Directed by Italian native Luca Guadagnino, I am Love is set in Milan during the 1930s, a time of immense social and economic upheaval. It exposes the tumultuous relationship between members of a wealthy Italian family, those of which have been spurred by conflict surrounding the family business and complicated love affairs.

The film centres on character Emma, a Russian émigré who upon marrying into the wealthy Recchi family must ensure her mannerisms and appearance are of a high calibre. Throughout the film the audience witnesses Emma’s class struggle, which inevitably contribute to her passionate love affair with her son’s friend, who is evidently a much younger man.

The film addresses two primary themes – love and family conflict, yet it is the film’s mise en scene that ensures these two common themes take on a whole new life within the film. Highly stylised sets and extravagant costumes, along with emotion fuelled acting all combine to create a thoroughly heart wrenching film.

I am love was released in cinema’s on June 18.

Having styled fashion editorials for magazines including Dazed and Confused, Pop, AnOther and countless international Vogue publications, and consulted for world renowned labels including Marc by Marc Jacobs and Pucci, it is no wonder that Camilla Bidault-Waddington is always impeccably dressed.

Versatile is probably the best way to describe Bidault-Waddington’s unique style, as she is capable of rocking anything from a classic ivory coloured tunic to the chic traditional black skirt and blouse look albeit with a twist. A true fashionista, Bidault-Waddington is not afraid to mix vibrant colours and clashing prints, probably because she knows she pulls it off so well.

Condiment Magazine aims to alter our conceptions of the word “condiment” and in doing so facilitates the creation of a whole new relationship between food, art and reader. Rather than associating itself with images of spices, herbs and other flavoursome meal additives, the magazine unites food with artistic creativity in its multifarious forms.

Materials such as live flowers, felt, plasticine and fruit are used to assemble these creations as they each convey a unique perspective on this fascinating relationship. The Autumn/Winter 2010 issue is Condiment Magazine’s first, and is available from all good newsagencies.

For more information, visit http://www.foodandform.com/

Now in its third year running, the Underbelly Festival was conceived with emerging Sydney artists in mind. These artists are carefully selected and given a mere ten days to produce new and inspiring works that illuminate their talent in a particular creative area.

The festival invites public participation as we are invited to witness the step-by-step creation of these artistic works. This is achieved via daily “Lab” tours of Fraser Studios which showcase the artists in the midst of creation. Finally, on the last day of the festival, audiences can witness the artists finished creations.

With an array of artistic fields such as filmmaking, puppeteering, publishing and theatre-making covered, and a range of talented individuals with a refreshing take on art involved, the Underbelly Festival is a must see.

The festival runs from July 7 to 17. For more information visit  www.underbelly.com.au

Hailing from Adelaide, talented songstress Sia Furler is renowned for her tendency to transcend just one musical genre as she blends jazz, blues and pop influences to create refreshingly unique, yet nevertheless catchy tunes.

Sia’s latest album, We are Born epitomises her versatility, as pop influenced tracks “You’ve changed” and “Clap your hands” compel us to jump up and dance, while the thought provoking “Hurting me now” creates a more sombre tone. Sia’s cover of Madonna’s “Oh Father” is perhaps the most enchanting, as it displays her ability to recreate an already highly acclaimed song and make it her own.

We are Born is available at all good record stores.

www.siamusic.net

From the outset Herbert Vogel, a postal clerk, and Dorothy Vogel, a librarian, appear to endure a rather simple existence. However, their passion for collecting Minimalist and Conceptual artworks, two forms that were generally dismissed by curators in the 1960s, illuminates their eye for identifying quality art. 

Herb and Dorothy is an inspiring, heart warming film that documents the art collecting practices of the couple from the 1960’s through to the early 1990s. The film offers a refreshing take on the practice of art collecting, whereby quality of craftsmanship rather than price is of the essence. This is especially clear when rather than sell off their 2000 piece collection boasting the likes of Chuck Close, Lynda Benglish and Lucio Pozzi, Herb and Dorothy donate it to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC for the general public to enjoy. 

The film was released in 2008, and is available at all good video stores.

Previously, Miroslava Duma was the editor of Russian Harpers Bazaar, now she contributes to publications including Russian OK Magazine, Glamour Russia and Tatler Magazine. She can be found occupying the front-row of most European fashion week shows. She is married at the ripe old age of 23. She is also a selfless soul who volunteers and advocates for charity. 

Oh, and when it comes to personal style, rather than opt for the wallflower approach, she likes to stand out. And we all envy her for it because she pulls it off so well. Whether it be an all red pant suit teamed with sky high black platforms or a patterned mini dress with an oversized emerald blazer, she still maintains a polished, sophisticated look

The 17^th Biennale is a free cultural event operating across various locations throughout Sydney from May 12 until August 1. 

The Biennale offers inspiring talks from some of the nation’s best art curators, to insightful films from some of our best up-and-coming filmmakers; it even offers “mystery” tours of the infamous Cockatoo Island. 

The festival’s official website: www.bos17.comis regularly updated and features a full list of all the daily events occurring throughout the city during the period. The Biennale caters for everyone’s tastes, so you are bound to find something awe inspiring

This year the festival boasts international acts such as the Mumford and Sons, Florence and the Machine, Goldfrapp, Kate Nash, and headliners the Ting Ting’s. 

Celebrated for their unique indie-pop-electro sound and catchy tunes, Katie White and Jules De Martino have played at music festivals around the world, including the infamous Glastonbury music festival in England. With a top selling debut album We Started Nothing under their belt and a new album Massage Kunst set for release in the not too distant future, the Ting Ting’s are an act not to be missed at this year’s Splendour! 

Cost: From $350 + $10.20 booking fee 

When: Friday July 30 through to Sunday August 1st 

Where: Woodfordia, about 70km north of Brisbane

Many of us aspire to attend a fashion show as a member of the coveted front row, to view the incredible designs of an array of Australia’s most celebrated designers up close and delve into the drama that occurs backstage…  

A must see for the fashion enthusiasts among us, Frock Stars is an exhibition capable of transforming these aspirations into reality. By showcasing the previously undisclosed behind-the-scenes operation of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week the exhibition invites you to imagine yourself as a member of the fashion elite.  

Where: The Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo
When: 22^nd April – 29^th August 
Cost: $25 for a family, $10 adult, $6 concession, $5 child/student. Free for Powerhouse members.