When we think of the word ‘spa’, we usually envision a remote, tranquil bathing house: filled with integrative therapies, Romanesque baths, chimed music and trickling waterfalls: infiltrating our mind and body. A place where we can simply lie back, close our eyes and breathe along with natures elements – of air, water, earth and fire.…

Live a life of enchantment. Imbue your soul with art, beauty and culture. Ignite your creativity in an exquisite Italian destination. Welcome to a 7 -day exquisite retreat that will make you feel like royalty. Reconnect with your creativity. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty and cultural inspiration that is Lake Como, Italy – the…

Located 1085m above the bustling cityscape of Cape Town, South Africa, lies Table Mountain, the 7th wonder of nature in the world. Consisting of layers of sandstone and granite formed by volcanic and glacial action 520 million years ago, it is 6 times older than the Himalayas, making it one of the oldest mountains in…

Conceived by English playwright Noël Coward in 1925, Fallen Angels is a quicker-than-quick 90-minute knockabout comedy, set in 1930s London. Two affluent women, best-friends Julia Sterroll and Jane Banbury, engage in a fizzly, champagne-filled romp over the course of one night. But for not the reasons you’d think. After their less-than-satisfying husbands go away on…

In 1985, in a fictional town called Chinquapin Parish, in Northwestern Louisiana, lies an at-home beauty salon owned by Truvy Jones, a happy-go-lucky local hairdresser. She’s young-at-heart, loves the local gossip, and makes women feel loved and cared for in her company. But this tiny mecca is far more than the sum of its parts.…

Upon sitting down at the ornate Athenaeum Theatre to see the Melbourne premiere of The Shark Is Broken, I am in awe of what I see onstage. A makeshift film set magically designed by James Browne is already in full swing, with a film crew milling about, manning an iconic replica of a boat called…

Inside the ETU ballroom of the Trades Hall, I come upon the depths of a smoke-filled room, with chairs lined up much like a church choir hall, with a six piece band across the back of the stage, seemingly ready to roll. A bass player. A female drummer wearing a pink cap. A guitarist. A…

As I enter the Studio Theatre at Gasworks, I am taken in by a solemn scene. A lonesome soul named Steve, wearing a grey jumper and black shorts. Sitting on a plastic beach chair, he is lifting hand weights, doing his daily exercise. He is in an outside area, in between two doors of flats,…

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s Pride and Prejudice: Pemberley Drift! A motor-raising, horse-racing, carriage-riding cinematic escapade! Think Pride & Prejudice meets Fast and the Furious. There are horses with funny names. Ladies-in-waiting. Villainous schemes. Undercover informants. And plenty of equine madness to set your screens aflame! And how, you ask,…

When a young girl is banished from her village under the order from the village chief – who happens to be her father, what is a girl to do? Does she sit in submission, staying stagnant and stuck? Or does she long to fly, fly away, to discover her own adventures beyond the tight fortress…

At the majestic National Theatre in Melbourne, I sit enthralled. In awe, almost. Chirping and trilling sounds fly above my head. It is the birdlife in the town of Gander, in the Northeastern province of Newfoundland, pulling me in. The stage, beautifully designed by Sally Martin, and scenic lighting, by Jason Lord, sweep me into…

On a balmy Friday night, The Melbourne Fringe has upped-its-ante. As I await to enter its famed Archive room to see Adore Händel’s latest instalment, ‘Adore Händel Birthday Party: Little Black Book Vol. 3’, I am greeted in the foyer by characters walking around in costume: a life-sized lobster encased in glitterati and a death-defying…

Upon walking into the majestic heritage building of the Trades Hall, it feels like I am being whirled back in time, to a centuries-old educational institution. Much like a long-standing university, with soaring arches, intricate, ornate wall stencils, and wide, uneven stairs. Where I already sense the joy and delight of education within its walls,…

Up the stairs of the multi-story landmark Clocktower building in Moonee Ponds, I come upon a theatre studio lit up in bright primary colours, complete with a giant matted floor, and two rows of seats at the back. With prams parked downstairs in the entrance hall, hoards of parents gladly seat themselves criss-crossed in these…

Deep within the depths of the Motley Wherehaus I enter Vault 2 – a tiny rectangular 25-seat theatre encased in wall-to-walk black draping, already creating a dramatic, moody, and immersive chasm of theatrical bravery for me to embody. Against a black minimalist stage dimmed against green and crimson lighting, and flanked by white candles on…

As I walk down the laneway of Meyer Place, I arrive at a mysterious dark door, which unbeknownst to me, leads up two flights of stairs to the Improv Conspiracy Theatre, a destination for lovers and students of improvisational comedy in Melbourne. I enter a dark, intimate theatre where smoke machines cast the room in…

Tap dancing, as a whole, would usually bring to mind a nostalgic air of old 1940’s Hollywood, featuring singers and dancers hoofing to high-energy numbers. Other than Australian Dein Perry’s West End hit ‘Hot Show Shuffle’, and his hit film and show ‘Tap Dogs’ a few years later; I had not seen a contemporary tap…

Upstairs in Motley Bauhaus’ cabaret room, I come upon a stage set as the aftermath of a torrential storm. A neglected apartment in shambles – with its occupant nowhere to be seen. Open bottles of alcohol and soda cans lie half-hazardly across the floor. Fancy women’s clothing slumber in a supine position. So very unfitting,…

As I enter the Motley Bauhaus saloon-style pub in Carlton, I am infused with 1970’s nostalgia, bedecked with retro-style posters of shows-gone-by, and funky music beating in the background. Representing the liberated spirit of artistic creation, a barman serves drinks and food while his voice echoes over a loudspeaker, directing fringe-goers to their designated garret-style…

In today’s world, where the terms ‘unpredictability’ and ‘uncertainty’ have become part of our everyday vocabulary, is it no wonder that we, as a society, are craving more and more control over our lives? To feel safe, repetitive routines and rituals are formed. Activities and nutrition fuel our bodies and minds. Social connections satisfy our…

When a dramatically-drawn stage, set impressively as a stark deck of a cruise ship is cast in blue lighting, with unnerving music pounding from the speakers, I know I have arrived immediately in an undercurrent of something I can’t quite put my finger on. A backward feeling descending on my conscience; that once this cruise…

As I sit in my seat, a wave of tranquility fills my soul. I am transported to a place that feels rustic, with dry leaves scattered across the ground, basked in dreamy orange and blue light. Two walls on either side of the stage are layered in natural calico material and sage detailing, setting a…

The world is coming to an end. Life feels inconceivably unfair and beyond your control. So how would you choose to cope? Would you adopt ‘a survival of the fittest’ mentality? Would you suffer in silence? Or would you fall into despair in a constant state of lack? In a bid to connect Australian audiences…

In our life’s journey, it’s safe to say that we may likely get to experience the gamut of relational dynamics. Some may be genuine, some may be deemed unhealthy or harmful; but more often than not; they are largely played out behind closed doors, where couples may hide their truth from the outside world for…

From the moment I sit down, the minimal stage is set. A table and some chairs on one side, as well as on the other. Blaring music ensues, demanding attention. Anticipation. One does not know quite what to expect, so we sit in silence, waiting—for some serious action to take place. And then, one by…

In an ever-changing world, there may be times where we feel the need more for meaning in our lives. More purpose. More direction. For this reason? We may turn to religion for salvation. To steady our belief systems. To set our minds at ease. Some for spiritual reasons. And others? For personal reasons. The ‘Big-ness’…

In today’s world, what does it mean to be free? Is it a feeling of liberation from the rules that society dictates, or is it a fire of truth within us that refuses to simmer down? Marking a 2-year benchmark, ‘The Deplorables’, an award-winning production by female-led regional theatre company Skin of our Teeth Productions,…

Tony: What have been the highlights of our rehearsal process so far? Nicole: The highlight of my experience so far in Honeymoon in Vegas?  Is that I get to play Bea Singer, Jack’s unconventional mother – a brash, tough-is-love woman who loves her son fiercely, even from the grave. Where at every rehearsal I seemingly…

The moment you first meet writer, author and glow-getter Kerrie Friend, a feeling of warm familiarity arrives. The kind of unabashed authenticity that has stood her in good stead, from years of co-hosting ‘Perfect Match’ and ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ on Australian television, to her enlightened transformation 25 years later – as an accomplished writer, author…

As the Bastille Day Festival kicks off its season at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Markets, we excitedly enter a long-winded path, where a view of a wintry French village square slowly comes to life. Flanked on either side of us? Are delicious crêpes, fondue, and brioche stalls. Booksellers displaying old livres covered in mid-century illustrations. A…

Rowntree The moment our favourite femme – globe-trotting expert and longtime Blue Illusion muse Catriona Rowntree appears on our television screens, a wave of effervescent energy comes along – to shake us up and awaken our senses. For few are as well-versed in the globe-trotting lifestyle than our ‘Getaway’ adventuress, Catriona. Excitedly for us, Catriona’s rich nomadic…

About Bastille Day Known as France’s day of independence, Bastille Day is a celebration of French liberté, a moment in time when the lower classes had had enough of living in squalid conditions and unimaginable suffering from famine. This resulted in civil unrest, where an uprising ensued: with a mob of Parisian revolutionaries seizing weapons from…

  When we think of the work of our frequent collaborateuse and artistic amie, Nathalie Lété, a smile comes to mind. For as soon as our eye falls upon the world she creates filled with vintage toys, child-like woodland scenes, and vintage-inspired animal motifs, we simply can’t help but fall in love with life itself. Her latest inspiration?…

Have you ever heard the saying, “the best way to a woman’s heart is through her sole?’’ or Coco Chanel’s quote, “Keep your heels, head and standards high.” Such is the love we have for great shoes, n’est ce pas? Keep reading to discover 6 essential shoes that every French woman owns for effortless dressing that is…

  On the outskirts of Paris, in the Upper Marais district filled with medieval architecture, specialty eateries and eclectic boutiques, lies Rue De Bretagne, home to one of Paris’s largest Brocante markets. Held twice a year, this French brocante market is the cornerstone to the hustle-and-bustle of discovery. A mise-en-scène alongside a magical mecca of gardenalia, for…

In October of 1889, a new music-hall called ‘The Moulin Rouge’ famously opened its doors at the bottom of a hill in bohemian Montmartre. Identified by the red windmill flanked with sparkly lights sitting on its roof, The Moulin Rouge opened itself up as an extravagant destination: complete with a huge dance floor and wall-to-wall…

At Blue Illusion, we are always weaving our thoughts past the needle and thread, to improve the way we do things. That although we love fashion, we acknowledge that it’s also not fully sustainable. In light of these lingering thoughts, we are constantly seeking how to be a little less impactful and improve our practices.…

Have you ever dreamt of the excitement and anticipation – of getting ready to go to the Opera? Of sitting in a plush balcony seat, binoculars in hand; looking sophisticated yet playful, and feeling … like something extraordinary was about to happen? Well, if you haven’t yet … it’s time to begin the beguine. It…

  Let’s face it ladies, getting dressed to go out is no easy feat. It takes a great deal of preparation to discover a look that suits you, to find shoes to match your ensemble, and devote precious time to do your makeup. Only to find … that something still does not look quite right.…

For those of us who love nothing more than to immerse ourselves in nature’s beauty, comes Jardin des Tuileries, a breathtaking environ of greenery and fleurs, a lush and traditional French Royal estate park and garden situated in the cité of Paris, separating the Louvre from the Place de la Concorde. Containing a cornucopia of trees, flowers, ponds, a…

At the peak of a picturesque winding street in Montmartre, sits a famous pink eatery, La Maison Rose. Historically, it was known to be a collective haunt for many a famous artist, including that of Picasso, most probably due to its rosy ‘Peony Pink’ exterior – the symbolic hue of France. Which, incidentally, is the couleur du jour that inspires…

Let’s face it, mes chéries, the season of winter is right around the corner. Where we say au revoir to our autumn pieces and look to last year’s range of winterwear. Where you may discover: you are in need of a new coat. Something chic to last you season after season. What’s a femme to do? One must say bonjour to investing in…

Standing tall and dignified under a magnificent grey-blue sky, sits the legendary Boulevard Saint-Germain. An epicentre for fashion-lovers: filled with chic boutiques, postcard-perfect hotels, and elegant eateries – forever ensconced in rich 19th century Haussmannian architecture. The perfect forefront to our Boulevard Saint-Germain Collection, a love letter to a landmark that speaks of romance and élégance. A dreamy…

Enchanté! We hope you are doing supremely well and living your life with much joie de vivre! Speaking of living a sweet life of joie, did you know that when it comes to finding fabulous fashion pieces for women over 50, it should be a cinch to find! That even though our bodies may have changed over…

Enchanté! Here at Blue Illusion, we have some great news! Did you know that our beloved Bengajean is a well-loved wardrobe staple here at Blue Illusion? It’s all thanks to its chic silhouette and comfortable feel. In fact, for decades – our Frenchie ladies have worn our Bengajeans with pride, allowing themselves to feel comfortable…

Some fashions may come and go, while others stay the same. Such as in the bold and playful leopard print that now and again, seems to reappear into our lives like a long-lost friend, and for a myriad of reasons. Firstly, this black-and-tan pattern can easily weave itself with almost any colour palette — including…

What happens when a woman chooses to immerse herself in the opulence of 16th century moody florals and the vintage bohème glamour of French Pyjama dressing? Pure artful magic. As is the case with our newest fashion collaboration, courtesy of our favourite femme, Chyka Keebaugh. Rounding out our month of April, we are thrilled to be launching our dramatic Chyka Keebaugh collection that…

When mothers and daughters come together, there is a powerful light that shines beyond the flash of the camera lens. Such as the case of our photoshoot with model Samantha Harris and Mum Myrna Davison, who so graciously modelled our new Shanai Kellett scarf and beaded bag for World Vision Australia – a very special cause that…

Since the tender age of five, I could recall my mother’s sense of style. It was 1975. Back then, I was the quintessential 70’s child – full of curiosity and adventure. The daughter of a hotel executive – living in an old classic hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. An exciting kind of place –…

Oh, mon dieu! There are so many timeless quotes on style that us fashion lovers can recall. Think of Coco Chanel’s famous call to femininity, “a girl should be two things: classy and fabulous,” or Audrey Hepburn’s ethos to all women, “Life is a party. Dress like it.” to name a few. But as famous as…