Welcome to the Penelope Red Newsletter for September 2010

The Red Hour Summer Collection by Penelope Red

I am very excited to announce that I have designed a new range of designs... "The Red Hour", a summer collection.

I started by asking myself,

”what would I love to wear to a cocktail bar or party?”

I wanted to experiment with encouraging my customers (and my friends) to wear something different besides jeans and a top when they go out.

I want women to be excited about dressing up and making a night out an event!

Instead of “Cocktail Hour”, it is the “Red Hour”

The first image (top)features Aleisha wearing The Manhattan Bright Catsuit and Sanae wearing the Singapore Sling Pink Kimono. The image to the left features Aleisha wearing the Mai Tai Aqua Halter Top and The Mojito Metallic Mini Skirt. Jewels by Coco Liberace.

The images shown is a very small selection of what is to come- I just couldn't wait to show them to you!

Aleisha wears the Strawberry Daiquiri Polka Dot Top and the Mojito Metallic Mini Skirt

When I visited my textile agent, I was automatically drawn to these amazing prints and colours...I guess it is a trademark of mine.

One customer recently wrote to me,

"...you are such a breath of fresh air in the fashion world. There are more than enough plain, drab fabrics out there for everyone. Keep bringing on the colour and the joy. I love them!"

All of the prints and fabrics used in these designs are limited, which means a very exclusive and unique design for my wonderful customers.

The image to the right features Sanae wearing the Singapore Sling Pink Kimono. Jewels by Coco Liberace.

I wanted to design items that were fun, exciting, a little bit daring, and also wearable. I love making designs that make people look again!

Although my colours are a little daring, my styles are quite classic. I love mixing my vintage inspirations with my modern sensibilities.

Each design has been created with love and care, while thinking of the end result and where and how my customer will wear each piece.

Wear the catsuit to a special birthday or on a fabulous night out; wear the kimono to a bar, pool side party, or even a bbq; wear the mini skirt to a restaurant or cocktail bar... let your imagination run wild!... I always say, your wardrobe is only limited to your imagination!

The Red Hour Photo Shoot Team and STEEL

I am very lucky to work with such talented people on this shoot,

these images would not have been possible without the creative genius of Mark Matthews Photography, Lucy Topp MakeUp, and Kat as hair stylist; Coco Liberace's gorgeous jewellery and the beautiful Penelope Red women, Sanae and Aleisha.

Across the next few months, I will be featuring a mini interview with each of these wonderful people; this month's newsletter features a mini interview with Lucy, from Lucy Topp Make Up.

I also wanted to introduce you to the amazing location, that we were very lucky to obtain, STEEL.

What an amazing place! Even the bathrooms are beautiful, and without thier generosity these photos would not have been possible. The owners, George and Nick were very accomodating, and they went out of thier way to help me.

If you are thinking of organising a function in Sydney, please contact STEEL on the following:

Phone: 02 9299 9997 and email: reservations@steelbarandgrill.com

Sanae wears The Tequila Sunrise Halter Top and Pina Colada Green Shorts. Jewels by Coco Liberace

I also wanted to thank the Rocks Market Team for helping me organise the shoot, and I will post more photos in the next newsletter that we took on location at The Rocks!

Above, the creative team: Mark, Aleisha, myself, Sanae and Lucy.

A Mini Interview with Lucy, the make up artist from The Red Hour Photo Shoot.

So without futher ado, I have a mini interview with the lovely Lucy, the make up artist involved in "The Red Hour" photo shoot.

Lucy is such a pleasure to work with... enthusiastic, hard working, friendly, and a true believer in following her dreams... a real kindred spirit.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you started Lucy Topp makeup?

When I was three years old, my mother gave me a bright tube of red lipstick.... and I fell in love! All throughout my childhood, I played with makeup and made my sister and all the kids in the neighbourhood sit in a chair in my room whilst I 'made them over'. I was the one who did everyone's makeup for their formal, big date or party... I worked on the school musicals and as we grew up I did everyone's wedding makeup! Working as a professional makeup artist was just a natural progression for me and I feel SO blessed that I am fulfilling my childhood dream!!

What inspires you in makeup and makes you love what you do?

So many things inspire me!! The seasons, a painting, the face of a beautiful old woman in her favourite lipstick! I love art, I love nature, I love faces, I love stories..... I LOVE what I do, because when I turn my client to the mirror and they get a little teary and say how wonderful they FEEL..... it is priceless!

What projects are you currently working on and where do you see your business going?

I always have several balls in the air. I am really excited about working with Penelope Red on the new 'Red Hour' collection; I will be creating some fabulous, 'Cocktails and Spring' inspired looks for our models.

I am also working on a wonderful project for Kitty Deville hats and stoles.... 'Retro Rock n Roll Glam'! Every Saturday I am at Lily Jackson Hair in Darlinghurst. I do 'Beauty Express', where all my clients come in to get glam for their night out. Otherwise, I just want to keep Makeup-ing as much as possible! I am a big lipstick fan and I would love to create my own lipstick line..... Miss Lucille!

Any tips your customers constantly ask you to share?

YES! Lots actually.... most want to know how to create a flawless base that makes them look like they have great skin and are not wearing any makeup! Most important is to get a foundation in the right shade and consistency for your skin. Also, you get a much better result if you set it lightly with translucent powder.

I am starting a new service, 'Makeup Parties', where you get together with a small group of friends. Bring along ALL that makeup in your drawer that you don't know how to use and we will create a lovely day look and then learn how to glam it up for night. I will show you how to use your products, make suggestions and we will have A LOT of fun!!

If you would like more tips, tricks and beauty secrets come and visit the Lucy Topp Facebook page.

Lucy's website: http://www.lucytoppmakeup.com.au

Above left, Aleisha wears the Cosmopolitan Red Bow Tie Pants and The Martini Bright Stripe Blouse. Above Right Aleisha wears The Manhattan Bright Catsuit by Penelope Red. Jewels by Coco Liberace

Penelope Red featured in The Rocks Markets Spring/Summer Fashion Showcase

I am very proud to announce that The Rocks Market decided to feature my design, The Tokyo Sydney Wrap Around Catsuit in thier advertisement for the Spring/Summer Fashion Showcase.

My latest Penelope Red designs will be featured in the showcase parade, which will be held at The Rocks Market, this Saturday and Sunday, the 11th and 12th of September, 2010.

Sanae wears The Cosmopolitan Red Bow Tie Pants and The Caipirinha Y-Bar Top

So I hope I have helped to make you excited and inspired for this coming season!

If you have any questions or you would like to order any of my designs, please email me (Penelope) on designer@penelopered.com.au

The next newsletter will have more photos from the Red Hour collection

for the Northern Hemisphere, I will be featuring my coats next time. I know so many of you would love to own a very unique and beautiful coat for those colder climates...

Until then...