Longest post ever!

Hello Paris '99ers! I realise that due to my absolutely dismal discipline when it comes to blogging some of you may think that I had stopped, but oh no, all is well here at Paris '99, the sun is shining, the champagne is flowing and the clothes are plentiful! I give you the mother of all posts, a load of new arrivals, to take you through to the next post which will certainly come sooner than this one! xx

Alexander McQueen lace applique silk blouse, need I say more ;), divine. Sz 42 (Fits 8-10-12) Now SOLD

Wow, Chloe buckle closure small leather bag with two compartments and though unseen is on a long leather strap with metal hardware loops and buckles, perfect for across the body in summer, and of course winter too! Now SOLD

This jacket shows what an amazing cut with a bit of detail will do. Jean-Paul Gaultier long line blazer with black pearl necklace detail. The necklace clicks into the larger stone and can be worn open or doubled back on the neck. The little ribbon detail provides an excellent balance, just so Gaultier! Now SOLD

Jean-Paul Gaultier Femme acetate/polyester blazer, silk lined, Sz It44 (Fits Aus 10-12)

Bam! Divine Givenchy vibrant orange dress made from swirling silk and finished with an edgy corset back. This one seriously won't last.
Givenchy Paris silk dress, Sz 36 (Fits Aus 6-8)

Stunning Versace Spring 2001 printed cowl neck dress. If this is not the 'dressonification' of summer colour I don't know what is!

Gianni Versace Couture printed viscose dress, sz It44 (fits Aus 8-10)

The fabric has to be felt and the finishing details have to been seen to really appreciate this jacket by the unfortunately defunct New York label Tuleh. It is a sturdy duchess satin which really gives strength to the boxy design and when worn with a skinny jean and clashing hat is a perfect autumn fashion jacket. Love it! Now SOLD

Tuleh New York double breasted 'pea' coat in duchess satin, sz US6 (Aus 8-10)

Back to Versace, this amazing printed patent leather evening bag with metal frame and chain is going to be stunning on the amazing woman who bought it literally the minute it touched down this morning. With plenty of space and a weight to be reckoned with its simply covetable! Now SOLD

Is it tweed, is it boucle, is it a houndstooth, a herringbone, a check? I can't tell you! This is a really intricately constructed fabric that eschews definition, apart from the fact that it is amazingly used in this perfectly fitting Michael Kors skirt suit. The jacket fits like a glove the has little rounded cap sleeves to just accentuate the shoulder line, while the skirt is just so lady-like and completes the look. With black pumps Carli Bruni would be jealous!

Michael Kors made in Italy skirt suit, sz US 6 (Aus 10)

Iconic Junya Watanabe destroyed denim jacket. Intricately constructed to swirl around the body in a snail like manner is this jacket from the untouchable Japanese master Watanabe. I like his work as regardless of the bombast, stiffness, or volume of his work, it always relates back to the female form and as such is amazingly flattering. Gorgeous! Now SOLD

Junya Watanabe Comme des Garcons pieced denim jacket, sz S (Aus 8-10)

From one fabulous jacket to the next, is this Veronique Branquinho collarless skinny fit jacket with what can only be described as three perfectly folded pleats taking up the job of a lapel. I have matching pants for this jacket too, they will be uploaded soon in a pants special post.

Veronique Branquinho grey woollen collarless jacket with sharp narrow shoulders, sz 38 (Aus 8-10)

Back with the warmer weather pieces, this Marni silk chiffon 'dry flower' printed top is gorgeous for layering, and the drawstring detailing can be left loose or gathered tightly for a complete change of mood.

Marni printed silk chiffon top, size It 44 (Fits Aus 8-10-12)

Keeping on cute sheer printed numbers is this simply gorgeous Roland Mouret back button gathered shoulder blouse with its abstract print. I love this top for its youth, allure, sexiness minus vulgarity, all the things for which Roland Mouret is known! Now SOLD

Roland Mouret back button silk blouse, sz UK 8 (fits Aus 6-8)

And to leave you on a positively summer note are these Pierre Hardy architectural peep toe mesh pumps with stunning heel, perfect for the hot days that seem to be here to stay.

Pierre Hardy structured white mesh heels, sz 40 but fit more like 39.

I hope this keeps you all occupied and excited for the next little while, there are more fabulous pieces to be seen soon, but remember that to keep bringing you more, these gorgeous items have to find themselves loving homes, so remember to contact through the blog, via email on enquire@paris99.net or on +61 424 583 409 to make an arrangement to visit the beautiful salon in Elwood, and friends are encouraged of course!

Till next time adieu from Paris '99 xx

Forest greenery Ferretti

Hello!
Please enjoy this new arrival Alberta Ferretti forest green silk satin, chiffon, lace and beaded top. I love this piece for its transeasonal beauty; right now, all it needs is a pair of light wide legged pants and summer is a breeze, and in the winter a gorgeous knit fitted bustier or bodysuit and a narrow pencil skirt! The lace is cut so intricately and the beaded leaf that can be snapped on for evening or off for day adds that touch of Italian glamour. Perfect!
Alberta Ferretti mainline silk lace and bead leaf detail top, Sz Italian 42 (Fits Aus 6).

Remember to contact through the blog, email on enquire@paris99.net or call directly on +61424583409 to arrange a time to visit the gorgeous Salon in Elwood.

Badgley Mischka dazzles!

I don't know if I have mentioned this already, but I really like American designers and feel that here in Melbourne they are definitely under appreciated and almost unseen! What could be more amazing than this Badgley Mischka Couture silk crepe beaded sheer detailed dress? Not a lot, indeed!
This is American 'sportswear' at its finest; beautiful fabric, attention to detail, a streamlined and body conscious fit and of course the touch of Hollywood Glamour with a touch of restraint. I love how the back has been paid attention to with the small reveal of skin without being vulgar, and the bead work on the front is just so intricate and 'right'. Best of all this dress will be enjoyed and impressive at an upcoming pre-races ball! Perfect!
Badgley Mischka Couture beaded sheer details silk cocktail dress, sz US 4 (Aus 8) SOLD

Remember to contact through the blog, via email enquire@paris99.net or call directly on +61424583409 to arrange a time to visit us in person at the gorgeous salon in Elwood. Enjoy!

Dear Alison!

Hello all,
I would like to introduce you all to a new but certainly dear friend of mine Alison Waters. Alison has had an illustrious past; she has experienced the height of London through her work at the fabulous and legendary BIBA, started on her own by looking after visiting philosophers and of course has a permanent place in Melbourne's history by bringing the life to every party she attends!
Alison has amassed a famous collection of hats (more than 300), perhaps the most amazing one I have seen is over 120 years old from France and features the most stunning and shiny featherwork from some exotic game bird. Of course the one pictured below is divine, and the Costume National dress from the Salon is spot on perfect with it!
Costume National panelled silk dress with cut out back, SOLD to a fabulous friend!

Newly come and gone

Hello, its a rainy day once again, can't spring finally break through!
This is a selection of new arrivals and also some amazing pieces that have come and gone and actually you lovely internet darlings never got to see :(

I loved this simply stunning Gianfranco Ferre golden silk jacket. With an abundance of details; the lightly pleated cuffs, the wide 1940s lapels and puff sleeves and the impeccable contrast silk binding and organza panel at the double vent on the interior (unfortunately unseen), it was bound to impress and it certainly did!
Gianfranco Ferre golden silk jacket, sz Italian 40 (Aus 8)  NOW SOLD

This was a real stunner too. Donna Karan Collection, only the best of course! I loved the abundance of buttons that help to define the line of the top and add a little subtle sparkle on the cuffs. The silk chiffon is pleated organically that gives the piece that extra lightness, and the stretch back keeps it all together. Its one to take to the office, to dinner, to a costume ball, and in fact I know its been to all three!
Donna Karan Collection pleated elasticated sleeve button detail stretch back blouse, sz Italian 40 (Aus 8) NOW SOLD

Wow! I got excited by this one of a kind number! One of the strongest purveyors of body conscious and sexy dressing is Antonio Berardi. This piece hits that on the nose; the corset jean all-in-one, and its amazing! When summer finally hits it will surely be a go-to piece for any party hopping, beach loving lady, and she most probably will not even be from Melbourne. I love its unabashed youth and playfulness, and as one would expect, its fit, finish and construction is tip top!
Antonio Berardi corset denim half overall, sz Italian 40 (Aus 6)

Narciso Rodriguez is one of my all-time favourite designers. I love the absolute precision in cut and slowly evolving nature of his work and this ensemble is a perfect example. The fabric is an amazing hemp mohair silk mix, and is nothing short of luxurious. The dress is strapless, but there are two fine straps which a somewhere between a halter and sweetheart neckline, and the panelling on the bodice is just lovely, subtly 3D with every part bound and lined in silk. The big metal zip at the back gives it a harder and not too pretty feel, something which Narciso does so well! Then jacket; the little boxy cropped shaped raglan bolero. I love how it lifts the outfit to the next level, and of course can be worn on its own with a pair of fitted jeans and a tank; the slightly loose silhouette showing the space between garment and body. Its just great!
Narciso Rodriguez hemp, mohair, silk strapless dress and cropped jacket, sz Italian 42 (Aus 8) Now SOLD.

Remember to contact us through the blog, email enquire@paris99.net or call directly on +61424583409 to arrange a time to visit the salon in Elwood.

Rays of Vionnet!

Wow, 10 days without a post, I'm sorry, but I'm sure this one dress will more than make up for it. I've been waiting for this one for a couple of weeks and finally, with extra insurance in tow, it has arrived! That's right, from designer Rodolfo Paglialunga for the legendary house of Vionnet, known for her mathematically precise approach to pattern making, is this simply stunning gold sunray pleat train halter gown! As I took it out of the box I could feel my heartbeat hasten I was that excited; and it certainly met all my expectations. The bodice is painstakingly pintucked to create the shaped panel that end at the almost empire line height band, and then the 1930's glamour spills out in sunray pleats, and though I haven't measured I really think there are about 6metres of fabric in the hem. It's just gorgeous, and even my hand help iPhone photos still do it justice. Enjoy!

Vionnet gold sunray pleat halter top; silk, viscose, polyamide mix, sz French 40 (Aus 10)

Remember to contact via the blog, email enquire@paris99.net or call directly on +61424583409 to arrange a time to visit the salon in Elwood x.

Paris '99 at L'Heure du The!

On Saturday I was kindly invited to attend the L'Heure du The high tea at the Langham Hotel to help raise funds for breast cancer research and celebrate all things French! It was a fabulous morning with yummy eats, teas and treats and everyone looked dressed up to go for a promenade on any good Parisian boulevard! Thanks so much to Kyra Pybus who looked just ravishing in her Luca Luca dress from Paris '99, as previously seen on the blog. Photo courtesy Cecylia Kee.

Remember to contact via the blog, email enquire@paris99.net or call directly on +61424583409 to arrange a visit to the salon in Elwood.

Dior spring summer 1999 campaign!

Sorry for the long time no update, its been somewhat hectic here at Paris '99! Here is a quick one before the storm of updates to show all the new fabulous pieces that have arrived in the last couple of days!
On its way, and I should totally not jinx this by showing it early, but I believe in the system and as such will show you the campaign image with Bridget Hall for Dior ss1999; the Chinese collection. We are getting the whole silhouette from a good friend in Switzerland; top, pants and shoes, cant wait, and will post seperate shots on arrival!

In the meantime remember to contact through the blog, email on enquire@paris99.net or directly call on +61424583409 to arrange a visit to the lovely salon in Elwood.

Cape magic!

This morning I had the pleasure of entertaining for brunch a fabulous stylist and gorgeous PR agent. We enjoyed some fresh cheeses, Paris style toast, prosciutto and various sweets and it was a great way to spend the day. Of course clothing played an important role and suffice to say an amazing piece found the perfect home!
Veronique Branquinho, of the second group of Antwerp designers, was known for her 60s inspired silhouettes, though always with a dark edge. Pretty blouses pared back with heavy tweed pants or long chiffon skirts worn with a tough motor-bike style jacket. This piece fits into the Romantically Tough category, the Edwardian style charcoal woollen cape with leather buttons and drama galore. I'm so pleased it found the right person, and I know she'll love it forever. Now SOLD

Remember to contact through the blog, email enquire@paris99.net or phone directly on +61424583409 to make an arrangement to visit the lovely salon in Elwood.

A cool spring day.

Hello, its a somewhat underwhelming spring day in Melbourne, hot then cold, rain then sun, typical I guess. Here are some spring-y yet cool-y pieces to get you through days like this!

I love the feel of this gorgeous Narciso Rodriguez sheep suede top. Essentially made of two rectangles with a slit in the front to create a deep 'V', it just hangs beautifully off the body. With a relaxed and slopey shoulder and slight asymmetry in the hem at the front its definitely not something seen regularly.
Narciso Rodriguez khaki sheep suede top, size Italian 42 (Aus 8-10)

Made from the lightest of wools and cut high in the waist and fitted through the hips is this vintage Hermes kneelength skirt. Its a striking shade of blue which completely fits in with the colour blocking trend making the rounds, not that it matters! Last but not least, there are pockets, great!
Hermes blue wool skirt, size French 40 (but fits more like an Aus 8)

All angles covered here, and they need to be! This is special piece indeed; a aubergine/maroon John Bartlett hand draped and embellished silk dress. Almost like a sari it falls off the shoulder on one side and swathes around the body. Don't worry about modesty, there is a colour matched silk crepe slip the goes to the knee, and the beading is intricately detailed and anchors the dress to the body beautifully.
John Bartlett draped and beaded dress, size 42 (Aus 10)

Et voila, the perfect wintery spring coat! An early Giambattista Valli its a thick coated linen with beige cotton piping. Bracelet length sleeves and military details, detachable epaulettes and regalia metal buttons give it that cold touch, but being a linen its still light enough to wear on breezy spring days, and in fact I'm naughty and its no longer here, but a perfect piece for a day like today! Now SOLD

Hope you enjoyed these pieces too, remember to contact us via the blog, email at enquire@paris99.net or call directly on +61424583409 to make an arrangement to visit the lovely salon in Elwood.

Jean-Paul Gaultier Mania!

Jean-Paul Gaultier; bondage, prostitutes, the sailor, the trench coat, India, the Fifth Element and of course Paris. The once 'Enfant Terrible' of fashion is now well into the fourth decade of his work and it is as stunning and integral to the dialogue of fashion as ever. Paris '99 has been the conduit for many a Gaultier creations, we simply love everything he does. Please enjoy some of the current selection of Gaultier pieces, showing his great creative range as each one differs from the next!

When I saw this dress I knew it had to be here, its just so incredible. Made of metres and metres of the gathered cotton with the fine metallic stripe erupting from the iconic Gaultier bustier bodice its perfect for swirling up the dance floor at a garden tea party in spring. The ties can be placed in front under the bust, to the centre back for a cute and refined look or in a single or double bow on the side for that extra sense of movement. Those of you in Melbourne gearing up for Spring Racing Carnival must come and have a whirl in this dress!
Jean-Paul Gaultier Femme bustier gathered cotton dress, size Italian 40 (Aus 8-10) Now SOLD

Just arrived yesterday! The Renoir style ballerina scene printed in such detail on this, for lack of a better word, poncho, shows Gaultier's softer side. Actually cut from two rectangles with a neck hole, the viscose drapes beautifully around the body and moves with a spring that brings the whole scene to life! Perfect for an afternoon by the beach or again, a spring time garden party...notice the theme?
Jean-Paul Gaultier Maille Femme ballet printed viscose poncho, size S (but really once size fits all)

Feeling like a little sheer French provincial chic? This snap fasten (set on a lovely grosgrain ribbon, no less) shirt dress in gorgeous viscose crepe is just the one! With slightly puffed sleeves folded back onto the arm tightly, loose hanging front pockets and a double yoke and double faced waist panel its demure yet that little bit naughty. And what may not be clear in the pictures is that wherever one would expect the stripes to meet and match, they do absolutely flawlessly. Its that extra bit of care in finish that takes these pieces just that level higher and its why we love them!
Jean-Paul Gaultier Femme pinstriped viscose crepe shirt dress, size Italian 42 (Aus 10) NOW SOLD to gorgeous lady indeed!

Still in that slightly country, farmer, harvest mood is this Russian style elasticated edgings printed silk bloused top. The fabric has the lightest most ephemeral touch and the print evokes a 70s wheat field get together. The elastic on the hem creates the most lovely swing back shape and then cuts right into the small of the back, which when worn with slim fit pants or pencil skirt lengthens the legs immensely. Just get a hot contrast bra underneath, or relive the no bra days too!
Jean-Paul Gaultier Femme Classique printed silk chiffon top, size Italian 42 (Aus 8-10) Now SOLD

For a tailored jacket with a twist and surprise is this matador red strong shouldered wrap belted number. Made from a bouncy wool gaberdine it features the press stud closure and an almost motor-bike style belted wrap with a heavy brass buckle. The perfect construction can be seen with hand details necessary in a tailored jacket and perfectly finished narrow jet pockets. The greatest surprise is the intricate Parisian scene printed all over the lining, something only you (and anyone who sees this blog of course) know about!
Jean-Paul Gaultier Femme red wrap belted jacket, Italian size 42 (Aus 10) NOW SOLD, amazing!

Wow, this gorgeous woman must have telepathic powers! I got a call about this jacket just as I was starting to blog, so of course I have to put it in to show you all how great it is! I love the colour midnight, darker than navy and a shade short of black. This midnight blue wrap around shirred back bow detail jacket borders on the tasteful side of bondage with its corset tight waist. I can see her wearing it now with cigarette pants and patent leather pumps and running through shadows, sexy and mysterious!
Jean-Paul Gaultier Femme cotton shirred back jacket, size Italian 40 (Aus 6-8) Now SOLD

Finally for today is a real Gaultier staple item, the printed mesh top. Seen in every collection since almost the beginning the printed mesh tops are an icon that send collectors all over the world crazy. This one here is the cardigan that shreds to reveal the muscle tissue and skeleton underneath, and the print is so life-like its scary and gross, yet engrossing and amazing at the same time.
Jean-Paul Gaultier Maille Femme 'shredded cardigan' nylon mesh top, size M

Hope you liked some, if not all, of these Jean-Paul Gaultier offerings from us. Please contact through the blog, via email at enquire@paris99.net or directly by phone on +61424583409 to make an appointment to visit the salon, we'd love to have you over!