Hot Couture!

The Music of Cry Baby

2012-01-27T21:35:00.000-08:00

Gosh we have been so busy this month we haven't even had time to write the blog, I thought January was supposed the be a slow month. Not so, luckily we are doing what we love otherwise working these long hours would not be so hot. Speaking of HOT we were really excited about the Music of Cry Baby night at the Vanguard. In fact had we not been so flat out my intention was to fly up to Sydney and go see all my lovely friends and dance the night away to some of my favourite songs.
The very lovely Kitty Van Horne and Pia Anderson along with Jeremy from the Snowdroppers performed to what I am told was a very excited audience. Both Kitty and Pia wore Hot Couture so that was a treat for us. Next big thing at The Vanguard that we want to go up for is Audrey Auld Mezera who is an old friend from Nashville. I used to go to all of her gigs when she started out a thousand years ago, I still listen to her music and I can't wait to see her again. The Rockafillies are performing the same weekend so that should be enough of a music fix for a bit. XXX Joy

New stuff coming

2012-01-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

Gosh, time has gone by so fast I haven't had time to even write my blog. The new website is keeping us extremely busy and I thought January would be a slow month. We had the most wonderful Christmas and even managed a few days off for a road trip with the kids. Lots of fun.
We have had so many inquiry's about playsuit's and bathing costume's so we have made up some samples that we will share with you soon. We have been doing the bathers in the photo for some time and we can make them up in red with white spots as well. They are not on the website but you can order through us at hotcouture@bigpond.com. Siren's swimwear has 50's bathing suits pretty well covered and we highly recommend them. As for good fitting playsuits, we are still trying to find the perfect fit but when we do we will put them up on facebook. We have some lovely shirts coming your way as well, that was the plan for January but we didn't expect to be so busy so they will be a few weeks away as well. Watch this spot XXX Joy

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! What a year we've had.

2011-12-30T17:03:00.000-08:00

JANUARY....Stavroula Mountzuoris leaves us for an incredible job in Sydney at an animation studio, we miss her terribly but know that this is the right thing for her, Stav is just too big a personality for little old Adelaide, we still miss our lovely girl. Stav's best friend Marie takes over her role and fits it like a glove, could we have any more beautiful girls. Sven Kovak / photographer comes by with Marie and we have lots of fun doing photo shoots at the beach and on the lake with Sven, Marie and Ginger.
FEBUARY...Greta Kate comes to the door with cupcakes, crying. I just know she has had an amazing job offer and I just want her to be happy so we rejoice with cupcakes, tears and a cuppa. A big Adelaide designer has snapped Greta Kate up. We love Greta Kate.
We ask Izi who we have been outsourcing to for 5 years to join the team working full time at our studio, we love Izi too. Can we be any luckier, yes we can.
MARCH...has bought us William Lazootin, he has moved here from Sydney and decided to make Adelaide his home. William is so much fun just like Stav and Greta and he's an amazing pattern maker so everything is back to normal, well as normal as H.C. can be anyway.
APRIL... we were really excited when our shipment of fabric arrived from Japan, so many beautiful designs the Koi fabric made up the most amazing sarongs and they just walked out.
MAY..was our shoot with Harmony Nicholas at Louis Bond. Such a fun day Ginger and Libie Jean modeled for us. Evie Sebben and Arrabeer did the make up and Molly Harrison did all the hair. The girls looked stunning and we went on to use 3 of the shots in ads.
JUNE.....Two Bit Villains opened in Adelaide and you couldn't meet a nicer couple than Sass and Liam they have had a wonderful six months and are expanding in March. It is the perfect place for us to stock, the turn over is excellent and for people who don't have time to come up to our studio it's perfect.
JULY...Ruby Chew had another SOLD OUT Art Exhibition. What an incredibly talented girl Ruby is, we love that she has worn exclusive Hot Couture for each of her openings.
AUGUST...always brings out the 50's fanatics. Sarah Easter and I flew up for the annual Fifties fair at Rose Siedler House in Sydney. We had the best weekend, I have had a stall for the last 8 years but decided I wanted to enjoy myself this time round and watch all the goings on. So happy I did what a great day. We also squeezed ina night out at our fave restaurant Porteno.
SEPTEMBER...bought us issue 19 of Deadbeat it was the 12th issue for us advertising and in this one we had our Harmony Nicholas ad shot at Louis Bond, words can not explain how beautiful this photograph looked. We were also lucky enough to have a photo shoot with Aspen wearing our strapless gingham Marilyn.
OCTOBER...I ran into this wonderful girl in the city, I actually did run into her. Chloe and I chatted for a bit, she's a student at the design course here at Tafe so I offered Chloe work and she has been working on and off here at H.C helping out. What a gorgeous, vivacious girl to have around.
NOVEMBER...We waited ages for Julia and Brett's amazing cowboy wedding. Hot Couture dressed the wedding party but that wasn't the best bit, actually attending this wedding was the highlight of my year.
We also had Miss Pin Up Australia and the lovely Lauren and Annie come to us for day wear and evening wear. We loved dressing these two fun girls and Lauren won Miss Perfect which was perfect for all of us. Lauren and Annie have since become regulars at our studio and we adore when they drop by.
DECEMBER....Huge month for us, we launch our new website and have 16,000 hits in the first few days. Were over the moon with the website and even though it took longer than we thought it would it has paid off big time. Thanks to everyone involved.
Issue 20 of Deadbeat comes with our ad photographed again by Harmony Nicholas, now this one is my favourite. We also have a lovely spread on "Girly stuff" photographed by Shannon Brooke.
So you can see it has indeed been a huge year for us and apart form the odd trip to Sydney we haven't even had a holiday. Why would we want one when every day we are doing what we love and like Willy says it never seems like work at Hot Couture it seems more like a party. That's the way we like
it. So stay tuned when we get some time we will still be having the odd Monday Special, we are making up some nice men's shirts as well so keep and eye out for them. We also have a surprise SALE soon just to move any returns and samples, we will let you know via facebook.

HAVE A WONDERFUL AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FULL OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER. Thank you for following our blog and I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoy having you peek into our world. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Lots of love and hugs Joy XXX

Shannon Brooke Imagery.

2011-12-19T22:36:00.000-08:00

We were so excited to have Shannon Brooke photograph Hot Couture for this issue of Deadbeat under the heading (GIRLY STUFF) I love that.

Hot Couture is alongside non other than “Lucy & Lingerie” and “Miss Lulu.”

The very lovely Shayna is wearing our perfect Isle of Capri pants and Ava top in black, we love this shot of her by the old gas pump at George’s Ranch and Garage.

On the next pages Shayna is wearing Lolita in black with cherry motifs and Lolita in red satin. These frocks are perfect for the festive season in fact in one of the photo’s the girls have knocked off a bottle of champers, my kind of models.

Thanks Shannon for the stunning photo’s.

Photography…….. Shannon Brooke Imagery

MUA……..Randee Rachet

Hair………Danielle June of Pompadour House of Design

Shot on location at George’s Ranch and Garage.

XXX Joy

Addicted to Hot Couture

2011-12-12T22:03:00.000-08:00

We've been going back through our Hot Couture orders to organise a mailing list and got a very pleasant surprise. Many of our customers have ordered more than 4 or 5 garments. This is not only testament to how well they are made but how well they fit and it feels pretty good knowing that we are doing it right.
Just recently we met Lauren Thiel who is one of the Adelaide Burlesque dancers. Lauren came to our studio to talk about outfits for the Miss Pin Up contest and bought several frocks. Since then Lauren and some of her friends have come up to the H.C. studio on a regular basis. To date Lauren has bought 8 garments and has several more on order. Not only is this great for us but the girls who come to us are getting quality garments made to measure. I can't stress enough how much better a garment looks if it has been fitted on you. Here are just a few of Lauren's new frocks.

WEBSITE LAUNCH NOT LUNCH PARTY.

2011-12-03T21:47:00.000-08:00

On Friday night we had our launch party for the new website, it was really lovely catching up with everyone who had worked so hard to make the website happen. Everyone was there from Xtrashiny, Sven our photographer, our hair and make up girls Jen and Cat. Our model Ginger and her gorgeous new boyfriend Jordon. All of the Hot Couture peeps and of course my very supportive husband Deane. We held it at Louis Bond, I have been itching to have a cocktail party or a parade there so this was the perfect excuse. The boys that own Louis Bond are just wonderful and I can't say enough about the fabulous food, in fact there was so much we didn't even need to go out after to eat. Kylie and Mel from Delectable Sins dropped by with the cupcakes for everyone to take home, they had made Deane his own special one with a skull on it, how cute is that. It really was the perfect launch for the new website and our model Ginger finally got her payment for working so hard on the day. One bottle of "Sailor Jerry Rum." Hope everyone enjoyed the night as much as I did. XXX Joy

MISS PINUP AUSTRALIA S.A. & W.A finals

2011-11-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

MISS PINUP AUSTRALIA

CONRATULATIONS to Lauren (Lolly Dolly ) Thiel, Miss Perfect Pin Up,

Chance Chalmer (Miss Illustrated) Adriana Obsenities (Miss Vava Voom) and Tim Van Sim (Mr.Pinup)

We attended Miss Pin Up Australia on Friday night. Having heard lots about it on facebook and because Hot Couture had two girls wearing our frocks, we thought we should go along and support them.

It was at The Gov in Adelaide and when we arrived it was pretty packed, so much for being late.

First out was the day wear, Lauren Thiel was wearing one of our new pink gingham Bardot frock’s with a wide belt, just a little bit proud.

She looked amazing and her poses were pretty much spot on, I’m sure the photo’s will look just like the one’s from the fifties. All the girls looked beautiful there was a mix of original vintage and reproduction.

Next was swimwear and same again there was a lovely vintage and repro mix, some of the vintage ones were to die for especially one that had a little sailor collar detail and one pair of tiki bikini’s I rather liked.

Then came lingerie, there was some amazing underwear, each girl was incredibly individual from sexy Betty Page looks to the more demure Doris Day type frilly gowns and nighties.

I think my favourite segment was the evening gowns and not just because we had a couple of girls wearing them. Lauren was wearing one of our new frocks “GRACE’ it has a black velvet bodice and champagne silk skirt she looked delicious.

Annie was wearing a beautiful aqua blue shot silk frock called ‘LANA’with a rouched top and full skirt she looked lovely as well. A gorgeous girl was wearing the most divine original frock I’ve ever seen, a velvet bodice and shot green skirt, I may have been inspired a bit there. There was Miss Vava Voom and Miss Illustrated next and they were all gorgeous.

Next was the talent and there was definitely a few surprises, Candice made cocktails which I found most entertaining, Annie had a crinkle in her frock so she took it off and ironed it, I loved that one too. Lauren in her underwear, apron and rubber gloves mopped and polished the floor to some fabulous tune, very cheeky. Curly Sue danced to one of Buddy Holly’s songs that I love. One of the girls did the Charleston, one did the twist to Chubby Checker’s famous tune and my absolute favourite was Tullulah Rand who came out and did an ad for Meata Vegebeata or something like that it was like looking at an old ad from the fifties. As she drank it she got more and more tanked, it was soooo entertaining.

No kidding I wouldn’t have wanted to be a judge that would have been too hard. I think they did a great job of picking the winners, well done judges. I think I might have to go again next year I didn’t expect it to be so much fun. Thanks Lauren Glennie for the pics of Lolly. XXX Joy

Adelaide Hills Magazine Ad's.

2011-11-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

This month's Adelaide Hills magazine is featuring one of the new evening frocks in silk dupion along side Alexis George. This is the second time Hot Couture has been in this wonderful magazine. One of our lovely summer gingham numbers was featured when the magazine was first launched and we were thrilled to be a part of it.

Stay tuned H.C lovers! XXX Chloe

Julia and Brett's Wild West Wedding

2011-11-13T16:23:00.000-08:00

11.11.11…………..I will remember as Remembrance Day and the day I was lucky enough to attend a very special wedding.

We walked across to the The Willunga Courthouse where everyone was standing around dressed in attire so perfect I felt as though I really was about to witness a wedding in the Wild West.

It was the perfect backdrop and as the sun was going down we heard a squeal of tyres and through a huge cloud of dust a gold charger with the Brett and the boys pulled to screeching halt.

The boys all swaggered across the stone bridge to the verandah of the Court house. I’m pretty sure I heard the jangling of spurs.

Julia and the girls pulled up next in a stunning red Cadillac. Julia, Nikki and little Mia climbed out to applause and cheering and as if that wasn’t exciting enough someone shot off their cap gun which of course led everyone to follow. It couldn’t have been staged any better and that pretty much sums up the rest of the night, spontaneity, laughter and much love.

Julia with both of her lovely dad’s either side and both of her moms in front walked up to the verandah to meet Brett and his best man. Julia’s wedding gown was stunning even if I do say so myself and she even carried the little gingham horse-shoe I had made to match the dress.

Brett pretty much yelled “I DO” and we all clapped to that as well. Julia and Brett laughed and smiled and joked all the way through the ceremony which is just how it should be. Nikki cried a bit and laughed a lot. Little Mia was adorable in her little check frock.

After the ceremony we all walked to the pub down the road and then onto EL RANCHO MUCHO FUN. I know this because that’s what the sign out the front said. Louise and Sam, Julia’s mom and step dad had turned their property into a real live ranch. The fences had roses threaded though and there was an entrance into the party complete with steer head and horns. The eyes lit up later in the evening they had gone to so much trouble. As we walked through I noticed the side of the shed painted with cactus and sunset, Brett’s handy work I was told later.

We were already having a great time so once we all had drinks and the band started up it didn’t take long before it was one swinging western party.

The absolute highlight for me and I’m sure many others was when the Samoan side of the family got up on stage and sang a traditional Samoan song I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house and as if that wasn’t enough Julia’s nephews then did the Haka. Behind me roller derby girls were fanning themselves, I don’t think they had ever seen so many gorgeous men in one place before. There was an awful lot of love in that marquee.

The speeches bought tears to everyone’s eye’s there wasn’t a single boring speech 9 people got up and talked of love, friends and family and it was beautiful. Nikki sang a song to Julia I think it was I’ve got a friend but I was crying through that as well so what do I know.

The Roller Derby girls gave the newly married couple a huge cheque, another favourite moment of mine. The Saucermen played and we all danced out feet off, if we weren’t dancing we were out the back with the mechanical bull.

I was soooooooo happy when the band played Rawhide that went down a treat with the crowd all screaming and hollering.

I for one felt very privileged to have been a part of this wonderful day and night and I will never forget it.

When I told Julia that when she got married I wanted to make her wedding gown little did I know I would be part of something so incredibly special.

XXX Joy

More website news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-01T23:15:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful meeting with AJ, Nat and Matt from Xtra Shiny this morning and we are well on the way to making our dreams come true. I sat in the offices of Xtra Shiny with my mouth agape. In front of me on a huge screen was the front page for the new Hot Couture website, it took my breath away. I swear I was lost for words and that rarely happens. Every little detail has been taken care of, not only does it look really pretty but it is user friendly and ordering will be a breeze. We're already off our feet at Hot Couture I think we may just be needing more people if everyone feels like I do when they see it.

Now.........I think I should post just one more photo that can't hurt right.

My first day at H.C.H.Q.

2011-10-27T00:08:00.000-07:00

Day one at The Sherbert Studio: An introduction to gingham and dots.

I stepped down the stairs into the sherbert-pink den that is Hot Couture Head Quarters, with H.C queen Joy leading the way and sighed with relief; finally a job that was going to be more fun than work.

Joy hands me a camera and tells me to get snapping. “Lets write about what’s going on here!” She proceeds to hum along to Marilyn Monroe as she starts her cutting work for the day. I raised an eyebrow suspiciously, it was all seeming to good to be true…

I’m a fashion student with big dreams of living a life engulfed with fabric, like Joy, and that’s why I’m here! Not entirely sure what my role here will entail just yet… I’m never going to be a super amazing cutter, as I’m left handed, and I’ve only just commenced study at TAFE, but I know how to make things look pretty, and let’s be honest, that’s what Hot Couture is all about!

The Sherbert Studio, as I’m going to name it, is stuffed full of goodies and oozes glam style. Sitting behind the desk here I’m feeling pretty lucky. I’m surrounded by polka-dot fabric of every colour, there are Vivienne Westwood shoes and bags every where I look, a stack of vintage Barbies in their original boxes to my left, and a toy revolver in front of me. I’ve died and gone to Aesthetics heaven.

Joy calls up the stairs at two H.C customers to come down and join us in the Studio. As I sit in the main office organising some networking stuff I hear laughter as Joy bombards the two girls with stories of a dangerous zoo visit whilst she measures them up. This little space is full to the brim with fun and charisma, and it’s a little infectious.

I’d say for a first day I’ve had a pretty charming glimpse at the H.C world, and I’m excited for more..

Stay tuned H.C lovers! XXX Chloe

Emerald Fontaine/ Burlesque Queen

2011-10-24T23:32:00.000-07:00

One of our favourite London based customers now has her very own website emeraldfontaine.com. We have been selling garments to Emerald now for the last five years and just recently made her Baltimore costume for her stage show. This particular frock will be on the new website, we had so many inquiry's about it after putting it up on facebook. We're delighted that Emerald has named Hot Couture as one of her favourite places to shop for vintage inspired frocks. Have a look at her site , she is fast climbing the ladder in the burlesque world, I hope she doesn't mind us comparing her to Dita Von Teese but all of us at Hot Couture think she is just as beautiful and we're all die hard Dita fans. Thank you Emerald we adore you XXX Joy

Chris Isaak .......my story.

2011-10-12T00:07:00.000-07:00

I first heard of Chris Isaak in the early 90's, we were living in San Fransisco at the time as my husband Deane was working on a film. Chris was performing a lot at the clubs over there and I had been told that he lived nearby. I was completely smitten, seriously who doesn't like him, not only is he gorgeous to look at but he is just the nicest guy.
We moved back to Sydney in 1993 and I started to tell my friends about his music, it seemed no one had heard of him except the odd person who had seen Blue Velvet. Chris came over to perform at The Enmore in Sydney in '95 and I talked all my friends into going along. The theatre wasn't even packed and I was really upset for him. Honestly he couldn't have cared less, he was so happy to be here and talked a lot about surfing and how fun it was to be here in Australia.
After the show we waited around to get an autograph, I asked him to write on my T/shirt " Joy will you marry me" I figured if he signed it, it would be a legal document. He wrote " Joy will you have my baby" talk about smooth. I was completely hooked, what a doll. I have since seen him schmooze every girl he comes across, it wasn't just ME. Reporters go weak at the knees, I don't know what it is that he does but it would be a scary world if every man sent us women into a spin like that.

The next time Chris came back to Sydney I managed to buy tickets right in the front row. I went with my daughter Gypsy who was 18 at the time and her friend Emma. This time the Entertainment Centre was packed. Yay, finally word was out. When he came on I pushed my way right to the front, Gypsy and Emma were up the other end of the stage right underneath him but I didn't want to get a neck ache so I stayed put. Thank the Gods for that one because I was right by the steps and when he ran up the back of the auditorium and headed toward the stage, I was right in line with where he was headed. I can't even tell you how I felt when he past me and turned around, grabbed my hand and pulled me up on stage with him. He was wearing his mirrored suit and let me tell you he was dazzling in it. I was mesmerised I have no idea of the song he sang to me, I thought I was actually in heaven, I'm sure clouds were swirling around my ankles. Then out of the whole audience the lead guitarist pulled Gypsy up on stage, there we were either side of Chris and neither one of us to this day knows what song he was singing. Gypsy and I were all dressed up 50's with petticoats and full skirts, they asked us to stay on stage and dance, after the show everyone was asking us if we were part of the show. BEST NIGHT EVER!!!!!!!!!! Somewhere is a photo of Gypsy and I with Chris. I have been completely in love ever since. It's O.K. Deane understands and likes him too, he does think I'm a little obsessed though.
I went to many more concerts and had close encounters of the fan kind.
Then one afternoon I was working in my costume hire shop and he came on radio, he happened to be in town so I rang the radio station to see where he was headed, the lovely girl on the switchboard who was just as smitten as me told me that he was headed to the city for a signing of his new album Baha Sessions. ( Now my favourite record. ) I closed up shop and caught a cab into the city where to my dismay was a line all the way down Pitt St Mall. I needed some quick thinking, I went to the entrance where there was an escalator going down and the other was stopped and people were lined up. I know this is unfair but I couldn't help myself I went down the escalator, it was 5.25pm and the security guard said they were closing shop. I told him I had to buy a CD for a present and begged him to let me in. He said Chris Isaak was signing his new album so of course I said " WHO" he let me in.
I hid behind one of the counters, I told you I was obsessed. Chris came out with Kenny ( he's a doll as well) and sat right opposite me. I'm sure Chris recognised me, he looked scared. He started singing before anyone even came down the escalator. He sang Sweet Leilani and I almost melted, it was as though he was singing just to me. I know, I know, he wasn't but it felt like it. So happy I went.
In between were a few more concerts and The Music Awards which Gypsy managed to get tickets to.
I don't know if this is the highlight but it sure comes close. a few years ago Chris was coming to Adelaide where I now live. A friend of mines band was supporting The Chris Isaak Concert at one of the winery's. He asked if I wanted to come along and hang out, I had to pretend I was the band's manager which was lots of fun I even got to take up water on stage. There was a VIP area set aside where I hung out for most of the day. It was over 40 degree's I wouldn't have done it for anyone else, gosh it was a long day. At around 6pm his entourage turned up and I hung out the rest of the night with one of the girls who worked for him, Gillian. She had been working for him for years, doing his wardrobe,now there's a job I'd like. We all had dinner together and when Chris came out to dish up his dinner I was right next to him and couldn't say one word. I had spoken to over 800 people that day but couldn't think of one thing to say, What a schmuck. It was the most beautiful night and the music was lovely wafting over the winery. It couldn't have been more perfect.
Maybe if I had spoken to him then it would have been perfect. That's my Chris Isaak story. XXX Joy

IN THE MOOD

2011-10-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to see one of the best shows I’ve seen in years, my only regret is that it was the last performance in Australia otherwise I would have been e mailing everyone I know telling them to go.

You might not know this about me but it’s not just the 50’s I adore, I have a collection of old swing and have been an avid fan of the big bands from the 40’s for a very long time.

I was transported along with every other person at the performance to the war years and the years of all of that fabulous music and dancing. The band were here from New York and had toured to packed houses all over Australia. I first heard about it from a friend of mine who insisted I fly up to Sydney for their one night only performance at The State Theatre. I was going to do just that on Gerry’s recommendation but they had sold out, luckily Adelaide was on the tour as well.

In my 30’s myself and two of my friends performed Andrew Sister’s music to poor unsuspecting people at our parties ( Actually I tell a lie I think they may have suspected.) We ended up performing at The Trocadero in Sydney which was amazing in itself. The photo is of Linda, Doris and I at my 30^th birthday in Sydney.

Back to last night……..The band started off by playing Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman. The singers were absolutely wonderful, the three girls did a lot of Andrew Sister’s and I had to hold back from jumping up on stage and joining in. One of my favourite parts of the whole night was when one of the girls came out dressed in a nurses uniform from that era and a sailor and swing danced like I’ve never seen before. At the end the sailor tilted her back and kissed her just like the famous photo in Times Square the day the war ended.

I hope that wasn’t lost on the audience, it was beautiful. I of course was overwhelmed by the whole thing and burst into tears. XXX Joy

Rockabilly Rumble/ website news and more.

2011-10-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

There's been so much happening this month at H.C.H.Q I'm reeling. The website is taking longer than expected which in one way is frustrating but in another is a good thing. This website will be up for some time to come so we want to get it right, sadly this means waiting another month.

We had our fabulous ad in this month's Deadbeat that we are all amazingly proud of. Harmony Nicholas did an incredible job and it was well worth the wait. We were also lucky enough to have photo's of the very sassy Aspen in the same issue wearing one of our summer frocks.
We have been incredibly busy, making of all things Hot Couture bridesmaid dresses, I thought it would never end but just last week we finished the last of them. They are all October and November weddings so we should have some great photo's of them soon. One in particular is a cowboy themed wedding that we are invited to Yeehaw to that.

We also had Smokin Betty's Rockabilly Rumble this month which just like last year was way too much fun. Last year we had a fashion parade but because of being really busy and not having our fabulous Stav to help out we decided not to do the parade. We did however have an unexpected parade of girls wearing Hot Couture, once word got back to us how many girls were actually wearing H.C to the R.R.we decided a prize was in order to say thank you. I had nothing to do with the judging as it would have been a bit bias, I pretty much knew most of the girls who were there. Tia who was wearing one of our lovely new frocks "Vivienne" won the prize of a made to measure Hot Couture frock. Congrats Tia it couldn't have gone to anyone sweeter. Thanks Jessi, Phil and Two Bit Villians for making it all happen.

Two Bit Villian's had a great parade and included a couple of H.C frocks which looked stunning on the girls. Christina really rocked the red Bardot. The funniest part of the night, was as Willy and I were leaving my studio I was madly tearing the place apart looking for a bolero to go with my sarong frock. I has 15 minutes and clothes were flying everywhere, I have 3 bolero's but of course couldn't find one. I screamed at Willy, " I'm going to have to run one up and ran into the cutting room and started to madly cut fabric off. Willy just laughed and held up the bolero he had made while I was in my panic. You gotta love a man that can not only read your mind but can whip up a bolero in 15 minutes. Thanks everyone who came along in Hot Couture, next year if it's OK with the organisers I will make it official, everyone in Hot Couture wins a prize.
Wow! What a month September was, can't wait to see what Frocktober brings. XXX Joy

ASPEN for Deadbeat magazine.

2011-09-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

We adore these photos of Aspen in Deadbeat magazine, how cute does she look. H.C has this lovely new frock on our new website in duchess satin and between Stav and I, thought it would be the perfect frock in gingham for the ad. I am now wishing we had made this one up in the gingham, I've had so many people ask about it. Don't worry though, if you like it we are more than happy to make it up in any colour gingham your little heart desires. You can e mail us at hotcouture@bigpond.com

Sometimes I have to pinch myself I'm so lucky to have wonderful people in my life like Stav and her boyfriend Aaron who took these stunning photo's.

The Model is ASPEN.....Photographer...AARON SCHUPPAN......Art Director/ stylist STAVROULA MOUNTZOURIS......Hair TONY VACHER from STERLING H.Q.......M.U.A ..ANGELIQUE HOGAN. Thanks everyone for making Hot Couture look even HOTTER. XXX Joy

Deadbeat magazine Issue 19

2011-09-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

If you haven't got your copy of Deadbeat mag yet you better hurry, I hear they are almost sold out in Adelaide, we were very excited to see our ad in this issue and we think it is our best one to date. Sadly our new website didn't quite make it at the same time, it should have said new website coming soon. Never mind, all good things take time and were not worried, having seen what they are doing at Xtrashiny we know it's worth the wait. Thanks to everyone involved in the shoot especially Harmony Nicholas who is one amazing photographer. We have been hanging out to work with Harmony. Our lovely models Ginger and Libie Jean were were so much fun and we think they look gorgeous, not to mention the new frocks they are wearing. Molly Bellman who did both models hair and Evie Sebben who did Ginger's make up stayed all day to help out and did a great job. Thanks to Arabeer as well Libie's very own make up girl. My husband Deane did the illustrations in the mirror, I was worried it would all be too busy but in the end Harmony's vision was spot on. It was all shot on location at Louis Bond in Magill. WE LOVE DEADBEAT and we love Sarah and Pete the creator's of this fab magazine. XXX Joy

I love Mondays off with William.

2011-09-05T03:05:00.000-07:00

I usually take Mondays off and meet William in town and we either go to the movies or just go anywhere that might be fun. We worked all day on Saturday up until 7pm so we really needed today off. Last Monday Willy and I walked all over the city, we took stood in the middle of a poppy patch, had cupcakes and tea at Better than Sex, Willy disagreed with their name but those cupcakes were pretty damn fine. Willy also tried to knock off a nanna so we could get a seat at B.T.S.
Guess what cupcake Willy chose, Mr Big and I had the Bridgette Jones, very appropriate. We also went to see the crotcheted reef, now there's a sentence you don't hear every day. It was amazing and it was in the old stock exchange building which we decided to explore.
Today after meeting the website people we went to the movies to see 'The Help" my new favourite film. It was soooo beautiful, sad and happy and thought provoking. It hurt my heart to see black people treated the way they were in the 50's. The clothes were wonderful and I couldn't help thinking how great it would have been to work on a film like that.

Then Willy and I explored all of the neat furniture shops where we found a huge elephant in a wooden crate ready to ship off. I wanted that elephant. We also went to look at underwear, Willy thought the leopard high knickers were a must, I wasn't so sure. It was such a fun day. I wonder what next Monday will bring. XXXX Joy

This is why I love Hot Couture

2011-09-03T05:06:00.000-07:00

What a week. The SALE was more successful than I could have ever imagined, we have sold everything that wasn't nailed down. We are all ready for the website to go live as we have plenty of room now at the studio. I hope everyone is happy with their bargains. One thing we don't have sales very often but when we do you know you are getting the real deal. William Izi and I have worked really hard this week trying to get everything out on time. We've had a few hiccups but all in all I think we did pretty well considering the amount of work. Willy even gave up his Saturday so he could help catch up.
The best part of our day was when the girls from Delectable Sins Kylie and Mel + Erin and Jane, turned up with our favourite cupcakes. RED VELVET talk about perfect timing. Not only did the girls buy about 6 frocks between them but we all had lots of fun watching them try on all of the new frocks. Williams patterns are beyond perfect, I am so thrilled, we make an awesome team, my designs and Williams expertise, perfection. After the girls left

( we managed lunch at the pub first thank goodness ) Willy and I got stuck into writing the product placement for the new website. I had no idea it was so much work and I am so grateful that Willy was here to help me. Thanks girls for making the day so much fun, I can't wait for next Saturday when you bring the baby sausage dog. He may never leave the studio you know that right. XXXX Joy

Fifties Fair 2011

2011-08-23T00:23:00.000-07:00

What an amazing few days Sarah Easter and I had in Sydney. The highlights were of course the fifties fair at Rose Siedler House and our night out at Porteno in Surry Hills. Sarah also had her hair done at our favourite hair parlour Sterling HQ.

Sarah and Tony made it into the paper on Sunday, Tony did such a great job of her hair, she looked like she had stepped out of an old movie her hair was to die for and everyone kept asking about it.
Porteno is a lovely restaurant in Surry Hills, Sarah and I got there really early so we could get a table and were joined by Stav who used to work for H.C and her lovely boyfriend Aaron. Then Sarah and Pete from Deadbeat turned up along with some of our other friends from Adelaide. My daughter Gypsy was having dinner downstairs with her friends and they all joined us, pretty soon we were having one fine time. Such a great night I can highly recommend the tapas bar upstairs as well as the restaurant, all of the staff there are the nicest people. The next day Sarah went off to have her hair done, I sadly stayed behind, feeling a little under the weather after our big night out. I was really disappointed to have missed out on getting my hair done by Tony but I will be back up there soon.
We were pretty worried about the rain on Sunday but got up nice and early and headed off to the the 16th fifties fair.
It was wonderful catching up with everyone, I only bought some earrings and patterns this time, it was all a bit overwhelming. The crowds weren't quite so bad this year, I think a lot of people stayed away because it looked like rain but luckily it didn't rain until later in the day. We had already left when the skies opened and I felt sorry for all the stall holders who had to pack everything up. I've had to do that before and believe me it's no fun.
Gypsy had Sarah and I over for a wonderful dinner which was the perfect end to the perfect day. So happy we went, there are rumours that it may be the last one, I hope that's not the case.
Sarah and I shopped in Surry Hills and Newtown all day on Monday. It was a nice ending to a very eventful and happy weekend. XXX Joy

Hot Couture Website update! YEEHAW

2011-08-08T02:13:00.000-07:00

The website is taking a little longer than we first thought but then again all good things take time. I had a meeting with Adam, Natalie and Ben at Xtra Shiny on Friday and what they showed me blew my sock's off. Seriously I was expecting something wonderful but let me tell you this site is really worth the wait.

I went out on Friday night to Ruby Chew's art exhibition and so many people were asking when the new website would be up. I'm happy your all excited about it and I hope when it goes live that it pleases you as much as it does me. In the meantime here's another fave outfit.
The perfect halter ( SOPHIA ). William made this pattern so well, it fits everyone perfectly. Speaking of Ruby's exhibition, that girl is going places. Ruby pretty much sold all of her portraits it was a wonderful night. Ruby wore a one off Hot Couture top that she painted to go with the artwork. Her skirt was one of our full Dorothy skirts and she teamed it all with a matching headscarf and bobby socks. We ran into at least 5 girls wearing H.C. I can't tell you how thrilled that makes me. Our girl Stav was there as well looking very HOT in Wheels and Doll Baby leopard playsuit. It was so great catching up with everyone. Sassy from roller derby and I finished the night off with a few of the other derby girls eating a huge amount of sushi. All up it was a pretty damn fine Friday night. XXX Joy

Ruby Chew's exhibition.

2011-07-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard of Ruby Chew chances are it won't be long and you will have. I met Ruby over a year ago through Stavroula who was working for Hot Couture at the time. Ruby is one of Adelaide's up and coming young talents.

When Ruby came to me last year and asked if I would design a frock for her to wear to her very first exhibition I was thrilled. Not only because Ruby looked very much like a Hot Couture girl being very curvaceous with long fabulous dark hair, I was also interested in her art work. We got to the exhibition a little late only to find that every thing I wanted to buy had been sold. Seriously, Ruby's paintings are so beautiful and I really felt as though I had missed out. Not this time though, I intend to get there before it even opens next Friday night. Hot Couture has made her outfit again this year which makes us very proud, I called into Ruby's studio yesterday and I can tell you there are some very special pieces in this exhibition. The one in the photo above is of Stav and I have to say she has captured her perfectly. The show is next Friday the 5th August at the Magazine Gallery in Adelaide starts at 6pm. Something I am very much looking forward to. Did I mention Ruby is about one of the sweetest girls around. See you there. XXX Joy

New website is on the way.

2011-07-25T00:12:00.000-07:00

Not long now till we launch the Hot Couture website. We have really taken our time and thought this one out which is something I rarely do. My five year plan was to open a shop in Brunswick Melbourne or even East End of Rundle but with so many stores closing down and online shopping taking off I decided that it was just too big a risk.
So I have put lots of time and money into this new site. Sven our lovely photographer has passed on all of the photo's to AJ at Xtrashiny and now the fun begins. Making all of the garments was incredibly time consuming but with Izi and Williams help we have an amazing collection that is not only pattern perfect but beautifully executed as well. I'm in love with all of the designs, on the day of the shoot Cat Fanto and Jen Rossiter bought 4 garments between them and it hasn't stopped there so they must be good. I can't even believe that five years ago I was starting up Hot Couture for a bit of fun and extra pocket money and now it has turned into an amazing and wonderful business. I wake up every morning excited about what will happen next at H.C.H.Q.

To launch the website Harmony Nicholas has edited one of the photo's from her shoot, it will be in the next Deadbeat magazine so that is something to look forward to. In the meantime here is a photo of one of my favourites from the new website.

Behind the scenes fun at our H.C. shoot.

2011-07-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

Shoot for the website

2011-07-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

On the weekend I had the pleasure of working with some of the most talented and professional people in the business. Not only was it fun, but they were all very easy to get along with. Jen Rossiter has worked on most of my shoots, Jen does all the hair and make up. I met Jen years ago at Anifex in Adelaide just before she opened her shop Polkadot in Croydon. Jen works on pretty much every film made here in S.A. and is the top of her game, she is also the face behind Paper Doll Pin Up's and like me has a love of vintage styling. Sven was our very handsome and extremely easy to get along with photographer, how he shot 40 garments in one day to me is astounding, I kept saying I would take some out but Sven insisted and he was right we managed to get through them all. I had a look at the shots last night and they are stunning. William Lazootin who I met through my daughter Gypsy is another great talent, he has been making most of the new patterns here at H.C.H.Q and we are very happy to have him. The most important part of any collection is to have the patterns right and he has nailed it. We thought Willy was only going to stay for a few weeks but he seems to have made Hot Couture his home for a while for which I am eternally grateful. Not only is he the best pattern maker I've ever come across but he has a wicked sense of humour and working with him all day is a breeze. Ginger Taylor is our beautiful model and also my very lovely daughter, we were so proud of how she worked those heels all day and didn't complain once.
AJ from Xstrashiny insisted on one model for continuity and I have to say it turned out pretty darn nice. Cat Fanto helped Jen out and was a pleasure to have on hand all day.
It was a very long day for me and I couldn't have possibly done it without everyones help. We had a great day at Silverback studio's and the professionalism of everyone involved really shows in the photo's. A lot of the frocks have been inspired by clothes I wore myself that were old 50's original's. The wedding frock is my favourite, Ginger thought I would cry when she dressed up as a bride but I think I will save that for the real deal. AJ and Natalie have assured me the website won't take long once they have the photo's so watch this space. Thanks again to the A Team for all your wonderful work on the weekend. XXX Joy

Hot Couture Shoot

2011-07-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving on a jet plane....................!

2011-07-01T05:19:00.000-07:00

William, Izi and I have all been working too hard of late. We've been getting all the garments ready for the new website and we haven't had time to scratch ourselves, no really we haven't. We love Hot Couture but it's time for a break, so I'm off to Sydney to spend some time with my kids Gypsy, Eddy and Ginger. I can't wait my brain has been completely about getting everything perfect and making sure we have covered all bases with our clothing line. We have a few surprises in store that we can't wait to share. William is holding the fort while I'm away so don't worry your orders will still be on time. Izi is taking a well deserved break when I get back. Then we will all be fresh and happy for the onslaught ( positive thinking ) when the website is launched at the end of the month. The shoot is on the 9th and we have the very fabulous Sven Kovak taking the photographs this time round. Jen Rossiter from Paper Doll Pinup fame is doing make up and hair. Adam J and Natalie at Xtra Shiny have been wonderful working with us on the concept and design of the new website. Have a look at one of their creations www.suitco.com.au it is spectacular. That's why we're a bit excited, the first time round we thought we had a good idea of what you want and now with a few years behind us were pretty sure we have nailed it. I can't wait to have dinner at Porteno's on Sat night and catch up with family and friends. I'm meeting up with our girl Stav on Monday and Lucy Topp to boot, Yay! Have a lovely weekend. XXX Joy

Two Bit Villian opening party.

2011-06-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

A new Rockabilly shop opened last night with Sass and Liam cutting the ribbon and announcing the shop was open for business. You couldn't meet a nicer couple, they have worked so hard getting the shop ready and the turn out last night was spectacular. They have so much stock and are particularly interested in stocking Australian labels which pleases us here at Hot Couture no end. So as well as Hot Couture there are other wonderful labels like Peta Pledger, Miss Hussy and Susie Homemaker. If your into decorating there are loads of pillows made by Sophia Hopgood and Ginger Taylor (Day of the Bed). Jewellery and bows and trinkets by Hana Breckeni and Caz rice these are just a few. So if your looking for gifts, LP's, or clothing that is hot and a great price then head on down to Adelaide Arcade right off Rundle Mall. Sass and Liam even have a fridge full of soda so you can hang out with them. Good Luck guys we think you rock.

Tania, Evie and Ginger at the opening party

2011-06-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

Two Bit Villian opening party.

2011-06-10T17:36:00.000-07:00

Silly Willy

2011-06-01T01:19:00.000-07:00

We had such a funny day today in Hot Couture Land. If you don't know already William Lazootin is working with us, he makes me laugh so hard. Today he came in and threw his coat and scarf on the desk and I immediately knew he was pretending to be Anne Hathaway from "The Devil Wears Prada." It took me a while and then I yelled out "Your Meryl NOT Anne. Duh! We fell about and our day pretty much went downhill from there. I just couldn't concentrate, first of all Willy was doing some Russian Polka to The Squirrel Nut Zipppers and then he was doing the Charleston and telling me he should have on his spats. Of course he owns a pair of spats just for dancing, why wouldn't you.

Next he called me an ARMHOLE because his pattern wouldn't fit, like it was my fault. As usual we ate wayyyyyy too much at lunch and it was even harder to get into it when we got back. I managed to completely sew a garment back to front inside out roundabout. Who can sew under these conditions it's like working with a gay Joan Rivers. Somehow Willy managed to do his job but I just could not get my head around stuff today. I love that when he made Tania Poropat's velvet coat he decided because she was such a good customer he was going to add a bow to the inside and a place for her glasses. One thing about Hot Couture it is always made with love. I haven't had much of a chance to write the blog lately as we are madly getting everything organised for our new website. We have some fabulous new things going on it, just have to make them all for the shoot. I have said it a million times so one more time won't matter. DO WHAT YOU LOVE and the rest will fall into place. I love every day at Hot Couture, I love all the people who work with me and I don't want to be doing anything else EVER. XXX Joy

Shoot me now!

2011-05-10T02:01:00.000-07:00

The shoot yesterday was so much fun, we have been wanting to do a shoot with Harmony Nicholas for the longest time and finally the stars aligned. The owners of Louis Bond Markus and Cain were incredible. Not only were they easy going about us moving furniture and paintings they even helped us out. It's a beautiful shop and cafe, if your in Adelaide you have to pop by. The staff in the cafe Aaron, Alisha and Leah were wonderful, we all sat in the courtyard and had the best lunch ever. Molly Bellman worked her magic on Ginger and Libie Jeans hair, they both looked so beautiful. Evie Sebben and Arabeer also did a stunning job with make up. The girls were amazing helping with moving furniture and whatever they could do to make the day easier they were all so easy to get along with I couldn't have been happier. All up I think we have some stunning shots I can't wait for Harmony to edit them. It was the easiest shoot I have ever been on, I wish they were all that easy. Thanks girls it really was a pleasure to work with you all. We have some amazing new Hot Couture garments coming very soon. XXX Joy

Shoot at Louis Bond

2011-05-10T01:38:00.000-07:00

Hot bathing suit.

2011-04-27T23:48:00.000-07:00

We know it's the end of summer but we have just bought this fab polkadot lycra and couldn't help ourselves. Even though we have a zillion other things to do here at H.C.H.Q including organising our shoot we stopped everything to make these babies up. Esther Williams would be proud. The set includes bathing top, bottoms and cap.

We think Ginger looks adorabubble in the new Esther bathing costume. We won't be putting this on our website till next summer so if you are off on vacation and need it now e mail us at www.hotcouture.com.au and make sure you wear the cap. XX Joy

Pin Up gal Beckijo

2011-04-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

Another fabulous Pin Up Gal

2011-04-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

Beckiejo is 33 and married with 4 children (14yrs-1yr)

She grew up surrounded by old movies but it was Katherine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story that started her fascination with women from the 40 and 50's. Beckijo was so taken with her style she landed her first job at Laura Ashley just to buy wide leg, flat front pants!

When her husband Joe & Beckijo have time from the children they love going to Burlesque, Vaudeville & Cabaret shows in Melbourne.

It was through her friends within the Burlesque industry that as a gift she was given a vintage pinup styled photo shoot in June 2010. The photographer asked to submit the shots for Miss Pinup Australia and Beckijo was selected to go through to the finals for Victoria in 2 sections (vava-voom & classic). B.J. won the titles of Miss Vava-voom Victoria 2011 & Miss Classic Pinup Victoria Runner up.

Beckijo did the competition to surround herself with like minded women with a passion for vintage clothes & to prove after 4 children she can still be herself.

From that great night winning the titles BJ has been fortunate enough to be asked by 2 American based agencies to be a part of a magazine spread, a breast cancer awareness calendar & pinup calendar both to be released 2012. That photo of her in a Frock called Wanda along with another shot had her selected to be pinup of the month for April 2011 by Curvy.

Beckijo particularly loves the lingerie of the vintage eras 30's 40's & early 50's. Another of her passions is collecting Hawaiian home-wares, Coca-Cola memorabilia & Australian magazine ads from the 40 & 50's. So when she saw "a Frock called Wanda" by Hot Couture, she just had to have it. To quote Beckijo “the style is so divine you're compelled to find a reason to wear it....any excuse will do I've even vaccumed in it! That Koi design, so prominent in Japanese culture was such a pull, it was truly different from anything I have ever owned. I have actually been asked to have photos taken in 'Wanda' at a Japanese antique, home-wares store”.

So one competition & a dress called Wanda have provided a mum of 4 with opportunities she could only have dreamed of.Thanks Beckijo. X

Hana wearing exclusive Hot Couture!

2011-04-08T20:05:00.000-07:00

Häna Brenecki for Hot Couture

2011-04-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

Häna Brenecki

On Monday night the fabulous Hana and her band Ricochet Pete are playing at the Gov with non other than one of my fave bands Cherry Poppin' Daddies.

Hana owns shares in H.C. having bought quite a few of our frocks. Here are a few that we have made up exclusively for her.

Ricochet Pete has come a long way since the band started in 2004 playing a 21st backyard birthday. Starting out as a solid three piece, original members Hana, Shannon and Matty, wrote and recorded two cd’s , playing a sold out EP launch of ‘sugar coated’ at the Jade Monkey in 2007. Influenced by the Sonics, the Muffs, Juliette and the Licks, Turbonegro, plenty of 60’s girl groups and a whole lot of booze, RP have had a couple of guitarists to add to the madness over the years to make four.
Releasing their first full album in 2009 titled ‘the Dark Side’ at Enigma bar and then launching it in Melbourne soon after, fuelled the band to get supports such as Pierced Arrows (USA), The Assassinators ( Denmark) and Bodyjar’s sold out last ever tour.
The Dark side sold multiple copies online, at shows and through Big Star Records, and reached number 1 six weeks in a row on 3D radio’s top 20+1 charts finishing at number 3 for the year.
In 2011 RP have been asked to support The Cherry Poppin' Daddies in Adelaide on their Australian Tour, and in swing with the new guitarist, it's goin to be a good year.

Have a great night guys we're very excited that not only are you playing with my fave band but you will be wearing one of your Hot Couture numbers.

Thanks Hana for your support. XXXX Joy

Pin Ups for Hot Couture

2011-04-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Hot Couture sells to a lot of the Pin Up girls around the globe. Here is Bunni Lambada in our white koi waterfall Loretta.
Miss Gigi Vine is in the turquoise Retro flamingo, she is a professional dancer/choreographer and was crowned Miss Classic Pin Up Australia. Emma and Gigi run a vaudeville duo called Vanilla Latte :).

Emma started loving vintage when she was little, particularly the movies with Audrey Hepburn, Catherine Deneuve etc. She started pin up modelling in 2009 when she had photo's taken with Boogie Bop Dames, and entered Miss Pin Up Australia 2011. Emma was crowned Miss Perfect Pin Up Australia and Miss Pin Up Australia overall winner from over 100 entrants throughout Australia. The lovely Ms Buxton works as a lawyer and teaches dancing, performing burlesque and pole shows all over Sydney and NSW.
Emma's pin up and performance name is Miss Bunni Lambada. Thanks girls for sending us this gorgeous photo taken by Cheryl Hardwood. This is why I love what I do. XXX Joy

Me and my Willie

2011-04-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

Hot things happening.

2011-04-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

Things are really picking up around here, we just can't keep up.
Last week William pattern made the most fabulous nightie, very 50's and inspired by an old one photographer Harmony Nicolas gave me.
Willie made it up in a beautiful pistachio green with black lace, we are making the matching robe this week. This is all for our photo shoot in a few weeks time with the very beautiful Libie Jean and our very own sassy Ginger Taylor. We have a great location and one of the best photographers around, Harmony Nicolas. It is all too exciting.
Willie made up a fab little evening number as well that I have been trying to get to for ages.
Where does the time go, I have had these ideas in my head forever and now finally they are coming to fruition.
We made up a big order for the lovely Pia Anderson this week, her business Vintage Allsorts is taking off and we're happy to be of help. I can't wait to see photo's it sounds like a fun gig.
That's about it for now stay tuned. XXX Joy

Studio Fun!

2011-03-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

Aloha guys n' gals!

Well, it's been a while since I've updated our trusty followers on the goings on at HC headquarters, so allow me to give you a little visual tour of our studio! The ever-so-dashing-and-darling Sven Kovac took these behind the scenes shots of a typical working day featuring the divine Ms. Taylor, the fabulously efficient William Lazootin and yours truly.

I don't mean to brag, (but I will anyways! tee hee!) working here has been SUCH a Joy (pun intended). I find myself constantly surrounded by beautiful people, from our customers and followers to HC staff; and of course our RIDICULOUSLY generous lady-boss-in-charge, Joy.

The studio is full of good vibes, beautiful fabric, hawaiian music and cups of tea, so we want to share what a working day is like for us, and maybe one day you can come in for a fitting and join us! (We love visitors, just as much as we like to procrastinate!)

Have a lovely week my beauties,

and remember to spread the love!

-Marie :D xoxo

All the pretty frocks!

I.T support. (God help us all)

No snoozin' for Latoozin. Such a hard worker!

Most likely gassbagging.

oohhh, special orders!

Just another day of designin'

NEW BLOG!

2011-03-14T00:25:00.000-07:00

That's right boys & girl's Hot Couture has jumped on the Tumblr bandwagon! if you're in the blogging world or would just like to bookmark our new page here it is...follow away kids!

www.hotcoutureaustralia.tumblr.com

Deadbeat party

2011-03-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday night was so much fun. Deadbeat magazine put on a fab party at The Vangard in Newtown. My daughter/model Ginger and I flew up for the party were happy we did. Everyone was there even our girl Stav who we hadn't seen since she left H.C.H.Q a few months ago. My son Eddy and his adorable girlfriend Lucy.
Highlights of the night were of course our favourite pin up girl Sabina Kelley signing autographs and looking stunning in a Wheels and Doll frock she had bought that day. Sailor Jerry Rum was on tap, lucky we got there early, Sailor Jerry Rum guy was VERY cute. Erin from Poco Rojo pictures was there looking fab as always, Burlesque Queen Kitty Van Horne, who gave us a lift home ( thanks Kitty. )
Pete from Deadbeat's band played first up to get everyone in the mood, then the Sin and Tonics and last of all Pat Cappoci. Stav, Ging and I danced the night away with all our fave pin up girls. It was lovely to meet Lucy Topp, Bec and Jeff from Bexterity pin up photography. The Snowdropper boys were all there and are about to start their American tour so we wish them all luck.
Sarah and Pete creators of Deadbeat magazine are the best people I know in this industry we love them to bits, so happy we flew up, it was a hellava party.

VIVA LA DEADBEAT!!

2011-03-07T21:24:00.000-08:00

It's that time again boys and girls...
DEADBEAT MAGAZINE HAS HIT OUR SHELVES!

This issue features all our favorite things here at Hot Couture... Bands, Burlesque, Babes & Broads!
The Sin & Tonics making a suave' debut, Kitty Van Horne Saucing it up, Sabina Kelly looking incredible as usual & lets not forget Sammi La La rockin' that Muchacha Hot Couture garment like it aint' no thang!

Big thanks to Poco Rojo Photography for the Pictures of Sammi La La!
and a HUGE thanks to Sarah & Pete the creators of Deadbeat Magazine, these guys are not only amazing at producing the greatest Kustom Kultures you can get your greasy little mits on, they are SUPER sweet too! Why wouldn't you love em?!

Muchos love from up here at Hot Couture H.Q amigos!
Ginger xx

Goodbye Greta Kate

2011-02-24T23:09:00.000-08:00

Goodbye Greta Kate missing you already.

2011-02-24T23:05:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful girl Greta Kate had her last day at Hot Couture today. :(
We knew we couldn't keep her forever and we are grateful that she stayed as long as she did. I knew the day would come when she would be snapped up by some big designer and the time has come.
Greta came over on the weekend with a huge bunch of flowers to break the news. My daughter Ginger was here and was madly looking for "The Sound of Music" on her laptop. You may ask why she might do that, it was so she could play Eidelweiss and make me cry. I didn't.
I held it together and told Greta how proud I am of her and how happy I am and how much we would miss her here at H.C.H.Q.
Today after she left I lost the plot and cried my eyes out, Ginger would have laughed her head off.
We've had the most wonderful 18 months with Greta Kate not only is she the sweetest, cutest and loveliest girl but she is soooo easy to make laugh. All I have to do is put on my HUGE raccoon coat and stand behind her while she is sewing and she loses it. I will miss her laughing most of all. I saved my party trick where I roll my ears into little balls with rubberbands for her last day. I don't think I have ever seen her laugh so hard, so she left on a good note.
Liza Emanuele your one very lucky lady to have Greta working for you full time, she is one of the hardest workers I know, I hope you appreciate her like we have.
Watch this space and face because one day Greta Kate will be on the catwalks of Milan. I'm sure of it. If you read this Greta feel free to drop by anytime but make sure you bring some of your mum's cookie's. We LOVE you. XXX Joy

Made to Measure Madness

2011-02-20T20:38:00.000-08:00

Hola from HC Headquarters!

This week, I thought I’d tell my most avid and lovely readers how I gained such an enviable and extensive wardrobe! And no, this story does not include “One day, I strolled into Myer..!” Since I was a wee lass, I’ve etched and sketched my dream wardrobe, and copious amounts of other ridiculous outfits, but have lacked the extensive sewing skills required to manifest these crazy ideas: Cue meeting the fabulous and ever talented Ms. Joy Taylor.

One day, Stavroula, my glittery partner in crime and life, introduced me to Joy, who claimed she could make all of my wacky ideas come to life, and Alas! The fashion gods FINALLY smiled upon me!

Now my wardrobe contains mostly original one-off items that Joy has made me.

The beauty of this is that I get to have something completely individual, that fits me perfectly and in whatever fabric I choose. Ahhhh… what more could a girl want!?

So basically, if you have fashion pipe dreams, like I had for years, Joy, my fashion fairy godmother can make them all come true! Just pick your inspiration, your fabric and come in for a consultation and KAPOW! You’re gonna look fab.

Take it from me dollface, there aint nothin’ like wearing a garment made especially for you. You’ll feel and look a TRILLION dollars. And you’ll probably start sweating glitter, being so fabulous and all.

Until next week my lovely pals!

Marie xoxoxoxoxo

Dorothy Comes to Visit!

2011-02-06T18:15:00.000-08:00

Last week, I saw a somewhat familiar headless doll in the studio of Ms. Joy Taylor.
Now, if you know Joy, you probably see this as no surprise. But me having the mental age of a 5 year old, was curious to know what the hell dolly was doing without her head.
Joy informs me that dolly is infact the puppet 'Dorothy' from the Schmacko's commercials. Ah, so THATS why she looked familiar (even sans head)! What on earth was Dorothy of ALLLL puppets doing in the studio, you ask!? Well, it turns out the ever talented and always full-of-surprises Ms. Taylor once worked with Anifex, the South Australian based animation company, on a Schmacko's Short Film, that was made for cinemas nationally, how cool is that!?
Now apparently, Dorothy misplaced her old cossie, and required a new one, cue the talented Ms. Taylor!
You can see the cossie in this commercial!

But for your amusement, here is a photo of a headless Dorothy. We've had lots of fun with Dorothy, taking her on outings to the post office and leaving her in inappropriate places, and we're sad to see her go back to her Anifex home. But hey, Joy got to make her look absolutely fab in some miniature HC bikinis, (Note, I will be requesting a pair in my size!) which may* have inspired the HC Monday Special tee hee! So make sure to look out for the new Schmacko's commercials, and for Hot Couture! I promise she will not be headless in the ads.

Have a swell' ol week guys n' gals!

Headless Miniature Hot Couturette!

*definitely did inspire the Monday special

Hot Couture Staff I love them all.

2011-02-02T17:05:00.000-08:00

We have had a couple of rocky weeks here at Hot Couture. I had a small stint in hospital, no big deal but it slowed things down a bit. We were inundated with orders all money going direct to the flood relief for a week, it was so amazing but bad timing with me not being able to move.
Not to worry I have a had the lovely Cristina Tridente helping out, my fabulous and hard working ladies I outsource to have all come on board and our girl Kate is back. I was wondering if we would ever get on top of it all, we literally have order coming out of our ears and we couldn't be happier.
Stav who set up the Monday special did us a huge service, it has proved to be incredibly popular and it gives me a break as I get to design and make up one off's which I absolutely love. Cristina worked so hard this week cutting out and bundling up orders, Greta Kate, worked like a crazy woman yesterday AND bought cookies most of which ended up down my front, nothing unusual. We had had a lot of laughs which make working so much easier.
I met up with Kate Mcinerny who used to work here for coffee yesterday, it was as though she has never been gone. We too had lots of laughs and it will be great having her back here at H.C. for a bit. Kate has some wonderful plans for her future which is all very exciting but for now we will just enjoy having her around, even if it is only until she gets her own thing up and running.
It's just like old times only we do miss Stav. Our girl Marie who has taken over from Stav does an amazing job and has seemingly filled Stav's stilletto's which is no easy task. We love having her around as well she brings dolmades and makes huge greek salads for our lunch, she's a keeper.
Marie's boyfriend Sven ( who I'm secretly in love with ) don't tell him I said that, has been taking photo's of Marie and Ginger in the Monday special. He is sooo talented and I feel very lucky that these gorgeous kids want to help out, even on their weekends. We had a real cute short set to put up last week but in a hurry I had made the top a bit too short and Sven text to say it was looking more like a porn shot so we had to cancel the shoot, we don't want that at H.C.
We want 50's innocent, seductive, sensual. No boobies out the bottom of tops for Hot Couture we live in the land of swell, golly and gee Gidget. We also have our new accounts girl Caron who only comes here once a month but is already part of our crew, she's a very unusual accountant in that I understand what she is talking about and we even have some laughs, very odd indeed.
I'm having lunch today with Gypsy's friend the very handsome and talented William Lazootin he was one of the finalists from Project Runway, incredible designer and patternmaker. I am hoping William will help us out with a few of our more complicated patterns that we want for our winter range. So exciting.
I don't get much time to write the blog these days I kind of miss it. We have some stunning fabric coming from overseas this week so keep an eye out on our facebook page in the next few weeks or you will miss out. I feel so blessed to have all of these great young people around me, I'm a lucky gal.
Jen our make up and hair stylist girl for all of our shoots and owner of Paper Doll Pin ups is off for a stint in hospital ( must be catching ) we wish well, she will be just around the corner so we will have to kidnap her and bring her to the studio for some cookies and dolmade's.
I know it's corny but I really do love all my staff we are one big happy family. I forgot to mention my husband Deane who's studio is here as well he is part of our crew too, that would be because he thinks when the girls bring me cookies and stuff that they are for him as well. Stay tuned for all the exciting things coming up.
Lots of love and kisses on the bottom. Joy

Our girl Kate is back.

2011-02-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

SMOKIN' HAWT STAV!

2011-01-30T18:13:00.000-08:00

Howdy guys n' gals!

So, last week, I promised y'all that I'd post some AMAZING photos of our fave HC gal, Stav! These, just like the photo shoot of the ever beautiful Tania, were created by the amazing team at Paperdoll Pinup's! The genius of Jen and Sven ( I love that their names rhyme!!) came together to make Stavroula look even MORE beautiful than she already is. A hard task, because this woman is truly what dreams are made of.

Hot Couture also makes an appearance in these shots! WOOT!! Stav is wearing the Billie Jean Top in both of these shots! And you can get yours too, in any colour polka dot or check fabric your little heart desires! DOUBLE WOOT!! But remember kids, Billie Jean aint' on our website, so if you want one, email us! hotcouture@bigpond.com!

Well, here they are kids! But before I go remember, you too can have a hunky photographer take beautiful shots of you, ANNNND get a vintage themed makeover by possibly one of the best hair and makeup artists in the world, just go to their facebook!

Stay gold, my HC lovelies!

<3 Marie xoxo

YEE HAW! WHAT A DREAMBOAT!

...no words.

HOLY SMOKIN' HOT MUMMA!

2011-01-25T02:11:00.000-08:00

Aloha Guys n' Gals!
So sorry about the late blog entry, Joy and I have had a couple of rough days, but we are so so excited to share an amazing bunch of photos by Paperdoll Pinups, featuring one of our most loyal and beautiful Hot Couture followers, Tania Poropat!
Paperdoll Pinups is a great little Adelaide company founded by the immensely talented make-up artist and hairdresser, Jennifer Rossiter. They specialise in Pin-up and vintage styled photography, and let me tell you, from what I've seen, Jen and her creative team produce the most amazing stuff. Check out their Facebook link here. Jen and her team, consisting of two photographers, the talented man about town Sven Kovac, and Denise Hojdyssek are obviously fabulous at what they do. Just take a look at what they've created with Tania, who is decked out looking super beautiful in Hot Couture (as every gal should be in my opinion!)

Just loungin', generally being fab

Rinso! Oooh!

Who looks this hot when cleaning... Only Tania. Sigh.

It's a hard life being this beautiful. Aaaah.

See what I mean folks!? AMAZING STUFF right!? These were taken by Sven Kovac a couple of weeks ago, with the trusty (and busty) Joy Taylor on hand for laughs and comic relief. Everyone had a swell time on the shoot, and doesn't it show!? Now, if you want the opportunity to look as beautiful as Tania, just go to Jen's site or to the Paperdoll Pinups Facebook, you know it's got to be good when even I, (who absolutely DETESTS being photographed) wants a series done!

Now, my children... NEXT WEEK I will have Paperdoll Pinup photos featuring the ridiculously photogenic, ex Hot Couturette, STAVROULA.
Clearly Stav looks amazing from the moment she wakes up, and probably vomits glitter, but wait until you see what Jen and Sven have done with her. 'Tis sure to blow your mind!
Stay tuned my lovely ones!

Thanks for reading tootsies!
Lots o' love and sunshine,
Marie :)

Flood Appeal Thank You! xoxo

2011-01-16T21:27:00.000-08:00

Hello Hot Couture Lovelies!

Last week Australia experienced one of the worst natural disasters in its history. The QLD floods saw many lives lost and left thousands homeless. Here at Hot Couture, the amazingly generous Joy Taylor chose to donate 100% of last weeks sales to those in need. When she told me this, I was so taken aback with her generosity, and I'm sure you are too. The aftermath of this disaster will prove long and severe, so if you're in a position to help in any way, please do. I ask you to do whatever you can, from monetary donations, to small messages of support, hope and love; and to those who have already given so much, Thank You.

On a much brighter note, we at HC headquarters had some fun in the sun shooting our ridiculously cute Monday Special!
T'was a morning of play (and some work), with the lovely Sven Kovac and ever-so-foxy Ginger Taylor! Joy was a supreme photographic assistant, falling in the sand every ten seconds, and apparently, I can't jump in a photo without looking like a royal ham. Needless to say, there were laughs a'plenty, which seems to be the case whenever a Taylor is in earshot! Here are some behind the scenes shots for your enjoyment! Now kids, Remember to check out the Hot Couture Facebook profile to view the Monday Spesh and other random happenings!

Hunky photographers, always harassing models.

Best, and most professional photographic team out!

Well folks, thats a wrap for this week, but stay tuned, because next week we'll have some fab photos from Paperdoll Pinups, featuring one of our favourite hot couturettes, Tania Poropat! Woot! xoxo

P.S. To make a donation to the victims of the QLD flood crisis, go to:

http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

And remember, its not only humans who have been greatly affected by the floods, the RSPCA QLD need supplies for affected livestock, domestic animals and wildlife. Please don't forget our furry friends.

https://donate.rspcaqld.org.au/flood/

Goodbye Stav, Hello Marie

2011-01-09T20:50:00.000-08:00

Greetings and salutations most beautiful followers of Hot Couture!

Firstly, allow me to introduce myself, I’m Marie, Joy’s brand new go-to-gal, filling in for the incredibly talented and well-organised Stavroula!

Joy and I are currently undertaking the 10 step program: How to Live Without Stavroula, and are making steady progress, as you can see from our photos.

Prior to 10 Step Program

Success!

I know, I know, they’re big shoes to fill, but someone’s gotta do it. And hey, I’ve been her best pal for over a decade, so hopefully some of her brilliance has rubbed off!

Guys n’ gals, I cannot tell you how fun my first day working for HC and the lovely Ms. Taylor has been. I feel like the luckiest gal in the world right now. We had a little initiation breakfast with the photographic genius that is Mr. Sven Kovac, then we made our way to Woorabinda lake to take photos of the Monday Special, which, unsurprisingly, is pretty damn special!

Ah, life is hard. Spending a day beside a beautiful lake wearing ‘A Frock Called Wanda’ (tee hee!) being photographed by a hunk… Sign me up for life!

Well lovelies, I must depart and continue working, but I would love to hear any suggestions or comments from our fabulous customers! Feel free to email me on: marietotsikas@gmail.com anytime you like!

I think this is the beginning of something beautiful, kids.

P.S. For more of the talented Sven Kovac, visit www.svenkovac.com.

We will miss our girl Stav.

2011-01-04T22:46:00.000-08:00

Our girl Stav has scored an amazing job in Sydney with an Animation company. If you asked me if we will miss her the answer is a BIG yes! Personally and professionally.

It's a sad and happy day here at H.C.H.Q. I met Stav just over a year ago after she had styled a shoot with Merge magazine. Stav wanted to return the clothes and I suggested we have coffee. I was only with her for 5 minutes before I realised she had to work for us, I had no idea in what capacity so I told Stav if she could think of a job she was hired. Stav has made so much difference to Hot Couture, setting up our blog, our Monday Special organising my office and just making H.C. so much more than it was.

She came in like a whirlwind and lit up our studio, with her pink one day, yellow the next, hair.

Stirling will never be the same again, neither will we. I had a look back over the blog the last year and we have had so much fun it has been a year we will never forget that's for sure. We knew Stav would be leaving us as her gorgeous and incredibly talented boyfriend Aaron managed to get into A.F.T.A.S in Sydney, no easy task. Watch out for that boy he is on his way up and Stav will be right there beside him making a name for herself. We couldn't be happier for them and we all wish her and Aaron every success. Of course it will mean more trips to Sydney to buy fabric, I already have two kids to visit and now I feel like I have one more. We will miss you Stav thank you so much for everything, you have been a bright light in our lives, I never ever thought you could possibly make me cry but I'm all teary right now.

Good luck, knock em dead kid.............I know you surely will with your fashion. I don't even know if Sydney is quite ready for you. There isn't a kinder, more thoughtful and more genuine gal on this planet and I LOVE you Stavroula. XXXX Joy P.S. I always wanted a Greek kid.

Goodbye Stav!

2011-01-04T22:25:00.001-08:00

Hot Couture Christmas Party

2010-12-22T01:11:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas, well it was the week before actually. I took my girls out for a wonderful dinner at our local pub. Greta and Stav have been so much support to me all year and it was the least I could do. We had loads of champagne and good food to boot and when we had finished the girls treated me to desert down the road at another fab restaurant. My fave part of the night was giving the girls their presents, I had spent all day in the city looking for just the right thing. I found the best Stav present in Borders, when I saw the sparkly red stilleto's I knew I had to buy them for her. I wasn't quite sure what they did but I knew they did something so I purchased them. They turned out to be speakers for her Mac, perfect. Greta was harder I went to all the stores where I thought I would find something just as perfect. In the end I stumbled on this fabulous cushion with retro cartoons all about sewing, hilarious. The girls loved their presents but were most impressed with the piggy key rings that not only lit up but oinked as well. It was only a small party but it was a good one. I have loved every minute of this year working with my fabulously talented girls. Thanks girls and thank you to all our wonderful customers, we have so many now that come back again and again. In fact next year we are starting up our customer of the month. Can't wait for that one. See you in 2011 have a great Christmas full of surprises and most of all stay safe. Love and hugs Joy.........XXX

Hot Couture Christmas Party

2010-12-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

Artist Ruby Chew in Hot Couture!

2010-12-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

Visual artist and fabulous friend of Hot Couture, the oh-so-lovely Ruby Chew had her Graduate Show at the the Norwood Central School Of Art on Friday. Her paintings are incredibly beautiful in the flesh: the way she paints eyes is spookily accurate, making her subjects appear like they're really looking at you. It should be weird but it's totally not, simply because they're so beautifully executed! The internet piccies really don't do her paintings justice, you'll just have to see what she's capable of in person at the gallery!

Gloria, Kane, Ruby, Oil on Canvas.

We wish we took a full length photo of Ruby in her Hot Couture dress but the gallery was packed, surprise surprise!! She's definitely going places and making a strong and positive impact on the Adelaide art scene - it also helps that she's a thoughtful, articulate and incredibly personable young maiden with the world at her peep toe pumps. And we love a woman who matches her dress with her art!

Check out her blog to track the progress of her work. I realise I sound totes preachy but she shore is a special gal!

xxx love Stav

H.C.H.Q welcomes Meg Costello..

2010-12-02T22:34:00.000-08:00

We are so happy to have the very lovely Meg Costello with us here at Hot Couture. Below is a photo of Meg with one of her designs and my personal favourite from her graduation parade.
Meg started today and I have to say the day didn't turn out as planned but what day here ever does.
Meg started making up skirts in the morning and by lunchtime we were off to the city to catch up with Peter Alexander. It wasn't planned we had just heard that he was going to be at his new store and that was that we were gone.
Peter is a bit of a hero of mine I bought his very first range of PJ's for my 3 kids in leopard print. He started cutting pyjama's for his friends on his mums kitchen table, with her sewing and pretending to be his receptionist. You have to admire that. He has gone on to become one of Australia's most successful designers and he deserves every bit of it. I had a photo of the three kids in his first lot of PJ's that I gave to him and he was genuinely pleased.
I knew he was a good guy, all of the money from his calendar goes the the RSPCA, so we had to buy one for Ginger who sadly couldn't come with us.
We managed lunch and a even coffee with a friend we ran into. All up I think Meg may have enjoyed her very first day, I know I did. Meg even managed to finish the skirts once we got back to the studio. Hopefully next week will be just as much fun. Like I've always said if it ain't fun I'm not doing it anymore. I really love our little team. XXX Joy

New Hot Couture girl.

2010-12-02T22:17:00.000-08:00

Paper Doll Pin Up's

2010-11-30T23:20:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I did a pin up shoot with Jen Rossiter.
I'm going to be very honest and say at 56 I ain't no pin up girl. Having said this Jen couldn't have made me feel more comfortable. I arrived at her beautiful 50's style home to be greeted with a smiling Jen holding an umbrella. Right from the moment I arrived I felt pampered and happy to be there. After a lovely cup of tea we got right to it. I sat on her little stool while we chatted and did hair, nails make up the works, it was so much fun. Then Sven Kovac the photographer arrived and made me even more comfortable. I thought I'd feel kind of silly behind the bar pouring cocktails but it was quite the opposite I was so at home and we had a lot of laughs. Jen had gone to so much trouble even having 50's themed food bought in for the shoot. You can see Jen and Sven's beautiful work at www.jenrossiter.com or on facebook.
I can highly recommend this experience my only regret is I didn't go out that night. I came straight home with all my make up and hair done so perfectly, wouldn't you think I would have thought of somewhere to go.
Jen's home has a beautiful bar area, retro kitchen, cactus garden, fireplace and a very original very 50's pink and black bathroom. Have a look at the other beautiful girls on her site who have had their photo's taken recently. This is the perfect Christmas present for that someone special. You can contact Jen for pricing and anything else you need to know. If they can make me look good they can make you look incredible. XXX Joy

Hot Couture x Fabrication

2010-11-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago, Joy was asked to participate in the Fabrication competition at the Hotel Tivoli last week. The parade was a fundraiser for Canteen and was beautifully organised by Cristina Tridente and Katherine from CaughtCouture. Her challenge was to create a super stylish outfit from a bag of (super fugly) op shop stuff. Hot Couture model and all-round babe Marie Struggles gave Joy the inspiration to create this faaaabulous outfit channelling Katy Perry in the 'Thinking Of You' video. And whaddya know? JOY WINS SECOND PLACE IN THE COMPETITION. Know why? Because she is awesome.

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Exhibit C:

Here's the outfit shown alongside the GretaKate creation,designed by Hot Couture gal Greta Rumsby!!

We wish we knew who took these gorgeous pics and are totally for crediting photographers but we don't know whose work it is! Let us know and we'll credit you Mystery Photographer!

Anyways, Joy created the outfit by re-dying ugmo fabrics different shades of orange and green, resewing buttons onto the pockets and turning a doillie into a fabulous oversized clutch bag!! Lucy from Tanya Powell models was the perfect face to showcase her design and looked so beau-ti-ful on the night. The Advertiser chose Joy to be featured in Adelaide Confidential with Lucy and her design, and they actually used a goofy pic, which we just lurve!

The show was judged by fashion designers George Gross and Harry Who, and gave Joy second prize!! After many requests from fans on the evening, the outfit is finding a home with Miss Struggles who provided the inspiration! Sorry gals, it's taken!!

More pics from the actual evening to come soon!

xx Love Stav

Hot Couture x Hola Mexico Film Festival!

2010-11-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

Hot Couture was lucky enough to have our Mexicana-themed Summer 2010 ad screened before the fillums at the Hola Mexico Film Festival at the Mercury Cinema. We went a bit OTT for the Hola Poster Exhibition at the Mercury and dressed up in full Hot Couture regalia, with Day Of The Dead makeup thanks to my trusty Kryolan Aqua Colour palette. Hawt models Farrin and Marie let me go bananas with their makeup and I was pretty happy with the overall result!

We were stocked that The Advertiser printed our piccie advertising the festival (wearing Hot Couture of course, *cough* *plug*) which was a massive success! Those $5 Margaretas were a killer *shakes hands with bartender*.

More pics to come of us waring our outfits soon!

xx Love Stav

HALLOWEEN WEEKEND WRAP UP!

2010-11-13T21:18:00.000-08:00

Well, the candy corn is gone (re: stolen), the decorations have blown and not one pair of legs has recovered from the monster dance fest that was last Saturday night. Yes folks, Halloween 2010 is officially over and we here at Hot Couture are officially counting down until next year because it was the OMG BEST PARTY IN THE UNIVERSE OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ginger on the way to ze plane.

The Qu'oran and I.

The switch strapped in for takeoff.

Ahem. So Joy and I started our weekend with a faaaaaaaaabulous Japanese fusion dinner with our extraordinarily handsome friend Jim, a super producer with a super heart of gold who opened up the doors to his beautiful apartment to house us troublemakers over the weekend.

Jim in his everyday handsome lounging attire.

After a few lychee martinis and delicate Japanese grub, including Camembert with miso and garlic (drool), we frugged at the Colombian and propositioned the handsome security man for a dance to no avail. Sydney 1, Hot Couture 0.

Saturday began as they always do - with a big, fat, steaming breakfast at our favourite Turkish feedbag called Mint on Crown Street. Pinkie swear, this stuff is not food; it's manna direct from heaven.

A lady with good taste in everything, especially hired staff and fried meat.

This delicious mushroom toast was injected via intravenus approx. 2 seconds later.

After shopping on Crown Street, we nappity napped before getting our green on for the party to end all parties. Hosted by aforementioned Costume Designer and all-round hostess with the Mostess, Gypsy Taylor and friends, this Halloween shindig is unlike anything you've probably been to. With nary a Leg Avenue nurse costume in sight, everyone really goes out with homemade costumes - the more effort one puts into their garb, the higher the accolade bestowed upon by this fun lovin' group of creatives. Voila the evidence.

Gypsy, Queen of Halloween and Toddlers and Tiara's lil' beauty Queen gone oh-so-wrong.

Employer and Employee working late at the office.

Muvva and sonny boy.

The apps! Oh the apps!

Ginger 'Doreen' Danger.

As you can see, a rockin' party to the utmost Heidi and Seal efforts. No one could possibly not have had fun at this little intimate shindig and we were so happy to fly over for the event! Thanks Gypsy and co. for putting so much effort into the best Halloween everrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!

Evidence that said Halloween was indeed the 'best ever'. Ergo, I literally danced through my shoes.

The next day, Joy, Ginger, Jim and I were kinda screwed up in the leg department so we trotted down Oxford street -

Trotting.

- and treated ourselves to an amazingly relaxing thai massage after swimming in Jim's faaaabuous pool. Ginger went home soon after (boo hoo!) and we sped over to Tamarama to catch the Scuptures By The Sea exhibition. Gettaload of these two hootenanny-ers 'supporting the arts':

After roast pork and fairy floss (mmm hmm) dinner at The Winery, Joy out partied us both and pretended to be tired when she wasn't to make Jim and I feel less like party poopers. Jim has an excuse being a 75-hour-per-week job but me? Hungover like a horse. Just sayin.

Monday morn we had a delicious organic breakfast with Gypsy featuring creamed corn and something Mexican:

Too bad the only pic I have is of boring ol' pouring water.

We swam and hung out at the Qantas lounge before Joy jetted away in the midst of a lightening storm and I got stuck in Syndey overnight for perhaps the most nauseating 12 hours in existance, but hey, what a weekend.

Until Halloween 2011 Hot Couture compadres!

xx Love Stav xx

Hot Couture and Our Monsters!

2010-10-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

We here at HC headquarters are extra stoked this mornin' because we just Skyped with Costume Designer extraordinaire (and Joy's fabulous daughter) Gypsy Taylor! Gypsy just wrapped on what's going to be our FAVOURITE SHOW IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE UNIVERSE*** called 'Me and My Monsters'. Here's a sneak peak of Gypsy with the OMG adorable Haggis who kinda resembles a more fluoro, less stinky Greek Uncle of mine who shall remain nameless:

Keep your eyes peeled for the show when it hits our shores in February for a Hot Couture cameo!

You can check out more on the show here http://mangodistribution.com/stickypictures.tv.

Whilst you're at it, gawk at Gypsy's seriously inspiring and flipping amazing design work here http://www.gypsytaylor.com/.

xxx Stav

*** Conditions apply, 'Toddlers And Tiaras' will always be number one in our heart of hearts. Amen.

Em Bodinar finalist in Fashions on the field

2010-10-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

We're so proud of one of our fave customers Em Bodinar who made the finals yesterday at The Caulfield Cup. Em won a ton of prizes and was on the Channel 7 news last night. Em wasn't the overall winner in her Hot Couture frock but she would have definitely been our choice. Good for you Em and thanks for the photo.. XXX Joy

Em in the finals at The Caulfield Cup

2010-10-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

Hot Couture in Cruzin Magazine!

2010-10-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

Have a lil' squiz at the Hot Couture writeup and interview with Joy in this month's edition of hot rod mag Cruzin! Many thanks to Kat Creasey (http://mylittlerockabillykat.blogspot.com/) for the fabulous interview!

xxx Love Stav

Pia in Women's Weekly and Beyond!

2010-10-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hot Couture model and singer/stylist Pia Andersen has had lots of great press lately and we are so proud of her lookin' so darn fine and flashing those pearly whites! Here she is in Australian Women's Weekly all dolled up for the special on how to dress '1940s' and the following are from various publications around Sydney. Yippee!

And here she is with Dita Von Teese at the Cointreau Ball! Bit of a, erm, cointreau-versial statement here but Pia has definitely outshone the Queen of (modern) Burlesque! Go Pia Go!

You can see Pia's fabulous work at www.vintageallsorts.com.au.

xxx Love Stav

Hot Couture Fashion Parade @ Rockabilly Rumble!

2010-10-05T22:43:00.000-07:00

Well kiddos, the video is in. Check out our gals rocking their proverbial socks off. REOW!

Many thanks to Aaron Schuppan for being the dodgy guy at the end of the runway filming us like george Michael in the 'Too Funky' video.

xxx love Stav

Hot Breakfast Meeting!

2010-10-05T20:33:00.000-07:00

Joy, Greta and I meet every Monday and/or Wednesday morning in Joy's crib of Stirling to chat about the direction of Hot Couture: new designs, ideas, inspirations, girlie stuff, fabric that we've spied and love......and also to mung on our favourite breakfast in the whole of Kaurnaland. Today was a particularly healthy brainstorming sesh so make sure you check out our Facebook page every Monday to see what limited edition specials we've come up with!

xxx love Stav

Rockabilly Rumble Wrap Up!

2010-10-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

It's official: the hangover has gone but the buzz from the Rockabilly Rumble hasn't.

We here at Hot Couture had THE. BEST. TIME. EVERRRRRR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sooooo....the organisers were expecting around 300 people or so but turns out Adelaideans aren't too shabby when it comes to partying as A THOUSAND PEOPLE showed up! Yee haw! Ginger and I had a stall during the day selling Day of the Bed pillows and Hot Couture boat hats and flowers. Observe:

Ginger through the mirror as taken by our resident angular photographer deluxe, professor Sven Kovac.

Me and my new children, me wee lil' hair flowers trying hard not to say "Hey kid, ya wanna buy a flowa?"!!

So anyways, there was a pie eating contest during the day (that I somehow missed) and the pizza guy was late but fun was still had by all. Especially my long suffering boyfriend Aaron, who put the 'man' in manning our stall whilst we faffed about, squealing and pinching bums et. al. Hi Ron! Love you bubbeleh!!

Mama Joy surprised us all by hiring a luxe hotel room across the road from the joint where we could all get ready together in harmony, and with Harmony (Harmony Nicholas, our honorary model-slash-photographer-slash-muse-slash-dream woman)!

Marie and I ironing my awesome pink human hair extensions from Harlem! God I love this woman. Any best friend who hand-dyes and irons some poor Indian girl's hair for the good of a fashion parade is worth her weight in gold!

Sarah looking mighty interested in the physics of makeup application! You can do it Sarah!

Greta looking B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L all hibiscus-ed up...and totally incognito to Aaron!

Carla 'The Boss' Lippis getting her 'Sass' on being a 'Bad Ass'!

Ginger hamming it up with Harmony's delicious, delicious strawberries!

Our saviours, Mortimer and Sven, aiding us flailing maidens with shoe emergencies!

The mess Joy was faced with pre-parade and pre-bed. Le sigh!

So with 5 mins to go until the parade, we rushed our way through makeup n' hair and made it just in time. WOOT WOOT! And after the best dressed competition we strutted our proverbial stuff and had the MOST AMAZING TIME AND HAD SO MUCH FUN AND LAGHED OUR ASSES OFF AND FUN FUN FUN FUN ADD SUPERLATIVE TIMES A MILLION AD INFINITUM FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ahem. So the parade was mondo fun. Us models were so proud to represent Joy's company and new designs with most style and aplomb. She really is such a magnificent lady and it was a pleasure to wear her clothes and strut around the Cranker for a night, making her proud. The video of the parade will be up soon so keep a stalk, I mean, eye out!

The rest of the night was admittedly a teency bit blurry. Booze flowed a-plenty, there was a fight during the Satellites' show that Ginger and Joy ended up being in the middle of (somehow?), dancing was done, food was scoffed and some of us may or may not have broken into the Botanic Gardens to make out with our lusty boyfriends. Alas, the true spirit of rockabilly people!

Congratulations to Jessi and Phil of Smokin' Betty's Events who did such a professional and magnificent job organising the first annual rockabilly Rumble. Everyone had a pret-ty dang great time at said hootenanny and we can't flipping wait until next year!

And thank you as always to Joy Taylor, Designer of Hot Couture, purveyor of the finest quality and most feminine frocks around, everybody's fairy godmother and my employer slash friend who really inspired her models to do the best job possible and have as much fun in life always.

Postcard designed by Sven Kovac! Until next week friends and internet stalkers!

Love Stav xoxoxo

Hot Couture Fashion Parade THIS SUNDAY!

2010-09-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

Hey there Hotties!

We here at Hot Couture Hq are pret-ty excited about strutting our proverbial stuff this Sunday at the FIRST ANNUAL ROCKABILLY RUMBLE at the Crown and Anchor hotel in Adelaide! With 6 live bands including THE SATELLITES, burlesque dancers, live tattooing, food, dancing and the all-star fashion parade we're having a hard time sitting still until Sunday! Uh, and there's a PIE EATING CONTEST PEOPLE - YUHHUH, DELICIOUS CREAM PIE GORGING FOR ALL!!

We'll also be running a treaty lil' stall of goodies, including Day of the Bed skull pillows and Hot Couture hair flowers and 40s boat hats!! Here we are at the Adelaide Roller Derby Grand Final showing our fineries to the masses:

Day of the Bed pillows are 30 smackeroonies, the boat hats are a sweet tenner and the flower hair accessories are 12 clams each!! All Adeladies come say howdy and stay tuned for pics from the show! It's gonna blow the roost we tells ya!

In the meantime, Christina, we can't stop listening to thee and we crave your wanton rack.

- Love Stav xxx

Spring is Sprung!

2010-09-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

We have so many wonderful things happening at the moment. I have just read Peta Plegers blog and like the girl says Spring is here and it's a good feeling. All the beautiful summery frocks are coming into the shops. We are madly working on some pretty special frocks for summer. We will show them at the parade on the long weekend at the Crown and Anchor, then they will hit the website. So exciting. I have been going back through old photo's of H.C. to see if we have improved. I have to say a few of these old fave's I still love. See what you think. The 50's never goes out of style really does it.

Check out http://www.petapledger.com dolls!

Enjoy this spectacular weather XXX Love Joy

Sterling HQ..

2010-09-01T05:32:00.000-07:00

This time round I made sure I called in to see Lou and Tony at Sterling HQ. This fabulous hair salon is the only place to get your hair done for the 50's fair, the Gangster's ball or for any reason at all really. When we called in Tony was busy giving Anthony a hot shave, I felt like I had stepped back in time. The decor alone is reason enough to pop by, so next time your in Sydney make an appointment and head on over to Brisbane St Darlinghurst. If you live in Sydney then you have no excuse, call their gorgeous receptionist Amanda and make an appointment. I know I will next time I'm up there. XXX Joy

2010-09-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

2010-09-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

Sterling HQ

2010-09-01T05:14:00.000-07:00

Best 50's fair ever.

2010-08-31T19:36:00.001-07:00

50's fair Rose Siedler House Sydney

2010-08-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the 50's fair has been going for 10 years now. This year I decided not to have a stall, turned out to be a very good decision. The 50's fair got Hot Couture started all those years ago when I sold my very own evening frocks and realised the need for new garments made from vintage patterns.
As we lined up for the first time we were entertained by people watching and listening to a gorgeous girl in a pick-up singing and playing guitar. Never having lined up before I was in shock at how many people were there so early. I took my model Sarah and kids with me and once through the gates I wondered if I would ever find them again. So many amazing stalls.
Andrew my old buddy who I always shared with was in his usual spot, it was strange not seeing the hills hoist covered in Hot Couture frocks. It was fun checking out all the stalls and not being in a hurry, I scored some cool sunnies and quite a few patterns. The Velvet Set were first up, it was lovely listening to Sarah sing while I shopped. Briefly found Sarah and Eddy and his girlfriend but lost them again.
Ran into sooooo many people in the crowd but hardly had a minute to talk. Burlesque performer Kitty Van Horne, Pete and Sarah from Deadbeat mag, Donna from Adelaide, diehard 50's fans Sue and Mark, Marilyn from Vegas. I only saw Pia and Annette for a second before they were whisked away in the sea of people. I was worn out by 2pm and so happy I didn't have a stall to pack up. I had a chat with Tina and Bruce from Retrospec'd and they had decided to not have a stall this year and enjoy the day. I think we made the right choice.
Luckily, as I was running out of steam one of my friends asked me to afternoon tea at one of the other Siedler houses down the back of the garden. There are 3 homes on the property all designed by Harry Siedler. We left the crowds and headed down to see Bryan and his lovely wife. We were greeted by the most amazing 50's home, possibly even more beautiful then the one where the fair is. Sitting on the edge of a cliff with a swimming pool in the distance we sat on the verandah eating cakes and having a cuppa in the most divine cups I've ever laid eyes on. I kept getting texts from Sarah and Eddy wondering where I was.
I'll tell you where I was.......... I was in 50's heaven. Bryan showed me through his home and even told me the history of it all. He lived there as a kid and his uncle was Harry Siedler. Everything about the house was perfection. Sadly we had to head up the hill back to the chaos and meet up with the kids who were ready to pack it in. It was a wonderful day, I don't know if I will have a stall again in the future. Hot Couture seems to be doing pretty well without having to cart and pack up racks and frocks. Time to enjoy the benefits of all our hard work. XXX Joy

50's fair Rose Siedler House Sydney

2010-08-31T18:47:00.000-07:00

DAS right!

2010-08-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

You may already know that Hot Couture is now pretty well established all over Australia. We stock in Brisbane, Hobart, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. Sadly Adelaide doesn't have a shop currently stocking H.C.

UNTIL NOW!

Yay! At last you will be able to buy our new range at DAS. DAS is in Ebernezer place right next to one of our other fave shops Midwest Trader. The boys at DAS not only sell fabulous clothing but you can have a trim or a colour while your there. So next time your in the East End of Rundle St drop by and say hi to the boys. They have lovely Melissa shoes to go with your fave H.C. frock. I'm soooooooo happy.

Check out their blog at http://das-revolution.blogspot.com/

XXX Joy

Spring range

2010-08-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

Red Ruby Vintage

2010-08-11T03:10:00.000-07:00

My daughter Ginger and I went Vintage shopping today and I have to say Red Ruby Vintage in Peel St in the city has some pretty awesome frocks, coats, hats ect. I couldn't believe the prices they are so reasonable. Being used to high Sydney prices I was pleasantly surprised. Ginger tried on some fabulous frocks and bought a beautiful baby blue beaded cardy for $70. Yes! you read right, not a single moth hole, which is almost impossible to find these days. She also bought the most amazing leopard coat having her arm twisted by me, I know what it's like to regret not having bought the bargain of the day. It was only $85, stunning coat. I have to share this information and as long as you come back here for repro I don't mind. Original vintage is still my first love. I tried on a coat to die for, it's black with a mink collar and is only $120, great condition as well, so if your a bigger size you better get in quick. I have coats coming out of my ears and sadly left this one in the shop. Tell Gayle, Joy from Hot Couture sent you, she is incredibly helpful and has a great knowledge of vintage. Happy shopping XXX Joy

2010-08-11T03:09:00.000-07:00

Our girl Kate

2010-08-10T02:31:00.000-07:00

We are so excited, our girl Kate Mcinerney's hard work has finally paid off. Kate has been in London for the last 9 months slogging away for Emilio Del La Morena. Not just any old fashion house. Kate will be at London Fashion week, schmoozing with all the celebs no doubt. Kate has made a lot of the parkers and skirts you see in his ready to wear winter collection. Not my cup of tea really, not a pretty 50's number in sight but he's the one showing in London not Hot Couture so he must be doing something right. He has employed our Kate so he HAS done something right. Good luck Kate we want to hear EVERYTHING. Hot Couture may not be on the catwalks but we will have one frock there at least. The lovely Ruby Rose will be wearing one of our sarong frocks. Can't wait to post pics of that. Love Joy XXX

2010-08-10T02:29:00.000-07:00

ONE OF A KIND!

2010-08-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy pulling apart old 50's frocks, transferring old patterns onto blocks. In my effort to save all my patterns I have been inspired. As soon as a pattern is done I feel the need to make it up, therefore all my lovely Hot Couture customers will benefit. I will be putting up one off's as I make them. If I have enough fabric there may be a few made but no more than four. Prices will vary according to the price of the fabric. I will get these on my website eventually but they will be in different fabric that I can buy all the time from wholesalers. Go to my facebook Hot Couture page for prices and contact me via my email hotcouture@bigpond.com or facebook ( I'm on facebook) a lot so if you want to get in first that's the way to go. Hope you like these, it was pretty tough cutting up the Black Hawaii Sarong it was made of the most beautiful silk and my favorite of all my frocks. Oh well moving on! XXX Joy

New one-off's!

2010-08-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

GET EM' WHILE THEY'RE HOT!

Jump for Joy, she's back.

2010-08-02T07:04:00.001-07:00

Our girl Stavroula is back on board, Yay! to that. I knew I had missed her but until today I didn't realise how much. Stav and I had a wonderful breakfast meeting at the Stirling Pub where we brainstormed, ate, brainstormed and ate some more. Stav has come home with a whole load of enthusiasm and it's catching. We have decided to make one off frocks from all of my precious patterns and offer them to member's and facebook peeps at a very special price. Monday is the day our girl will post all of the new garments for sale so keep an eye out. We have decided to do giveaways to customers on certain days as well so watch this space. I'm sooooooooooo pumped about all the new stuff we are going to get done. XXX Joy

2010-08-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

Hot Couture weddings.

2010-07-26T00:57:00.000-07:00

Here at Hot Couture we make a lot of wedding frocks, mostly for brides wanting something just that little bit unique and individual. We love it when the photo's of the special day come through and we see our frocks have been teamed with skull and crossbone tiara's, felt posies, red glitter slippers and charming settings.
We DON"T make traditional white wedding frocks as a rule but we would if it was something truly out of the ordinary. Most of our brides love colour and black. Here are a few photo's of our most recent weddings. If your in the market for a wedding or bridesmaid frock, have a look at our website and imagine any of our gorgeous frock's made up in the fabric of your choice. Love Joy XXX

2010-07-26T00:55:00.000-07:00

2010-07-26T00:54:00.001-07:00

2010-07-26T00:53:00.000-07:00

2010-07-26T00:51:00.000-07:00

2010-07-26T00:47:00.000-07:00

Louise in H.C. photography by Bexterity

2010-07-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

One of our fabulous customers sent us these shots of herself in Hot Couture.
Louise was photographed by Bexterity photography. Bex does the whole package, hair, make up, setting ect. Louise is wearing Bardot in the gingham and Gidget from our Trailer range. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photo's with us Louise. XXX Joy