Nicole Cooper

Borne of an idea back in 2002, Sassybella, the online fashion and beauty blog brainchild of Helen Lee, has just turned 10, and what a party was thrown to celebrate it!
   Hosted on August 1 at the Loft at King Street Wharf, an über-cool bar with a style and atmosphere that reminded me of the coolest examples of ’60s design, with a touch of orientique and Belle Époque. Their mixologists have to be amongst the best in the world and when you step into this space, you do not want to leave. When you do, you want to come back. The Beau Monde parties hard here. And how not? The King Street Wharf is a precinct for connoisseurs, with the Loft enjoying spectacular water views, with the Pyrmont Wharf and the Star Casino across the water.
   Which all reminds me of Helen Lee’s writing style: eloquent, easy-going as Helen herself. When you read her blogs, you just want to read more. From humble beginnings in 2002, Sassybella went onto being the official blogger of IMG’s Australian Fashion Week in 2009 and has won a host of awards over the years, with Helen being now the appointed Qantas Fashion Correspondent. Well done!
   When you meet Helen in person, she is just so down to earth and unassuming. But that is exactly how I have found the fashion scene here. You don’t need to be a big name yourself to be truly welcome in the company of big names if you happen to chance upon them. No airs and graces—and this is from someone who just arrived and is a relative unknown here. Generosity, inclusiveness and respect prevails.
   On arrival, in true blogger style, we were requested to log into Facebook, and check in at the Loft. This led to a few lucky people to win some great prices during the night.
   The party roared on with a very lively but relaxed, beautiful, fashionable crowd, with vodka cocktails sponsored by Skyy Vodka, prepared to perfection by the mixologists behind the bar. The hors d’œuvres were spectacular and the atmosphere throughout the event, from beginning to end, phenomenal.
   Fun—and many cocktails (!)—were had by all who attended, with many known faces present. But being a relative newbie to the Australian fashion scene, I could recognize the faces and not remember the names! However, I bumped into Josh Flinn, stylist extraordinaire and one of the celebrity judges on Australia’s Next Top Model. Typical of the down-to-earth nature here, Josh gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek when I greeted him, as if we had known each other for ages.
   When it came to going home, we did so reluctantly but happily. The event and the people reminded us why we choose to belong in the fantastic world of fashion, no matter what, through thick and thin.
   Helen, roll on the next ten years and then many more. And many more successes!—Viviana Pannell

Nicole Cooper

Viviana Pannell is the founder and designer for Basquesse, a Sydney, NSW-based label, and a correspondent for Lucire.