Aussie Star’s Stellar Style
Text and Photos by J. Ecochard
September 10th 2007
Western Australian Ray Costarella’s couture worthy label, Aurelio Costarella is destined to corral a gaggle of confident celebufans…joining the already smitten, (and smart) Cate Blanchett.
And the reason? To see is to become a believer.
Though not on our radar, one glimpse at the backstage racks widened our semi-jaded Fashion Week eyes…in a good way. The exquisite fabrics, time-consuming hand embellished details, enchanting designs, and sophistication of cuts for his Spring 2008 collection…are simply big “wows.” On our wish list are the supple white leather, delicately layered, scalloped paillette bolero, intricately gathered/tuckpleated “Stellar Goddess Dress” in ivory silk satin with antique silver beads and mesh embellishments, and a dresser needed, seamed, boned corset that would have the French masters green with envy. Costarella, the former guiding light of Aussie favorite “Milk” label, has worldwide distribution. We can only dream of being tipped off to the sample sale’s locale if he doesn’t archive his work.
As always, the MAC Pro team, led by John Stapleton, made the already stunning models look even more amazing lining the eyes in black kohl pencil with sheer white shadows dabbed at the inner corners to make the strong eyes pop, lashes coated in black mascara, balanced by soft pink glossy lips, and a healthy sheen to sweetly blushed skin. And inspired by wind-swept 19th century Romanticism, hair was carefully undone with long, thick, gently curled locks pinned up in top knots, or left loosely dangling in a thick ponytail, down the back.
Bronte sisters by way of the Outback.
In sum, the clothes are costly- but statement pieces that will endure.
