Parakeet by Robyn Lambert - The Great Aussie Fashion 1984-1985

I just picked up this faaabulous book called 'The Great Aussie Fashion: Australian Fashion Designers 1984-1985 from Savers for $10 the other day.  I actually saw it at an op-shop about a decade ago and stupidly didn't buy it as back then cool books like this were a dime a dozen.  However as more and more people go op-shopping, these treasures are few and far between.  Anyway, it's a very thick book and showcases so many fantastic Australian designers, and here is a gorgeous spread by Robyn Lambert for her Parakeet line.  The first image is breathtaking.  Enjoy!

One Jump Ahead - POL Magazine February 1980

February 1980
Photography Andy Tavares

Now that I have my fancy new A3 scanner, I can finally upload some fabulous shots from my POL magazine collection.  The fashion in this piece is by Nila O.  The only information I could see online about her was possibly her now being a fashion illustration teacher at Sydney Community College - it seems possible!  I see these looks as being mime artist crossed with jockey and I like it!

There's some more amazing fashion from this issue that I'll post tomorrow.

Cherry Lane Advertisements

Dolly February 1985

Dolly February 1987

Dolly November 1984

Dolly July 1985

Dolly December 1991

Dolly May 1985

As promised, here is a selection of advertisements from Cherry Lane.  I tried to look up a bit of information online about them in terms of how long they traded for, but alas found nothing.  The ads don't appear in any issues that I have before '85 though, and judging by the '91 ad here, they went through until the mid 90's perhaps.  I've always found their ads to be interesting and I'm thinking they specialised in cotton separates.

Dolly Magazine December 1981

December 1981
Model Annie Jones
Photographer unknown

Heat Beaters
Photography by Bob Donaldson

When I first got this issue I was basically in love with everything in it!  It just oozes 1981 all over!  Annie Jones (aka Jane from Neighbours) looks absolutely gorgeous in her frilly blouse and rouge-y cheeks.  I think I can summarise this fashion spread with the following words:  knicker-bockers, bloomers, teased hair, shorts.  Utterly cute.

Oh and spot the odd model out in the shots....

Happy Easter! Dolly Magazine April 1981

April 1981
Photography John Pinfold
Model Hanne Worsoe 

'No Sweat Dressing' fashion feature

Happy Dolly Easter to you!  And what better way to celebrate that festive time of the year when easter egg gorging reigns, than with a roller skating special (well in my mind anyhow) - perhaps as a way to burn off all that delicious, scrumptious chocolate!

More from Dolly Magazine May 1986

'Just Velvet' fashion spread

I'll keep this commentary short and sweet... the last image just blows me away!  This spread really makes me long for winter and all that comes along with it ... layering up woollens, cosy nights drinking hot chocolate, makeup staying crisp and fresh.  Sigh!

More from Dolly Magazine May 1981

'Military Madness' fashion feature

'The Newest Knits' fashion feature

Here are my fashion feature highlights from this issue.  I'm not sure about the whole pairing ballet flats with camouflage pants, but it seems to work for the model in question.  I am quite intrigued by the label 'Body Shop' who did quite a few of the clothes in that spread .. I'm thinking it must be another brand than the cosmetics one I'm thinking of.  The last image from the Newest Knits spread really for me harks back to the 1940's, and the model wearing the beret has a Lauren Bacall-esque vibe about her.

Dolly Magazine February 1985

February 1985
Photography Graham Shearer
Model Victoria Garden

Clash of the Tartans fashion spread

Naomi Watts for Carefree 1985

Commonwealth Bank advertisement 1985

The cover girl in this issue was 16 year old Victoria, and she was the runner-up in the previous years Dolly/Agree II Cover Girl contest, and this was her very first magazine cover.  Not too sure what happened to her, as I don't really see her in many of the Dolly issues onwards.  The tartan fashion feature in this issue is one of my favourites from my collection - there's just something about tartan in many colours, textures and patterns in one outfit that is so stylish and fun.

Then just for curiosity sake I've added a bit of a blast from the past with Naomi Watts fresh faced during her modelling days, and lastly this amazing ad for the Commonwealth Bank - they sure don't make ads like that anymore!  I love that there looks to be a Martin Gore of Depeche Mode look a like in the mix!

Dolly Magazine November 1984

Bourjois Advertisement 1984

Culture Club Advertisement 1984

Article entitled 'What tribe is that? A Fully Illustrated Guide to Easy Identification of the Cults Breeding In Your Suburb.'

Nicole Kidman for Clairol 1984

Attaque Down Under Advertisement 1984

Here's Dolly Magazine from 1984, this is an amazing issue, hence why I've added quite a few images to this post... I just couldn't cut them down!  The Bourjois cosmetics ad is so artistic .... I just had to include the Culture Club advertisement.. pure style.

The article which defines and analyses various subcultures in a humourous way is actually quite relevant to this day I think!  To quote the article "Rockabillies grow up to be university students, married couples, Gene Vincent look-alikes and owners of American cars with large tail fins."  Sooo true, haha.  And I guess you could substitute the Stuart Membery kids with Sass and Bide kids!

Then we have Nicole Kidman during her 80's modelling days and a fabulous ad for a brand called 'Attaque' which I have no information about whatsoever unfortunately.  I'm guessing they made belts by the look of the picture, but if anyone has any information about this label please let me know!