Rada Priya

I felt incredibly grateful and proud to be photographed atMelbourne fashion week, wearing my own custom designs, while my one-year-old daughter was wearing her mini Rada Priya Designs, and carrying my second baby bump; it was a perfect blend of my dream job and motherhood.

Once again Melbourne Fashion Festival did not disappoint - last night we attended Runway 1 presented by Miss Vogue. Although the main sponsor has changed from L'Oreal to Virgin Australia, and the set up was a little different, we still enjoyed the same buzz and inspo pulling experience as every other year. We actually had no plans to go (preoccupied as late with my new- and growing- family) but thanks to my girlfriend Dani for hooking up our tickets through David Jones Group. I was hesitant about taking my 18 month old, she came with us last year when she was only 6 months, but didn't come inside for the actual runway. Its dark, and the soundtracks are always mind numbing, body tingling, loud. Camilla & Marc, Scanlan Theodore and Bassike overwhelmed us with their black magic to a haunting theme tune, that had me on edge, but surprisingly Sahana found it enchanting and squealed and bopped her way though the fashion courses.  here's a snapshot of our evening Hopeful...

Valentine's Day was very eventful this year - my beau proposed and we booked our entire wedding the same day! It has been the easiest event I have ever planned, which is lucky as raising our daughter is much more than a full time job.  We had planned to skip this year's Melbourne Fashion Festival, freshly changed to Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival , so when the girls threw me an impromptu Hen's night and chose The National Graduate Showcase runway to host us, it couldn't have been a more perfect. All my favourite girls and one of the most inspiring runways I have seen in a long time. I was so proud to find Sahana and her aunty favourites amongst the bloggers and photogs outside  full album on Facebook

This year the L'Oeal Melbourne Fashion Festival Red Carpet event was all about the ethereal bride. Hosted by Harper's Bazaar Brides, the show was opened by my favourite Australian, Collette Dinnigan . Her signature exquisite lace and hand beaded gowns in youthful feminine silhouettes glided down the catwalk, the models concealed by delicate face veils. Akira followed, pleasantly surprising us with loosely fitted shapes that seemed to float around the body. Gwendolynne , the only designer to specialise soley in the Bridal field, delivered what the bride-to-be's in the audience came to see -  the crowd erupted with coo's of admiration, and the gasps and murmurs of delight and the applause did not cease through Rachel Gilbert or Aurelio Costarella , until the final gown by  Toni Maticevski , with its veil the length of the runway and needing 3 groomsmen to assist - I, along with with everyone else was left speechless. A triumph of inspiration

Modelling for my model. You might remember the face of my most recent Spring Summer Lookbook - the lovely Samantha - when the roles were reversed, and she asked me to pose for her, I couldnt be more happy. The shoot was fun and relaxed, and her talents equal her natural ability on the other side of the camera. These are a few candids of the day, which I think represent beautifully the nature and intimacy of her style of working. Shopping for bridal gown ideas at Anna Campbell in Brunswick - we got to meet Anna and try her latest collections. Big congratulations to my twin sister on her engagement, who has chosen me (naturally ;) to make her gown -  Watch this space as the wedding plans progress follow on instagram: @Radapriya amongst the beauties for Samantha's shoot shoot in progress Saci wearing an Anna Campbell gown

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.

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.

Our apartment manager won't turn on the internal heating until sometime this month, and now that the weather has taken a nasty turn, its been unbearable spending time in a cold home, so we have been frequenting the warmth of cafes and an occasional church - like there isn't a better excuse - these places are divine in all sense of the word The boys at the fountain, Amanti, Marjo & Julian 

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... 

We get it, its Winter, but these past 2 weeks has me questioning why we built a city in such an unfriendly climate, or why on earth I live here... but than today came and brought the sunshine, and it was liveable again. While out and about picking out fabric samples, I snapped these city scenes. I was in a pale blue and gold mood, and the city was my matching accessory Wearing Carla Zampatti coat I DIY'ed / Zara Knit / Stradivarius Jeans / Bata shoes

I heart instagram. Its like Facebook, without all the whinging, or twitter with pics. It makes boring things fun. It keeps me entertained on the tram, and while I'm drinking tea. I like your instagrams too. Instagram: @RadaPriya

Today we went on a 2 for 1 Melbourne adventure. Armed with a handful of vouchers we boarded the 48 tram and headed for the cbd. Despite not technically having the time to take a day off, in the name of adventure Saci & I headed straight for the skydeck at Eureka tower. As you can see it was the start to a pretty perfect day   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

I didn't quite anticipate the morning and afternoon chill of the Tuscan Spring, so unprepared I sorted through Julian's closet for these pair of his old navy burberrys... I spent the afternoon on the Ponte Vecchio and checking out the latest fashion finds Julian's jeans paired with last seasons Zara velvet blazer and my most comfy Italian Wittner shoes   Read More  ☟