POPULAR touring performer and the biggest selling solo artist in Australian chart history, singer, recording artist, songwriter and actress who shot to fame portraying tomboy mechanic “Charlene” on popular TV soap Neighbours winning her multiple Logie Awards, her first single LOCO-MOTION spent seven weeks at number one on the Australian charts and was the highest selling single of the 1980’s, spectacularly performed at the closing ceremony of 2000 Sydney Olympics, sensationally headlined the 1994 Sydney gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, is a celebrated breast cancer survivor, winner of multiple ARIA & Brit Awards, winner of the 2004 Best Dance Recording Grammy Award for COME INTO MY WORLD, received an OBE at Buckingham Palace in 2008 and in 2011 was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard… KYLIE MINOGUE!

FUN FACTS: Kylie is regarded as a gay icon, which she encourages with comments such as “I am not a traditional gay icon. There’s been no tragedy in my life, only tragic outfits…”

KYLIE MINOGUE Limited Edition Print available at TOONARAMA – The Exhibition @ ArtBoy Gallery January 12 – 29

www.BrettWillisCartoons.com

Five of Australia’s most promising young designers showcased their collections on Thursday, at a private cocktail event held at the Crosby Street Hotel in New York. It was an opportunity for the five designers: Michael Lo Sordo, Kym Ellery, Magdalena Velevska, Christopher Esber and Kym Ellery to showcase their Fall/Winter collections to U.S. buyers and press.

New York’s top tier press and fashion industry executives viewed the presentation, which was the culmination of The Australian Five program – a joint effort of Woolmark and the Australians in New York Fashion Foundation (AINYFF). The program was part of G’Day USA – an annual initiative designed to promote Australian business in the USA.

“The Australian Five is focused on bringing the best of Australian design and putting them in front of New York‟s best fashion editors, stylists and buyers,” explains Woolmark CEO Stuart McCullough. “The people who have come together to support this project is a testament to the value of both Australian designers and the Merino fibre in the international market,” says Rob Langtry, Global Marketing Director of The Woolmark Company.

At the cocktail event were AINYFF’s Malcolm Carfrae, Richard Christianson and Julie Anne Quay; Victoria‟s Secret model Shanina Shaik, daughter of the former Australian Prime Minister Katherine Keating, Aussie actor Emma Lung, photographer Sante D‟Orazio, Argentinian model and “It girl‟ Tati Cotliar and Calvin Klein designer Kevin Carrigan.

Check out all of the photos below.

Adrian Erdedi

Click here to view the embedded video.

There will be a fundraiser held at the restaurant Steel in Sydney in February. Please stay tuned for more information.

I also send my love and best wishes with Matt, words really can’t describe the sadness of something like this. I had Matt when I was a contestant on Ready Steady Cook, and he was such a great energy to be around.

Adrian

2011 will forever be etched in my memory as one of the worst and best years of my life, the latter sentiment largely due to a five month stint in the United States where I lived in Los Angeles over their summer and spent part of the US spring time touring California and visiting the East Coast for the first time where I saw Boston, New York and Washington DC.

It meant I had a vast array of US wines that are not available in Australia and for this reason I have separated those wines from the wines available or made in Australia. It is sad to see the lack of US wine labels available in Australia given the fact that they have access to good Australian wines in almost every wine store and some of our cheaper, but not always bad, brands are in their major supermarkets like Ralph’s and Wholefoods. America makes many fantastic wines at all different price points and if you love Cabernet Sauvignon and haven’t had some of Napa Valley’s finest you are really missing out. I was told before I left that Napa had Australia beat when it came to ultra premium Cabernet. I’ll admit prior to my trip I was sceptical but now having had my second trip to Napa I must confess that many of the Cabernet’s on my list below are amongst the best Cabernet’s I’ve ever had. If given the choice, I’d take a $70-$100 bottle of Napa Cabernet over anything of a similar price made in Australia.

However, upon my return in September I was very impressed with the quality of a number of wines I tried from right here in Australia. So, without further adue the below, in no particular order, are my most memorable wines of 2011.

Made or purchased in Australia

Primo Estate ‘Joseph’ 2008 Nebbiolo
Xanadu ‘Reserve’ 2008 Chardonnay
Taltarni 1977 Cabernet Sauvignon
De Bortoli Gulf Station 2008 Pinot Noir
Grove Estate NV MCB (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Barbera)
Thomas Wines ‘The Kiss’ 2007 Shiraz
Oak Works 2008 Tina Molle
Logan Wines 2010 Sauvignon Blanc
Chapel Hill 2011 Il Vescovo White blend
Two Paddocks Picnic 2009 Pinot Noir
Logan Wines 2009 Zinfandel
Logan Wines 2011 ‘Hannah’ Rose
ByJingo 2006 Montepulciano
Henschke 1992 Hill of Grace

American Wines

J.Lohr Monterey 2009 Valdiguie
Phiffer Pavitt ‘Date Night’ 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Kelly Flemming Wines 2009 Sauvignon Blanc & 2007 Cabernet
Wolffer Estate 2006 Fatalis Fatum red blend
Bridlewood Reserve 2007 Syrah
Corison 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon
Red Tail Ridge 2008 Sparkling Teroldego
Opus One 2007 Bordeaux Blend
Seghesio 2009 ‘Home Ranch’ Zinfandel
Smith Madrone Chardonnay (Vintage not noted)
Kenneth Volk Vineyards 2008 Negrette
Rancho Sisquoc 2009 Sylvaner
Andrew Murray Vineyards 2008 Esperance Red blend

The barrel room at Opus One. The centre of each barrel is painted with red wine so that spills as a result of topping-up the barrel do not make the barrels look messy! This is just one example of the kind of attention to detail I saw during my tour of this amazing facility.

The Woolmark Company, in partnership with the Australians in New York Fashion Foundation, recently announced The Australian Five initiative in New York City.

Five of Australia’s most talented fashion designers – Christopher Esber, Fernando Frisoni, Kym Ellery, Magdalena Velveska and recent SOYA winner, Michael Lo Sordo are taking their incredible collections to New York City for a unique program at the Crosby Street Hotel on January 24th to 27th. The program is part of the G’Day USA initiative – an annual program designed to showcase Australian business capabilities in the USA – Australia’s largest trading and investment partner.

“The Australian Five is focused on bringing the best of Australian design and putting them in front of New York’s best fashion editors, stylists and buyers,” explains Woolmark CEO Stuart McCullough.

“The people who have come together to support this project is a testament to the value of both Australian designers and the Merino fibre in the international market, and to the important role expatriate Australians play is spreading the word to international markets of some of our unique talent and products”, says Rob Langtry, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer of The Woolmark Company.

“This is a unique opportunity for New York opinion formers to view the work of five talented young Australian fashion designers in a very intimate and close-up setting, meet the designers and really see the fabric innovation and design skill” added Malcolm Carfrae, Co Founder of the Australians in New York Fashion Foundation.

The program will present a multitude of opportunities for the designers to forge relationships with key members of the American fashion industry. Beginning with an educational seminar hosted at the Australian Consulate, industry greats such as Harper’s Bazaar USA Editor-at-Large Brana Wolf and Features/Special Projects Director Laura Brown, Founder and Creative Director of Chandelier Creative Richard Christianson, V Magazine and AINYFF’s Julie Anne Quay and Malcolm Carfrae (also Executive Vice President of Global Communications at Calvin Klein). This incredibly influential people will be some of the many experts on hand to guide these designers towards their dream of cracking the lucrative US market. The program will culminate with an exclusive cocktail party and live model presentation on January 26 at the Crosby Street Hotel.

Nancy Pilcher (Editorial Director-At-Large, Conde Nast Asia Pacific) is taking on the role as mentor, assisting the designers to present their brands flawlessly to the US market.

G’day USA celebrations are managed and produced annually by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Australian Trade Commission, Tourism Australia, Qantas Airways and the State Governments of New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria. DHL will support The Australian Five through preparing them with high quality, reliable export and import services.

www.merino.com // www.ainyff.org // www.australia-week.com // www.wool.com.au

MORE ABOUT THE DESIGNERS

Fernando Frisoni

Fernando Frisoni AW12/13 is based around ideas of strength, versatility and competitive instinct. The collection, titled Stadium, draws reference from the functionality and form seen in the sports arena.

Designs brought to life by a rich wool textures, effortlessly and a sexy and considerate take on the luxury sport aesthetic resulting in garments which are both chic and highly wearable.  The collection stays true to the Fernando Frisoni philosophy which encapsulates casual sophistication whilst celebrating minimalism and uncomplicated silhouettes.

Magdalena Velevska

Magdalena Velevska’s AW12/13 collection has been designed and driven through the use of innovative textiles, and applying these in contemporary yet wearable ways.

Sequin wool felting is a feature of this collection. A felting technique is used to connect a fine Merino wool jersey with silk georgette which swiftly provides a unique sequin shine. The fabric is than further embellished to add spark and take the development out of an androgynous feel into a luxurious territory.

Five pieces of extraordinary knitwear made from 100% merino wool yet look like intricate lace are a feature of Velevska’s AW12/13 collection.

The knitwear is three dimensional in texture and uses a blend of two different yarns to achieve the unique effect – one flat and smooth, the other more textured and bulky.

Michael Lo Sordo

Michael Lo Sordo’s AW12/13 collection, ‘Gold Rush,’ is comprised of a sophisticated colour palette - black, midnight blue, olive, cognac and of course gold.

The finest of merino wool’s is set alongside boiled wool and felts, waxed silks and viscose, soft nappa leather – all creating dynamic changes in appearance and feel.

Lo Sordo has also developed by hand a state-of-the-art foiling technique – using wool’s inherent property to absorb heat, gold is manipulated into the wool fabric with heat, creating an imperfect but yet perfect design finish. Rare manual finishing techniques and creative uses of multiple textiles is a signature of Lo Sordo’s that shows the utmost innovation, and understanding of modern style.

Christopher Esber

AW12/13 for Christopher Esber is all about examining the essence of couture shapes, about looking at the points on the body where volume sits then contouring other areas to give a sense of dynamic, sports inspired, panelling and a rapid sense of urgency.

AW12/13 see’s Esber play with a woven wool and mohair fabric that brings texture and drama into the pieces and also features bonding of wool felts onto leathers for reversible classic pieces from outerwear to the staple dress.

Kym Ellery

Ellery AW12/13 is filled with a multitude if aesthetic wonders.

As the seasons have ticked by, so have the challenges that Ellery has adopted to give the range a touch of something thoughtful and intriguing. Time after time Ellery has mastered many different techniques which cross the boundaries of conventional garment design.

AW12/13 brings a new masterpiece to the fore with an exciting relationship forged between fine Australian Merino wool and lurex to create knits which enchant and devour the body. This intricate knitted fabric is then put through a fusing process to bond it to the inside of leather so that the garments are fabric lined and feel luxurious next to the skin.

www.AdrianErdedi.com

Click HERE to join the Facebook page.

As if 2012 wasn’t already looking promising for the young talented designer, Michael Lo Sordo.

Today Michael took home the very prestigious Qantas Spirit of Youth Award, which will now see him receive $10,000, flights with Qantas and a mentorship for one year with the adorable girls from Zimmermann, Nicky and Simone.

Michael Lo Sordo was recently selected as one of five very special Australian designers jetting off to New York in just over a week with The Woolmark Company, which is in partnership with the G’Day USA initiative. Over there, they will get to showcase their designs on a global scale, with enormous potential for each of the designers and their brands.

Easily one of Australia’s finest designers establishing himself in Australia, 2012 really will be a big year for Michael, and I know for a fact everyone will be supporting him and his incredible talent for many years to come.

Congratulations Michael!

Adrian

TOONARAMA – The Exhibition features limited edition digital artwork caricature prints by 2012 Midsumma Festival Premier Artist for Stonnington – cartoonist BRETT WILLIS.

The cast of CARTOON HOTTIE caricatures include Pop Princess Kylie Minogue, Olympic Diver Matt Mitchum, Music Icons Madonna & George Michael, Drag Legends Kerrie Le Gore, Barbra Quicksand & Doug Lucas, Music Guru Ian “Molly” Meldrum, Melbourne STORM rugby player Cooper Cronk, Underwear Model Nick Bracks, Comedian Josh Thomas, Politician Penny Wong and more… plus a special tribute to Vivien St James!

Growing up in the 80’s on a diet of trashy U.S. sitcoms, glamorous Angel detectives, buff mutant superheroes and controversial Material Girl video clips, Melbourne Freelance Cartoonist BRETT WILLIS developed an insatiable taste for Popular Culture and the cult of Celebrity.

Inspired to draw as a child by comic book superhero artwork, Brett’s first published work was at age 12 in Larry Pickering’s book CARTOONS BY AUSTRALIAN KIDS, and has since produced an extensive variety of cartoon and illustration work for children’s books, TV show merchandise, magazines, newspapers, websites, corporate promotions, caricature commissions and has had successful solo exhibitions showcasing his “bright, bold and sexy cartoon style”.

Cartoon clients include pyjama designs for Peter Alexander Sleepwear, Licensed merchandise for hit children’s TV shows Hi-5 & Cushion Kids, Illustrations for Educational Workbooks, Little Golden Books, Virgin, Genesis & Re.Creation Health Clubs, Banner caricatures for Brisbane Lions & West Coast Eagles AFL clubs, Illustrations for MCV newspaper, DNA & Qantas magazines and regular newspaper spot illustrations, cartoon strips and covers with CARTOON HOTTIES featuring on style blog AdrianErdedi.com

TOONARAMA – The Exhibition Opening Night
Thursday 12th January 6-8pm
ArtBoy Gallery
99 Greville Street, Prahran.
T: 03 99398993
www.artboygallery.com

Open Monday – Friday 10 to 6pm
Saturday – 10 to 5pm
Sunday – 11 to 4pm

www.BrettWillisCartoons.com

CARTOON GO-GO HOTTIE

SUPER buff Go-Go Dancer, physique/ underwear/ swimwear Model, Fitness Instructor and unique Film Maker whose film career began with the short film DISCOBALLS (2000), followed by Nicholas Verso’s feature film MAX A CAUTIONARY TALE (2003), and popular queer short film DADDY’S BOY (2006) as well as various roles in low budget films, made controversial television appearances on Channel 7’s AUSTRALIAN TEMPTATION ISLAND & SUPRISE SUPRISE, has modelled for ANSEL condom packets and COCKSOX underwear, appeared in many magazine editorials and dance party posters, and continues to pay the bills by exploiting his assets… TRISTAN HAMILTON!

FUN FACTS: A talented performer, Tristan won the 2004 Melbourne Midsumma Festival Opening Night Talent Quest miming to Kelis’s MILKSHAKE song, and is currently working on his follow up short film which he describes as a John Waters / Wes Craven mash up horror / comedy romp!

TRISTAN HAMILTON is featured in TOONARAMA -The Exhibition @ ArtBoy gallery as part of the Melbourne Midsumma festival 2012!

www.brettwilliscartoons.com

“Dear Santa,

I’ve been a good boy this year and this is what I want for Christmas. Read below.

Love Adrian”

One gift that I’m hoping to get under the Christmas tree this year is the BeoSound 8 by Bang & Olufsen.

Renowned for breathtaking sound quality and iconic styling, Bang & Olufsen have once again designed a standout electrical piece of art for your home, perfect for the bedroom, kitchen, retreat or dining room. There really isn’t a place you can’t put this piece.

Where ever you want sound, your BeoSound 8 can go. All you need is a power outlet and an iPod, iPhone or iPad which sits securely in the adjustable holder. You’re then ready to go, so be prepared for the awesome sound that is about to grace your ears.

You can also download an app version of the sleek and stylish BeoPlayer for your docked iPad, iPhone, or iPod. You can also adjust sound levels and skip tracks quickly and conveniently on BeoSound 8 itself. Music on a docked or USB linked device can be controlled via the dedicated round remote control.

The conical shape of the speakers is designed this way to create an unobtrusive impression, as well as eliminating standing waves, by avoiding parallel surfaces.

BeoSound 8 comes in either black or white with aluminium details and matching power cord. When you feel the need to add a splash of colour to the room, the list of options includes six fabric speaker covers in yellow, orange, red, silver, black and white.

Check out the video below for a little tour of the BeoSound 8.

Available at Bang & Olufsen stores for approx $1,500. Visit online for locations: www.bang-olufsen.com

Click here to view the embedded video.

Thanks Santa!

My top gift idea for this Christmas is sending an app to a friend or family member with an iPhone or iPad. It’s also a great last minute gift!

The app.

You can gift any app, but I am also giving you a recommendation of a fantastic app that is out now and fantastic for someone who loves to cook. It’s Ian Thorpe’s latest project called Cook For Your Life.

Ian Thorpe is known for his incredible swimming achievements – but not everyone knows that he loves to cook, so this is where Ian’s passion for tasty food has led him to develop simple, beautiful, easy-to-prepare, protein-rich meals to keep him in great shape.

In this, Ian’s first cookery app, he shares those recipes, as well as his philosophy on diet gleaned from experts in nutrition and performance that he’s had the privilege of working with during his years of elite sporting success.

Ian Thorpe – Cook For Your Life is only $2.99 in the iTunes app store and features:

* Over 75 recipes covering sides, vegetarian, seafood, poultry, lamb, beef, vegetarian, pork and desserts.
* Shopping list funtionality
* Favourites builder to create your perfect menus
* Video from Ian Thorpe
* Imperial & metric settings
* Oven timer

Example recipes included in Cook For Your Life:

* Vegetable stir-fry with miso
* Green envy vegetables
* Mrs Joyce’s Lebanese fish
* Grilled salmon with roast capsicum pesto
* Chicken larb san choi bao
* Three-day chicken
* Spicy beef and lentil burgers
* Lamb steaks with herbs and harissa
* Japanese pork with onion dressing
* Vanilla pannacottas with berry coulis

Click HERE to view on Apple website.

The book.

Ian Thorpe – Cook For Your Life

Ian Thorpe is an incredible Australian. He has achieved more then most people on the planet, but still maintains to be a real person underneath that powerful physique. A new addition to his impressive portfolio is the cook book, Cook For Your Life.

I’ve bought this book for my mother (because she doesn’t have an iPhone!) and flicking through the book I have found a heap of recipes I’ve book marked for both mum and me to make. This book is incredible and the photography and food styling is so beautiful and real.

Ian has put together a selection of recipes which require the best and freshest ingredients, which ultimately means you and your family benefit. The meals are nutritionally structured, combining a range of vegetable, proteins and legumes. Reading through each recipe, you will notice there is a similar structure, this is the key to his own health.

As soon as I give the book to my mum on Christmas day (and then steal it back for me to finish reading!), I will put up some posts of the recipes and photos. I can’t wait to cook the way Ian Thorpe cooks in his own kitchen, the way that athletes eat and the way I should eat.

As I write this post, I have had 2 chocolate muffins. Oh dear!

The book is available online and at all good book stores for $39.95.

Click HERE to view book on publisher website.