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Fresh Catering announced as caterer at Sydney Theatre Company and operator of The Bar at the End of the Wharf

Fresh Catering has taken over the reins as venue caterer at Sydney Theatre Company’s home base at The Wharf and as operator of The Bar at the End of the Wharf.

Fresh Catering and Sydney Theatre Company (STC) have developed a close relationship in recent years with Fresh managing The Bar at the End of the Wharf’s food operation in its critical, first year. The popular bar has been a smash hit as an informal and more accessible space, becoming somewhat of an institution with arts patrons and the broader community.

STC Executive Director, Patrick McIntyre, said that the Company had built a great relationship with Fresh over the past twelve months. “Fresh was our partner in the kitchen as we launched The Bar at the End of The Wharf last year. Now that the venue is up and running, we are looking forward to
passing on its operation and management to Fresh to further improve standards of food, beverage and service.”

Sydney Theatre Company’s The Bar at the End of the Wharf is a popular spot for theatre goers and arts patrons

Fresh Catering’s Managing Director, Peter McCloskey is equally thrilled with the smooth transition that sees them being able to offer ongoing employment to all existing staff, and the prospect of building their relationship with STC.

“We are extremely proud to have been associated with STC and to have contributed to the successful launch of The Bar at The End of the Wharf. We share the STC Board and Management’s vision for this iconic destination and we are looking forward to developing some exciting new plans together for the future”.

The Bar at The End of the Wharf is an ideal place to soak up the harbour views or enjoy a share plate and a glass of wine before and after a show. As well as servicing arts patrons, the bar will continue to welcome staff of the STC and other visitors who decide to drop in for a relaxing time after work, or on the weekend.

STC is in fine company with Fresh’s other notable arts and cultural venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art’s rooftop venues and café; Sydney Living Museums’ Vaucluse House Tearooms and Elizabeth Bay House; North Shore arts hub The Concourse at Chatswood; Carriageworks, and Cornerstone Bar & Food at Carriageworks. The Bar at the End of the Wharf will also become the
company’s fourth Sydney Harbour waterfront venue.

About STC’s The Bar at the End of The Wharf:

Situated at the ‘deep end’ of the historic Wharf building at Walsh Bay,
which has been the home base of STC for almost 30 years, The Bar at the End
of The Wharf was designed by STC Resident Designer Alice Babidge as a
relaxed, comfortable, affordable drinking and dining environment for
theatre-goers, local workers and residents as well as a ‘home’ for the STC’s
artists, staff and broader arts community to gather, collaborate, eat and
drink.

About Fresh Catering:

Fresh Catering, established in October 1999, has received a multitude of
awards over its 14 year history establishing the company’s catering
credentials as one of Sydney’s finest. Fresh Catering’s success has been
deservedly recognised by industry peers with the company’s coveted
collection of awards including: “National Event Caterer of the Year”, 2011
Australian Restaurant and Catering Association; “Caterer of the Year” 2011
NSW Restaurant & Catering Association Awards; “Best Caterer at an Event”
2011, 2009, 2008, 2007; NSW Restaurant & Catering Awards; “Best Wedding
Caterer in a Venue – Vaucluse House Tea Rooms” 2011; NSW Restaurant &
Catering Association Awards;“Boardroom Caterer of the Year” 2010 NSW
Restaurant & Catering Awards; “Best Caterer” 2011, 2010, 2009 Mice.net
Australian Readers Choice Awards; “Event Caterer of the Year” 2008, 2007 BT
Publishing E-Awards. Fresh Catering exclusively manage Sydney Living
Museum’s Vaucluse House Tea Rooms and Elizabeth Bay House, Museum of
Contemporary Art’s Rooftop Venues and the MCA Café, Le Grand Café at
Alliance Francais, The Concourse Chatswood, and Redfern’s multi-arts venue
Carriageworks and newly opened Cornerstone Bar and Food

Fresh Catering is an appointed Gold License Caterer with the Restaurant and
Catering Industry Association of NSW and are members of the Meetings &
Events Australia Association (MEA).

What’s On: Keystone Activity

SPORT
British Lions tour on the big screen at Cargo Bar
If you’re a rugby fan Cargo bar will be the best place to catch all the action of the British Lions tour with massive harbourside cinema screen showing all test matches live! The Lions 2013 tour of Australia will be one of the biggest rugby events since Rugby World Cup 2003 when they play the Qantas Wallabies in 3 highly anticipated Test Matches. The best players from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales will join forces in the one side which sees them visit our shores for the first time since 2001. (Please see attached for all match dates)
WHEN: Wednesday 5th June – Sunday 7th July 2013
WHERE: Cargo Bar, 52-60 The Promenade, Sydney NSW 2000
WHO: British and Irish Lions rugby union team
COST: Free
CONTACT: info@cargobar.com.au or (02) 9262 1777
MORE INFO: http://www.cargobar.com.au

JUNE LONG WEEKEND
Kid Kenobi and The Faders DJ’s this June long weekend at Kit & Kaboodle
We love music at Kit & Kaboodle, and we’ve got a huge line up this June long weekend. Saturday night we have Kid Kenobi & The Faders headlining; With level 2 hosting old school hip hop + party mashups, and level 1 getting down with house classics + dirty drops, there is something for everyone.
WHEN: Saturday 8th June
WHERE: Kit & Kaboodle, 33-37 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point NSW 2011
WHO: Kid Kenobi, The Faders, Disco Kid, Steve Frank, A Game, Here’s Trouble and Chris Coast
COST: Free
CONTACT: info@kitkaboodle.com.au or (02) 9368 7333
MORE INFO: http://www.kitkaboodle.com.au

TUKA, Ellesquire and JONES Jnr this June long weekend at the Newtown Hotel
This June long weekend, Newtown Hotel is proud to announce Tuka, Ellesquire and JONES Jnr all playing live. Fresh from Groovin’ The Moo and Seth Sentry’s national tours, Tuka and Ellesquire have been tearing the country apart with sold out shows everywhere. Saturday 8th June will see them come direct to their hometown to join fellow locals JONES Jnr at Newtown Hotel for one hell of a night of Soul and Hip Hop. (Please see full media release attached)
WHEN: Saturday 8th June, 7pm – Late
WHERE: The Newtown Hotel, 174 King Street, Newtown NSW 2042
WHO: TUKA, Ellesquire and JONES Jnr.
COST: Free
CONTACT: info@newtownhotel.com.au or (02) 9557 6399
MORE INFO: http://www.newtownhotel.com.au

June long weekend at Sweethearts Rooftop BBQ
Head up to our rooftop on June long weekend from 12pm for a true blue BBQ and plenty of drinks. Located just upstairs from Kit & Kaboodle, it’s the perfect venue to start off your night. Sweethearts BBQ is a haven with a backyard barbie vibe, the lofty space decked in colourful lights is perfect for large groups for a 1970s-inspired shandy.
WHEN: June Long Weekend, Friday 7th June – Sunday 9th June
WHERE: Sweethearts Rooftop BBQ, 33-37 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point NSW 2011
COST: Free
CONTACT: info@sweetheartsbbq.com.au or (02) 9368 7333
MORE INFO: http://www.sweetheartsbbq.com.au

LIQUOR
Juniper Society, Gin Club at the Rook
Juniper Society is our monthly gin education class where you will learn about the 50+ premium gins that we stock in our rooftop bar. It’s a casual Monday night affair, showcasing our signature liquor with head bartender Cristiano Beretta serving up specially prepared cocktails. Juniper Society runs every 2nd Monday from 6pm, June through to October.
WHEN: Monday 10th June, showcasing Hendricks Gin -|8th July, The West Winds | 12th August, Aviation | 9th September, Beefeater 24 | 14th October, Gin Mare
WHERE: The Rook, 7/56-58 York St, Sydney NSW 2000
COST: Entry is free
CONTACT: info@therook.com.au or (02) 9262 2505
MORE INFO: http://www.therook.com.au

FOOD
Cloudy Bay Dinner with Sommelier Nick Lane at The Winery
An exclusive and intimate dinner hosted by Cloudy Bay Senior Sommelier Nick Lane and Keystone Group’s head Sommelier Sarah Limacher. For $75 per person you will enjoy a signature winery dinner perfectly paired with four wines.
WHEN: Tuesday 18th June
WHERE: The Winery, A/285 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
COST: $75pp includes dinner and 4 wines
CONTACT: The Winery, info@thewinerysurryhills.com.au or (02) 9331 0833
MORE INFO: http://www.thewinerysurryhills.com.au

ALL YOU CAN EAT mussels at Bungalow 8
Back by popular demand all you can eat mussels is returning to Bungalow 8 launching on June 18th. Every Tuesday from 5pm for $32.50 per person you can eat as many mussels as you can stomach with 3 flavours to choose from including white wine, laksa and tomato. Perfect for families, groups or to challenge your mates.
WHEN: Tuesday 18th June
WHERE: Bungalow 8, 3 Lime St, Sydney NSW 2000
COST: $32.50pp
CONTACT: info@bungalow8sydney.com or (02) 9299 4660
MORE INFO: http://www.bungalow8sydney.com

Cloudy Bay Pinot and Duck Dinner at Gazebo Wine Garden and The Winery
The Cloudy Bay Pinot & Duck Trail and Gazebo Wine Garden create a heaven-made food and wine match – serving a new duck dish paired with a glass of Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir as a unique offer for the month of July.
WHEN: Every night/day during the Month of July
WHERE: The Winery, A/285 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010 |Gazebo Wine Garden, 2 Elizabeth Bay Rd, Elizabeth Bay NSW 2011
COST: $40pp
CONTACT: The Winery, info@thewinerysurryhills.com.au or (02) 9331 0833 | Gazebo Wine Garden, info@gazebowinegarden.com.au or (02) 9357 5333
MORE INFO: http://www.thewinerysurryhills.com.au | http://www.gazebowinegarden.com.au

SOCIAL SPY** Megan Morton’s Pop Up and Mother’s Day Event

Looking for some inspiration for Mother’s Day this weekend? Well you’re in luck, as renowned interiors stylist Megan Morton has just opened a pop-up gift shop in time for the occasion at the MLC Centre.

Last night, media representatives were invited to the exclusive launch which included delicious canapés, drinks and a chance to view the designs.

The pop-up shop, on level 7, is based on Megan’s latest book, titled ‘Things I Love’ and includes beautifully selected gift options such as gold heart piñatas, oak chopping boards and a Rachel Castel and Megan Morton collaboration ‘Wonky Heart’ Pillowcase as well as many other goodies!

In the lead up to Mother’s Day (Sunday May 12), a collection of Aussie designed gifts as well as Megan’s book will be for sale.

Customers visiting the store will be offered a complimentary manicure and will receive a Mother’s Day gift card, which includes a personalised Polaroid pic.

“Showcasing the things I love in a central location, such as MLC Centre, is a really exciting opportunity,” Megan said.

The shop’s located in a prime position and will remain open until the end of May – so make sure you head down there on your lunch break to check out what’s on offer!

Opening Hours as follows:

Mon – Wed: 10am – 5pm
Thurs: 10am – 7pm
Fri: 10am – 5pm
Sat: 10am – 4pm

Sydney Social Reporter Jennifer Fletcher attended the event last night.

Should I ask him to add me on Facebook? – worse still should I add him... No to all of the above!

Reblogged from Dating101Sydney's Blog:

• 

Ahh the perils of the modern world, the politics and what we ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t do’, there is no written rule book about what the ‘right’ thing to do is, however there are plenty of ‘opinions’ out there that are often misconstrued as ‘facts’. (I maybe am going slightly overboard here with the ‘inverted commas’ however I’ll continue because I can!)

Read more… 926 more words

Fashion Spy** Katie Perry Popping up in Paddington

Australian fashion designer Katie Perry’s pop up store opening on Thursday 18th April saw several creative types coming together showcasing their fabulous wares. Sydney Social popped along to check it out.

Excited guests poured into Katie’s gorgeous residence on Paddington’s style mecca William Street to browse her gorgeous autumn collection and other luxury brands such as Swarovski jewellery from Jlili and boutique skincare Pink Hibiscus (a favourite of Jackie O and Bessie Bardot).

Sydney has seen a bit of a surge in the pop up phenomenon over the past few years. Rising rental prices sometimes see empty spaces for a retailer, bar or art gallery to temporarily spring up in. It’s fun for the consumers who constantly have new places to visit and an excellent way for niche retailers, who don’t necessarily want the financial burden of a full time store, to engage new customers, particularly when several retailers come together in one space.

Throughout the evening, Sydney Social enjoyed the sociability of the shopping experience and the friendly atmosphere while we bopped around to the various designers and retailers. We tasted fabulous Italian wine from Sensi Collezione and ate delicious hot canapés (served by equally delicious hot men!).

Katie Perry was on hand throughout the night to give style tips and showcase the collection. Her pop up shop will be open every Saturday and individual shopping appointments (and for further one off events).

Other guests included; Steve Clisby (The Voice), Lauren Dawes (The Voice), Adam Dixon (couture bridal designer and next-door neighbour) and Anna Lutkajitis (Skipping Girl). The beautiful flowers and decorations were supplied by Willow and Dune.

Sydney Social trivia: brief history of the pop-up shop
‘Vacant’ of Los Angeles was the first company to introduce pop-up retail. In 1999
following a business trip to Tokyo, ‘Vacant’ staff wondered whether consumers would line up to purchase limited edition products from niche retailers.

Once the products were sold out (usually within hours) the store would close until the owner received more products and would then re-open. This led ‘Vacant’ to think about closing the store permanently after the goods were sold, and moving it to another target destination, since consumers were travelling long distances to the niche retailers.

You can check out her online store is http://www.katieperry.com.au. This review was attended and written by Katie Hoskins. href=”http://sydneysocial101.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/20130424-115618.jpg”>

The Strand Arcade – A hidden gem for the sweet tooth

When I first arrived in Sydney, I wasn’t sure where the best place was to go shopping. I have to be honest and say that there really wasn’t much choice, however over the past four years I have seen the shopping landscape change significantly.

With the introduction of Westfield, Topshop and Zara, it just keeps getting better!

One of the great places to shop that continues to go under the radar is The Strand! It’s such a great little gem and is home to a number of great boutique and high street shops! Especially if you’ve got a sweet tooth!!

The Strand Arcade

It is an aspiration to go ‘back to the source’ and reveal the quality craftsmanship and artisan techniques behind the its bespoke retailers that defines the Strand Arcade’s shopping experience. Each of the food retailers within the Strand Arcade has a story to tell as does the arcade itself which was established in 1891 and is the only Victorian arcade in Sydney to remain in its original form. The Strand is an optimistic fusion of old-world majesty and modern, of-the-moment stores. http://www.strandarcade.com.au/

Pendolino

Under the skillful guidance of head chef and owner Nino Zoccali The Restaurant Pendolino specialises in regionally-inspired Italian cuisine featuring some of Australia and Italy’s most prestigious extra-virgin olive oils and food and wine products. Beyond these amazing olive oils the Restaurant Pendolino features a range of artisanal pastas made on the premises in a dedicated pasta kitchen with all pastas made from flour and organic eggs. Those who know their pasta will love the ‘ravioli di magro con burro fus’, a traditional handmade ravioli with spinach, parmigiano reggiano, gruyere, buffalo mozzarella and burnt butter and sage. To celebrate the beauty of pasta, Nino Zoccali has captured a life time of irresistible recipes in his new book ‘Pasta Artigiana’ – from a classic spaghetti alla napoletana through to a refined sweet pea ravioli with gorgonzola cream, as well as a range of versatile pasta doughs, sauces and broths. http://www.pendolino.com.au/

La Rosa Bar & Pizza

Following the success of the highly acclaimed Pendolino restaurant, Chef Nino Zoccali presents the new La Rosa Bar & Pizza restaurant – providing a new level of crafted Italian wine bar and artisan pizza dining experience in the Sydney CBD. The new restaurant features a purpose designed interior profiling a new modern but wonderfully ecclesiastic Italianate space as the latest addition to the magnificent Strand Arcade building. Diners are treated to a range of La Rosa’s own crafted small goods as well as traditional stone baked pizza made with aged dough and the finest of Italian and Australian ingredients. The Bar features a short Southern Italian influenced list of selected Italian wines as well as 50 Italian liqueurs available by the glass. Italian Liqueur based cocktails are also featured in the bar as well as a list of boutique and regional Italian beers. http://www.larosabarandpizza.com.au/

Haigh’s Chocolates

It was 1st May 1915, when Alfred E Haigh opened the doors of the very first Haigh’s Chocolates store at number 34 King William Street, Adelaide. Alfred began adding his own flavour to the industry and in 1917 he started producing chocolate-covered fruit centres, which Haigh’s still makes today. Haigh’s still use only the very best and freshest ingredients. And they’re one of the very few chocolate manufacturing-retailers in the world who still source and manufacture from the raw cocoa bean. At Haigh’s, the cooking processes are unique with factory teams using their meticulous artisan skills to create the products. Many of the chocolates continue to be handmade ­– Haigh’s hand-foil Easter eggs, hand-dip truffles and hand-mark individual loose chocolates to identify the fillings. The chocolates are then carefully packed by hand in boxes or bags. Visit the Haigh’s store, and you’ll find that chocolate tasting, gift wrapping and personalised attention is part of the service. http://www.haighschocolates.com.au/

Sweet Infinity

Sweet Infinity is a French inspired patisserie located on the Ground Floor of the Strand Arcade. The Strand store opened in 2010 and continues to serve up a divine offering of food that is on display daily. Like the name suggests, the store offers a delectable range of sweets such as their infamous chocolate brownie, lemon meringue tarts, macarons and meringues. For special occasions, you can’t go past their hot cross buns at Easter and cakes and cookies for Christmas! The patisserie does not disappoint those looking for something savoury either, with delights including gourmet pies and sausage rolls served daily.

Bon Bon Fine Chocolates

The first ‘Bon Bon Fine Chocolate’ store opened in 1982 and became known and loved as an exclusive boutique supplier of fine, imported, handmade European chocolates. Bon Bon serves up a unique selection of exclusive treats, un-paralleled treasures and decadent Belgium delicacies to Sydney-siders in the know. Manufactured right here in the heart of NSW – they have blended Australian ingenuity and European chocolate know-how to create the perfect blend of captivating combinations to enrich the heart and warm the soul. The newly established Bon Bon Café Restaurant nestled under the retail store also offers a substantial breakfast and lunch menu and a selection of tantalizing deserts, along with special events including tapas in the evenings and high tea on Sundays. “Whatever the reason for coming in to see us, whether it be for our selection of fine bon bons, a bag of our rich, slow roasted hazelnuts robed in warm, inviting chocolate or a quick coffee in our cozy underground cafe with a delicious new winter menu, we look forward to seeing you soon!” Andrew Yiasemides (Owner). http://www.bonbon.com.au/

The Nut Shop

The Nut Shop is a family run business, established in 1939 by Karl Mendels, father and grandfather to the present owners. The original shop in the Strand Arcade is still open for business, and a popular stop for tourists and locals alike to purchase the famous Nut Shop Chocolate Macadamias and the traditional favourite, the Vienna Almonds. Some may still remember Karl, cooking the Vienna Almonds (known as Vanilla Almonds during the war) by hand in large copper pans, the delicious smell wafting through the Arcade and out into the streets of Sydney. In the early 1950′s more products were added, including marzipan, chocolate coated orange peel, brandy prunes, chocolate hazelnuts and in the later years the ‘world renowned’ Chocolate Macadamias. The Nut Shop strives to promote ‘Australian Made’ products using Australian raw materials and ingredients wherever possible. All products are manufactured using family traditional methods handed down since 1939 to achieve the freshest possible taste and texture. The Nut Shop only uses pure chocolate (not compound) and all the nuts are the largest and best quality available. The most popular lines are the famous Vienna Almonds, Cinnamon Almonds, Cashews and Macadamia products. http://www.nutshop.com.au/

Taka Tea Garden

Taka Tea Garden is a specialty tea store, located in the heart of the Strand Arcade. Taka Tea stocks only the finest grade of teas from around the world, specialising in Japanese green teas. One of the favourite picks include the Japanese Genmaicha, which means ‘brown rice tea’ or ‘roasted rice tea’ and has a sweet and delicate flavor mixed with the rich aroma of toasted rice. For a special treat, try the Imperial Grade Genmaicha which is crafted from younger leaves for a smoother flavor. Bound to delight tea connoisseurs and those who may not know much at all, the store also offers a rich array of black teas, Chinese teas, herbal & fruit teas, herbalist blends and tea bags. Taka Tea Garden won “The Foodies’ Guide to Sydney Excellence in Tea” award in 2010. http://www.quali-tea.com

Fashion Spy** Winner of the Peroni Young Designer of the Year announced at MBFWA Opening Night

Peroni, the number one Italian beer and official beer sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, celebrated the winner of the fourth Peroni Young Designer Awards, held at an exclusive event at Carriageworks last night.

Harper’s BAZAAR’s Kellie Hush and men’s style’s Michael Pickering, announced 25 year old Nelson Nghe as the winner of the Award for 2013. Nelson created an innovative cocktail dress that featured the Peroni blue ribbon and incorporated the Peroni values of high quality, style and attention to detail.

The stylish Opening Night event was attended by Australian fashion and celebrity identities including: Terry Biviano, Montana Cox, Louise Van De Vorst, Gracie Otto, Nicola Finetti, Thelma McQuillan and Michael Azzollini. Guests enjoyed Collezione Peroni, crisp, refreshing Peroni Nastro Azzurro and 3.5% alcohol, lower carbohydrate Peroni Leggera complemented by Italian aperitivo food throughout the evening.

As winner of these Awards, Nelson has received $10 000 towards developing his fashion career and a complete set of the stylish Antonio Berardi limited edition Bellagio Collection valued at approximately $3500. Nelson’s winning design, along with the Bellagio Collection, will be on display throughout Fashion Week in the Peroni HUB display.

Previous winner of the award Johnny Schembri also presented his latest By Johnny collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia on the opening night.

Book Launch** A Place Called Home

Undeterred by the weather, a host of Sydney’s design industry turned out on Wednesday night to Corporate Culture’s showroom in Chippendale to celebrate the launch of Mr Jason Grant’s first book, A Place Called Home. The impeccably-styled venue made the perfect setting for the event, with guests mingling in and around the latest collections on show from the premium furniture company.

Party goers were greeted by specialty Regal Rogue Spritzers from the team from aromatic bianco vermouth, Regal Rogue, a selection of Hill’s Cider and Santa Vittoria Water. While Farmgate Cheese provided the delicious food spread for the evening serving up a selection of its finest cheeses and accompaniments.

A talented interior stylist and blogger, Mr Jason Grant’s highly anticipated first book was well-received, with copies walking out the door in the hands of all who attended.

Guests on the night included Neale Whittaker, Karen McCartney, Sarah Wilson, Nick Tobias, Alex Zabotto-Bentley and Louise Olsen and Stepen Ormandy from Dinosaur Designs.

IMG FASHION PARTNER WITH JASU.COM AND INTRODUCE FIRST EVER LIVE STREAM PROGRAM TO MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK AUSTRALIA

For the first time ever, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia will be broadcasting every designer show held at Carriageworks LIVE from the runway ad direct to audiences around the world. IMG Fashion’s partnership with JASU.com will not only transport the action directly from the Event to any computer, mobile or tablet device, it will also bring the City of Sydney to life at a purpose-built live site situated in Martin Place, Sydney. A giant screen and pop-up Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia Bar presented by Pelicano will entertain Sydneysiders and provide an opportunity to view all the runway action with #MBFWA LIVE presented by JASU. Diners at the live bar will enjoy the innovative grazing menu, live DJs and the fashionable cocktail list Pelicano is famous for, in a chic southern France-themed setting.

“IMG Fashion consistently works to provide innovative solutions for designers to connect with buyers, press and consumers around the globe. Our partnership with JASU.com makes this possible, enabling LIVE, real time engagement with the runway action for fans around the world,” said Jarrad Clark, Director of Global Production, IMG Fashion Events and Properties. “Adding to the week-long schedule of events, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia Bar presented by Pelicano will extend the Event’s reach and allow fashion lovers to celebrate Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia outside of the showroom space.”

JASU.com will be broadcasting a full schedule of daily catwalk shows and brand new Spring/Summer Collections for 2013/14. Designers including Ginger & Smart, Romance Was Born, Camilla & Marc, We Are Handsome and Shakuhachi will be just some of the shows that will be digitally streamed. These collections won’t be available in retail stores until late August/September, offering consumers a sneak peek at the coming trends for the new season. JASU.com will also offer the availability for pre-order, turning the marketing exercise into an exclusive sales opportunity.

“JASU.com is thrilled to be joining forces with IMG Fashion and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia in providing this first-ever, groundbreaking #MBFWA LIVE presented by JASU initiative to a worldwide audience,” said Nick Kenyon, Marketing Director, JASU.com. “JASU.com now encompasses even more high fashion, innovative content, and offers unrivalled global exposure of Australia’s best design talent to fashion lovers around the world. This is the first time that consumers will have the opportunity to digitally interact with the exclusive industry event in this way.”

With the City of Sydney on board as a partner, IMG Fashion is able to share the excitement of the event not only with their global audiences digitally, but with the people of Sydney via the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia Bar presented by Pelicano. The site will buzz throughout the Event week, and with more than 100,000 people passing through on a daily basis, Martin Place offers the perfect spot for fashion lovers to take in all the action from the runway.

“Sydney’s fashion pedigree is underpinned by excellent retailers, designers and manufacturers, but they’ve faced tough economic conditions,” said Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. “We’re working with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia to encourage Sydneysiders to get out on the streets and support our fashion scene. I can’t wait to see Martin Place become a front row seat to the buzz of event.”

The partnership between IMG Fashion and Australian etail marketplace JASU.com will mean the site becomes the online destination for LIVE runway footage from Australia’s leading designers, enabling consumers to access the exclusive event online from anywhere in the world, and to become part of the action at Martin Place. This collaboration adds to the IMG Fashion portfolio of solutions for designers to connect with their consumers around the globe.

MBFashionweek.com, the global online home for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week’s around the globe will host a digital schedule to run alongside the official Event schedule promoting #MBFWA LIVE presented by JASU to the world. The format is modeled on the success of the live stream of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, which experienced huge numbers during the Autumn/Winter 2013 collections, with more than 74,000 viewer hours from 153 countries for the duration of the Event.

Join us in experiencing all the highlights LIVE from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia at JASU.com.

Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz is joined by Destination NSW, Maybelline New York, DHL, Redken, City of Sydney, JASU, oOh!, Pullman Hotels, Peroni, Tempus Two, Acqua Panna, CÎROC, Pommery, Fresh Catering and Carriageworks.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is an IMG Fashion Event.

The Spring/Summer 2013/14 Collections will take place April 8-12, 2013
Further information mbfashionweek.com.au

Movie review** The Host

Please bear in mind before you read on that if you are a big fan of the book or are very excited to see this film then stop reading. I have only been reviewing films for a little while now, (I hear you say You can tell), however I have been lucky enough to never write a negative review. So I am disappointed that this will be my first one.

It is always great to be invited to previews of films and again I wanted to take a friend who had read “The Host”. The Host is a science fiction / romance novel written by Stephanie Meyer. It is based in the future where parasites called Souls have take over the human race and made it peaceful.

Melanie Styrder, played by Saoirse Ronan, is one of the few remaining humans. She is caught and given a Soul called Wanderer. It takes over her body and can see her memories. Only some humans are strong and the Souls cant fully take control. This is where you start hearing Melanie talk to Wanderer in her head. This is also where I saw a number of people walk out the cinema. Even my friend, who had read the book, put her head in her hands. It just sounded weird and not something I wanted to sit through two hours of.

The film follows Melanie’s quest to take back her body, search for her brother and the one she loves. Yes this does become a massive chick flick. Without spoiling it, there are a number of occasions which are outright silly. The audience were in hysterics for a large part of the dialogue. We were hoping that they were laughing cause it was so stupid rather than actually being amused by poor jokes. There were parts where the actors said things or guessed things which they couldn’t have known. It just seemed like it was there to push the story on. One thing which annoyed me was when Wanderer had to cross the desert. She bent down and picked up a bottle of water from the ground. WHAT!! WHERE DID THAT SUDDENLY COME FROM??

Diane Kruger is the leader of the Seekers who are funny enough are seeking out Melanie and Wanderer. William Hurt is the leader of a group of humans in hiding. Both of these actors are not able to save this film.

The idea of the film could have been great if it was pulled off better. I just thought the whole film was cheesy and I didn’t care what happened to any of the characters. I am glad I had a female view so it wasn’t just a guy hating on a romance film. Apparently a 2nd book is being made. NO STOP IT NOW!! If I am invited to the screening of the next film then I would like to say thank you and decline in advance.

SydneySocial101 gives “The Host” 3 out of 10 stars.