Edwina saw the original tone as “very cold”.  She has since brought more colour, photos, people and conversation throughout the magazine and has included more first person stories.

However it’s not an easy category….magazines saw a *22% decrease in agency ad spend from jan-jun 08->09, and in the latest circulation audit, Harper’s BAZAAR saw an 8% drop in average monthly sales (jan-june09) = 51,567 copies.  They are however focusing on their dedicated audience and keeping it real for the readers. Don’t expect to see anything in the magazine that isn’t available to buy in Australia. I look forward to seeing the progression over the next few months…

*Source: The Australian, Monday Sept 7th

Melbourne’s GPO Lexington bar opened its doors for the first time in a long time last night for the Harper’s BAZAAR and Belvedere Vodka Luxury Reborn 2009 Awards.

With a dress code “rock & roll couture” the evening was all about glamour with Belvedere Vodka cocktails circulating the room and many faces of fashion includng Arthur Galan, Scanlan and Theodore and Alannah Hill

Categories included:

1. The Luxury Reborn Award for LIGHT – jewellery
2. The Luxury Reborn Award for PEACE – beauty/spas
3. The Luxury Reborn Award for PASSION – bespoke/couture
4. The Luxury Reborn Award for INNOVATION – retail space
5. The Luxury Reborn Award for LOVE – restaurateur
6. The Luxury Reborn Award for SPACE – interior design/architect
7. The Luxury Reborn Award for EXPERIENCE – travel
8. The Luxury Reborn Award for WISDOM – sommelier/bartender
9. The Luxury Reborn Award for FUN – bar
10. The Luxury Reborn Award for EXPRESSION – the modern arts

Well done Harpers for such a fabulous evening and hopefully this will be the start of many more events to come at The Lexington bar.