Jane Birkin, Dreamers and School Dance

As Mad March comes to its close, I thought I would share some of my favorite moments from the craziness that was our full on festival season.

 Jane Birkin Images from style.com

I was very happy to spend the final night at Barrio and see the divine and lovely Jane Birkin singing the songs of Serge Gainsbourg. She was so gorgeous, so graceful and happy to be in Adelaide for the Festival's Dreamers Program. Full of energy, Jane came out running through the crowd, singing as she went. Her stories about Serge were both touching and funny, she really channeled his energy and love. Her band, made up of incredible musicians plucked from Japan have gone on a whirlwind tour with her leaving their own careers behind, all the while raising funds and awareness after the devastating nuclear disaster in Japan. Jane is known of course as being one of the most stylish women in the world. I remember seeing pictures of her in my Mum's fashion magazine collection from the 70s, and loving her style. Mostly known for the iconic Hermes Birkin bag, to me Jane's style is jeans, a t-shirt and flats- elegant, simple and beautiful. For the show she wore simple black trousers and an over-sized white cotton shirt. Easy, style and grace. If you scroll through my blog or Tumblr you will see it is no secret that I absolutely love Charlotte Gainsbourg (Jane's daughter) and it is easy to see why with parents like that! Fireworks finished off the show, much to the surprise and delight of the performers, with Jane declaring that the smell of fireworks were one of the best things in the world.

I loved Windmill Theatre's production of School Dance, I laughed so much. The pumping 80s pop soundtrack and awkward dance moves were so much fun. It was great to look around and watch people wipe away tears of laughter through out the incredible show. I sat next to a bunch of younger teenage boys, who'd gone along with a school group. Before the show started they were making comments about how lame theatre was, but were soon blown away, when they show began. A few scenes in they were cheering, and did not stop! In the foyer one wall had been painted in chalk paint, inviting people to share their thoughts after the show. Kids tore past me to run over and write/ draw with incredible enthusiasm. I took a few snaps of some of the cute remarks. If or when the show tours, please go and see it, it is such a delight. You will never look at a nerdy kid quite the same again, and if you have ever felt even a little bit invisible, you will stop! 

The Festival season ended with a beautiful bang. No surprises there. Until next time... x

Wearing: Zara blazer, Alice McCall T-shirt, Cheap Monday jeans, Tristan Blair bow shoes, Mimco Imperial Itsy Bitsy Bag, Mimco headband.

Vintage wool hat, Alice McCall shorts get similar here, Mollini ankle boots, Low Luv X Erin Wasson Thunderbird Etched Cuff, and Neck piece from Wild Child Style Lab.

Photos taken by Emma Craig, myself, Jane Birkin images sourced from style.com

Downtown Street Party and The Caretaker

Before heading in to see The Adelaide Festival's show The Caretaker on Friday night, Irene and I had a quick bite and some amazing Italian wine at Adelaide's First Downtown Street Party on Waymouth Street. The food was amazing, the people were in a buzzing afterwork-drinks-let's-see-where-the-night-takes-us kind of atmosphere. Irene snapped pics of me while a local artist painted one of the car-trees dotted around Adelaide. I had to stop myself from asking to paint a little part of the car! I have been painting non-stop of late, so it just comes naturally! Ha ha ha, you can't say I am afraid of a paint brush! I love the new collections from Aussie label Tigerlily, particularly this sweet floral dress I am wearing. It has a lovely pleated skirt and is just right for work or a party. I have my eye on a few more pieces from their collection, and since I can not get enough of playsuits/ rompers and shorts right now... we shall see.

The Caretaker was a great show, funnier than I expected. If you are looking for something to see, I can highly recommend it. If you are looking for something to see, there is a lot out there at the moment, it has been lovely for even my family to be staying out late seeing shows and going to the venues with friends. That doesn't happen too often!

Pictured wearing Taisho Dress by Tigerlily, available here. Shoes from Zomp, Vivienne Westwood Bag.

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The Ham Funeral, and Adelaide Festival and Fringe 2012

The Adelaide Fringe and The Adelaide Festival are both alive and entertaining here, it is all going on, and I am all too happy to be apart of it, and for having Emma Craig come to visit!



On day one (of Emma's visit) we were a little rained out so there are no photos, however we did make it to The State Theatre Company of South Australia's production of The Ham Funeral by Patrick White. The Ham Funeral is an incredibly funny, clever vaudeville piece, which for me, although layered with all sorts of fun comic and also deeper crumbling subtexts, it strikes a chord as an emerging artist. The Young Man, who's journey we follow, is a poet (he describes himself as such, but quickly adds "...though, to be perfectly honest, I have not yet found out for sure") caught up in a world unfulfilled. This world is damp and monotonous yet oddly alluring, conflicting with (but ultimately driving) his own ambitions and expectations. In my own experiences, it is easy to fall prey to a slightly more negative, desperate side while taking the long steps to reach artistic goals, particularly when you aren't quite sure how to keep that promise to yourself. The drive toward that freedom to create, to leave the nest and develop as an artist is the home run for me with The Ham Funeral. It is also the show which I have been very fortunate in being seconded to work on with Designer Ailsa Paterson. Ailsa and her crew were very generous to allow me to come in and experience their process and work on some practical elements. I had an amazing time working with them, and would encourage you to get along to the show, it is fantastic!

Emma and I visited a few of the Fringe venues, seeing shows, we were particularly impressed with magic show Morgan and West Time Travelling Magicians, for which we both ended up on stage being a part of their very clever tricks. I shall post up more in a day or so about the other shows, bars, venues and things we got up to. Pictured here is us checking out the APAM stuff at the Festival Centre and The Garden of Uneathly Delights, with Mum. I have a lot more to show you!

The thing is, just GO! Get out there, and have a magical time, exploring the arts. Emma Craig is responsible for these photos, thank you so much for taking them for me and letting me use them love! Will miss you and having a sister! xx