South African–born photographer, who also lived in London, moved to the Southern Highlands outside Sydney in 2002, and was still working into his later years. His last shoot was for Australian Harper’s Bazaar, in 2006. He died in 2009, at 83, after an incredible and industry-changing career. I would have loved to meet Sam, I think he would have been such a cool guy with amazing stories to tell. Hope these images inspire you.

Ode to a Nightingale

2011-08-10T16:11:00.000+10:00

We’re still shivering in Sydney, was shivering in Melbourne last week too, but the next delivery of Spring is dropping in store as we speak. Just arriving is my favourite print from the collection, called Ode to a Nightingale. I love traditional botanical prints, and this one has wonderful muted colours. I think it works particularly well in this maxi dress, which will surely become one of my own summer staples.

Ode to a Nightingale Maxi Dress

Ode to a Nightingale Shorts and

Free as a Bird Blouse

Spiritual Uplift

2011-08-09T12:37:00.000+10:00

I’ve long been a fan of the work and thoughts of Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love. She’s a spiritual teacher who is hugely successful in the US, and is also a close friend of Oprah Winfrey, who helped promote her books and work. Marianne was in Australia last week, and I was lucky enough to meet her through a friend. We just happened to be heading to Melbourne at the same time, and so agreed to meet up for dinner while we were both there.

This was truly a dream come true for me, and I wanted to share this with you, especially in case you are unfamiliar with her and her writings. Marianne’s teachings are based on the book A Course in Miracles and are inspiring in a spiritual way that is outside of the usual religious parameters. For anyone who is in need of a little spiritual or emotional boost, here is the quote from A Return To Love that she is most famous for. I read this whenever I need a little more courage and faith in the universe and myself.

(It has often been incorrectly attributed to Nelson Mandela in his inauguration speech of 1994). Enjoy…

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?  You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.  There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine,  as children do.  We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us;  It's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,  we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear our presence automatically liberates others.

Marianne Williamson

Fleur Wood Denim

2011-08-05T13:48:00.001+10:00

It’s Jeans for Genes Day and everybody in the office is wearing their new Fleur Wood jeans. We’re loving the colourful denim, perfect to brighten up Wintery days and transition into sunny Spring.

Berta

2011-07-29T11:41:00.002+10:00

Surry Hills eating spot Berta is rapidly becoming my new favourite for dinner‹helped by the fact that it has the same owners as another old favourite, Vini. It¹s just the kind of Melbourne-style restaurant that you want to find in Sydney. The buzzing, modern space has an Italian-inspired menu that changes daily, but regulars include a chicken liver pâté that is silky smooth and a panacotta that¹s second to none. They also do ³Sagra² seasonal ingredient dinners each week, with a four-course menu designed around one particular ingredient, whether that¹s cavolo nero or chocolate.

Delicioso.

Vintage fur: to wear or not to wear

2011-07-27T10:10:00.000+10:00

The fur debate is one that heats up every winter when we¹re looking for warm, beautiful things to wear. I¹ve made a point of never designing with leather and fur or selling these products in my stores. And of course, I¹m opposed to any form of animal cruelty. (How fantastic was the 4 Corners documentary that lead to the suspension of live cattle trade?)

While I find fur a beautiful thing, it¹s not something that I can justify using in my own designs. Interestingly, I overheard some the girls working in my studio talking the other day: one was wearing a white rabbit fur jacket, and she was trying to convince the other girl that the rabbits are shaved, not killed, for their fur. I had to laugh and said if that makes your decision easier, then go with it. I can appreciate the beauty of a soft fur jacket or scarf, but I can¹t justify creating them.

But for me the line does get blurry when it comes to vintage furs. My PA turned up to a shoot last week wearing a fox jacket bought at Vinnies for $80 and she looked great. To me, it seems a shame to throw out something that an animal has already lost its life for, and is still very useful andŠ wellŠ gorgeous ‹that to me would feel wasteful, which flows into the whole Œuprecycling¹ argument. Surely we should continue to use things for as long as we can?

But, does the wearing of vintage fur coats continue to make them more fashionable, creating greater demand for the farming of animals for their skins? Or should vintage furs be worn and loved and recycled? While I continue to wrestle with this issue, I¹d love to hear your thoughts on the subjects?

Winter Escapes

2011-07-22T09:40:00.000+10:00

I¹m sitting here in the office on a dreary winter¹s day and dreaming of a summer holiday to warm me up. These destinations are currently top of my go-to lists

If you're able to get away to the sun during our winter months, one of my favourite destinations is Mexico¹s Yucatán Peninsula. Added bonus: it¹s only a couple of hours¹ flight from New York. This cool, hip resort has everything you could wish for‹crystalline waters, flighty flamingos, amazing ruins and fantastically fiery food. The Mr & Mrs Smith hotel guides will help you find somewhere fabulous to stay.

http://www.mrandmrssmith.com/au/destinations/mexico/yucatan/hotels

Another favourite destination is Galle in Sri Lanka, and the only place to stay while you¹re there is the Amangalla Resort. Of course, I may be biased as it¹s where I went with friends and family to get married a few years ago. Galle is such a special place in the world, and was largely saved from the tsunami by the being a walled city. It's less hectic than India, and the welcome at the Amangalla is as warm as the weather.

http://www.amanresorts.com/amangalla/home.aspx

Vintage

2011-07-15T11:36:00.000+10:00

Book Break

2011-07-12T11:16:00.001+10:00

Beautiful design books have always inspired me, and Ilove having them in the studio to flick through when searching for inspiration.

Here are three of my current favourites

Creative Walls is a wonderful interiors book, which showshow to group things together, collect things and display them in your home.That may sound like something very simple, but it¹s truly an art.

Sibella Court¹s new book The Stylist¹s Guide to New York is like a treasure trove of secret haunts in the Big Apple, from flea markets to posh shops, places off the beaten avenues where you¹ll find intriguing and interesting things for interiors. I¹m even more excited that I¹ll be able to check some of them out when I head to New York this week.

The Selby website is a longtime favourite of mine, full of cool people in cool living spaces. Now we can all take the book home to our own homes‹and pray we don¹t get style envy.

Spring has sprung 'Age of Bohemia'

2011-07-04T11:15:00.000+10:00

My new spring collection is starting to drop into storesnow, and I wanted to share with you some of my favourite pieces from thecollection. I love the relaxed, boho style of these dresses, but also thatthey¹re still modern. I can just as easily see these thrown over a bikini for aday at the beach or for evening cocktails with a great pair of heels. The whitepeasant dress will be like having your own cooling system in the heat, whilethe maxidress with black lace inserts could go from a beachside brunch to asummer garden wedding. Bring on summer, I say.

Bridesmaid collection launch

2011-06-01T13:12:00.000+10:00

The launch of our new bridesmaid collection last week was a fantastic excuse to gather together some of our favourite friends and customers to help us celebrate in style. Anyone who has ever been a bridesmaid will know that you don’t always have the option to wear what you’d like, but we’re hoping that in the post–Royal Wedding glow, more brides will be as generous as Kate and let their ladies in waiting be as beautiful as possible. And we’ve got just the dresses for them. Amidst the trying-on of dresses and the delighted chatter, there was much sampling of baked goods courtesy of Sweet Art, whose cakes have long been a source of inspiration, joy—and calories!

Craigs Cheese Shop

2011-05-31T12:23:00.000+10:00

Living in Sydney’s Bondi Junction,I’ve long bemoaned the lack of great food places nearby. And nowthat one has arrived on my doorstep, I’m almost loath to share itas the queues are already so long. But this is one hidden gem worthchecking out as soon as you have a chance. Craig’s Cheese Shop ismuch more than what its name suggests. Aside from cheese, it’sfilled with tasty treats to take away, and other delights to enjoy insitu if you have a minute to spare. The herb omelette with saffronpotatoes and crème fraîche is my pick for lunch or brunch, and if Ijust need a caffeine fix and a sweet treat, they make a mean coffeeand a moreish macadamia and coconut tart. And don’t even start meon the pork and olive pies…

Craig’s Cheese Shop, 59 BirrellSt, Bondi Junction NSW; (02) 9387 3323
http://www.craigscheeseshop.com.au/

Fleur Wood Bridal

2011-05-20T16:15:00.000+10:00

Just in time for the summer wedding season, we are introducing an

exclusive new bridesmaid collection at our Sydney Strand Arcade and Chadstone stores.

Inspired by the intrinsic notions of beauty and romance, and the innately feminine and

luxurious, the bridal range has a graceful allure and whimsical quality that is quintessentially

Fleur Wood.

“The collection encompasses five timeless,

fashion inspired bridesmaid dresses that will definitely

be worn again,”

Each style, made-to-order, is available in two variations of length, three different fabrications and color of choice. Colors are sun drenched lemon, petal pink and sea pearl with highlights of tangerine, turquoise and jewel green. The Fleur Wood bridesmaid dresses are available to order from Wednesday, 25th May 2011.

Prices start at $495

Tim Walker - nothing beyond the ordinary

2011-05-19T11:00:00.000+10:00

Anyone who can start shooting for Vogueat just 25 must have a prodigious talent, and Tim Walker and hisphotographs have long been a source of inspiration for me. Wecertainly used his images as a reference point while we were creatingmy book Food, Fashion Friends. His photographs arefantastical, whimsical, quirky and even romantic. I love his Britisheccentricity and his sense of irony, I would even go so far as to sayhis work is akin to magic realism—to me he’s like the GabrielGarcía Márquez of photography. Every frame tells a story or makesyour eyes widen in wonder… Horses in the drawing room? Beds atopclassic cars? Pastel-tinted pigeons? Why? How? Where…? In Walker’sworld, these things are nothing beyond the ordinary, which makes hiswork all the more extraordinary.

images that I love....

Adele 21

2011-05-19T09:42:00.000+10:00

We love Adele. Her Album 'Adele 21' is Strong, soulful, and beautiful.

In a world of manufactured artists Adele is the real deal. And what a voice!

Be moved, be inspired, be uplifted.

Links to my favorite tracks:

Adele – “Rolling in the Deep”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYEDA3JcQqw

Trackby Track Interview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3FGEeV0VXs

Charity Lacelet

2011-05-16T16:36:00.000+10:00

To celebrate Australian fashion week we have made some beautiful vintage inspired bracelets to sell exclusively in our Fleur Wood stores. $49.95each

Mark Ryden was drawing meat dresses long before Lady Gaga wore one.

2011-05-16T16:33:00.000+10:00

Artist Mary Ryden’s unsettling imageshave long fascinated me. There’s no easy way to describe his work,except to say that it blurs the boundaries between cartoons andtraditional techniques—his work even inspired a new genre, dubbed“Pop Surrealism”, when it first became popular in the 1990s.Iconography has always been a big influence for me, especially whendecorating—Ryden’s paintings and drawings are also infused withreligious iconography, from angelic girls bearing meat chops to afloating Jesus. His work is childlike and macabre at the same time,with doll-like girls crying tears of blood or playing withdismembered bunnies, while he is also clearly obsessed withanatomical drawings and, interestingly, Abraham Lincoln. And he wasdrawing meat dresses long before Lady Gaga wore one.

Mothers Day

2011-05-06T16:48:00.000+10:00

Thank you to everyone who has sent in messages about their Mum’s – it’s lovely to hear about such inspiring and loved Mothers. I have found each message extremely touching and it has been very difficult to pick a winner.

Congratulations to Catherine Gallois on her winning entry:

Cancer. Mastectomy. Alcoholic husband. Great losses. Nonetheless, she brings none of that to our lives, but instead: Unconditional Love. Steadiness. Joy. Endlessly giving spirit. Inspiration.

more of our favorite entries below.

Careersuspended,Twodecades and four daughters,Longsuffering loveElegancedefined,

Exoticdelights inspire:CulinarychicDreamsrevived: fiend ofMuseums;Educator, Dancer,Heroine

NatalieAdams

Afterspending decades looking after children (her own & others), she’snow rediscovered her

passion for writing and has just been offered apublishing deal.

ShehanaTeixeira

Thisyear, Mum volunteered in Nepal and built houses for women in need.

She also donated $5000 dollars to the cause which builds 250 houses.

Amy Tucker

Mymum has a beautiful, generous spirit. Every Christmas she makes 3000cakes to be donated to homeless people – and I couldn’t be moreproud!

Victoria Flanagan

At54, my mum isn’t a style guru, socialite, or retired-model turnedworld ambassador.

She's my mum and that's all the inspiration I need.

MeganRichardson

MyMum is inspirational because...... she brought up three beautifulgirls whilst working full time, completing a degree then a mastersdegree and is now studying for her PhD. She is courageous, strong,committed and determined and I believe they are inspirational assetsfor any mother to have.

KylieHannam

MumI’ve been doing the figures...16,424 meals 5,400, loadsof laundry, 14,700 hugs

6,570 bedtime stories, 18 birthdaycakes.... & all from one mum <3

ColetteBassett.

Shevolunteers, she sews, she crafts and she gives. She dances, she

smiles,she loves and she lives. She is my MAMA.

KateDubauskas

Wishing inspirational Mums everywhere, a very Happy Mother’s Day!

A love of Butterflies

2011-05-05T14:08:00.000+10:00

Butterflieshave always fascinated me and are a continual source of inspiration. Theircolours are completely transfixing, especially the ones which are almostiridescent and glimmer in the sunshine. They’re like little works of art flyingaround the garden, and I love it when you spot one in an expected place orglimpse one when you least expect it. The way they float through the air, as ifthey’re deciding which way to go on the merest whim or simply seeing where thebreeze takes them, brings a sense of freedom and lightness that I like to tryand capture in my work. I even like having framed butterflies on the wall,where you can really appreciate their beauty up close, and I think they’re agorgeous gift for good friends.

Sunday Magazine - 13th March 2011

I love staying at the Bowery Hotel NYC

2011-04-28T10:00:00.002+10:00

I love being in New York, the inspiration is endlessand the energy is very addictive. The Bowery is my favorite hotel whenI’m in town. It’s in the heart of the Lower East Side, and it hasa delightfully lived-in feel to it, almost like a gentleman’s clubwith its armchairs and rugs. The Gemma Trattoria does great dinners,you could almost imagine you are in Italy and the crumbed veal chopsare amazing (you can even order in for room service if you don’tfancy getting amongst it). If you want to explore the area, you can grab abike and take a leisurely ride around the neighborhood, and whenyou come back and need a little refreshment you can enjoy a drink on theoutside terrace. It’s like my home away from home. More NYC tips are on their way. x

Chelsea Flea Market

2011-04-27T16:12:00.000+10:00

The hunt for curiosities is a never-ending quest, and my favorite

place to hunt in New York is the Chelsea FleaMarkets. It’s filled to

overflowing with trinkets and treasures, junk andjewels. Some of these

things might end up in one of my stores. I alwayslike to put a

nostalgic touch to the interiors with old photos orbooks, pretty

picture frames or gorgeous glassware or they mightbecome inspiration

for details in my next collection. The great thingis you just don’t

know where the hunt could lead you. And it’s allabout the journey.

Keepsakes Book launch

2011-04-19T19:39:00.001+10:00

You'll have to excuse me for a little nepotism, butI must share with you my sister Fran's new book, Keepsakes. Fran is anartist and lives in New Zealand, and while I'm always proud of herand amazed at what she can do, this book is something really special.She has collected recipes from our family‹our mother, great aunts andgrandmothers and assembled them in a whimsical and nostalgic manner.Each page is a collage that she has painstakingly put together andthen photographed, so it literally is a work of art that you can haveon your book shelf or, preferably, on your coffee table. It'sreminiscent of the cobbled-together cookbooks and magazine cuttingsthat our mothers and grandmothers might have hidden in their kitchen cupboard.

We had a little soirée at my Paddington store last week withfamily and friends to celebrate, which was a great evening and there was a lotof love in the room for Fran. Keepsakes would make a wonderful Mother's Day gift,and hopefully it will become a keepsake for many years tocome.

Fran and I at the Launch of 'keepsakes'

Sneak peak! Fleur Wood Spring 2011

2011-03-25T08:54:00.000+11:00

Shooting the lookbook for a newcollection is one of my favourite days of the whole process. It’sthe moment when everything I’ve been doing for the past few monthscomes together and the total vision is realised. Working with a greatteam is also really inspiring, and I feel really lucky to work withthese incredibly talented people.

The spring/summer collection is calledAge of Bohemia, and for the shoot we looked to Vanina Sorrenti’soverlaid images for our inspiration. Jordan Graham was behind thelens and Sara Smith took care of the styling—I think she reallycaptured what I wanted to achieve with that relaxed, bohemian feel.Thanks, too, go to Sarah Tammer for make-up and to my dear friend,Brad Ngata, for hair.

Here’s a sneak peek to whet yourappetite for when the collection drops in July…

p.s.

Our spring/summer lookbook shoot wasalso little Billy’s first experience in the studio, and I think hequite enjoyed it. He certainly took a shine to MODEL XXXXX—and itlooks like the feeling was mutual.

This is one outfit I am looking forward to wearing.

Gypsy Blouse, Bright Star Pants

My little boy Billy stole the show for a few minutes

Bright Star Maxi Dress

What a beautiful photo..one of my favorites

Bohemia Dress

Nouvelle Vague – Couleur Sur Paris

2011-03-15T16:42:00.000+11:00

French post punk popSupergroup return with brilliant 4^thalbum.

Less known cover versions with more of a French flavour,with vocals from

the best current French artists: VanessaParadis, Camille, Coralie Clement.

Cool, Sophisticated, soft,intriguing, fun and exquisitely beautiful.

Immerse yourselfParisian cool. Perfect for: Dinners, travel, parties andlife

Click this link for my favorite song.

Nouvelle Vague (feat. Coeur dePirate) – “Voila lesanges”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VQkbgLWNOk

Vanina Sorrenti a true icon

2011-03-08T12:20:00.000+11:00

Great fashion photography is soinspiring for my work, and I’m always drawn to those photographerswith a strong visual identity. My current favourite is VaninaSorrenti. Not only is she Mario Sorrenti’s sister, but her youngerbrother, Davide, who died when he was just 20, and also their mother,Francesca, were also photographers, so that talent must be in theirblood.

She actually started out in theindustry as a stylist, so I guess that’s one of the reasons sheunderstands fashion photography so well and how best to show theclothes while creating unique images.

Vanina’s work can be beautiful anddreamlike and innocent on one hand—when she shoots in natural lightit can be quite magical. But she also works with the digitaloverlaying of images, say a naked girl superimposed on another shotin which she’s clothed. The effect can get a little spooky, but theend result is always compelling. I hope you find these pictures asfascinating as I do.

David Hamilton - A favorite photographer I keep returning to. x

2011-02-14T10:54:00.001+11:00

girls, bikes, flowers, free love, fun,escape

. English but based in St-Tropez, France, David is almost certainly the most popular and successful art photographer the world has ever known. Much of Hamilton's work depicts early-teen girls, often nude. He produces dreamy, romantic image which have been the subject of some controversy. My favorite 'Editions de la martinere' .

Come and enjoy a great promotion from Marie Claire magazine xx

2011-02-10T12:07:00.000+11:00

Purchase the march edition of Marie Claire and indulge in a 40% discount of my favorite piece in the Winter 11 collection.

Vanderbilt Trench $495

Offer available while stocks last.

My favorite alumni

2011-02-01T16:49:00.003+11:00

Miss Porters Alumni

Sarah Porter founded Miss Porter's school in 1843. The school grew with the encouragement of a group of Farmington fathers, who wanted a superior education for their daughters. A few of my favorite alumni below whom have inspired the Fleur Wood Winter 2011 Collection

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Onassis

(July 28, 1929 – May 19, 1994) Wife of the 35th president of the United States of America.

Dina Merill

(born December 9, 1925)

American actress and socialite.

Edith Bouvier Beale

(November 7, 1917 – circa January 9, 2002)

American Socialite and model.

Please read the great article written in Vanity Fair magazine. The link is here for you

The Code of Miss Porter's School Style: vanityfair.com

My favorite cookbook

2011-02-01T15:23:00.003+11:00

Ottolenghi Cook book is my favorite cookbook this season

This book has inspired my husband Nick to cook. last night we cooked the Meatballs in tahini sauce. Our favorite recipe is the sweet potato and sage gritan.

"Ottolenghi draws on a wealth of culinary traditions – with a focus on the Mediterranean basin – providing inventive yet honest food, anything from a lemon and mascarpone tart to a grilled mackerel with olive and raisin salsa, made only from the best basic raw ingredients."

Fleur Wood loves rust this winter

2011-02-01T09:46:00.016+11:00

The Fleur Wood winter collection pays homage to the color Rust.

The sought-after 'New Black' this winter.

Check out some runway inspirations from Fall 2011 Isabel Marant and Marc Jacobs.

Fleur Wood is now exclusivley stocking Pink Lou Lou

2011-02-01T09:37:00.001+11:00

Once upon a time on a small island called Tasmania just off Australia a girl was born.

Known by the name of Skye, she grew up with a love for horses and adoration for her mother's beauty and style. When Skye came of age, she first moved to Melbourne and thenSydney, got inspired, then got sentimental and in 2009 created an enduring symbol of friendship for her girlfriends – the Map of Tassie necklace. If you're Australian, the Map of Tasmania will strike a chord. If you're not, it won't but look at the shape! What's more important is that offering was the start of Pink LouLou, an eclectic and crafted ready-to-wear jewellery brand that salutes personal style and gold stars caring gestures. Pink LouLou is inspired by times past, as much as it is by flicking through fashion images and combing weekend markets. We follow trends but don't hang off their every word. Poignantly, each piece of sterling silver and gold Pink LouLou jewellery is made in Australia and made with love.

Fleur Wood Winter Collection 2011 is now instore

2011-01-25T17:50:00.003+11:00

Miss Porter's School for Girls

Fleur Wood’s Autumn Winter 2011 offering takes its name from the renowned Miss Porter’s School in Connecticut, a private girl’s college which has been educating the daughters of the United State’s elite since1843. Inspired by the socialites, heiresses and debutants that attended the school, including the most famous of all Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Wood’s collection mixes charming school-girl styling with an undertone of sultry rebellion for a look that walks the line between naughty and nice.

Miss Porter's School for Girls is now in store.

Fleur Wood would like to introduce Karen Walker Eyewear

2011-01-25T17:30:00.002+11:00

Newly available in-store at Fleur Wood boutiques is Karen Walker Eyewear.

It's a boy

2011-01-25T17:00:00.002+11:00

My beautiful little boy. Billy Wood Bryant 12/11/2011