Photos from the new Red Flora Collection Fashion Parade!

I'm ba-ack!!! Yes, it has been a long while since I posted anything... perhaps these photos will explain why!

I recently held a fashion parade, in Sydney, to launch my latest Penelope Red range, The Red Flora Collection! What a night!!! Y'know when you have had a dream that you wanted to fulfil since you were really young, and when you finally have it fulfilled, you feel like crying? Well, there were a few tears shed by me that night, and I was amazed by the response that everyone had to the designs. It was such an exciting whirl-wind of a night!

The below photos were taken by Johnny Yip. If you would like to see more, please take a look at the official gallery, on my website!



The girls all dressed, made up and ready to go... my nerves were really heightened at this point in time!

We decorated the venue with candles, lanterns, tea lights, and flowers.

Introducing the lovely Olivia... Naomi Meyer was the make up artist for Olivia and Irina.



And the very sweet Deedee...


And the quiet and calm Monique...


Lucy Topp Makeup created the make up for Deedee and Monique, as well as myself. I needed a little extra help that night, as my skin exploded throughout the course of the preparations.





The backstage crew... Lucy, Lisa, Olivia, Melissa, Monique, Me, Naomi, Deedee, Irina, and Leanne.

Introducing Irina!


The Red Orchid Lace Dress was originally in the multi-coloured lace, but it has sold out. Now I have created it in another red lace and red knit. You can take a look at it in the online shop here.


The kimono that Irina, above, is wearing sold that very night. It was a one of a kind creation, hand made from two vintage fabrics and a vintage braid... beautiful!


Well, I had to say something... after I composed myself!


Olivia wears the Hibiscus Halter Neck Dress, handmade from a stunning 100% cotton print (and cotton lining). It is now available in the shop online.



After the parade, guests were invited to view the latest collection...




So many beautiful colours and fabrics!



My friend, Melissa, and myself... once we had a chance to relax! Melissa was such a great help- just what I needed!


Miss Lucy Topp creating that flawless make up she does so well!

New Penelope Red Swing Tags!

I have decided that it would be nice to add a swing tag to my designs. I wanted to let my customers know, as soon as they see my designs, that they are limited edition designs, and they have been made by hand with quality. So I hope these Penelope Red swing tags help to portray this!


I decided to attach them to the Penelope Red woven label in the back of my designs because I don't want the safety pin damaging the garment.





From now on, each garment will be numbered, to tell you how many garments will be the same as the one my customers have just purchased. For example, the Pallas Athene Jacket pictured in these photos, will have a swing tag stating:

"This is an original Penelope Red design. It is one of three that will be made worldwide."

I only have enough fabric in the check to make three of these jackets.

More Customer Photos!

One of my customers has been very kind to give me a copy of a few photos from her trip to New Zealand. She wore a few of my designs while she was there, including the Liberty Flowers Wool Jacket Bolero as seen above.



Above, the Vesper Kimono and below the Kir Royale Halter.



I am so thrilled to see people wearing my designs! One time I hope to be walking down the road, and I bump into someone wearing my work, and I can tell them that I made that!



Above, Leanne, Lorelle and I had dinner at the Spanish Fly (Spanish Restaurant) a few months ago. I really like this photo as we are all so happy, and we are wearing our Penelope Red! Leanne wears the Pop Dress, I wear the Venus Floral Bolero and Lorelle wears the Caipirinha Y-Bar Top.

Kiran's Sari-Inspired Wedding Dress, Part 3 Video: East meets West

You can now check out the making of Kiran's Sari Inspired Wedding Dress in a video format, on youtube here.

The video is split into 3 parts, so make sure you don't miss any parts!

Part one is here.

Watch all the detail and work that goes into making this stunning wedding dress!

The Alexander Black and White Zebra Blouse

The Alexander Black and White Zebra Chiffon Blouse is one of my very latest designs. Pictured with the Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants, it is such a versatile, easy and flattering style to wear.



I have always been a huge fan of animal prints, and while this is not exactly an animal print, it is easy to see where the textile designer got their inspiration from.

The actual fabric itself is a chiffon yoryu- this means the chiffon is crinkled and has a more tactile finish.



This blouse has been handmade and finished off with gathering and a little blue rik-rak braid at the neck. It is a sleeveless top, but you can easily wear it with a skivvy on those cooler nights.



You can buy the Alexander Black and White Zebra Printed Blouse online in the Penelope Red etsy shop.



Take a look at my other Penelope Red designs here:

More photos of the Strawberry Daiquiri Polka Dot Blouse

The Strawberry Daiquiri Red Polka Dot Blouse has been added to the Penelope Red etsy shop. I spent some time last week taking a few photos so everyone can see it from each angle- I think that is important when you are buying online!






I have more information about this style on the blog too.

The Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants

I am very proud of this pant design, the Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants...I have always loved flared pants, and I have in previous years sold quite a few. I always found that no matter what I did, it was always hard to fit everyone though. Each women's hip to waist area is so different in length and width that making a fitted pair of pants with a zip and tight waistband was very hard to sell.

So when it came to creating these pants, I wanted to do something completely different! I wanted these pants to be high waisted (not hipster like my past pant creations), and I started thinking about using elastic... the only problem was I didn't like the look of a gather waist on pants.

The Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants is pictured above with the Martini Bright Stripe Blouse, and below with the Venus Floral Bolero.



So, I decided to make a flat centre front waist band, then hide the elasticated waistband with an oversized bow that tied around the waist! The elastic means that it has room to expand or retract where needed, and it also means a much more comfortable fit. In fact my customers are usually very surprised by how comfortable this design is!


So the fit problem is solved, they are super comfortable, and the bow gives it that "Penelope Red panache" that I always want in every single item of my designs.

The reason why I decided to make it in this bright blue colour is mainly because everyone else sells black pants. I always say that i can't compete on price, but what I can compete on is individuality- tell me, how many shops sell bright blue pants?


I designed these pants to make your legs look elongated. The pin tucks that have been applied to the front, together with the high waist create the illusion of length. I have seen a lady who was about 5 foot tall try them on, and even she was surprised by how tall they made her look.




The Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants is pictured above with the Caipirinha Y-Bar Top and below with the Strawberry Daiquiri Blouse.

I make these pants to fit, with the desired length. I personally wear mine with heels, but a few customers have opted for flats. I can also make them with out the bow, and just place extra belt keepers so a belt can be worn with them instead.


The fabric is a very soft 100% rayon. I have washed my pants twice so far, and they are the ones used in the photographs- so the colour stays.



The Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants is pictured above with the Aqua Paisley Blouse.

The pants are also available in a bright red, the Cosmopolitan Red Bow Tie Pants.

You can buy these pants and other Penelope Red designs online in the Penelope Red etsy shop here.