Picture: Harpers Bazaar

Day one of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is over and Camilla Franks was the main event, with a packed audience that was rumoured to be 400 people over capacity!

Sydney Harbour made for a stunning backdrop, but in keeping with Gypset – Camilla’s gypsy-meets-jet setter theme – the show was a journey around the world. From India to North Africa and the Far East, it was a mishmash of vibrant colours and places.

Prints, embroidery, feathers…I thought every look was a knockout. Blouses, jump suits, swimwear and even a ‘mantan’, a kaftan for the guys, appeared on the runway in addition to Camilla’s signature kaftans.

The models were beautifully styled by Mark Vassallo, with pulled back hair and a hint of the geisha girl in their make up, and laden with jewellery. Each of my custom-made pieces was designed to dazzle against Camilla’s exotic prints, with combinations of colour and texture inspired by the eclectic mix of cultures.

The end result was a collection that felt contemporary, relaxed and glamorous. And if there’s a particular look that has caught your eye, I’ve got more good news – the jewellery I designed for the show will soon be available at Camilla stores.

It’s been fantastic working with Camilla and Mark and I’m delighted at the reception we had at fashion week. Congratulations everyone.

Picture: Camilla runway photos S/S 2011, MBFWA

What a whirlwind the last few weeks have been!

I’ve been incredibly busy in the run up to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia which kicks off in Sydney next week.

Working in collaboration with Australian designer and kaftan queen Camilla Franks, I’ve designed unique pieces of jewellery to be worn with her fabulous Spring Summer 2012/13 collection – and that’s meant travelling back and forth to Sydney for meetings and fittings.

Despite the short time frame, it’s been a really exciting project. And we couldn’t ask for a more talented producer and stylist than Mark Vassallo, who’ll be working his magic behind the scenes.

The show hits the runway on Monday, so I’ll keep you posted.

They might have you dreaming of sunny days sipping cocktails by the beach, but there’s no reason why citrus hues can’t keep you warm in autumn. I’ve spotted bright leather dresses on the red carpet, and neon sweaters are everywhere. Plus, the feel-good vibes are guaranteed to banish grey clouds.

Stir it up

There’s still juice in the colour blocking trend, so don’t be afraid to clash acid bright accessories against your outfit, or layer up with two or even three contrasting shades.

The bold and the beautiful: Lime green and bright pink

While some colour combinations might have you reaching for your sunglasses, citrus can be surprisingly subtle when offset against peachy pinks, cobalt and navy blues. If you’re still feeling colour-shy, focus on the little touches, like neon nails or earrings, to instantly update a neutral outfit.

Juicy jewels

The easiest way to incorporate citrus-inspired jewellery into your look is to cherry-pick just one statement piece – a stunning collar, cocktail ring or eye-catching bracelet.

Key Lime Bracelet 

Jewellery can also be an effective foil to citrus. Try contrasting black, slightly gothic jewellery against a vibrant dress, or choose an intricate necklace to break up a bright top.

However you wear citrus, it’s sure to add zest to your look. So squeeze in some orange, add a slice of lime. And remember, if life throws you lemons, you’re right on trend.

I can’t help but notice how street style has exploded recently, with the most successful photographer-bloggers snapping up the front row seats at runway shows – and then snapping not just the models but the audiences too.

So it’s fitting that everyone’s been talking about Bill Cunningham New York, a fantastic documentary about the eccentric New York street style photographer who started it all with his column for The New York Times, On The Street.

Bill has dedicated much of his life to charting New York fashion, from the 1960s up until today. Whether he’s dodging traffic on his bicycle or mingling with the city’s rich and famous, he spends every day spotting and documenting trends as they happen.

According to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, “we all get dressed for Bill.” Yet even as he’s become respected among designers and celebrities as a fashion historian, he won’t photograph people simply to soothe egos, and he maintains that “the best fashion show is definitely on the street.”

Many others seem to agree, including Scott Schuman, commonly known as The Sartorialist, who pioneered fashion photography in blog form. Then there’s Tommy Ton, who blogs at Jak &Jil and covers fashion weeks for Style.com and GQ.com.

Photographing passersby has gone from being one of the least glamorous jobs in fashion to a business in its own right. It just goes to show that we’re all interested in style, whichever side of the camera we’re on.

Watching Bill Cunningham New York reaffirmed for me what I love about jewellery: A beautiful piece is always remembered. It brings a touch of fantasy to the everyday. And it’s one of the easiest ways to express your personality through what you wear.

As Bill says, “a lot of people have taste, but they don’t have the daring to be creative.”

The beauty of street style is that it asks – do you dare?

Nothing adds drama to your look like a fabulous piece of jewellery. But what dazzles on the runway isn’t always easy to incorporate into your day-to-day look. The trick to pulling off a wow piece? Let your clothes play understudy. Your jewellery is the real star of the show.

Bold on basic

I love sharp tailoring and black – clean lines and block colours make jewellery pop.

To get the effect, try pairing a bright necklace with a basic black tee or offset a structured jacket with some shoulder-skimming earrings.

‘Just add a basic jacket for effortless cool’

Mix it up

Don’t feel like you have to always follow the rules. I’ll toughen up a more feminine look by contrasting leather and metal against chiffon and lace.

You could try wearing black on black. Or pile on jewels for daytime and go for a pared-down evening look. Experiment to find out what works for you.

Investment pieces

Save your coat hanger space – and your dollars – by using accessories to update your wardrobe.

If you’re heading out for the evening straight from work, up the glamour by pulling your hair back and adding a bold necklace and clutch bag.

Or if you’ve got a special occasion coming up, get more mileage from your favourite LBD by layering it with an eye-catching body piece.

‘Weapon of choice: Delicate Armour Bodice (available in Coral and Cream)‘

Who said jewellery has to play a minor part? Just one piece can transform any number of outfits and be worn, and treasured, forever.

Statement jewellery, take a bow.

Sophie Kyron was delighted to create an incredible couture neckpiece for Melbourne bride, Kate. The piece was carefully crafted over 6 months and the result was absolutely divine. A hand-beaded purse was also made to compliment the look. This projects fulfils our philosophy that “Today’s treasures, (become) tomorrow’s heirlooms”. 

Sophie Kyron is available for consultations by appointment.

Narcissus Quagliata (Glass Design, Mexico), Alexander Lotersztain (Interior Product Design, Brisbane), John Brown (Industrial Product Design, Sydney), Elly Nelly (Textile Designs, Cairns and New York), Jan Utzon (Architecture, Denmark) and Sophie Kyron (Jewellery Design, Perth).

It was fabulous to spend time and network with other creatives and to see the amazing achievements and products of these luminaries. In the process we had fun re-visiting our archives to show examples of past works. Here are some gems we uncovered….

SKJ Archives, Zip Necklace/BeltSKJ Zip Necklace/Belt, SKJ Archives