Craftsmanship vs mass production

Craftsmanship is back in trend! As of late, more and more people are looking towards getting their outfits custom made as opposed to buying off the rack. When it comes to specialty garments such as wedding gowns, evening wear and race wear, consumers have become more fashionably aware of the difference in quality and fit.

Ladies no longer are settling for looking anything less than the best in their outfits and wouldn't mind spending a little extra just to get something that fits exactly to their measurements.

At Judith Penak Couture, we alter, revamp and create outfits based on your requirements at a price that suits your budget. We work together step by step on the journey of your couture creation.

Call us today or visit our website to book and appointment. Check out our service reviews on WOMO.

MYER Fashion on the Fields 2014 with JPC

The mood was high and heels were clicking happily at the MYER Fashion on the Fields Designer Competition on the 4th of November at the Melbourne Cup. Bright colours painted the grounds as models, designers and fashionistas enjoyed the company of their friends and family for a fun day on the fields.

Judith Penak Couture entered in the Professional Designers Competition with this stunning classic style outfit.

This outfit was made possible with our fantastic team which consisted of World Super Model's Fashion Stylist, Lynette Pater, Milliner Jo-Anne Rolfe of Vintage Designs, gorgeous model Letitia Sindt and of course, Judith Penak Couture. The stunning outfit turned the heads of many and caught the attention of photographers everywhere. 

Judith Penak Couture also created the head stopping pink textured outfit that was worn by the beautiful Lynette Pater as well as her own purple frilly outfit. 

Melbourne Cup is fast approaching!

(Above photo from Melbourne Cup 2013) 

There are 7 days until the Melbourne Cup Day hits! Designers all around Melbourne are busy as bees working on their entries for the MYER Fashion on the Fields Competition, as are we! Keep an eye out for Judith Penak Couture on the runway--we have another quite spectacular creation for this year's entry! Working with Melbourne's best stylist, Lynette Pater; Shoe Designer, Lana Volkov; Milliner, Jo-Anne Rolfe Vintage Designs and Jewellery by Stella Nemiro

Eyes Wide Open Fashion Show

Judith Penak Couture participated in the Eyes Wide Open Fashion Show at RAH BAR, where some of the most stunning outfits walked the runway. Lynette Pater, one of the most respected Melbourne Master Stylist, coordinated the looks of Judith Penak Couture along with Millinery by Vintage Designs and Jewellery Designer, Stella Nemiro. Bodyography did an amazing job with makeup on the beautiful models.

This charity event was to raise money for BeyondBlue which is an Australian independent non-profitable organisation working to address issues associated with depression. Hope this event contributed towards this good cause.

Tribute to Paris Kyne -- Master Milliner

Paris Kevin Kyne was a master milliner who dressed the heads of celebrities such as Kate Cebrano, Melissa George and Paris and Nicky Hilton.

Paris and I shared a friendship since year 2000. We entered competitions together and over the years, we developed a very strong business relationship. With Paris, there was never a “no, I can’t do that” or an “I’m too busy to do this”. He was always up for any project presented to him and he put his all into every venture.

We soon developed a strong, close team, along with La-Toyah Asha and in 2011, we won the BMW Caulfield Classic Style Award. The hat that accompanied our win was one of Paris Kyne’s brilliant master pieces.

On the 30^th of July 2013, Paris passed way at the young age of 47. He was, and still is, mourned greatly by friends, family and those who looked up to him. This sudden and unfortunate incident affected many.

On the 30^th of July 2014 marks Paris’ one year death anniversary. To celebrate Paris’ life, we held a French Vogue Inspired photo shoot at The Thornbury Theatre where we used head pieces that we purchased from his master collection as a tribute to his treasured life.

Below are two of the photos from our recent photo shoot, featuring La-Toyah, wearing a head piece made of Paris Kyne materials, put together by his assistant milliner, Margaret Addis. The second photo features model Caitlin Mikheal wearing a mask that was part of Paris’ collection.

Paris may have passed on but his memory and glorious work will live on with us forever.

 

French Vogue Inspired Photo shoot!

French Vogue inspired photo shoot was a complete success!  A student from RMIT wrote an amazing blog about the day, instead of us repeating what has been said, check out Matthew Youden's blog out here!  

                        

Australian Glamour in HOLLYWOOD

A few weeks ago, an Australian Production Team went on an exciting trip to Hollywood to photograph the works of 4 selected Australian designers, Lucy Laurita, Vicky E Pellicca-Zamoyzaris Popovski, Maria Mezzatesta and us--Judith Penak Couture! Our best Australian master stylist, Lynette Pater, took charge of styling and coordinating dress and jewellery; supplied by Le Dain Designs. Mishel Vounatsos Bratsos, Schyler Shulkin and Kirsty Barrie did an amazing job on the hair and makeup of the gorgeous model Celeste Billinge. 

Photographer, Maurice Rinaldi and make up artist, Mishel Vounatsos Bratsos, share their thoughts on the shoot.

"It was so exciting to work with an all Australian production team in LA and help support the Australian designers like Lucy Laurita, Judith Penak, Vicky E Pelliccia-Zamoyzaris Popovski and Maria Mezzatesta. Mishel Vounatsos Bratsos, Kirsty Barrie and Schvler Shulkin on make-up and hair who got little sleep and lots of driving and put up with me for 3 weeks THANK YOU for a job well done. I must say, working with Celeste Billinge from The Old School of Modeling with no complaints, no matter what location or temperature, was lovely to work with. Let's do it again soon, you are all welcomed back! "
--Maurice Rinaldi

"I truly loved going to America. It's such a different place to Australia. Still love my hometown but in America it has a different buzz about it. It's very much on the go-go-go! Doing makeup there was fantastic. Using our Australian designer gowns was absolutely phenomenal. Doing the photoshoot out in public was fantastic. Everyone was just looking at us saying, 'what's going on? What are you shooting? Wow look at the model and outfit!'.
It was a great experience doing makeup and hair in America. I truly enjoyed the atmosphere and vibes from it. Hopefully we will be doing this again next year. Definitely something to look forward to! Plus the Australian designers can have their gowns shot overseas which is such great exposure for them!" -- Mishel Vounatsos Bratsos

La Di Da

The vibe was huge at La Di Da on Friday! International models and faboulous fashion runway! Everyone had a blast; eating, drinking and mingling with each other. I was even pulled aside for an exclusive interview!

Marilyn Monroe Impersonator video!

The final videos of the Marilyn Monroe impersonator, Alia Milano, have finally been posted!! They are absolutely astounding! The film crew, stylists, make up artists and designers all did a fantastic job to produce such a remarkable result! Check it out in the link below!

http://www.markhudsonphotography.com.au/?p=278

Alia Milano--Marilyn Monroe impersonator--and her gold star dress

This is a legendary new era for our talented Australian artisans who have been preparing for the debut of our new amazing Marilyn Monroe impersonator, Alia Milano. It is our common goal to take this great opportunity to strengthen the vision of those in their respective fields.

Stylist Lynette Pater (Left) Alia Milano (Right) 

Alia is Australia's number is Marilyn Monroe impersonator and she looked absolutely stunning in the gold sequin dress made my Judith Penak Couture, styled by Lynette Pater. With hair and make up done to the inspired look of Marilyn Monroe, Alia shone like the star she is. 

Jeff Osman is an astounding photographer and we thank him for doing such an amazing job on the day. We are looking forward to seeing the main highlights of the photoshoot and seeing yours and your teams master work on the video. 

A big thanks to outstanding stylist Lynette Pater, make up artist Mishel, Lana Velkov shoe designer, Vikola fashionista and Zeljko the limosine provider. 

Generation to generation -- Story of Karen & Bridgette

"Thirty three years ago I had my dream dress design picked out and excitedly ventured into the city to purchase the material. Along with my Aunty—my dressmaker—we purchased superb white satin, chiffon, 45 metres of sunray pleated frill and 3 metres of exquisite ‘Brussels Lace’ made in Belgium. $350 worth of beautiful material—which was a lot of money back in 1981.

The dress was made after many hours of sewing and hand stitching of the intricate pattern and placing of the lace on the dress.

On the 15^th August 1981, I wore my dream dress, it looked magnificent and I felt like a Princess.

Over all the years gone by I looked after the gown, wrapping it up in dark blue tissue paper and then placed it into my camphor wood chest. After all, this was a family heirloom made by my dear Aunt, even if I never thought in my wildest dreams it would be worn again.

There it remained until my eldest daughter Bridgette got engaged and tried it on one night. It looked magnificent and it was in perfect condition—as good, and as white, as the day I wore it. I told Bridgette that she was welcome to use any part of the gown material for her own dream dress (although if the truth was known I would have been devastated at the thought of this exquisite dress being cut up completely). To my surprise and delight, one day Bridgette said that she would love to wear my dress, but maybe she would just alter the bodice to her personality and style.

We both proceeded to put this process of altering the bodice by getting in contact with Judith from ‘Judith Penak Couture’. Bridgette explained to Judith what she wanted, and with Judith’s professionalism and expertise she developed my dream dress into Bridgette’s dream dress.

On the 15^th February 2014, 33 years and six months later, Bridgette wore mine and her dream dress when she married.

I couldn’t be more proud or thrilled that after all these years my classic dress has stood the test of time in quality and design, be it for a few alterations, and my beautiful eldest daughter Bridgette will walk down the aisle just as I did all those years ago and also look and felt like a princess.

My aunty, now in heaven, would also be proud and no doubt will be smiling and looking down on Bridgette on her special day wearing the gown she made all those years ago. Who would have thought!!!" --Karen Thomas

"I felt very special wearing my mum's (impeccably) redesigned dress.  It was great to hear that friends and family were amazed at the condition of the dress after such a long time and how timeless and classic it looked.  It made the day extra special!" --Bridgette Thomas

If you have a mums special bridal gown, visit our website to find out how we can help you! 

THE LIVE GALLERY @ THE ORCHID ROOM QV ART de JOUR by Leiela

THE LIVE GALLERY @ THE ORCHID ROOM QV

ART de JOUR by Leiela 

On the 18th of March 2014, The Live Gallery presented ART de JOUR by Leiela at the Orchid Room in QV shopping district.


The venue was stunning and we instantly were in awe walking through the striking up arch way and into the beautiful warm lit room. Everyone was dolled up in their evening best. With cocktail in hand, we made the rounds, socialising with all the designers, stylists, milliners, photographers and other specialists in the creative industry. It was a great time to make some new contacts and ultimately; new friends.

                                                     

They started off the night with an amazing ballet performance accompanied by opera singer Valantina Dobric, whose voice carried through the room and really set the mood for the night.

                                     

Following this amazing performance, started the Leiela fashion runway show. There was a mixture of themes, from formal wear to sleep wear. All the designs were beautiful and the models really worked their stuff down the runway! The accessories, hair and makeup were sensational.

                           

Overall, the night was a great time to let out our inner social butterflies and just to have some fun while enjoying what we love—fashion!

[Credit: photographs by Timothy Treasure Photography
https://www.facebook.com/TimothyTreasurePhotography]