The Perfect Coach Backpack

As much I love the idea of holding a clutch or a handbag, I can’t escape from the fact that a backpack is best suited to my photography work and life style. I’m a fashion photographer on the move, so carrying a backpack makes sense for all the ridiculous amount of heavy gear (wait, more like tissue paper and shopping receipts) that I put in my bag.

Huge thanks to Coach Australia, I was completely won over when Georgina from the St Collins Lane Flagship store understood my needs as a mum with a 4 year old and a photographer; and immediately showed me the “Manhattan Foldover” backpack.

Ohhh…..it was perfect in every way. Just let me explain why:

  1. Efficient and Multifunctional
    • It is spacious and has three separate, inside compartments – I can fit my laptop, hard drive, book, my lunch, camera and two lens. YAS!
    • Has two outside zip pockets – one for my lipstick and keys, and the other for my iphone. YAY! That means I don’t have to rummage through the inside compartments for my keys when I’m in a hurry.
    • It has an outside zip to access directly into the inside compartment. WINNING! That means I don’t have to undo the clip closure to get my wallet!
  2. Unisex
    • Though the Manhattan Foldover backpack is a part of the Men’s Collection SS17, I honestly believe this bag is perfect for a girl, even better, the right fit for a petite asian girl like me.
  3. Modern and good looking 
    • The zip details, clip closure, and stitching of this backpack makes it look modern and luxe. To top it off, I had my name embossed on a Coach tag at the St Collins Lane store which added a personalised touch;
    • This bag can go hands-free or hand-carried like a tote!
  4. Comfortable
    • The straps are well padded, and are adjustable which means no matter how heavy the bag may get, I am rest assured that my back is taken good care of. I’m sure my Oestopath would be happy about that.
  5. Quality Leather
    • What makes this bag so extra special is that it is crafted in Sport Calf Leather. The type of leather used in baseball gloves, and it will age and soften overtime.

So can you see why I am so impressed with my new backpack from Coach?

Thank you Coach for my beautiful backpack! Ok guys, if you are like, overwhelmed with too many choices, just go and speak directly to Georgina or one of her staff at the St Collins Lane store. They know their stuff inside out, and be more than happy to find you the perfect bag!

Images taken by Alan Woo.

black leather backpack // COACH
sweater knit dress // ZARA
boots // ACNE
socks // COS
black coat // AMERICAN APPAREL

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Nuan Cashmere x Ballettonet Pop Up Event

Coveted online brands NUAN Cashmere and BALLETTONET showcases their collection for the first time together at 494 Collins Street until 30th June.

 

Last Thursday, VIP guests were treated to an exclusive preview of NUAN Cashmere’s ultra luxe investment pieces made from 100% pure long yarn cashmere; and Ballettonet’s Italian made ballet flats and high end sneakers. It was the first time these two brands were showcased together. In fact (also a fun fact), remember the shoot I did with Jess Dempsey with the gorgeous Ballettonet’s ballet flats designed by Erin Maxwell from Love Shop Share; styled with the black weaved cashmere cardigan (see HERE)? Well, our styled shoot had connected these two brands together and look at where they are today!

Until the end of June 2016, they will be open to public right here:

494 Lt Collins Street Melbourne
MON – WED 10-6PM
THURS 10-7PM
FRI 10-6PM

Get in quick and invest in a beautiful cashmere ensemble and a pair of luxe sneakers. You won’t be disappointed, because I’m wearing the ECO CARDIGAN DUSTER as I’m typing. I can’t tell you how incredibly warm, stylish and divine it is, which is perfect for this chilly Melbourne weather! Even Jess Dempsey is trending it right here.

For more press information, please send your enquiries here, mail@ballettonet.co or info@nuancashmere.com.

[Scroll to the end for more details about NUAN Cashmere and Ballettonet]

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NUAN

NUAN has built its reputation with dedication to classic, elegant and modern styled collections created from 100% cashmere of the highest quality. NUAN also can provide tailor made cashmere for discerning clients including bridal parties.

BALLETTONET

Ballettonet sources handcrafted shoes direct from Italy’s finest footwear families. Their philosophy is about choosing quality, supporting transparency and being inspired by simplicity. Made for women on the go.

Special mentions and sponsors for the NUAN x BALLETTONET EVENT

artwork paintings // KATIE MCKINNON
flowers // KATE HILL FLOWERS
food // FIRECRACKEREVENT
furniture // SILLA FURNITURE
cushions // NUANINDIGO
shoes //BALLETTONET
garments // NUAN

MBFWA 2016 P.E.Nation Presentation

Australian fashion icon and General Pants Design Director, Pip Edwards and business partner, designer Claire Tregoning introduces us to P.E Nation at MBFWA.

 

After 15 years of attending MBFWA shows, 2016 was the year both ladies presented their own label for the first time in a presentation style. Since they live and breathe in comfortable clothes, it wasn’t rocket science for them to design a collection of modern activewear for women.

Every look they meticulously put together at the presentation had an identifiable trend – the baggy pants, over-sized bomber jacket, overalls; clutches with quirky quotes like “game on” and “ace” by Poppy Lissiman; Beats headphones and pulled up socks in Reebok sneakers.

Well game on, and congratulations to Pip and Claire for combining luxe and trendiness to sportswear.

Check out my favourite looks below xxx

All images were produced and copyrighted to Karen Woo. Please do not use without permission.

 

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MBFWA 2016 Alice McCall Presentation

Alice McCall transformed the lavish award winning restaurant, Porteno in Surry Hills into a live instillation of models lounging around in chantilly lace and cute rompers. Just think 60/70s, 1999 Galliano, or Opium Den styled sets to go with each outfit. Each look had “Alice” written all over it – it was playful, sensual, and feminine. The presentation felt like a live fashion shoot but minus the luxury of time and space. Basically all the shooters were given about 5 minutes to work with the models within a confined area, whilst the stylish onlookers were right behind us catching all the action. Well you know me, I love the challenge to think quickly on my feet and make the most of any situation to produce images that I am proud to publish. ‘

So here they are and I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed creating them. Thank you Electric Collective PR for having me xxx.

outfits // ALICE MCCALL
hair // REDKEN AUSTRALIA
makeup // LANCOME AUSTRALIA
venue // PORTENO in SURRY HILLS

All images are copyrighted to Karen Woo. Please email hello@karenwoo.com.au for any images usage enquiries.

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MBFWA 2016 Backstage with Body Shop at Karla Spetic

 

Tuesday was all about going behind the scenes with my favourite Australian Designer labels, and Karla Spetic was one of them. Remember the skirt with the road in the middle, well yes that was Karla Spetic. Her whimsical resort 2017 collection, titled “MEMORIES” were a combination of violet, white, navy and blue colours; sheer, rib knitted and embroidered fabrics; frilly ribbed high necklines; quirky cut outs and scallop edging and of-course her signature digital prints with lavender being the main feature. My absolute favourite pieces were definitely the wide legged pants with slits on the side and the rib knitted dresses and that pinafore top with ruffle-trimmed rectangles placed at the center like stamps on an envelope. These pieces will be the perfect addition to my ever growing athletic-chic wardrobe for photographers on the run!

Congratulations to Karla Spetic’s beautiful collection and thank you ONEDAYDREAM PR for having me backstage with the wonderful Body Shop Australia team who created the dreamy and natural beauty looks for Karla Spetic’s models and keeping their body silky smooth and smelling good with the new British Rose body butter. For toes, Butter London ‘Cotton Buds’ Nail lacquer and fingernails and ‘Horse Power Treatment‘ as top coat.

Enjoy xx

Flat white slides // TEVA
Hair // WELLA PROFESSIONALS
Beauty // THE BODY SHOP
Nails // BUTTER LONDON
Jewellery // SEBBROWN

 

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The last pic was the crew from Body Shop! Go team x