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

You are invited to The Rocks Winter Showcase featuring the latest Penelope Red designs

The Rocks Markets has organised another Fashion Showcase, and the next one, on the 2nd and 3rd of April will feature my Autumn designs, The Red Queen Collection.

Each day is split into 4 parades; the first is always children's wear at midday; the women's wear parade's are on throughout the afternoon at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. At this stage I have not been able to confirm the particular time that the Penelope Red section is on, so I suggest to everyone to head into the city for the middle of the day.

Included in the parade will be Asymmetric Black Silk Emilie Blouse:



and the Black and Cream Isis Knit Top:



plus many more exciting styles! The Rocks Markets will be open for trade on both the Saturday and Sunday, 10am til 5pm, and my Penelope Red boutique market stand will be there with the latest styles to try on!

Photos from the Rocks Markets: Feb 2011

I had a little bit of time last weekend I was at the Rocks Markets, and I took some photos of my latest designs and colours for Autumn...

Above I am sewing buttons on a dress- I always like to take a little bit of hand sewing with me.



My latest colours: black and gold, cream, purple, and blue, with a little jade green.


Also, I can't forget my favourite colour- RED!


I will be featuring each of these designs on the blog in more detail soon, but for now, this is just a sneak peek of the latest designs, and there will be more to come!



The Penelope Red boutique will be at the Rocks Markets this coming weekend, the 5th and 6th March, 2011. Opening hours are 10am til 5pm.

Penelope Red at The Rocks Market: 26th & 27th February 2011

The Penelope Red boutique stand will be at the Rocks Markets on the 26th and 27th of February, 2011.

The photos included in this post were taken a few weeks ago when I had my stand set up at the Rocks Markets. It was fairly quiet, so I decided t0 continue hand sewing the gold sequinned silk top I am creating for the new Autumn Collection.



I love giving my garments that handmade appeal, and even though hand sewing sequinned lace onto a top is time consuming, I know this design will be stunning! Already people were wanting to take a look at the unfinished piece, let alone the finished piece. I can't wait to see this in the photo shoot!



The Rocks Markets, Sydney is open from 10am til 5pm, both Saturday and Sunday. Please note that the Penelope Red boutique is not at the markets every week, and if you take a look at the official Penelope Red website, there is a notice of the next time I am there.

Ms. Red Flashback: photos of my work from previous years.

The following photos are of designs I created a few years back. I think it is fun to look back and see how much my designs have evolved, how much the photo shoot process has changed, and remember the happy customers who bought these designs.


Above, the Pocahontas Bustier and Poppy Jeans. Below: the Mucha Pants and Jade Nouveau Corset.



The Pocahontas Catsuit and the Bright Swirls Catsuit.

Around Paddington Markets, I was known for my corsets and catsuits. I have always loved wearing both styles and when I first decided to sell my designs I wanted to sell items that no one else was making. I wanted show stoppers!

The various Penelope Red corsets have made it many different countries by now: Germany, England, France, Brasil, America, Canada, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and more.

The Penelope Red catsuits are a little more exclusive, so not many have been made. The Bright Swirls Catsuit (RHS) has been taken back to to Tokyo, and I simply had to keep one of these catsuits so the Pocahontas Catsuit (LHS) is mine, and I still receive comments on it whenever I wear it even now- 4 years later.




The White corset was very popular- one of my best corsets. I sold 4 copies of this in the one day!



The Carmen corset was all about having lots of fun, and experimenting with fabrics. They were quite a hit!



It is crazy to think that I have handmade so many pieces over the years! There will be more Penelope Red flashbacks to follow.

I now sell my latest designs at the Rocks Markets, Sydney. To find out more information, please visit the Penelope Red website.

Penelope Red Spring/Summer Fashion Showcase Video

My Penelope Red designs were featured in The Rocks Markets Spring/Summer Fashion Showcase last weekend. I have made a short video above (under 3 minutes long) of the models showing off my designs! You will see my handmade catsuits, my new Cosmopolitan Red Bow Tie Pants and Martini Bright Stripe Blouse; the Purple Floral Corset Dress; and other designs, so I hope you enjoy it!

Handmade Accessories and Organisers by Melissa Tan

Around 2 months ago, I met Melissa Tan at The Rocks Markets. She was selling her handmade organisers and accessories next to my market stall. It was nice to meet another person creating everything herself, and she told me that she used off cuts of designer fabrics and vintage finds...A little bell went off in my head...I had been looking for someone to take my off cuts of fabrics, as I think it is important to help the environment wherever possible- so it was fate that we met!

Take a look at my notes on things I am doing to try and minimise the Penelope Red waste!

Melissa’s designs are unique, and her quality is very good. I bought a bag organiser for a friend’s birthday, and my friend LOVED it! I thought you might like to read a little about Melissa’s work:



1. Where/when/how did you come up with the idea of those nifty little bag organisers?

For some time now, the large, oversized bag has been very fashionable. I noticed large bags never had compartments, or maybe just a little zip pocket for your phone. Women were endlessly digging in their bags in search for that ringing mobile phone etc.

I did a search online; products were available but they were just big pouches and looked ugly. Nothing seemed quite right, so I decided to design my own! This way, I could combine all the ideas I had seen with my own to create the best possible design.

The design needed to be simple and practical; hold numerous items; organised so items are easy to see and grab; adjustable so that it would fit every woman's handbag and made from vintage, recycled and reclaimed materials.


2. Why did you decide to use recycled and vintage fabrics in your designs?

I like the concept of transformation and the idea of turning nothing into something...Having worked in the Sydney fashion industry for many years, I noticed that the fashion industry is guilty of creating a lot of waste. When creating my own label and designs I wanted to do something different!

In today's society I think every Designer should be thinking about how to substitute consumption with innovation. To counteract the over consumption of materials and excessive waste created by the fashion industry I decided I would focus on using recycled materials as much as possible. This could be vintage, recycled or reclaimed fabrics, anything found in a 2nd hand shop, off cuts from clothing manufacturers and local designers, such as from Penelope Red.

By using recycled and vintage fabrics I try to create accessories by transforming something "old" or materials that are considered "waste" into something new, fun, useful and fashionable. Another bonus from using vintage fabrics; each piece is one of a kind, they cannot be mass-produced.


3. Do you create custom orders?

Yes, definitely. I love that someone might see their own idea in my ideas and designs.
Using vintage and recycled fabrics does create limits though due to their small quantities, but I always seem to somehow work around this. I am always happy to help someone out by creating one of my designs in a recycled fabric bought to me.


4. What are your plans for the future in your business?

I like to think the concept of my brand is helping to educate people about recycling. Recycling doesn't need to be "crafty" or "hippy", and recycling can be fashionable.

I want my accessories to compete with mass produced products. I want everyone to see the value in something that has been made in their own city or country, when it is handmade with lots of love and care. Hopefully they will think twice about buying something cheaply mass-produced.

I hope my business will grow to reach more people and eventually I hope to sell my accessories to boutiques all over Australia, to promote local production and recycling and hopefully inspire others.

Some of her latest designs have been made from Penelope Red off cuts, such as:
Denim Stripe Folded Wallet and the Black Brushstroke Mini Bag Organizer. There will be more to follow.

Find Melissa at the following:
http://www.melissatanaustralia.etsy.com
melissa_tan_@hotmail.com
If you are in Sydney, Melissa is often selling her accessories at the Rocks Markets.

Penelope Red at The Rocks Market: 4th & 5th September 2010

I will be trading at The Rocks Markets, this coming weekend, the 4th and 5th of September, 2010. I will be showing off my latest Penelope Red designs, including the Aqua Wrap Around Halter Top, and other new designs from my Spring and Summer Collections!



I will be there form 10am to 5pm. My location will be announced on the Penelope Red facebook page, closer to the weekend.

The Penelope Red Winter Fashion Parade Video

The Rocks Markets held a Winter Fashion Parade, featuring Penelope Red designs, on the 17th and 18th of April. There will be an official film of the parade, and professional photographs, but I couldn't wait that long to get my hot little hands on it, so I made my own video...

It is a short little film- only 2mins long, and it can be downloaded from youtube here.



Take a look at the video here.

Penelope Red at The Rocks Market: 1st & 2nd May 2010

I will be trading at The Rocks Markets, this coming weekend, the 1st and 2nd of May. I will be showing off my latest Penelope Red designs, including the Black Rose Red Dress, and the Ivory Rose Black Dress ( a black version of the red dress).

I am also hoping to have a brand new style of dress, made from wool- but I will have to see how my timing goes!


I will be there form 10am to 5pm. My location will be announced on my facebook page, closer to the weekend.

New Style: The Black Rose Red Dress

Introducing the latest Penelope Red Style! The Black Rose Red Dress!



I wore this dress out in the city last night, and I felt so glamorous, but yet so comfortable and practical! I think I have found my latest favourite dress to wear!



The reason why it is so comfortable is that the dress is made from a bright red rayon/elastane knit. The fabric drapes beautifully, there is no need for ironing (except for maybe sometimes around the neckline after you have washed it), and the dress has a full skirt falling from the waist (which is still made from the knit fabric), so you can eat as much as you want, and never have a tight waist band.



The reason why it is so glamorous is basically because it is a very classic shape. People at the markets say it is a very 30's and 40's shape- an era of fashion which I love!



This dress is meant to show off your figure, and mainly your waist; there are six pleats that are evenly divided around the front waist, and then six pleats around the back waist. They then fall out below your waist into the full skirt. I think because the pleats highlight the bust and waist so much, I decided that a modest boat neck would be best- and I think it balances out the hips and full skirt nicely. As it is coming into winter, the 3/4 sleeves add some extra warmth.



I only have enough fabric to make 10 of these. I have already sold six of them too! I basically have run out of fabric, and my wholesaler is not making more in this colour. I will be however making this dress in a black with cream lace, and perhaps a turquoise green with black lace.

I will be selling all of these dresses at The Rocks Markets in the coming months.



Each dress is slightly different to the next as I have hand stitched the lace on each individually in a random fashion. They all have it placed around the boat neck.




If you would like to enquire about this dress or the coming colour variations, please email me at designer@penelopered.com.au

My photos from The Winter Fashion Showcase

I finally have a photo of the new Penelope Red Dress, because it was featured in the Winter Fashion Showcase, at The Rocks Markets this past weekend, the 17th and 18th of April, 2010.

The below photos were taken using just my little digital camera, and I will hopefully soon have a few more photos from the day.



Above is the Penelope Red Black Rose Red Dress. Below is the Penelope Red Silk Road Winter Dress.



I am aiming to complete a short film of the parade, but I shot it via portrait and not landscape orientation, so once I work out how to rotate it, then it will be done!

Penelope Red at The Rocks Market: 10th & 11th April 2010

Just a quick message to let you know I will be at the Rocks Markets, Sydney this coming weekend, the 10th and 11th of April, 2010.



I am quite excited, as I have had a few weeks away, and I have some new designs, ready to show all of you! Actually, my husband is the only one to have seen them so far, I don't even have any photos of them yet, and they are in time for Winter. So if you are in the Sydney area, come down and say hello.

I will be there form 10am to 5pm. My location will be announced on my facebook page, closer to the weekend.

The Rocks Markets Winter Fashion Showcase

http://www.therocks.com/sydney-Shopping-The_Rocks_Markets.htm has organised a fashion parade to take place on the 17th and 18th April, and some of my Penelope Red Winter designs will be featured! I am really looking forward to it. They are calling it the Winter Fashion Showcase. Take a look at the flyer below for details:

Penelope Red at The Rocks Market: 13th & 14th March 2010

Penelope Red will be trading at The Rocks Markets this coming Saturday 13th and Sunday, 14th of March, 2010. The trading hours are 10am til 5pm.

I have just finished making the very last copies of the Penelope Red Paris Bow Top- there is no more fabric left after these last few copies!



All of my designs are handmade by myself, and are all made in small quantities, so you have the pleasure of owning an unmistakable unique product!

Hope to see you there! Please note, my location changes on a weekly basis, and I will place a notice on my facebook page to let people know of my location by Friday at the latest.

Follow me on twitter or facebook for more updates of my latest designs and finds!

Penelope Red at The Rocks Market: 27th & 28th Feb 2010

Penelope Red will be trading at The Rocks Markets this coming Saturday 20th and Sunday, 21st of February, 2010. The trading hours are 10am til 5pm.

I am planning to have a new Wrap Around Halter Top style in bright red! I will hopefully post this new style on the blog by the end of the week.

Penelope Red at The Rocks Market: 20th and 21st Feb

I will be trading at The Rocks Markets this coming Saturday 20th and Sunday, 21st of February, 2010. The trading hours are 10am til 5pm.

I am currently making a complete size set (sizes 8 to 16) of the Lichenstein Gathered Neck Blouses:



Then I will make another size 8 and 10 of the Tuxedo Corset- as these have sold out already.



And since the Wrap Around Halter Tops have been getting more and more attention recently, I thought I would make more of the Bohemian Sari Wrap Around Halter Tops:



The above designs are all available for purchase on my etsy shop, and they will be available at The Rocks Markets too.