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State of Design Festival 2009: Melbourne

Melbourne's State of Design Festival is almost upon us - and it's a perfect opportunity to step beyond the realms of fashion and explore other aspects of design, from architecture to technology to industrial design and everything in between. During the festival, Melbourne Open House will unlock some of the city's most magnificent architectural secrets; the festival's Speaker Series will host talks from over 20 influential people of the international design world; while This is Not a Design Market will cover a 2000 square meter warehouse space with fashion, jewellery, art, furniture and more. And those are just to name a few.

Nicola Finetti Mid-Year Warehouse Sale - Sydney

Nicola Finetti took our breaths away with his Spring/Summer 2009/2010 collection; so we though that all you Sydney readers might be interested to know about the label's mid-year sale, which starts today.

We're told there will be up to 80% off on past seasons stock and one-off samples from NICOLA FINETTI, nyloNFlocks by Nicola Finetti and aXessory.

Afternoon Tea with Nadia Pearse of Made In Donald

Nadia Pearse is a designer to watch. The brains behind burgeoning label Made In Donald, her pieces are strictly limited and make to order. At a special afternoon tea event last month - presented by chic Prahran salon Blondes To Brunettes - Nadia spoke about the challenges of sustainable fashion; her many and varied influences; and her small home town of Donald, in which her garments are produced.

Seven Souls: Bushfire Appeal Parade, Melbourne

Next Friday, the 19th of June, Melbourne-based label Seven Souls are hosting a special event that is worth a peek for several reasons. First and foremost, the event is in support of those who lost homes and loved ones in the devastating bushfires that swept through Victoria earlier this year. And as if that isn't reason enough to grab yourself a ticket, the parade will take place at the unique surrounds of the Pentridge Prison development precinct.

Lily Cole in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Model-turned-actors are a dime a dozen; but Lily Cole's unique looks and sparkling intellect mean she's not just another pretty face. At least, we're hopeful that the long-legged red-haired beauty will survive the transition from runway to screen long term. Lily's latest venture is The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus - here's a first look at Lily in the film.

Audrey Tautou as Coco's New Muse

Amelie actress Audrey Tautou has been cast as the infamous Chanel creator Coco Chanel. The film depicts Coco's early life as she adapted the fashion of her generation and into her own. The resemblance between Coco and Audrey is quite uncanny and she was cleverly cast as the famous designer who paved the way we look at fashion today. Coco's mannish take on the ladies suit can be seen in oversized boy blazers and wide legged trousers, and the quilted Chanel handbags that have been repeated and updated will never go out of style.

To maximise the franchise and promote the brand, Audrey Tautou also stars in the New Chanel No.5 Ad where she joins the fairytale world that Karl Lagerfeld continues for the brand in Coco's memory today.

Win: The Grand Social RAFW party invites

Rosemount Australia Fashion Week (RAFW) is just around the corner; and if you're in Sydney, you may be in luck because we have some exclusive double passes to the Official RAFW Social Event of Fashion Week - 'The Escape' - to give away. Presented by The Grand Social, the event will host editors, models and VIPs of the fashion world and social circuit alike.

Visit the competition entry page and submit your entry to go into the draw.

Spreegirl bamboo sleepwear: discount offer

It's Earth Day on 22 April and for us fashionisers that seems like a fantastic reason to strip down to your bare-essentials. And to help us do it Spreegirl has a special offer on their eco sleepwear.

Art Melbourne 09: affordable & collectable art

As if we ever need an excuse to visit Melbourne's amazing Royal Exhibition Building, this weekend begins Art Melbourne 09 - the city's affordable art fair.

Art Melbourne 09 will exhibit hundreds of artworks by artists both well known and emerging; and with limited edition Banksy artworks up for grabs, there's more reason than ever to have some cash handy when you visit the fair this weekend.

Graffiti art by Banksy

70% off high-end jewellery: Gucci, Lacroix + More

Has the economic downturn finally hit the high-end of the market? In New York, at least, it seems to be the case;

The jewelry gods have smiled upon us. For Cartier is unloading diamonds at 50 to 70 percent off. And they're not the only ones: Judith Ripka, Di Modolo, Damiani, Gucci, Maurice Lacroix, and Coach are all marking down their jewelry and watches as well. We can guarantee a mob scene, because this kind of jewelry never goes on sale. Thank you, recession!