Archive for March, 2010

Love Fashion. Will Design.

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

If I could have a dollar for each time I have been asked ‘How did you begin your fashion business?’ I would be semi-rich. Not full of money, but most likely would not have to think twice about self-indulgent purchases.

For me it’s been about learning on the job. I started with no experience at all, and looking back 10 years,  would have loved a hand, or a little background knowledge so I could have avoided some of the mistakes I made along the way. Now there is an an amazing forum for emerging designers – the Fashion Forward Festival – that travels from state to state in Australia, showcasing up and coming Australian designers, with one outstanding designer having the chance to be selected by the official panel to win a $40,000 mentoring prize. I understand the prize includes a $5000 cash grant, a website, international sourcing trip, a marketing and sales course and 3 months PR representation by a Sydney based PR company. AMAZING!

While Toi et Moi is too established to be a part of the FFF, I think anyone out there that wants to design AND have a successful fashion business should get in contact with the foundation. The first festival is from May 7th-9th in Sydney. More info at www.fashionforwardfestival.com.au

I would love to hear if anyone does get involved with FFF! Gill x

Russh April/May 2010

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Attention all Russh lovers, the April issue has just landed on our desks, which means it’s probably on news stands too! Go get it. It’s beautiful, amazing and inspiring. While you are there be sure to look out for the latest Toi et Moi campaign advertisiement, featuring the best selling Decent Sweater Dress – street chic with a Parisian twist. Ooh la la.

Bisous. Gill

There’s no-one like Zanita

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Girls (and boys) if you haven’t already discovered Zanita and her blog zanitazanita, then please stop what you are doing immediately, click on the link and go check it out. Beautiful, clever and amazingly talented are just a few words I would use to describe this model/writer/photographer/style guru. Not just another blogger…every fashion photograph on her blog she takes herself, including the photos she is in. Yes she styles the clothes, puts the camera on a tripod, and jumps in front of the lens. For those of us that have tried to get tricky with a camera, we know that a good photograph is one in a million, so how does she do it without even looking through the lens. We are lucky that Zanita HEARTS Toi et Moi. Check out the shots of some of our new Winter 2 pieces in her latest blog entries. Je t’aime Zanita.
Bisous. Gill

Blazer Love

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

The college striped blazer in the March issue of Shop til you Drop is called the Proposer Blazer and it has caused Blazer Love, Blazer Desire and Blazer Envy. It’s a silk twill, padded shoulder, matt hand sewn sequined piece of wardrobe glory. Our extra stock disappeared in seconds, our staff orders were cancelled to make sure customers got them instead, and now we all want one and there are none left to get our hands on. All you can hear are the sounds of tears and sadness. It’s hot… and if you want one you should get into your closest retailer now and buy buy buy.

Bisous. Gill

Bonjour, Coucou, hi!

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Friends, family, fans and lovers of all things fashion. Welcome to Toi et Moi, a place to visit when you feel like some inspiration, to share your thoughts on our collections and become a part of our world. While traveling the globe,  trawling the web and flicking through countless magazines, our team stumble upon interesting people, places and things that bring a smile to our face and the inspiration to put together yet another new collection. Here we will share these bits and bobs, and maybe you will find yourself smiling too… Plus you will find some of the great press we have received, store news from a Toi et Moi retailer near you and any other brand news we think you simply can’t live without! So please comment away. We want to hear from you. What do you like? What do you want to see more of? Who inspires you? Until next time.

Bisous. Gill