Welcome back fashionistas!!

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who left feedback, contributed their fashion faux pas stories or shared their fashion tips. The cute IT guy handed me a report showing me that we received an overwhelming response to the first issue of Fashion Statement!! So once again, thank you!

The best responses have been published in this edition of Fashion Statement and I encourage everyone to contribute their fashions tips or leave feedback - and this month you could score a really cool MP3/MP4 player valued at $80!

Also up for grabs for one lucky person is a pretty Manzoni Red Quilted Leather Handbag valued at $150. All you need to do is answer our competition question! Easy!

The winners of the competitions in our last newsletter are:

• A. Ana of South Australia won the Sex and The City competition and scored herself the gorgeous Codice Teal Lambskin Leather Tote and Wallet set valued at over $300!
• B. Kelso-Marsh of Western Australia won two Greater Union movie tickets; and
• A. Hofierka of New South Wales also won two Greater Union movie tickets!
Congratulations!

This instalment of Fashion Statement features a sneak preview of Spring/Summer 08 fashion trends, an interview with jewellery designer Adina Jozsef of Koukii Designs and many fashion tips and tricks.

Enjoy and keep those tips/stories coming in!!

EDITOR

Vanessa Hugdens was snapped looking trendy out and about and carrying this beautiful Rebecca Minkoff Matinee handbag.

You can also look stylish and sexy with our gorgeous Manzoni Large Crushed Leather Handbag (only $150) featured here in chocolate.

Spring/Summer 08 Fashion Trends

I know it is still Winter but I can't wait for the warmer weather to arrive. Spring has so much to offer....the longer days, warmer weather, beautiful fragrant flowers everywhere and with everyone becoming more active there are inevitably so many social gatherings to look forward to.

Already my diary is packed with so many parties, christenings, weddings and events to go to over the Spring months that I am starting to feel the need to tear out all of the old clothes from my wardrobe to make space for many new gorgeous robes...

I have recently attended a couple of fashion shows showcasing Spring/Summer collections from emerging Australian talent.

The look and feel of the upcoming season's apparel and accessories is bright, airy and feminine which is perfect for the warmer months. I really loved what I saw and I could picture myself wearing these pieces on a breezy Spring afternoon and I am sure that most women out there will love the new season's trends.

In the coming months keep an eye out for these main trends:

1. Colours

Citrus hues will be HUGE this Spring including shades of tangerine, yellow, peach, gold and coral red (make sure you check out the gorgeous handbags in these colours available at Blue Maya from September). Purples and lilacs will continue on from Winter 08.

2. Fabrics

Fabrics will be sheer, light, airy and feminine. Chiffons, silks, satins, lace and leathers will be predominantly used in designs. Floral prints and ruffles, frills, fine embroidery or detachable flowers (a la Carrie Bradshaw) will prevail.

3. Volume

Ladies, this one is for you. Volume is back again this year!! This Spring, volume in dresses and skirts will be mainly achieved by layering fabrics or tiered ruffles. For trousers, volume is simply achieved with wide leg pants and this will be seen in everything from evening pants to slouchy jeans.

Complement volume in the lower half of the body by wearing cropped jackets and sheer blouses.

4. Shoes and Accessories

If you don't want to update your entire wardrobe, make sure you update your accessories, as accessories can instantly make your outfit achieve the look of the season.

Handbags - Because of the added volume in dresses and trouses, medium/small handbags and clutches in all shapes and sizes will be must-haves next season. Blue Maya will have in stock a new range of handbags and clutches in next season's colurs from September....I am loving the new coral red range...and am sure you will love it too!!

Shoes - Bold colours and floral prints on shoes will be popular...however if you are already wearing floral/patterend clothes, make sure you keep your footwear simple and complementary to your outfit.

This month we have interviewed Adina Jozsef, jewellery designer and founder of Koukii Designs, a Sydney based boutique jewellery studio.

When did you start making jewellery?

I started making and selling beaded jewellery when I was 8! My parents bought me my first blowtorch for my 14th birthday and I would practice making silver jewellery in my bedroom. I loved making jewellery so decided to take become a professional jewellery maker. I gained qualifications at the Enmore Design Centre and then I founded the brand Koukii Designs in 2000.

What do you love about jewellery making?

Designing and handcrafting an original piece of beautiful jewellery from a plain piece of metal is rewarding. Working with metal requires superior skills and techniques and is in itself a challenging part of my job. Creating pieces that can be cherished for a lifetime or that can be passed on for many generations is very satisfying.

Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?

I like to experiment with shapes, colours and materials to create original, contemporary pieces that don't necessarily follow seasonal trends.

Your designs are original and unique. What are key points you consider when creating your designs?

If I wouldn't wear it, I won't make it.

I love to contrast details in my designs with the contours of the human figure so as to emphasize the unique features of both the jewellery piece and the body. My "Silhouette" range of pendants and earrings illustrates the contrast in shapes where the asymmetrical square geometric shapes (carefully created by hand) are beautifully encased in a curved outer edge of the pendant or earrings.