Rada Priya

Florence is not only home to some of worlds greatest fashion houses, it boasts their respective priceless archives and museums. This night, by the quiet full moon, I got the Gucci Museum almost all to myself. Set over 3 levels, I took my time taking in all the history, craftsmanship and distinction Gucci has become so iconic for. And at the end, in their bookshop slash cafe, enjoying a coffee over the abundant collection of fashion publications, made it one of my favourite days in Florence this winter.

Impressed by what I saw at the orientation day of Polimoda school of Fashion, Florence, last week, I decided it would be worth attending the final presentations of students graduating with Masters degree's in Trend Forecasting. With high expectations, I was still surprised with the quality of work produced by the students, who hail from all corners of the globe. Over 4 hours we saw bodies of work that varied far beyond the limits of contemporary fashion, venturing from the culinary kitchen to outer space, from physical body manipulation to questions of our souls. It was clear that an education at Polimoda could add another dimension to my skill set, and if all the chips fall right, I'm convinced to attend there in the new year. Fixed by each individuals take on Trend Forecasting, I managed to capture only the few images you see below.

Another stunning window display at Luisa Via Roma ... I pass by almost everyday, just for the pure inspiration -            ~ Happy Wkend.  ♡ R.

I heard that the first snow fell in Florence this morning, long before I stirred to consciousness. Disappointment. This weekend the Italian Holy-days begin, so the city will spring back to life after a month long slumber. I hope this reflects in my mood. Snow looks fabulous in pictures, but its a painful season in the city. I dream of a country villa with a roaring fireplace and hot mulled wine, but its all frost bite out, damp and steamy in...  My bf's mum has been hard at work knitting me sweaters, booties, beanies and this awesome fluffy white & blue scarf. The necklace I bought from a small accessories boutique in Florence for under 20euro - it came with matching earrings. But its the umbrella that steals the show. Sheltering me from the Tuscan rain, with prints of famous Tuscany sites, in Toscana! Kitsch at its finest.  The word is a loan word from the German word meaning "worthless." but I think it's priceless!

The days are getting shorter, and we are sleeping in more, so there is really not much light left to shoot day 4 of 'statement necklace week'. We planned a quiet dinner at my favourite restaurant in Florence - The Lorenzo de Medici , and brought the camera along in case we felt like shooting. I pinched Julian's favourite pair jeans, properly ripped and worn out, and threw on the biggest necklace I own. Giant perspex ochre & copper droplets hanging from a velvet chain, its really not as over-the-top when worn with a simple black tee...

As long as I'm a red head, I think i'll never tire of a bright pop of orange, especially in my jewellery. This statement necklace with its silver metal loops wrapped in ribbons so that creates an ombre effect is a new favourite. Simple but very bold.  Today the murky sky threatened rain, but we trusted the iPhone weather app and went for a ride on the scooter for coffee by the park. The second half of these shots were not usable, because as soon as ran to the autumn leaved tree's, huge rain drops started to fall, and within 60 seconds I was soaked. Straight home to bed, where I've spend the remainder of the day. I wish it would just snow already

this little number on the streets of Florence - My Eller Tunic Dress from my Spring 2011 collection looking lovely on Areta. I can't tell you what a nice feeling it is to see my designs out and about. I love how she has styled this spring piece perfectly for the Autumn, here in Italy, by adding leggings, boots and a waist belt. The Eller Tunic dress is still available here

I wish it would hurry up and snow already.  Facebook earned points connecting up school friends with us along their Great European Tour. Glad to play host and have some good old Aussie company, Jarrah and his sister Cobberty, reminded me of the down to earth nature of the people I grew up. I miss home now.  Their last day in Florence, Julian and I took them up to Michelangelo's square, and despite the previous days downpour dyeing the river muddy brown, and the dull nebulous sky hanging low, the city sight was as spectacular as ever. It easy to see why so many people love this place. ASOS delivered my latest purchase early this morning - the super trendy wedge trainer in black, not nearly the Isabel Marant iconic kick, but just as comfy. Black jeans, easy tee (from my current SS12 collection) and necessary puffer jacket from H&M, I'm on track to blending in with the locals.

I designed the SS12 Silk Shell top with high waisted bottom half in mind, but this cool Autumn afternoon in Florence I decided on low cut black denim   |   black singlet  | suedette ankle boots   to take me from day to night SS12 Pure Silk Shell top $150 Made-to-Order here

Tucked in the depths of the Tuscan countryside, amongst vineyards, rolling fields and bubbling creeks, 'The Mall' lays in stark contrast to its surrounds. An Oasis of the finest designer labels concentrated into a miniature outlet city. The buildings small and sterile, reminding me of the empty "Hotel" artwork that sits by the highway on the way to Sorrento from Melbourne, or the desert Prada store in west Texas.  For a day I felt as if I were some strange country, an alien amongst the Japanese and Arabic tourists. I got my chance to get up close and personal with my designer idols, McQueen, McCartney, Dior, Burberry, Valentino, pouring over the delicate stitches and fabrics of seasons passed pieces. At outlet prices, I could actually afford to shop in Prada, and than there was the Lindt store... 

My Spring Shell tops are coming in handy in Italy. I have almost worn at least one, once a day. This day I slipped out of the Thurley knit and into the silk shell print top for dinner. It had rained during the day and now the heat was setting back in. I love the print on this style - little buddhas & zebras! I paired it with my SS12 black velvet stretch pin skirt. We passed by the Trevi on our way to the Pantheon, where we had pre dinner aperitif & drink plans with friends. For dinner we took the tram outside of the centre for the most amazing pizza's and deep fried assortment!

I have been so amazed at the support from you lovelies who liked my fashion illustrations , and those that purchased the prints! I'm going to see a man about a horse. And I'll can keep doing that with your support Framed [as pictured thanks to Instagram]  $125.00 Inc. Postage

29 perfect degree's      We, and the rest of Florence, were out to enjoy Every time I venture out into this beautiful city I seem to find somewhere new. Like today, we stumbled into this little piazza nearby the Pitti Palace. Santa Spirito is quaint and quiet, protected by the tall surrounding buildings. In the centre is a bubbling fountain, where art students are sprawled across it, drawing quietly the surrounding architecture. The huge trees are what make the space seem smaller and more intimate, and the afternoon sun fills the square with warmth. We drink wine outside the bar in the corner and eavesdrop on the Australians sitting at the next table. Its nearly 9pm when we walk back to the centre for a pizza dinner... the sun still golden over the Ponte Vecchio Read More  ☟

On this gorgeous day, all I wanted to do was eat fairy floss and ride the carousel, but we were too early in the day for the rides, so champagne and the english newspaper was on the menu  This red velvet A line dress is a sample for my up coming collection. It has a stretch, so its extremely comfortable, even in this heat. The soft muslin jacket is a cheap buy from Valley girl, plus a patent leather red belt from Sportsgirl and my Wittner wedge sandal - effortless Ive been living here for over 7 months, and this is the first time I discovered the Florence news in english. I think its written by students, but was a nice catch up on recent events

One of my emerald green designs, perfect for spring days. If you want one - email me: radacampbell@gmail.com ❦   My twin bought these in India for me. The hook is so fine I even sleep in them  ❦   Read More  ☟

The last few weeks have flown by so quickly that I barely had time to plan or pack for my trip back to Italy - so when I unpacked my small case this morning - I was pleasantly surprised that I had packed perfectly for the gorgeous spring weather that was waiting for me when I touched down into Rome yesterday. But its not hard to get spring fashion wrong. I have been to Rome 5 times, but never in spring. Seeing the flowers at the Spanish steps was like the postcards, literally. Melbourne International airport a photograph couldnt barely catch the beauty of a full moon from 4000 feet One and only reason I tolerate  sitting in a tiny compartment with 300 other humans - the magnificent and breath taking view.  Always puts my life into perspective Spanish Steps in all its Glory one of my jade green dresses perfect for the occasion Julian - knows why he had to make the trip to Rome to collect me stop off on the way home to meet a friend, and to eat ...