Behind the scenes: Raisa's beautiful hats for the Penelope Red Autumn Photo Shoot

Everyone who knows me well (or perhaps who has followed this blog) would notice that I LOVE my hats! Hats have this way of making every outfit look finished, polished and a little bit over the top in one. Most people would not like the idea of looking over the top- but I love that extra glamour hit.

Last year I discovered a little Russian-Australian lady, Raisa, selling these divine handmade hats at The Rocks Markets- not too far from where my market stand was. I instantly fell in love with Raisa's craftsmanship, and with her passion for what she does. It isn't very often that I come across a fellow designer at the markets, who actually creates most or everything herself, like I do, so it was nice to get to know Raisa.



When I organised the Penelope Red Queen Collection photo shoot for Autumn, I didn't initially think of hats to be included in it, since it was going to be taken in doors. Since Raisa's hats are more like fascinators, and more a decoration rather than a full brimmed hat, they worked perfectly for the setting. Besides, I wanted everything to be glamorous, fun, and a little over the top!

These photos are not the finished professional photos, but they were taken to show you the hats we used. All of the Penelope Red designs that the models are wearing will be added to the Penelope Red website soon!



Raisa handmake's all of the designs herself, in her home, in Sydney. If you are interested in purchasing a handmade hat, please contact Raisa on: 0412031612. If you live in Sydney, she will be at The Rocks Markets every Saturday and Sunday throughout April 2011.



I purchased one of Raisa's hats last September, to wear to the races. Raisa designed and created the hat specifically for me to go with a particular outfit of mine. You can take a look at Raisa's handmade hat for the races here. If you have a particular outfit in mind, she is happy to design something to match it, and her prices are very competitive. You can email Raisa on: rmyndra@gmail.com

My day at the Races: George Main Stakes Day as Fashion Spotter

I was asked to be involved in the Fashions on the Field for the AJC's George Main Stakes Day at Royal Randwick Racecourse, last Saturday the 25th September 2010.

I was a "fashion Spotter" and this is what they required from me for the day: drink champagne, chat to people from the media, get dressed up in Penelope Red, wear a fabulous hat, eat from a beautiful high tea selection, while sitting in the "Champagne Bar", then wander around the course and pick out the best dressed ladies to go in the Fashions on the Field finals.... well, its a tough job, but someone has to do it!

So you can imagine I had a wonderful day!


I decided to wear the new Penelope Red Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants, the Penelope Red Venus Floral Bolero and the hat was handmade by a wonderful lady, Raisa, who sells them at The Rocks Markets. The blouse pictured in the first photo) was a blouse I made specifically for this outfit- it is based on my gathered neck blouse's, just out of different fabric. Once I had decided on my outfit, Raisa designed the hat accordingly to match.


So I had my perfect hat, my Penelope Red outfit, I wore tan shoes (which matched back with my bolero) and had a vintage dark blue and gold handbag. The best thing about my outfit was that it was so different to everyone else's! Every other lady wore a dress or a skirt. I was the only woman in pants, and I felt like a million dollars!



I hope everyone gets the chance to go to the races this year, and I encourage everyone to get completely dressed up from head to toe! It is such a great feeling to feel like a princess for a day.


See my beautiful blue pants and the large bow at the back! They have been quite the favourite at the markets recently!

The fabric is 100% rayon, and the copy that I am wearing (my own copy) had already been washed when this photo had taken place. One of the things I am very proud of- my fabrics are good quality and the dyes and colours last!



I love these pants as they make any one appear to have much longer legs, due to the high waist and pin stitching down the front. Also, they are probably the most comfortable pants I have ever owned since the waist is elasticated. The Venus Floral Bolero worked so well with them as the pants highlighted the bright blue colours in the print.



It was a fabulous day, and I was lucky to share it with my friend and designer of Mae and Pearl, Naomi Swalwell.

Silly me forgot to take more photos from the day, but atleast I can show the most important part- my outfit!

If you are interested in purchasing a handmade hat, please contact Raisa on: 0412031612. If you live in Sydney, she will be at The Rocks Markets every Saturday and Sunday throughout October, except for October the 3rd.