Belinda Zanello: December 2010

December 20, 2010

“Honeysuckle, Sweet & Potent” by me.

In 2010 it was Turquoise, a mesmerising colour to whisk us away to a state of escapism and tranquillity. But 2011’s new colour is about to change all that. It’s time to wake up to a brave new world, to be emboldened and face every day troubles with confidence and strength. Although Honeysuckle 18-2120 is not an everyday colour…

A vibrant reddish pink, it will lift you up and give you the confidence, bravery and spirit to face the tiring challenges we meet every day, be it at uni, work, personal lives, new children, and relationships, this vibrant baby helps with warding off the blues and getting the adrenalin going!

“The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.” -Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®

Both men and women can wear this colour (although it may take an unworthy amount of time to persuade the former to. I’m not going to even try to ask my boyfriend), it is striking and engaging in women’s apparel, accessories and cosmetics day or night.

For interior decorating, it makes a sweetly-intoxicating feature wall, or go for home wares with patterned cushions and lamp shades and little personal features that makes the colour work for you, not the other way around.

All in all, it’s a new dynamic burst of energy, I can’t wait to see it slowly creep through in merchandising and especially cosmetics and couture, the world needs more beauty, one can never have enough of the colour pink! And if you hate pink, (I used to, no seriously I did!) then maybe give Honeysuckle a chance to work its way into your heart, it’s not so painfully feminine that it leaves a sickly sweet taste in your mouth, and it’s not so loud and outrageous as a hot burst of molten red, so give it a chance, let it bring something more into your life, for 2011 is the year for brave, new things…

Belle Xx

sources ~ http://au.pantone.com

2010 Colour Trend TURQUOISE!

Turquoise Odyssey – an observation by yours truly. (Originally posted in Spring)

The Spring weather is finally warming up in little Radelaide! Time to plan how many hours to spend at the beach, which gelati to have & being free without a care in the world! Until then, while you’re sitting at your computer waiting for the summer holidays, I’m going to share my observations on the colour you’ll be seeing even more of this year. Evoking a sense of excitement and escapism to soothing tropical waters, PANTONE® 15-5519 Turquoise brings about a sense of well-being, serenity & healing as the official ‘Colour of 2010’. One of my favourite colours too. J

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of colour,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky.”

In the realm of fashion, make up, interior decorating and more, Turquoise is flattering with an androgynous appeal. Having warm, cool undertones, it harmonises well with other colours. Try wearing it with neutrals and browns to keep it in the spotlight, or amp it up with some coral reds and pinks (my fave right now is a coral red/orange maxi and giant turquoise stone necklace). Or bring out a maritime look with deep ocean blues, or put some zest into your green clothes or trend-setting yellow-greens if you’re brave! ;)

Send an elegant statement in turquoise silks and gemstones or keep it casual in cotton and gym attire. I love wearing turquoise as an accent in accessories and jewellery, purses, shoes and especially WANT NAIL POLISH! For the guys, try a hint of turquoise in ties, shirts and sportswear.

Even in bridal, Turquoise is taking the lead in the top 200 Pantone Wedding Colours this year for bridesmaids, formalwear and flower girl dresses. My mother wore a turquoise fishtail bridesmaid dress in ruched taffeta at her best friend’s wedding (circa 1989). I kid you not, she still has it in her wardrobe, here’s hoping she won’t miss it, with a few alterations on my behalf! ;) Happy accessorising!

Belle xx

sources ~ http://au.pantone.com

December 18, 2010

More Jewellery Making!

This is probably the last I'll be doing for 2010, definitely more to come in 2011. So far I'm happy, still creating things for people to wear, although it's not fashion, it's another avenue to explore, another creative outlet & I hope to challenge and expand my skills again and have fun!!

If you don't hear from me again for 2010, I wish you a safe and happy Christmas, and wish you health and wealth for 2011. See you in the New Year!

Belinda Xx

December 14, 2010

Jewelery Making

I've studied Jewelery Making in the past & always hoped I'd come back to it at some stage. This little collection sums me up pretty well. Nature, leaves, pastels, vintage metal, cameos, romance, fantasy. Available to buy on facebook. Xx

December 1, 2010

Latest Shoot - a Stylist's Recount

In a beautiful little bay shaped like a horse shoe, near by the rocks stands an elegant, strong model, blonde hair slicked back, eyes muddy and fierce in 6 inch pump stilettos. She is wearing a diaphanous, flowy design by Nichole McLachlan, a designer to watch out for.

The gown is pure silk chiffon, hand-dyed using the shibori technique in colours of cool turquoise and cornflower blues and purples. Is it any wonder the designer won "student of the year" at Tafe, Marleston College 2009.

Swathed in soft silks, the model Talisa works with photographer Tony Snape and assistant Claire Teague amidst the high tides crashing on the nearby rocks below, creating gusts of sea spray and water; nothing like a bit of drama to make the shoot worth every second ticking on the clock to get that perfect shot.

Tony, always professional, keeps shooting, only to pause and turn his back to the ocean spray and water momentarily, then resumes shooting, while we look on shivering and hoping the equipment doesn't mind it either. Claire tells us little raincoats are available for camera's, a worthy investment I think.

Mother Nature is playing games today, the sun can't decide if it wants to stay or go and the wind is reminding me of the tornado in the Wizard of Oz, which is quite fitting as Claire shines a special reflector onto Talisa creating a rainbow reflection on her skin, in my head I hum "somewhere over the rainbow" as the winds push us across the rocks further and further.

Fortunately we complete shooting Nichole's garments before the heavens open, seeking refuge at the next location for the next look. Using various fabrics I have, I drape and secure the fabric to Talisa's body, adding minimal accessories to keep the look clean and chic. Sophisticated, without being complicated.

I really recommend visiting the sweet and quaint little Port Elliot Bakery on the way out, I felt like I'd never tried a real meat pie and lemon tart until that moment. It's a beautiful town, tucked away like a hidden treasure.