Researching lace in preparation for a client fabric care training session I learnt a fun fact. When banking heiress, Catherine de Medici, moved to France ahead of her marriage to King Henry II of France, she brought lace makers with her from Italy (most people just pack lace knickers). Her arrival influenced the lacemaking industry…
read moreWe receive visitors from all over Melbourne wanting to have items cleaned. Today’s visitor is extra special. Meet Albert Gerald, an adorable wolf sable Chihuahua. Gentle soul, small stature with a big personality!
read moreIrene has been making magic happen in the kitchen again. This time, she baked my favourite butter almond biscuits Kourabiedes (aka κουραμπιέδες). They represent hospitality and festivity - usually served at special occasions.
read moreFound this stunning tailored wool, silk and cotton suit by independent womenswear designer
read moreAustralian-born Hollywood costume designer Orry-Kelly designed this silk and sequin dress for Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot. Considered racy in 1959, the heart shaped embroidery on the derriere - and other sequins - were set in skin-tone silk to give an impression of nudity. Apparently the censors were not impressed but the film…
read moreThis close up of an Alexander McQueen dress looks more like an aquatic rock and seaweed scene rather than chartreuse beads spilling down over a skirt of synthetic horsehair (see full length shot). His couture technique was truly amazing.
read moreOnly three of these naval-style wool jackets decorated with metallic braids were made by McQueen. The Dante Collection (1996-97) was inspired by the 14th century poet Dante Alighieri. Stunning! The McQueen exhibition at NGV ends this Saturday!
read moreFrom McQueen’s Plato’s Atlantis collection, this stingray leather jacket (check out the stitching) was inspired by scuba diving wetsuit. The ruffle at the back is sublime.
read moreThe world has changed a lot since 1972. At Irene’s Dry Cleaning, we still provide the same atelier service and attention to detail as my parents did when they started the business 50 years ago.
read more
