Monday, December 17, 2018

Christian Paul Watches - Havana Days Launch Event

So close to Christmas, so much going on! Last week Vivienne and I attended three events with this lovely pool party, launch event - HAVANA DAYS from Christian Paul sandwiched more or less in the middle. So what is Havana Days? It's inspired by lazy days in the Caribbean with a look back to the 1940s, elegant watches embracing the design ethos of the era; and limited edition leather accessories. Purses, luggage tags, passport holders and cosmetics bags which take a more modern twist on the Havana theme with bright colours and tropical motifs, Toucans, Parrots, Hibiscus flowers, Pineapples and Pink Flamingos; it's all very tropical. A gold pineapple also puts in an appearance on the face of their Myer exclusive watches.
Kent Johnson with Christian Paul CEO Zaid Alsulaibi and Vivienne Shui - Havana Days pool party Launch Event - Photographed for Street Fashion Sydney
Yours truly with Christian Paul CEO Zaid Alsulaibi and Vivienne on the right.
Of course the pool party launch was also Havana themed, cocktails, cakes and a grazing table of all the good things you like to eat while sipping on a lazy long drink. Fortunately I can work whist sipping cocktails and was able to engage Christian Paul CEO Zaid Alsulaibi to get the low down on the brand and Zaid delivered. Australian owned, Australian designed, customer and quality focused, looking to a long future in the watch industry. I was captivated by the stories of this relatively young brands desire to grow strong and some of the good fortune it's already seen - a fan engraved and presented one of the brands signature watches to celebrity Selena Gomez; she slipped it right on and; one Instagram later... it's always nice to be part of a success story. Now I haven't actually worn a watch for the better part of the last ten years so it was with great interest that I slipped on the 'Reid' watch from the range that I found in my goodie bag. It's one with rose gold and a tan leather strap. I have begun wearing it and it does feel like quality, and it does feel and look like a good dress watch, which is exactly what it is, and waterproof too; so if you fall in the pool at that pool party; the watch is going to be alright. Zaid was a wealth of information about the brand, 'Japanese movement' 'stainless not brass' 'assembled in China yes' 'it's about the right level of quality control at every stage'.  It all sounds very good and once again, Australian designed, Sydney - designed! So if I have piqued your interest you can check them out here - www.christianpaul.com.au/havana-days/
HAVANA DAYS by Christian Paul - Flat lay photo by Vivienne Shui - White Caviar Life
HAVANA DAYS by Christian Paul - Flat lay photo by Vivienne Shui - White Caviar Life
Ladies in white at the cocktail bar - Havana Days pool party Launch Event - Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney
The grazing table and some pool toys - Havana Days pool party Launch Event - Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney
Vivienne with a Cuban cocktail - Havana Days pool party Launch Event - Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney
Pink flamingo cup cakes and goodie bags - Havana Days pool party Launch Event - Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney
Presentation table for Havana Days pool party Launch Event - Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney
Watches and accessorises of the Havana Days pool party Launch Event - Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney
Limited edition leather goods accessorises - Havana Days pool party Launch Event - Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney
In the pool but not in the pool - Havana Days pool party Launch Event - Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney


Read Street Fashion Sydney's previous Watch Event Write-ups Here.

Telling Stories in Pictures all over the world..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863


Thursday, December 6, 2018

Costume & Millinery Graduate Exhibition 2018

Wow time really does fly by; was it really a year ago I attended the Fashion half of this Fashion and Costume Design showcase! Last night as you have already realised I attended the costume (and millinery) parade, a VIP event with canapes, sparkling wine, other guests and well wishers. I love costume design - I think it's in the family as my mum always made my dad's costumes for the stage shows he did for many years up in Brisbane. And fashion is really costume anyway! Quite a few of the designs were very much historically based fashion items so Q.E.D. - the one often does equal the other. The concept was to research a theatre character and then remake their costume; not all were historical bodice-rippers though; and I unfortunately missed grabbing a shot of the Mad Maxine/Feral Cheryl outfit. Loved the Picnic at Hanging Rock recreations (still love my own editorial photoshoot based on the same film) And without planing it at all, I did manage to come up with a series of portraits of the costume design students, with their pieces, on their models. So here we go, lots to see, beautiful work, hopefully all correctly attributed. Best of luck for your future - or should I say ' break a leg!' and thank you one and all for a wonderful evening.

Ophelia by Nastasja Caliendo Photo by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Catherine Sykes with her Léon Bakst - Ballet Russes chief eunuch. Costume design - portrait by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Catherine Sykes with her Ballet Russes chief eunuch costume.
Rebecca Ke - Costume design - portrait by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Rebecca Ke - Legend of Zhen Huan
Sarah Howard - Costume design - portrait by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Sarah Howard - the Alienist
Janelle Fischer - Costume design - portrait by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Janelle Fischer - Dao Ma Dan - Beijing Opera
Alexa Lombard - Costume design - portrait by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Alexa Lombard - Historical Costume
Master Dandelion - Costume design - portrait by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Master Dandelion
Charlie Aplin and models - Costume design - portrait by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Charlie Aplin (middle) with her 'Edwardian Walking Suit' (right). 
Ophelia by Nastasja Caliendo costume design student, portrait by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Ophelia by Nastasja Caliendo
Telling Stories in Pictures all over the world..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863

Friday, November 16, 2018

Surrealists at Play - Dali Sculptures LAUNCH at Billich Gallery

Last night saw a glittering launch party for The Dali Universe sculpture show at Billich Gallery the Rocks in the very heart of Sydney. A great venue for a Dali show as painter Charles Billich has, like Dali, always listened to his own voice and moved to the beat of a different drum. Lucky guests mingled with hosts Charles and Christa Billich whilst enjoying a live piano performance and those great Dali sculpture editions - and the additional presence of Andy Warhol!!! Well I wasn't expecting that! Andy was in fact actor Boguslaw Szpilcazak who is currently appearing as the puppet master of Pop Art, Andy Warhol in the play The Trial Of Dali, and stayed very much in character all night;. Great to see Charles signing a book for him at the end; I wonder who he made the inscription out to?
Opening night crowd - Dali Sculptures LAUNCH at Billich Gallery - Photography by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney

Charles and patrons - Dali Sculptures LAUNCH at Billich Gallery - Photography by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney

Three ladies at the party - Dali Sculptures LAUNCH at Billich Gallery - Photography by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney

Christa and friends - Dali Sculptures LAUNCH at Billich Gallery - Photography by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney

Selfie time with a Billich artwork - Dali Sculptures LAUNCH at Billich Gallery - Photography by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney

The real Andy Warhol? Dali Sculptures LAUNCH at Billich Gallery - Photography by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney

Charles Billich and admirers, selfie time - Dali Sculptures LAUNCH at Billich Gallery - Photography by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney

A 'Spanish' lady and a bendy clock face - Dali Sculptures LAUNCH at Billich Gallery - Photography by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney

Flyer for The Trial Of Dali - Dali Sculptures LAUNCH at Billich Gallery - Photography by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney

Space Elephant sculpture - Dali Sculptures LAUNCH at Billich Gallery - Photography by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney

Charles signing for 'Andy' - Dali Sculptures LAUNCH at Billich Gallery - Photography by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney

Dali sculpture with Billich painting in background - Dali Sculptures LAUNCH at Billich Gallery - Photography by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney
See the Dali show at Billich Gallery 106 George Street, The Rocks -  Book tickets for The Trial Of Dali HERE. Full disclosure - I had a great time.

Previous Billich Gallery posts from Street Fashion Sydney
https://streetfashionsydney.blogspot.com/2016/04/walking-on-eggshells-two-stories-of-art.html
http://www.uniqueeventphotography.com.au/2016/04/the-billich-gallery-30th-anniversary.html
https://streetfashionsydney.blogspot.com/2018/08/art-seen-august-2018-abstraction-and.html

Telling Stories in Pictures all over..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863

Friday, November 9, 2018

Street Style - Roof of Milan Duomo

Yes everyone does dress better in Milan. Even for a trip to the top of the justifiably famous Duomo, or in English, the Milan Cathedral. Houndstooth check jacket, black pants, white runners and tee - a perfect black and white story for the white marble location that is the Duomo! Terrific menswear style; thanks for the shot on a lovely Italian autumn afternoon.
Duomo Milan, menswear, houndstooth jacket, black pants white tee - view of marble balustrade and Milan in the background. Photo by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney, Italy Edition.

Telling Stories in Pictures all over the world..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863

Monday, October 1, 2018

Victoria - By the Beach - Monterosso, Italy

White Caviar Life and I were only in Monterosso al Mare for a week, but Victoria who we met at the local supermarket became like a close friend, providing us with tips and letting us know if something was happening in town. I grabbed this shot of Victoria on one of our last evenings in Monterosso, looking great as always, and with a very nice bike as well. If you are in Monterosso, drop in and say hello for us!
Victoria with her bicycley by the beach, Monterosso al Mare. Photo by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.

Telling Stories in Pictures all over the world..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Day One in Venice - Future Doppelganger

Travel always has some surprises in store for you and Venice, the impossible city surrounded by the waters of the lagoon of course would be no exception. White Caviar Life and I managed our 70 KG of luggage from train onto the Vaporetto - the famous water bus of Venice - with a surprising minimum of fuss. I put us on the back way - not down the Grand Canal - to St Marco which probably made life a little less tourist crushed. But bumps did ensue, the wind blew, and not long after alighting the 'bus' I heard a chorus of voices, in English, shouting, 'the hat, the hat'. But whose hat? My New York purchased panama was safely strapped to the back of my day pack; who's could it be and where? Well it was mine of course! And there it was bobbing in the Canal San Marco, the widest of them all, slowly making its way toward the pylons of the pier, dipping ever more slightly into the lagoon; we stood there in shock waiting for it to sink to the bottom, to join that ancient third pillaged column, never recovered, way back when. The Canadians who sounded the alarm were busy asking us 'how much was it, is it special?' and that sort of thing, a man was tempted to dive in a save it for me. No boat hook in view, a broom was spotted, commandeered, and then I stepped over the chains, dipped the broom head toward my hat which was stubbornly refusing to sink; and out it came on the first try. There was clapping, whistling - it had been quite a show apparently, then relief and congratulations all round. Venice had welcomed us well; letting us know the water was going to be present always and to be respected; and then she had another more pleasant surprise. As we dragged our bags across Piazza San Marco; I saw a gentleman in a panama hat (it looked like it might have once had a swimming lesson too); classic attire, a dog, a cane and a fabulous fat cigar! And even with bags in-tow, I attempted my first Street Fashion Venice (I think I had my wet panama on my head). Thank you sir, thank you Venice; what a wonderful welcome you gave us.
Classic Italian menswear for summer, panama hat, linen jacket and trousers, a cane, a dog and a cigar. Piazza San Marco, Venice. Photographed for Street Fashion Sydney by Kent Johnson.

Telling Stories in Pictures all over..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Off Duty Model - Menswear - Milan Fashion Week

After the Oxford Fashion Show for emerging designers - Republica, Milan.

Mattia Castro - Off Duty Model Look - Milan Fashion Week - Photography by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.

Follow Mattia - https://www.instagram.com/matt.mood/

Telling Stories in Pictures all over the world..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Traveller Style - Vernazza, Cinque Terre - Italy

Not one but two travellers at that. It's pretty hot out in the sun, you can take a dip in the picturesque harbour (more on that to come); or you can step into the narrow, steep and winding 'streets' that make up this Italian Mediterranean town, find a bar, and just relax. Which is pretty much what was happening when I met these two young women, who asked it I could do a shot for them with their phone. Of course I obliged and then asked for a shot for Street Fashion Sydney too!

 Two stylish, hat wearing travellers in black summer outfits - Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy - Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Telling Stories in Pictures all over..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Como Street Style

Sometimes a wrong turn is the best direction. I'm not talking about the fashion, I'm talking about photographing this great Italian Autumn ensemble before I even saw Lake Como, seems the lake is in the other direction.. But that's OK as I saw more of Como, the town and of course this black on black with long blue denim coat outfit. Thanks for the shot, yes I found the lake and I'm loving Como!
Como Street Style - black on black with long blue denim coat, round glasses. Photographed by Kent Johnson. Como, Italy,
Telling Stories in Pictures all over..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863

Sunday, September 9, 2018

On The Beach - Monterosso Al Mare, Cinque Terre - Italy

The hills, the water, the clouds streaming overhead and ever changing; it's all just so beautiful, I have to remind myself to look down as well. That's how I spotted these young sunbakers, limbs akimbo on the sand at Monterosso.  I'm going to call this shot - Five Beauties of Monterosso - and maybe submit it to a photo competition or two; after all, you never know do you! Click to view larger - and don't forget to follow on Facebook!
Five young women sunbaking on the beach at Monterosso Al Mare, Cinque Terre, Italy. Photographed by Kent Johnson for Street Fashion Sydney.
Telling Stories in Pictures all over..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863

Friday, September 7, 2018

SFS Milan Edition - Milanese Cycle Chic

You know I have always heard that if you were visiting any of the capitals in Italy you really had to lift your (Australian) fashion game. If you have ever wondered if that was really true, just take a look at some of these Milanese bike commuters. Photographed (during down time) while on assignment for - White Caviar Life - not a piece Lycra in sight! I wish I had managed more of the very immaculately dressed gentlemen in suits, often just powering along on a classic old clunker of a bicicletta! If you enjoy these shots, check out my take on cyclists in Paris from last year - and Follow on Facebook to keep up-to-date with my Street Fashion Sydney - Italian Editions!

Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.Milanese Cycle Chic - Street Fashion Sydney Milan Edition, photography by Kent Johnson.

Telling Stories in Pictures all over..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863