Tina Arena's Style: INTERVIEW with Stylist Heather Cairns

Having experienced Tina Arena's sensational 'Reset' tour at the acoustically perfect venue at Sydney's The Star recently (as well as Tina's incredibly beautiful tour held in a series of intimate concerts at the iconic Sydney Opera House), two things are very apparent when you are in the audience at a Tina event, mesmerised by this songstress and her talent: her dulcet tones and flawless voice. It truly is perfection. And: her flawless style, and how she carries herself, her athletic frame complementing the clothes, always styled to perfection.

On this tour, Tina collaborated with Leiane Taylor, an LA-based Australian hair and make-up artist, who she has worked with for 20 years. The beautiful fashion choices come courtesy of stylist Heather Cairns.

Josie's Juice interviewed the talented Heather Cairns on working with Tina and how to break into the industry:

How long have you worked with Tina, and how did you meet?
I have worked with Tina since July 2013. I was luckily introduced to Tina's manager by a mutual friend and that led to working for her. When I began styling for Tina I had just come back to Sydney from living in Paris, so we instantly had a lot to talk about regarding living in Europe and the differences in style between Australia and Europe. We both are pretty obsessed with European fashion and style!

How has the brief changed for Tina with each tour?
The Reset tour is the first tour I have styled for Tina. We spent months going back and forth over references and building a strong mood board inspired by 1970s glamour from 'Studio 54' and icons like Bianca Jagger, through to French style icons like Sylvie Vartan. This mood board filled every element of the designs for her tour.

Tina has an absolute knockout body. Do you pull a huge range of gowns/outfits to complement her physique, and narrow it down with Tina, or, do you have outfits custom-made?
Everything was custom made for the tour by Johanna Johnson, and Juilee Chione from Ms Couture.

How did you come to work Johanna Johnson?
I had approached Johanna to design a dress for Tina Arena's performance at the Logies. The dress for the Logies was so spectacular I couldn't wait to approach her again. The detail and extravagance of Johanna's work is exceptional - no element of quality or perfection is overlooked.

How did you come to work with Juilee Chione from Ms Couture?
Juilee and I have had a long history of working together, from magazine shoots to custom made pieces for music artists. I love her outrageous designs and the way she fits corsets is like no one else! I like the flair she puts into a garment and the incredible way she works fringing.

What kind of advice would you give to someone wanting to break into styling?
Assist as many stylists as you can and learn from them. Assisting is 'free school'. Study the runway collections and trends and read as much as possible about fashion and the history of fashion - the more references you have, the richer your work will be. However, don't only look to fashion; be aware of popular culture and what is happening in the art world - keep your eyes open… ideas are everywhere!

Grow and keep your contacts. You tend to have to ask for lots of favours when styling so remember to always thank everyone who contributes to your work - a little handwritten 'thank you' note goes a long way!

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And below, Tina's outfits, as worn during her Reset tour:

The first, the breathtaking red dress, is by Ms Couture by Juilee Chione.

Next, the stunning silver dress created by Johanna Johnson.

And finally, a divinely flattering black pantsuit, also by Johanna Johnson.

To follow Tina and her upcoming shows and news, 'like' her Facebook page here.

And you can follow her on Twitter here, and on Instagram here.

Tre Dallas: Gina Liano's Stylist - 'The Real Housewives of Melbourne': INTERVIEW

Think Gina Liano from 'The Real Housewives of Melbourne', and you'll envisage bright, coordinated, and accessorised to the hilt.

This glittering Gina style is unique and all hers.

But she does have a 'fairy godfather' who works his magic on her every episode, bringing her even more options of fabulousness for us to enjoy. His name is Tre Dallas.

Tre is the fashion stylist seen in episode one of the first season of the show, where he is introduced in a scene bringing a raft of sparkly options to Gina's home. Here he is bringing some selections 

As one of the 'Real Housewives of Melbourne' on the super-hit reality show - a spin-off from the successful US 'Real Housewives' franchise - Gina has surprised many by gathering a slew of supportive fans who now can't remember a time on our TV screens before that bouffant hair, those sequinned numbers, that vibrant makeup, and those acerbic one-liners ("Go combust in a corner" comes to mind…)

In an interview with Josie's Juice, Tre gives us the lowdown on how he styles up Gina, what he thinks of how she has been portrayed on the show, and who else he styles (and what's next for Tre).

First, some photos of Tre and Gina!

Styling up Gina for the 2014 Logie awards

A styling session post-Misson Beach

Tre Dallas interview with Josie's Juice

How long have you been working with Gina, and how did you meet?

I've know Gina for over ten years now and we first met when I was working for MAC Cosmetics. I was drawn to her sense of style, her make up and her hair. Fabulous!

How often do you style Gina, and how involved are you in all her style elements?

Filming the show last year I would have to be on standby for Gina four days a week and at whatever time they filmed. It was long days for everyone who was involved, but it so much fun.

Gina has an amazing sense of style, as you can see on and off the show. Her wardrobe is filled with fabulous things she has collected all over the world. She is stylist heaven.

Gina knows what looks good on her, so she was very easy to work with.

I would give her different looks and options that would look good on camera to make sure she's #housewifeready

How would you describe Gina's style?

Fun, sexy, glamourous.

I love that when we first met you on RHOM, Gina says about you: "He understands glitz, he understands glamour, and we are on the same page. Loving him." How did you get to know Gina's style niche and emulate that for her? Did you change her style somewhat or has she always been adamant about what she wants and who she is

That was so kind for her to say those things… When I watched that I didn't know what to say, it just touched me. She didn't need to say that, especially on air. It was so nice to hear it and that is the kind of woman she is: very caring and loving and she gives credit where credit is due.

I didn't change Gina's style... why would you? Gina does know fashion and she knows what she likes. I just chose options to accentuate what she likes.

I would look for more dresses and accessories for her and bring them over. As you can imagine, Gina doesn't have much spare time to go shopping, working as a barrister, then filming and being a mum.

What has been your experience of 'The Real Housewives of Melbourne'?

I'm so glad that I did it, all thanks to Gina, who gave me this amazing opportunity.

Mostly I was happy but I must say there were times when I did think it was a bit too much. I really felt for Gina when she came back from Mission Beach... How she had to leave because of what happened. It just wasn't nice, especially knowing that Gina was looking forward to the trip. It was very upsetting the way it all turned out.

Overall the my experience has been very positive, and I could not be happier with the outcome of the show.

Who else of note have you worked with?

Last month I worked with the following sexy and talented people: Lindy and Michael Klim, Bec Bramich, Kiyomi from 'The Voice Australia', and The Voice Australia' 2013 winner Harrison Craig, and #howtwolive sisters.

Tre with Lindy Klim

Styling Bec Bramich

Styling Michala Banas

Styling Harrison Craig from 'The Voice' Australia

Styling 'How Two Live' sisters

Styling Kiyomi from 'The Voice Australia'

What do you have in the pipeline - what's next for you?

Kiyomi from 'The Voice' is launching her first single, #alien, so I'll be working on the video clip. Keep your eyes and ears out for that... It's such a catchy song.

I am also shooting with Mossman clothing. And I'm also working on "Youth Projects", which is a homeless support agency, who will hold their inaugural 'Garage Sale' to raise funds for its new clinic for homeless women.

The Garage Sale, to be held on Saturday May 10, will feature seconds and samples from some of Australia’s best known labels as well as great quality pre-loved designer items.

Funds raised will go towards the Youth Projects women’s clinic, which provides a safe space for women and offers health, psychological and employment services staffed exclusively by women.

My role is getting donations from different brands for the sale. It's nice to be able to help using my contacts from my field for such a good cause. 


You can follow Tre on his social media platforms here:

INSTAGRAM @tredallas
TWITTER @tredallas
FACEBOOK @tredallas

Tune into 'The Real Housewives of Melbourne' reunion special on Sunday May 4 and 
Sunday May 11 from 8.30pm on Arena, on Foxtel Australia.

For a preview clip of the reunion show click here and for LOADS of photos from the reunion, click here.

InStyle and Audi: Women of Style $10,000 Style Scholarship Finalists

InStyle and Audi today revealed the three finalists, selected from entrants across the nation, vying for the 'InStyle and Audi Women of Style $10,000 Style Scholarship'.

The finalists are (below, from left): Rosie O’Halloran, Nerida Lennon and Emilya Colliver.

Helen White for InStyle

The women all feature in the latest edition of InStyle - the May 2014 issue, featuring the stunning Emilia Clarke from 'Game of Thrones' ('Khaleesi'). Behold the breathtaking cover!

Now in its sixth year, the Style Scholarship offers entrepreneurial Australian women an invaluable opportunity to be rewarded for their talents and to pursue their career aspirations. The winner - who will be announced at a gala event on May 21 - will join an illustrious group of alumni and receive a $10,000 grant to help fund her endeavour.

More about the sensational and supremely talented finalists:

Rosie O’Halloran, Humanitarian and Charity CEO

In 2009, Rosie O’Halloran ditched the construction degree she was midway through and journeyed to Uganda, inspired by seeing it on TV. Once there, “I became aware of the challenges [the local] women face,” says the Sydneysider, who set up a not-for-profit child-welfare organisation, foundations.(au), and opened a home for at-risk Ugandan kids, all by the age of 24. Back in Australia, she has continued her work and earlier this year co-founded the Institute for Global Women Leaders (IGWL), which is designed to empower young women “as agents for change”. If awarded the grant, O’Halloran will put it towards speaking to 5,000 high school students nationwide about IGWL’s initiatives, which will include a 2015 leadership program that will give school-leavers the chance to help victims of human trafficking in Bali while “building courage and resilience”.

Nerida Lennon, Ethical Fashion Advocate

A former model with a degree in sociology and psychology, Nerida Lennon is determined to “cultivate a different conversation on fashion”. Her focus? Sustainability. Raised in an eco-friendly household in Victoria’s Mount Dandenong, Lennon’s a-ha moment came in 2009: while at a climate summit, she attended a talk by eco-campaigner Anna Rose, a nominee in the 2013 InStyle and Audi Women of Style Awards. It led her to consider the fashion industry “in terms of environmental impact”, she says. In the five years since, Lennon has delivered keynote speeches at conferences in Indonesia and been awarded the Big Green Idea grant by the British Council in Australia. She hopes to use the Style Scholarship to fund a multimedia campaign with the aim of making sustainable fashion aspirational.

Emilya Colliver, Online Entrepreneur

In her early twenties, this Gold Coast-native rubbed shoulders with London’s creative elite while working for noted art dealer James Birch. Then she came to a realisation: “I could never afford to be in his realm.” So she set about making art more accessible and “changing the way people feel about it”. After completing an art history degree in the UK, Colliver returned to Sydney and in 2010 founded Art Pharmacy, an online gallery that sells original works by 55 local emerging talents, from prices as low as $50. “It’s about buying a piece that’s going to support an artist, rather than sending the money overseas for a reproduced print.” Winning the grant would allow Colliver to expand her Sydney pop-up exhibitions interstate. Ultimately, says the mother of two, “I want to take this worldwide.”

For more on this fabulous issue (the Emilia Clarke shoot is divine, I love the Samantha Lane interview and photo, and the Sophie Lowe beauty shoot is stunning… love this actress), pick up a copy of Instyle May 2014 now at newsagents, supermarkets and where magazines are sold.