Woke up this morning and let’s be honest – who didn’t want to go back to bed with the weather being so S#!t ????? As you could of imagined what was supposed to be a bright summer awakening started to feel like a rather sluggish wintery morning! BUT that didn’t necessarily mean a fun days of work wasn’t about to begin.
Here at T.L.O.R head quarters I have been busy expanding the RATAVOSI men’s and women’s collection with additional women’s looks for our Amore Amore Photo-shoot.
I’ve been crazily sourcing props and accessories from all over the place as well as locations to give the right touch to all our looks.
In fact, Perfect Timing for Valentine’s Day !!!!
Mid last week, I ordered a cute red wide brimmed hat and some cat eye sunnies to go with the “midnight rendezvous dress” (oh and a pair of white ear muffs JUST FOR FUN hahaha)– what felt like a knock and run today, brightened mine and my best friends day.
2 brown parcels from ASOS… oh yes oh yess !! Happily tearing apart the boxes, there they were ! It always feels so exciting and rewarding when you get a parcel at the door, I love the feeling, it almost feels like it’s your birthday ha !
And well knowing the two of us ( the usual ) decided to do a silly little luvo session with the new pieces.
Just a regular day at the office. Check it out haha
Wearing My very own RATAVOSI “Sinuous Senorita Jacket”being all snobby and that with my best friend in one of my wardrobe favourites, my biker vest with a fur collar and of course our accessories from ASOS, Red hat, cat eye sunnies and our fluffy white ear muffs.
I’m so classy that sometimes I do This and she just smiles. REDHOTEVIL VS PRETTYSNOWANGEL.
Oh and I also forgot to mention that while I’m classy I also B.O.L – BLAARRRRRR OUT LOUD and she pouts innocently ofcourse.
Showing off the non-viciously-torn side of the parcels hahaha
The buzz backstage is crazy, especially when you have garments that are showing. The relief is remarkable. Enjoy watching Runway #2 of the 211 Graduate Fashion Collections, Men’s and Womenswear
“R.T.W F/W 2012 – RAW ENERGY” “Interior Circulatory systems exude intense power in conjunction with the forces of the universe. This most basic pulsation represents the connection between the human body and the Earth’s core, signified by Red hues. Energy is released with this primitive, adrenaline-fuelled trend. Our men and women in red are like fire on ice.”
The designers ( in order of appearance) :
Diyana kosso (3 garments)
Chattida Prasartkul (3 garments)
Jessica Rodgers(3 garments)
Dewi Rumawisari(3 garments)
Jia Ying “Jenny” Xue(3 garments)
Madeline Kassis(2 garments)
Tarek Taouk(2 garments)
Melody Hay(2 garments)
Lo Louise Tam (3 garments)
Alice Kawk (2 garments)
Rachel Howieson(1 garment)
Vanessa Villegas(3 garments) Rhaya Ratavosi(3 garments) Paris Tucker(1 garment)
Pajaree Thirawattanawong(1 garment)
Alice Kawak(1 garment)
Cherie Arthur(1 garment)
Amanda Noor(1 garment)
Pinmarra Prasartkhul(3 garments)
Chang Song Lee(3 garments)
Paris Tucker(1 garment)
So I finally received footage from my lovely PA’s ( ha-ha wait ‘till they see this) and FINALLY got around to putting it up for everyone to enjoy !
I’m sure you can all tell which one is mine judging from my blog photographs.
Padded Sheaths and Arctic Pelts
“Soft and cushiony adipose tissue is recreated using knitted material. Filler and padding add sculptural interest. Large-scale cables and ribbing stuffed with soft wading increase voluminous silhouettes in arctic grey or lavenders and the palest of nudes and yellows.”
The designers ( in order of appearance) :
Andriana
Fatima Asanovski
Dalian Teppo
Yours Truly, Rhaya Ratavosi
Ingrid Vitriana Husodo
Natalie Rizk
Grace Liu
Jessica Rodgers
Chattida Prasartkul
Thi Thuy Duong Ngyuen
Yvette Cooper
Diyana Kosso
Jessica Wainwright
Kalila Stewart-Davis
Shona Mcalpine
William Brunton
Simply because Asos still has their Sale on !!!!
AND all of the items below are just a small handful of my picks – all below $30, so if you’re feeling a little blue and feel as if you haven’t done something “productive” today you really can’t go wrong with this link !!
There comes a time at the beginning of the year when a women (in this case ME and probably you as well ) needs a little something called RETAIL THERAPY.
Retail Therapy occurs when an individual is experiencing such things as depression, Shopping Withdrawals etc.
This very common disorder (specifically after/during the Jolly Christmas and New year season) is referred to as, (what I LOVE to call) Post-NYE depression.
It is a form of depression that most commonly effects women rather than men. It mostly occurs after the period of Christmas to New years and reaches its peak on new years day until about well… The time you purchase something, Many things…preferably online ( because you can have a zillion tabs open and shop from a zillion places at the one time – “PANTS HEAVILY AT THE THOUGHT OF IT – MOOD: ECSTATIC” !) to ease that sector of your brain that bleeps out every once in awhile begging for some retail attention.
Other cases of Depression that also result to Retail Therapy include :
Pre/post-exam Depression : When one is far to stressed to deal with “anticipation”, of an exam paper or the results, often resulting to procrastination at pre stage and anxiety yet relief at post stage. One can always busy themselves at the “mall” by window shopping/purchasing and also “check-out” stage if done via online shopping. This process takes hours as it helps block out any negative energy built up from an exam.
Post Relationship-was-a-Fail Depression : When one is simply depressed due to a failed relationship and/or sudden breakup. Individuals often result to copious amounts of food which is also referred to as “demolishing”, as well as isolation and/or I’m-a-tough-soldier-let-the-next-one-come-at-me stage. After This, ( heroic imagery) a lady steps up and faces the world with her wallet because fashion doesn’t stand still for heartbroken suckers !
Pre-important-Event Depression: The “oh I have nothing to wear”,or “oh I can’t fit into anything” phase – grouped as whinging with mild tantrumitis in most women. This particular one covers many areas. ( Post – NYE depression is a sub category of this)
Many women (within this group are also referred to as Shop-a-holics) come up with such excuses, some of them you may have heard or may have come out of your own mouth:
Yes but I don’t have it in (whichever colour)
I don’t have anything to wear
I shared a coke with my Wardrobe, had a deep-and-meaningful conservation , made a promise to it that I’d replenish stock.
I’m Fat
None of them fit me
It’s so Last season/It’s So last year
I want something new
I’m depressed
I can’t help it – its a sickness
PAY DAYYYYY
Everyone has already seen me wear everything ( Dam Facebook tagging !!)
My shoes have to match the handbag which has to compliment my dress which has to be appropriate for the evening, then we have the hair that works with the makeup and i need a jacket in case its too cold and if that doesn’t work then… oh never mind – its too complicated let’s just get a whole new look for the evening ? yeah ?
Symptoms
Symptoms include ( before and during) :
Sadness ( not feeling spoilt and special)
Distracted
Low self-esteem.
Constantly on shopping apps.
“Watching/stalking” certain items and/or beings.
disturbed vision – e.g Seeing Chanel handbags instead of clouds.
immense ogling ( to individuals with colour blocked outfits or desired items).
Rage upon others (who buy your shoe size out in the only colour it comes in).
Hallucinating from the smell of pure leather.
Drooling at the touch of fabric and luxurious textiles.
mood swings combined with Hyperventilation and ecstatic-ness ( often occurs during checkout).
Obsession (with websites and certain stores).
Caressing/conversing with the credit card.
withdrawals (of anything) .
Sleep and eating disturbances.
Muscle pain in the calf/leg region from excessive walking in Shopping centres
Throwing tantrums at Clothes Racks, Registers or at people working at the store.
The art of being Oblivious (Maxing out and avoiding credit card bills)
If this is starting to sound like anything you are experiencing or have experienced don’t Fret, You are not alone, It happens to everyone
You may not experience all or any of the above but it doesn’t mean your hands aren’t itching to get themselves on some new items for a) the sake of it b) the health reason as discussed above or c) all of the above.
Cures
No Medication can be taken.
The only cure is to fulfil your Shopping urges.
To help with the process of curing your withdrawals and coming out of the POST-NYE depression bubble I have Listed some online Hotspots – So Please, set yourself a limit, Take out that credit card, Crank up the volume on your recent playlist and Browse away – There are millions of items waiting to be owned … BY YOU !
The Favourite Five
Place to be:ASOS Link:http://www.asos.com/au/?hrd=1 Why: Just switch up the currency in the top right corner to your country and you can get just about anything you like on this site, From shoes and accessories, to clothing covering both genders ! If you’re looking for a great bargain or a designer gift for him/her there is a 70% off sale now on and is definitely worth browsing through – I know I already have – Ordered, processed and KA-ching !
Place to be:Oroton Link:http://www.asos.com/au/?hrd=1 Why: Need a new wallet or handbag ? Oroton gives you the best of both worlds catering to him and her. you can view their new arrivals or simply skip straight to their fabulous sale. Luxury Accessories at a generous cost – happening NOW !
Place to be:Nasty Gal Link:http://www.nastygal.com/clothes/ Why: A new favourite of mine ! Exactly the place to go for a new Trendy outfit or a vintage look ! It is a great customer-friendly site with everything for the NASTY GAL , Dress, tops, bottom, intimates you name it – even vintage ! If by this stage you want to save some money on dresses, or need to stock up on some tees and bottoms you can get them in the sale section for as little as 11 dollars. They Also stock a unique variety of Messeca, Sam Edelman, and Jeffrey Campbell Shoes. It’s too hard to pick just one favourite from all the cool pairs they have so here’s a few to tease you until you get your butts to the site !
Place to be:Ladakh Link:http://shop.ladakh.com.au/sale/w1/i1001242/ Why: Gorgeous Prints, Awesome Trendy styles and a quality label at a reasonable price. What more could you want? Having worked with the Ladakh team as I am the intern I must say i Cannot wait to go back to Ladakh HQ – i miss them ! Checkout the collections and all the other sub-labels like Hungtingbird, and Anise – Each have their own Flava ! Having expanded their collections beyond clothing to accessories and footwear you can now be dressed head to toe ! oh and great news for the Aussies – Free shipping on orders of two or more garments within Australia !
Place to be:The Grand Social Link:http://www.thegrandsocial.com.au/ Why: The marketplace for Australian and New Zealand Designers – Top Labels – everything at its very best ! A great selection of collections all in the one spot ! Search by gender or Sale or designer they have it all sorted to make it that little bit easier.
As you’ve probably all noticed I haven’t blogged in awhile. This is because I decided to take a few weeks off after the show to do what normal people do … Work, Shop, more work, more shopping…see absolutely normal… ( what ?… It’s Christmas ha-ha and besides I did good )
Amongst that there has been farewells, girls night out, and a new one to the life of rhy … a time for a love to blossom. And this time I’m not referring to shoes, a new outfit or a timeless tiffany charm, I am in fact referring to the actual thing itself … a boy !
My last post was just before the fashion show – all the crazy hustle bustle deadlines before show time !! The fittings went well and as for the show itself – It could not have run any smoother.
It’s the greatest relief – the greatest reward after all that to have your collection on the catwalk for people to view. Because I guess only you know what it took to get yourself there.
Here’s a few shots from the day/night taken from our very own Raffles Facebook page as well as some of my own.
enjoy !
The Setting – Couture On ice it is !
My knitwear on the catwalk ❤
Raw Energy – Mens wear ! hot hot hot !
Congratulations to the 2011 Graduates !! hoora !
ay Jay – My Hottest boy friend ❤ him to bits !
Backstage Mayhem Begins !
The beautiful Marnee Kidd in our Fashion show – on the left ! She’s absolutely gorgeous !
The boys getting their hair and makeup done !
Marnee Kidd in Graduate Paris Tuckers Major Work.
Mucking around with Kristen at rehearsals !
Model Joella in an outstanding graduate piece !
Seconds before the Show starts !
Claudia Millham (graduate and internship winner) with Robert Di Giovanni ( program Director)
Model Mitchel Looking Seriously Fiery in RAW ENERGY !
If it’s one thing ONE TEASPOON CAN DO – It is there DENIM !!! And they do it well !!
Over time they have expanded their collections from not only denim shorts and pants but also to beautiful cropped bustiers, light summer and cute beaded dresses, as well as tees, knits and skirts !
They’ve got the whole game going on and hey ! there’s no better time to buy them but when they are on sale !
The E-boutique Sale’s been extended till the 21st of November – SO HURRY !!!!!!
There’s plenty more great bargains in their sale so just check out the website – Just click here OR just scroll down for my picks and click on the ones you like to direct you to BUY !!
New bikini ?? Only $35
Comes in three awesome colours – Orange, Red and Rose !
AND its 100% SILK !
High rise skinnies ? Still available in sizes 6 – 12
Hey guys!
Its Rhaya here, reporting back to all our fans from one of Australia’s biggest runway shows hosted by Westfield.com.au!
Having received the luckiest chance to be able to work behind-the-scenes at such a spectacular show it truly became an amazing experience. I worked closely with Stylist Jono Nicholls and JBP productions staff, to casting and fitting models, arranging looks and sections to bring to the public a “not to be missed opportunity for Sydney fashionistas”
The morning was a fairly crisp one and everyone’s fingers were crossed that the rain wouldn’t ruin the outdoor experience at Circular Quay’s Customs house. As the crew put together the last of the 44 metre catwalk and seating the sun began to warm things up.
Backstage, the hardworking hair and makeup artists from Napoleon Perdis, as well as the brilliant dressers (including of course yours truly) were assisting with the pampering up process of the 100 models that were to star on this runway. We went from perfecting the sections, and organising the running order to taping all the beautiful shoes provided from Brands like Ellery, Peep toe, Guess, and Tony Bianco. Finally it was Show time, getting the garments perfected on the models in running order and ensuring things were running smoothly.
Having a Sharp eye for design details and labels, I not only fell in love with half the collections on show but I also realised that Ladakh was amongst the gorgeous garments. With the Runway Being a complete success, we can shop selected Ladakh items from Westfield like never before, all our favourite brands in the one spot. “Unlimited shopping, One Checkout”.
There comes a time in every fashion designers life where they take their first pair of needles, their first ball of yarn and learn to knit.
My first knitting experience occurred during the autumn of ’11, something I doubt I’ll ever forget. Our Design Brief was “padded sheath“ with a Winter white colour palette and highlights of light grey, flesh or baby yellow tones. This had to be designed in relation to our researched non-western culture.
Hours and hour of research go into the history factor within design. It is important you know what comes from where, and especially how it got there! During my research I decided to choose home, none other than the indigenous aborigines of Australia. In particular I looked at the aborigines of the Arnhem Land, Their art, their history, what their story was, and what they were trying to tell us. Within my research I found that these particular inhabitants had a certain style of art known as Rarrk. Rarrk was the style of cross hatching within their art, usually characterised by a number of parallel lines, and a repeated pattern of different diagonal segments. I gained inspiration from this for my Jacket and Skirt.
So now I knew directly where my inspiration was coming from and exactly what my boundaries for colour and concept were. I adopted the style of rarrk and combined it with the padded sheath theme, and innovative sleeve ideas for my jacket. It took 4 weeks to come up with a complete look for this brief as it was my first time dealing with hand-knitting, padding and wadding. But we all know what that meant – another 4 weeks, to master knitting and finish the garment, as well as doing other assessments like my portfolios and attending other classes and their assessments. Monday through to Saturday I was at college. Waking up at 5.30, getting on a bus for 2 hours with the m2 traffic, being at college all day, coming home and being so exhausted – like never before. I would work on Sundays – a Full shift from nine till six to make up for the days I couldn’t work and sometimes I’d even pull a long 7 till 6 when asked.
I never complained, always did my work, put in my best efforts, sucked up any pain and just gave it all I had, because I had it in me. It was like a live wire, and it still exists. Its this crazy passion that motivates me and fuels my determination. I experienced 8 weeks of a rollercoaster, with my cousin flying in from Los Angeles for 6 weeks, as well as crazy deadlines every week, full time-no rest weeks, playing the role of student and tourist guide was a constant ride. Sometimes I wanted to break down on the ground and just cry and scream for hours to relieve me of all the built up pressure. You get tired with such intense hours, expectations and deadlines. You don’t get a break, no one feels sorry for you, there are no excuses, and you either work till you finish it or you die trying to. This is what you chose not the other way around !
It was my cousin who kept me strong though, her positive attitude and the fact that she was not from here, made me build a wall of strength for myself to lean up against. I honestly don’t know how i did it, but i got through it. It was the greatest pleasure having her and I loved every bit of it. Family is one my first priorities, Cousins from overseas really brighten up your day. It’s different when you live in Australia far far away from them all ! You really start to appreciate things people normally wouldn’t !
Life throws unexpected challenges your way and you just have to deal with it.
What i was yet to learn though was that there was something more to it all – this wasn’t the end – there was no happy vacation for me yet ! If anything this was just the beginning !
Monday – 2 days before Marking and shoot day Wednesday 29th June 2011. 7:30 pm I had reached the final stages of my garment but the design wasn’t going to work and it had to be changed – There was absolutely no way The original padded Skirt layers were going to stay on and work with the knitted skirt. What the hell was I going to do ? An absolute disaster. With only one full day Left to work on it – and that day being a Tuesday which I had a different class and assessment due – what was I going to do ? Luckily my Mentor and I sat down and Re-worked my design and my options. I had picked up crocheting throughout the term break and that is what I decided to use to portray the rarrk on the skirt. There was no other way of working an idea in such short period of time ! Eventually the process of this conceptual knitwear craze would be completed and all I’d have to worry about would be presentation for marking day and the shoot.
I had The Pleasure of having my beautiful Friend AND beautiful Model Marnee present it – The most amazingly kind hearted person I have ever met ! My Best friends Melina Bloc ( a very talented music artist) as the hair stylist and Yasmine Parker ( my lovely besty who captures the finest of moments) from 000 photography taking my shots. My cousin Nicole assisted with the makeup and together my friends and I had a blast !! It was a great day, Marnee was fantastic and patient as was everyone else ! Over 500 shots were taken in just over an hour and they all came out so great !
Watch the video and let me know what you think of it – as well as the Collaged Photos !!!!
Conceptual Knitwear 2011– Shoot and Marking day.
Knitwear drove me insane, in fact knitwear made me sick – so sick that I had to have an operation.
To be continued … 2011 – Health – The Emotional Aspect.
Music – one word, one syllable, many things.
It drives us, inspires us, calms us, motivatesus, revives us and defines us.
Music has always played a big part in my life. I’ve always listened to a mixture of things from RNB, hip hop and rap right through to house/electric dance and rock.
I’m really feeling RNB right now and the beautiful beats combined with lyrics that make you take a deep breath and go WOW, not only can I rap to this but I can really FEEL parts of the lyrics have already come alive within my life.
It’s a short story; add the sound minus the visual.
During winter, I always tend to slip myself back into some good RNB. I feel like it has a way of describing my mood very well. Laid back and chill like the weather, the moods and emotions in the atmosphere are just that little bit more realistic with the music in the background.
As we all know I study fashion design and my May to July/August playlist has been dominated by RNB artists such as Drake, Dj Khaled, Lil Wayne, and some Tyga.
However a new favourite of mine is Wiz Khalifa. Checkout my playlist below and if you like any of the songs you can listen to and download them at www.mp3skull.com
1. Drake – I get lonely too
2. Drake – dreams money can buy
3. Drake – Miss me
4. Drake – find your love
5. Dj Khaled ft drake ft Lil Wayne – I’m on one.
6. Drake – Baby come with me
7. Francisco ft Drake, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne – forever
, Dress, tops, bottom, intimates you name it – even vintage ! If by this stage you want to save some money on dresses, or need to stock up on some tees and bottoms you can get them in the sale section for as little as 11 dollars. They Also stock a unique variety of Messeca, Sam Edelman, and Jeffrey Campbell Shoes. It’s too hard to pick just one favourite from all the cool pairs they have so here’s a few to tease you until you get your butts to the site !
❤ him to bits !
RHYversusWORLD | The Life of Rhy 