The Dressmaker Exhibition at Ripponlea Estate.

A sponsored post brought to you by Nuffnang and the National Trust of Victoria.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the opening of The Dressmaker costume exhibition at Ripponlea last week. What a beautiful, opulent experience, seeing the Parisian inspired fashions from the film.

I saw The Dressmaker film with my Mum last year, and loved it. Here's a bit about the film in case you need a refresher.

"Based on the best-selling novel by Rosalie Ham, The Dressmaker is a bittersweet, comedy-drama set in early 1950s Australia. Tilly Dunnage (Kate Winslet), a beautiful and talented misfit, after many years working as a dressmaker in exclusive Parisian fashion houses, returns home to the tiny middle-of-nowhere town of Dungatar to right the wrongs of the past. Not only does she reconcile with her ailing, eccentric mother Molly (Judy Davis) and unexpectedly falls in love with the pure-hearted Teddy (Liam Hemsworth), but armed with her sewing machine and incredible sense of style, she transforms the women of the town and in so doing gets sweet revenge on those who did her wrong."

Kate Winslet perfected the country Aussie accent as Tilly Dunnage, and Liam Hemsworth, who played Teddy, was quite nice to look at (especially as he was being measured for a suit!). I spent a lot of the film gasping at each beautiful costumes. So it was wonderful to see these costumes up close in person.

The exhibition transported us back to the film - set in the 1950s, to the country town of Dungatar - the searing heat of the fields, the sweaty, rowdy football games and the glamour of a country wedding. There are 50 designs on show - worn by Kate Winslet, Sarah Snook, Rebecca Gibney, Allison Whyte and Hugo Weaving - to name just a few cast members.

Before the exhibition opened, author Rosalie Ham spoke about how pleased she was with the adaptation of her book. She said how her writing process, particularly when she created the imagery of the costumes, was a lot like a dressmaker creating the costumes.

She and a few family members played extras in the film.

Rosalie Ham said in creating the costumes in the book, she created the personality of the characters, accentuating their faults. This was clear in the film - the more over the top the dress, the less genuine and nice the personality. Tilly Dunnage, hoping to redeem her reputation, made and wore such elegant clothes. Regal even. Her wardrobe had the very integrity she was trying to prove to the people of Dungatar. Tilly also transformed the people of Dungatar with her fashions - taking them from rags to riches. Her skill was so sought after.

Marion Boyce, acclaimed dressmaker, made a short speech - thanking the crew, and making a special mention to the cast who endured the Corsetry in the heat of country Australia. Marion's favorite costume was the one above - black with chiffon pleated sleeves. I loved it too, Marion.

It's easy to see why Marion has won so many awards for her costume design - the level of artisanship and detail is spectacular. The ballgown Gertrude (played by Sarah Snook) wore is encrusted in beads, so delicate and beautiful.

One of my favourite parts of the exhibition what the video explaining how Molly Dunnage's (played by Judy Davis) old sweat stained, well worn clothing was made. There was a room full of her clothes - they certainly didn't smell like I expected them to!

Another highlight for me was Tilly's sewing room - filled with fabrics, a feather boa and a dressmakers dummy. I loved the image of Tilly sewing. It made me feel I was on the film set.

There was glorious millinery.

This was my favourite style. Stunning.

And this was my favourite colour.

I wore my wedding jacket to this special event. I felt so chic among the wedding party.

There's so much more I could show you, but you really should see it yourself. I can't wait to go again with my mum and friends.

The Dressmaker exhibition is held at Ripponlea Estate, Elsternwick until 31 July. For more information, visit The Dressmaker website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Melbourne's got culture. Strictly Ballroom, Thriller Live, Quippings, Jean Paul Gaultier.

Last week was a fantastic week filled with culture. I love this city. It marked the twelfth year of living in Melbourne - and I certainly did a lot to celebrate!

Leisa and I saw Strictly Ballroom the Musical on Tuesday night. I was a guest of Nuffnang. I loved it! I had not seen the movie before - maybe I was too young when it first aired. But I am so glad I saw the musical. I loved how the theatre was in theme of 1990s dance championships - especially the fluro seat covers. The dancing, signing and costumes were amazing. And the way the cast engaged with the audience was fun too. My favourite parts were the scenes with the Spanish family - the dancing was so emotional. It was directed by Baz Luhrmann and certainly lived up to his film style.

On Thursday I sawThriller Live at the Arts Centre. I caught up with lots of blogging friends before the show too. I was a guest of Thriller Live.

I thought there was a lull in the second act, but overall, it was so enjoyable - strong singing and energetic dancing. I loved Billie Jean, Man in the Mirror, Blame it on the Boogie, Black or White and Smooth Criminal. The Way You Make Me Feel, sung partly as a ballad by the incredible Australian Prinnie Stevens, was my favourite. Prinnie was a contestant on The Voice.

It featured impressive vocal and dance impersonations - such a likeness to Michael Jackson. There were moments that I thought I was hearing and seeing Michael. And I could also hear how my favourite, Darren Hayes, has been inspired by his idol.

It was Sequin-tastic. Hotpant-acular. 8/10.

On Saturday I performed with my friends in Quippings at Hares and Hyenas as part of the Midsmumma festival. Quippings is a Melbourne-based disability performance art group. I read out a piece which will be published on the blog shortly, and others talked about sexuality, love and politics. We watched the amazing Sins Invalid documentary last night at Quippings: Disability Unleashed. If you are interested in real, proud portrayal of people with diverse disabilities, do check it out. I found myself nodding along to the content in the documentary - a balance of adversity and pride.

This group of people are amazing - I am so proud to call them my friends. I love them and an thankful that I was asked to perform two years ago this February. 

And on Sunday, The Good Girl Confessional and I went to see Jean Paul Gaultier at the National Gallery of Victoria. 

While we waited in a queue for an hour, it was SO worth it when we entered the huge exhibition. I loved the detail - the talking mannequins with eyes the followed you around the room, the intricate fashion and the lighting was amazing. So wonderful. Here are a few pictures. 

This beaded big cat dress took over 1000 hours to make. It's not a real big cat - it's beads. 

  Love this punk rock.

 Mermaid on crutches.

 Breton.

 A talking JPG.

 Look at the details!

Wedding dress inspo!

 This dress is made entirely out of ballet ribbons.

 This is Beyonce's costume and a pregnancy bustier. Amazing.

The Good Girl and I yapped for hours - was so good to catch up. We had a mini croquembouche too. 

I love this city. Do you love your city?

Disclosure: I was a guest of Strictly Ballroom and Thriller Live. I was not paid money to write about the shows, and opinions are my own.

Do one thing that scares you everyday. Ice skating.

I am often hesitant to do things that scare me. I am clumsy, accident prone and risk averse. I don't catastrophise but I am aware of my lack of coordination. So when my boy suggested we go ice skating to escape the heat on a 40 degree day over the weekend, I said yes and then I said no. I didn’t want to break my leg before my overseas trip (or anytime, really). I didn’t want my fingers to be sliced off by a wayward skater. I didn’t want to fall and smash my teeth. And so I suggested we go to the movies instead. It'd be the safer option.

“But I was looking forward to skating”, my boy said. And then I started a conversation on Facebook, asking if I should go ice skating or the safer option of a movie. Almost everyone that replied said I should try it. I knew he'd look after me too. And so off we went to Medibank Icehouse (after a visit to Ikea, where we committed to each other with an Allen key. It's been suggested to me that the assembly of flat-pack furniture could be a more practical alternative to Tony Abbot's couples counselling. If we can get through assembling a Brusali, we can get through anything.).

It was 30 degrees cooler inside the icehouse. There were disco lights and a DJ. The skating rink was named after Steven Bradbury, the Australian Winter Olympian who famously won a gold medal after his competitors tumbled behind him. The skating rink was packed. The other rink was the arena for a game of ice hockey.

I had done ice skating as a kid – bundled up in a hot pink parka, fearless and skilled up from nights roller skating around the streets of my small town. But as an adult, my fears were brimming. I didn’t have the confidence to let go of my fears or the railing. I didn’t want to fall. I didn’t want to look silly. We seem to bottle our fears up more as adults, asking what ifs and worrying for the worst. It’s our life experiences of previous hurt that stops us from doing things that scare us.

But as I found out ice skating, the things that scare us are the things that make us happy. Take love – so many of us, including me, are afraid to fall in love in case we (or the other person) gets hurt. Yet taking that risk could make us the happiest we’ve ever been. And facing those fears help us grow and empower us. I guess it's how children mature, by doing things that scare them, and surviving them.

Kids whizzed around the rink, weaving and laughing and spinning. There were only a few adults who showed child-like abandon – twirling and shimmying to the music. Some of the adults were as scared as me. Others were more uncoordinated than I was – faced with the challenge of keeping themselves and their children upright, or slipping and sliding trying to stay poised.

I knew that if I continued to be scared of standing upright on my ice skates, if I held back with my movements, I wouldn’t have fun.

And so I hired a skating frame – like a zimmer frame. It steadied my balance and self-beliefs.

I sped off around the rink, alone and confidently. My boy is a good skater – it surprised me. Though together we are no Torvill and Dean. He did his best to steer me and push me along when I got tired. When I lent my frame to another novice skater, my boy held my hand as we did a lap around the rink. I did fall with the frame, but it wasn’t due to my own clumsiness – another skater knocked me over after he tripped. My knee hit the ice with a thud – it bled and throbbed. When I got back onto the rink after a short rest, I lost a little of my confidence. But I am ok. The worst did not happen. It was so much fun. And a great leg workout too.

Like when I climbed the high-ropes and did the flying fox at camp, and like when I was in the mosh at a Placebo concert, the reality of ice skating was not as bad as what could go wrong in my head. It was one part terrifying and two parts exhilarating. Nothing went wrong. I couldn’t stop smiling. I am so glad I chose to do the activity that scared me. I want to go again.

What have you done that's scared and thrilled you recently?

 

Conversations with creatives - M'agapi

When I was at the Finders Keepers market in early October, I came across a stall with the most beautiful dresses, perfect for a spring wedding, a high tea or even the races. The brand was M'agapi. In my post market research, I saw that the brand sources fabrics from local Melbourne industries, as well as supporting charities. In September, M'agapi donated 50% made from online sales to Cerebral Palsy research.

I emailed Jackki the designer and dressmaker - at that stage we hadn't met - and asked her if I could feature her and her beautiful dresses on my blog. I was thrilled she said yes - and even more thrilled when she agreed to doing a giveaway of one of her dresses!

She invited me to meet her a few weeks later at the North Melbourne Thread Den market, and I tried on a dress. It was absolutely perfect, and so I bought it. It's called 'The Marilyn', this one is a mini, which is perfect for my five foot one stature (dresses come in three lengths), and I am so excited by the collar! The back of the dress features a sharp tipped collar, dipping into a deep v. Dresses come in 8,10 and 12 - the 10 is what in wearing in this photo but I chose to size up on purchase as I knew I'd be layering it over a long sleeved tee, and that meant I was a tad too busty for the 10. The dresses all have a limited fabric run - Jackki told me she had no more material left in the dresses both she and I are wearing. (In the interests of disclosure, I received a discount for the dress I purchased.)

Meet Jaccki from M"agapi!

What’s your name?

"Jackki Ngo"

What’s your business name?

"m'agapi [it's Greek for "with love"]"

Who works with you?

"I do all the sewing my husband and relatives lovingly help me out at the markets :)"

What do you make?

"I started out with woman's clothing, now I also do baby and kids clothing and accessories, and basic home wares like cushion letters and quilts."

How long have you been making your art?

"The concept started in 2009 but officially launched in 2011."

Tell me about your creative process? Where do you get ideas from? Where do you source materials?

"I have a passion for pattern making and have always been obsessed with multifunctional uses so I tend to design pieces that are versatile and practical. I design for my family and friends - what they would want in an item. For example, the latest summer dresses were inspired from a friend who wanted a 1950s dress for her wedding. Because the cut is fairly simple and classic; I added self facing hem band to give the dress a bit more weight and bounce. I also added pockets because well every girl needs pockets :) I make baby bibs (designed for my 8 months old son) which have three layers of fabric for super absorbency. I make reversible sun hats for my almost three years old daughter to play in the sun. I've made large cushion letters to decorate sofas and chairs and a friend suggested for me to downside them to hang in her daughter's room. So you see, a lot of ideas come from friends and families."

Do you balance a day job with your creative pursuit? Is this hard? If your dressmaking is your day job, did you have to consider making a jump from a day job?

"I have a full time job as a production manager for a wonderful australian made knitwear company. I have two beautiful kids which also means late nights sewing after fighting them for baths and bed. But I'm very lucky to have a very understanding and supportive husband and in laws who cook us dinner and baby sit when required. I don't think I would be able to manage doing what I love without their help. Sometimes I wish there were more hours in a day!"

What drives you to create? I grew up around sewing machines and made my first dress at age 11.

"I love to challenge myself and think outside the square. Sometimes I would design the hardest piece just to see if I can sew it up! If it can be done on the sewing machine, I will attempt it."

 

What’s the hardest thing about being a creative?

"When you're excited about coming up with an (original) idea but someone else launched it before you it's a bit disheartening. Even when you tweak it further to make it your own it still feels second best therefore you don't promote it as it deserves."

What’s the best thing about being a creative?

"Buying fabric! Where people normally buy shoes and bags, I have an obsession with fabric. It's exciting to see what can be done with them especially when it turns out exactly like how you've envisioned."

What advice would you give to up and coming creatives?

"Love what you do. and I mean LOVE it without question. When you love what you do, it's very endearing and it shows in your work. Buyers are more appreciative of your effort and tend to return just to see what else you've made."

Tell me about the creative community? Are you a part of it? Online/offline/markets/classes?

"I sell my wares online at MadeIt and I'm a regular at North Melbourne Market."

How can we reach you? What’s your website, store, social media platforms?

Website

info@magapi.com.au

Facebook

MadeIt

Giveaway

Jackki is kindly giving away the "burnt out dress". She describes it as a "super cool dress that will take you throughout the day by adding a few statement accessories. Wear with heels or boots for a fantastic day/night out! This dress is one size (8-12) Designed to be loose fitting. Has binding around neckline and babylocking at the hem. Fabric is 100% Rayon and is slightly see through (you may choose to wear a slip underneath the dress) Model is 172cm tall, belt is not included."

To win this dress, tell Jackki and I where you'd wear this dress to?

Entries close 5.00 pm 15 November 2013. Please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!

Read more conversations with creatives here.

PS: the winner of the birdy necklace by Rulitos was Emily from Have a Laugh on Me. Congratulations Emily! And the winner of the Zac and Mia book was Mary Preston. I'll be in touch soon:)

 

Julia Gillard in conversation with Anne Summers: "You have a decision to make: you could have a crap rest of your life", [or you can move on].

Last night I saw Julia Gillard - Australia's first female Prime Minister - in conversation with Anne Summers at the Melbourne Town Hall. She and Anne spoke for 50 minutes and the audience asked a variety of questions for the remainder. It was her second extended interview since losing the Prime Ministership.

People queued early - reports from Twitter said the queue was snaking from outside the Town Hall in Swanston Street and around the corner to Exhibition Street. The audience was excited. The woman next to me told me Julia Gillard was her "heroine" and that she wouldn't queue to see a band or for a restaurant, but she'd queue for Ms Gillard.

Julia Gillard is smart, warm, engaging, open and very funny. Gosh she was funny. And she is caring - her heart is set on improving the lives of our nation - especially of women. She firmly believes she has paved the way for women in leadership - particularly parliament: "now I've smashed my head through the glass ceiling, it should be easier for women to enter parliament", she said. I really do love her.

However, with all of her discussion of equality for women, Indigenous Australians and people with disabilities, I am still surprised at her stance on marriage equality - she believes marriage equality in Australia should be decided by a conscience vote. "I feel like I got on this tram at a different spot. My views on this were formed at a different time", she said. Shouldn't her passion for equality extend to marriage equality?

Here is a summary of what I took from the discussion. The summary below and opinions above are my own and do not reflect those of my employer, and quotes are Julia Gillard's.

On empowering women

Julia Gillard is so articulate and passionate about equal opportunity and empowerment for women and girls, and wants to make a real difference to females in her post political career. She recently went to New York to work with Hilary Clinton at a global leaders meeting.

Her (former) government embedded funding for empowering women in neighbouring developing countries. She hopes this funding will survive the current government.

"Development statistics tell us if we can empower women and girls, we can make a difference to the nation", Ms Gillard said.

On work

Julia Gillard said she stands by moving single mothers from a single mother pension to NewStart when their children get older because NewStart gives them the best chance at work, but she believes the rate of NewStart is too low.

"I am a big believer in the dignity that work gives us. Income support is not enough to eradicate poverty", Ms Gillard said. "I want to see everyone have the benefits, choices, access and dignity that comes with paid work".

On being ousted as the Prime Minister by Kevin Rudd

Anne Summers said of the 28 Australian Prime Ministers, Julia Gillard sits at no 14 in length of service. She's served longer than Kevin Rudd and Gough Whitlam.

Anne Summers observed Julia Gillard's lack of self pity and bitterness after being ousted as PM in June 2013. Ms Gillard replied: "You have a decision to make: you could have a crap rest of your life", [or you can move on].

She said that many former Prime Ministers, including Paul Keating, called her afterward, to talk her through. With great humour she quipped: "You know you're having an intense conversation with Paul Keating when he grips your arm and calls you love."

On the misogyny speech

Ms Gillard said she was "astonished" at public reaction to her misogyny speech. She saw eyes glazing over in Parliament, and thought that she'd just be able to return to doing correspondence. Former Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan suggested that maybe she wouldn't be doing correspondence, rather she'd be doing follow up interviews regarding the speech. She implied that Tony Abbott, then Opposition Leader, was wishing the speech would he over: "Poor Tony Abbott stared at his watch like he hadn't seen it before"

She received feedback from women from different strata around the world of how powerful her misogyny speech was. Ms Gillard said the misogyny speech was "for every woman who has bit her tongue and thought 'I shouldn't say it'. It's one for her."

An 11 year old girl in the audience asked "did you have any fun when you were Prime Minister?" Ms Gillard replied that she is pleased her term as PM taught 11 year old the pronunciation of 'misogyny'. She also added that she felt privileged for meeting every day Aussies and have them offer suggestions for the country. She loved her staff and opportunities as Prime Minister.

On comments about her appearance and dress sense

An audience member asked how Julia Gillard felt when Germaine Greer made a comment about her bottom. "Everybody had to take a role as a fashion critic" Ms Gillard said. She went on to say what a role model Germain Greer was when growing up. "I was disappointed for Germaine Greer. It let her down as much as it let me down". "Boy I'm through the pain barrier", she said. "It [criticism about her appearance] didn't really worry me."

On not wanting to marry

An audience member asked a question about whether Ms Gillard had ever considered marrying her partner Tim to stop the publicity. She said she and Tim are very happy and don't need marriage to confirm that. "I couldn't afford the publicity around a PM wedding", laughing about the pressure there would be for her not to trip over her dress.

On asylum seekers

Audience Question: "how can we change debate re asylum seekers from despair and anger to one about compassion and hope?" Ms Gillard replied saying she worries about tenor and language of asylum seeker debate. She believes asylum seeker policy is "incredibly complex."

On media

Ms Gillard believes journalists don't get the time to think properly about what they're reporting on. "Quick media cycle means there is not enough deep discourse into politics", she said.

Julia Gillard also commented on the protests that took place against her role as leader. She said of the 'ditch the witch' slogan - "I was offended by signs, but more so the benign reaction to it by the media."

The sisterhood in politics

Julia Gillard was asked whether females from other parties reached out to her when she was attacked? "I would like to say yes", she replied. She proceeded to talk of the bonds she formed with other females from all parties while working on policies prior to her role as Prime Minister. "During the time when I was PM, I didn't have people from the other side to offer support." However, she credits Tony Windsor and Rob Oakshott for constant support and protection. They stood up for the nation, she said.

On the current government

"It's disheartening to have only one woman in Cabinet", she said. However she is optimistic about the media and public reaction to this sole appointment. She said discussion about women's rights need to continue. This will make a difference, noting that "we should be complaining that the statistic of one woman in Cabinet is hopeless." Ms Gillard believes there should always be equal representation of women and women's issues in government, no matter the personalities in charge.

Julia Gillard have some advice to Tony Abbott, Prime Minister and Women's Minister: reach out to Tania Plibersek (from Labor) and do a lot of listening. "I hope Tony Abbott's time as Women's Minister is the most character building period of his career", she said, to which the audience erupted in laughs and applauded.

On the future

Julia Gillard hopes "in 2050, Australia is a fully reconciled country, a more sustainable nation, prosperous economy". "I hope "we share life's risks - the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the next step in that journey. We need to have each others backs when we're in need", she said. Ms Gillard also hopes that in 2050 Australia won't have an education disparity.

She also hoped there will be equally as many female Prime Ministers as male ones, and that during a game of Trivial Pursuit, players would get the answer wrong to 'Who was Australia's first female PM?' because there'd be too many to remember.

"Genuine equality would mean that you and I would not have to speak about genuine equality"', Ms Gillard said."Policies should include all our people, not assumed the policies that work for dominant cultures work for everyone."

 

At the end of the conversation, four young girls presented her with bouquets of flowers. Ms Gillard received her second standing ovation of the night. And Katy Perry's Roar played - the only time I've ever felt a Katy Perry song had any significance to anything. Julia Gillard was so articulate - I left feeling empowered. Julia Gillard is resilient, and I can't wait to see what she does next.

We are so very lucky to have access to hearing our leaders speak candidly and publicly - I feel very privileged to listen to a woman I admire so much. Thank you for your time Julia Gillard.

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Thanks to Jess for the photos and the lift home.

Listen to Julia Gillard and Anne Summers in conversation at the Sydney Opera House here.

This conversation was to raise money for the Anne Summers Report - you can subscribe here. This was the second of many Conversations with Anne Summers to come.

See Eden Riley's blog for a great insight into Julia Gillard as a person.