Ethnic cultures inspire the striking creations of Ali Rauf. ELISSA FRIDAY discovers the international background and artistic philosophy of Geelong’s 2016 Australian Designer of the Year.

Music, fine arts and especially the ethnic clothing of other cultures inspire award-winning fashion designer Ali Rauf.
He finds them all “anywhere, anytime” in Geelong, where he has lived at Bell Park for the past seven and a half years.
“I love Geelong,” Ali declares.
Ali was born in Saudi Arabia but his family moved to Pakistan where his father served in the army, with international postings every two years.
During his family travels Ali learnt about various cultures, building inspirations for his striking designs.
After completing high-school he moved to the United States for study before securing a scholarship from Deakin University in Geelong. He eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Design (Architecture).
“I always wanted to be in a field that was creative, like, always,” Ali says.
“The degree helped a lot with graphic design and photography, like learning skills to manipulate textiles and things like that. It helped with the fashion design aspect.”
Ali began taking his fashion design creations seriously as a brand only two and half years ago, launching Bird Skin.
He entered his first Fashion Awards Australia in 2015, winning two categories.
Enjoying the challenge, he entered again in 2016 to set himself a “deadline” for new designs. He won three categories and the overall title, Australian Designer of the Year.
“It was pretty much very new, I didn’t know what to expect. I was very surprised,” Ali admits.
“They do a judging session a week before the actual event. Each model is taken into the room – it’s all anonymous.
“They check everything – the stitching skills, construction, lines, finish, everything – so, it’s incredibly hard.”
Entering 16 designs on five models was “incredibly chaotic”, Ali says.
He and his team were kept busy changing model looks, with little time in between each of the categories.
With a keen interest in manipulating textiles and embroidery, Ali appreciates the “exceptional” crafts of the Middle East.
“The spirit of making everything by hand” in rural areas was particularly intriguing, he says.
Ali’s inspirations depend on a “trigger that can happen at any time”.
“I work in a way where I’ll be really obsessed with a piece, where every detail has to be done in my head,” he explains.
“Major brands do have an influence of what’s in and out. I don’t necessarily look at that but it’s always about the unique perspective that gets me”.
Ali notably incorporates feathers in his designs for clothes and accessories, including fascinators, clutch bags and jewellery.
He sources the feathers online from an “amazing woman” whose son owns a bird farm.
“They look like they’re spraypainted or something like that. They’re absolutely amazing and very rare as well.
“I know when the birds match and when they shed feathers, so I contact her at that time and she just sends them through.
“It’s a huge blessing that I got to meet her.
Ali’s winning designs involve close attention to tailoring and “a very different or unique perspective to the concept”.
“I think it starts with the silhouettes,” he contends.
“You can have kind of edgy cutting or tailoring but it has to complement the female body; flattering, interesting but not overwhelming.
“The embellishments and the embroidery aspect have to be there and I like styling it with complementary accessories.”
Ali hopes to further his design career to the opening of a shop that includes its own production processes, ranging from embroidery and stitching to pattern-making and more. His envisages a venue that becomes a popular destination for anyone interested in fashion.
“I’d definitely love to own a shop – it’s kind of a dream,” he says.
Ali enjoys the interest in his hand-made design, considering the demand for mass-produced fashions from elsewhere “sad”.
“It would be nice to encourage that hand-making kind of culture again”.
Ali is interested in evening wear but also creates outfits for festivals, which he describes as day-wear “with bling”.
He’s also keen to enter more design awards and see his creations on new runways as a means of influencing Australian fashions.
“Considering we come first in the time zones, we should be setting trends”, he laughs.

Diamonds are gifts from nature but they need help to bring out their best.
This is achieved by an expert who polishes the diamond on a spinning polishing disc.
Only diamond can cut diamond, so the disc is saturated with oil and diamond dust. If this is done well the diamond will be covered in tiny polished facets to reveal its inner beauty and sparkle
For nearly 50 years the best configuration was believed to be 57 facets arranged in a particular way that was originally determined, mathematically, by Marcel Tolkowski and known as the Tolkowski Ideal Cut. However, over time it was discovered that what this mathematical formula did not take into consideration was how the human mind perceives beauty.
Quite recently a new cut of diamond has been developed to maximise diamond beauty, the Peonia diamond.
This new approach enhances the display within the gem to produce the brightest and most pleasing pattern of facets – it’s the ultimate eye candy.
The Peonia cut features 88 facets, creating a more intense pattern, a starburst of light with improved scintillation.
Each diamond is carefully matched to a setting, whether a ring, pendant or earrings. Where diamonds are set together, all gems are very carefully matched in size and appearance.
The jewellery produced with these diamonds is always made by hand and the jewellers at Charles Rose are experts at this.
Charles Rose is also the exclusive distributor of these gorgeous diamonds in Australia.
Diamonds are best bought from specialists who can explain the differences between them and guarantee the quality and value of your purchase. Also important is after-sales service – cleaning, polishing, checking, repairs and up to date valuations for insurance.
The Charles Rose Peonia diamond can be viewed at Charles Rose Geelong store, 98 Moorabool Street, phone 5229 9088.

Queenscliff’s Seaview Gallery is presenting an array of stunning, varied exhibitions this summer.
“It’s pretty exciting over summer, there’s always lot’s happening and the gallery is continually changing throughout summer,” says owner and director Colleen Kenwood.
The gallery’s Jane Flowers and Paul Evans exhibition until 22 December features two artists with contrasting styles.
Colleen describes Evans as an internationally acclaimed Queensland artist who draws on the power and beauty of nature for inspiration.
“He portrays nature quite faithfully and creates a composition that’s visually dynamic,” Colleen says.
Flowers is an award winning local artist who has a deep affinity with nature, the ocean and the wider environment.
“This allows her to translate her interpretations into unique and striking artworks,” Colleen says.
The gallery will host a Best of Seaview exhibition from 24 December to 12 January, featuring a selection of traditional and contemporary pieces “to suit all tastes”.
Emma Hack will have a solo exhibition at Seaview from 14 to 29 January.
“Emma’s work continues to excite with her unique body art that utilises female models that she blends in with their surroundings,” Colleen explains.
“The effect is a beautiful, vibrant, living, three-dimensional piece of art.
“Emma is an internationally acclaimed artist and has just held successful solo shows at the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art in Seoul, South Korea, and The Cat Street Gallery, Hong Kong.”
Hack will attend the gallery on 14 January for with drinks and again on 15 January for a champagne breakfast artist talk.
The gallery also has a range of unique handmade gifts to suit all budgets for Christmas shopping, including quirky ceramics, sculptures, jewellery, glass and more.
More informaiton is available by phoning the Seaview Gallery, 86 Hesse Street, Queenscliff, on 5258 3645.

A unique Geelong business is expressing Aboriginal culture through surprising mediums.
Based at North Geelong, Wathaurong Glass and Arts has developed a reputation for products that add a special element to private and commercial premises.
The staff use techniques including kiln-forming, sandblasting and other processes as deemed necessary to produce high-quality glass products reflecting local Indigenous culture.
Formed in 1998, the business takes great pride in producing unique Aboriginal artwork with a functional edge.
The products include window and door glass made to Australian standards, kitchen and bathroom splashbacks, artistic platters, bowls, corporate gifts, awards, trophies and much more.
Wathaurong Glass and Art also produces the AFL’s annual ‘Dreamtime at the G’ medal for the best player in the Richmond-versus-Essendon match at the MCG.
The company’s artistic products have also been presented as gifts to the Dalai Lama, South African statesman Nelson Mandela and supermodel Naomi Campbell.
All the staff at Wathaurong Glass and Arts are Aboriginal, working in a not-for-profit business under the auspices of the local Wathaurong co-operative. The company is structured so the Wathaurong and broader community are beneficiaries of any profit.
The Wathaurong, or wathawurrung or wada warrung, is a recognised tribe comprising 25 groups, or clans.
The Wathaurong’s boundaries stretch from Geelong, north to the Werribee River, north-west to Bacchus Marsh, south-west to Cressy, south-east to Colac, east to Lorne and encompassing the Bellarine Peninsula.
More information about Wathaurong Glass and Art, including its products and online sales, is available at wathaurongglass.com.au or by visiting its premises at Rodney Road.

Clyde Park Estate presents some of its favourite wines for this summer, whether at the beach, barbecue or dining table.

Sauvignon Blanc 2016
This wine presents lovely, bright fresh fruit flavours with varietal tropicals and grassy elements.
The palate is refreshing with lightweight fruit flavours and is very-well balanced.
An ideal wine for accompanying summer seafood banquets as well as chicken and pork dishes.
Cellar now until 2018.

Pinot Gris 2016
A tidy and pristine nose with citrus and floral characters.
The oak frames the fruit rather than giving wood flavour, bringing interest and subtle complexity. The palate is tight and restrained but with an underlying core of fruit for drive and persistence. The flavours are citrus dominated, with riper, stonefruit-like notes and creamy, textural characters on the finish.
Cellar now until 2018.

Rose 2016
On the nose, this rosé presents delicate aromas hinting at musk stick confectionary.
The palate has plenty of weight and fruit power with cherry, raspberry and red delicious apple fruit characters.
This wine is very well-balanced with a bright long finish.
Great with typical summer dishes from home-made pizza to cream-style cheeses and plates of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Pinot Noir 2015
Quite generous on the nose, this pinot has aromas reminiscent of red fruits including raspberries, mulberries and cherry-plums, with hints of dried herb, forest floor complexity, spice and charcuterie.
The palate is well-structured and flavoursome with plenty of complexity and interest.
Nice, cleansing tannin and well-integrated oak give a long finish.
Cellar now until 2024-plus.

Queenscliff fashion house Tilia presents some of its favourite looks for summer.

Geelong hairdresser Eve Rauber has all the styles and products for a hot summer hairdo.

“The CarWash prides itself on providing a top-notch service at a reasonable price and doing things a little bit differently,” says manager Greg Parker.
Based at 11 Douro Street, North Geelong, The CarWash is celebrating 12 months in operation.
“The company prides itself on being a source of employment to the local community,” says Greg, a life-long resident of Geelong.
“Things are getting busier and busier as the weather improves and I invite everyone in Geelong to come and give us a try.”
Greg, who describes himself as a “child of the ’70s”, has jazzed up The CarWash with plenty of character.
The CarWash promotes itself with colourful signage, ’70s-style uniforms and a spray-painted love bus, designed by local artists and regularly seen parked around North Geelong.
The CarWash package includes car-washing by hand using lamb’s wool pads, a chamois dry, interior vacuuming, tyre shining, mag cleaning, door sill, trim and dashboard wipes, and air-freshener. Prices start at just $25.
A shuttle service is available or customers can wait in the courtyard or inside with coffee and drinks while their vehicles are washed.
Customers are also offered a loyalty reward card, giving them the opportunity to have a 10th wash for free.
Bookings are available by phoning 5278 9699 or visiting The CarWash, open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Enjoy a Wine Bus tailored tour.
The Wine Bus Geelong visits some of the region’s best wineries.
Clients can customise their itinerary with their own choice of destinations, including breweries, and even the type of vehicle, images of which are available at murrell.com.au
A pick-up and drop-off service is available, while entry fees for tastings are covered in the tour cost.
The operator, Geelong’s Murrell Group, also provides bottled water, snacks and knowledgeable guide.
Bookings are available by phoning 5278 9456 or emailing murrellgroup@bigpond.com

Inspect a Seaview Gallery exhibition
The nature-inspired art of Jane Flowers and Paul Evans features at Seaview Gallery until 22 December.
Evans draws on the beauty of nature for inspiration, while Flowers has an affinity with the ocean and wider environment. Their interpretations translate into striking works sure to impress Seaview patrons.
The gallery also hosts a Best Of Seaview exhibition from 24 December to 12 January, while Emma Hack’s unique body art on female models features from 14 to 29 January.
Seaview Gallery is at 86 Hesse Street, Queenscliff.

Take a Segway ride
Segway Geelong’s bringing its unique fun to the city’s waterfront this summer.
Utilising the high-tech two-wheelers of the same time, the exciting attraction has been thrilling guests at Curlewis’s Leura Park winery with a variety of packages.
Packages including riding the Segways only around the grounds of the winery or incorporating a Leura Park dining experience.
Segway Geelong can also customise packages for parties and corporate functions.
Bookings and more information are available online at segwaygeelong.com.au

Discover pirates’ horrible histories
Geelong’s National Wool Museum is walking the plank this summer with its latest drawcard.
Horrible Histories – Pirates: The Exhibition features author Terry Deary and illustrator Martin Brown presenting foul facts and gruesome games from the high seas.
Children will learn everything they want to know about pirates, from commanding a sailing ship to speaking in character.
Horrible Histories will be at the museum until 17 April.
More information is available from geelongaustralia.com.au/nwm or by phoning the museum on 5272 4701.

Get a great new hairstyle
Located on Geelong’s waterfront at Salon Jenaire, Hair by Evie offers everything from fresh, feminine cuts to colours, blow-waves and men’s styling.
Hair by Evie’s premium, professional service offers styling, maintenance advice and custom prescriptions tailored to each client’s individual needs.
Friendly and approachable, hairdresser Eve Rauber is setting a new standard in hairdressing.
Customers can unwind with massage chairs at the basins along with a full range of herbal tea and coffee
Appointments are available by phoning 0423 864 204.

Personalise your home with Zahara
Zaharah Interiors focuses on home wares and soft furnishings for style-conscious consumer.
With unique, eclectic and affordable home accents and gifts, Zahara can inspire and educate customers on how to express themselves with a personalised home environment.
The store’s open 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 4pm Saturdays, with extended Christmas trading hours in December.
Zahara Interiors is at 15 Ormond Road, East Geelong.
For more information, phone 5298 1591, email zaharainteriors@hotmail.com or visit zaharainteriors.com

Enjoy lunch with views at Clyde Park
Clyde Park winery will be open seven days a week for lunch this summer from mid-December.
Around the same time the venue will also open a new outdoor covered terrace for dining and a cellar door with a personalised tasting room.
The new features will be completed with recycled timbers, giving each a rustic, artisan theme.
Clyde Park also offers live music every Sunday.
Clyde Park Vineyard and Bistro is at 2490 Midland Highway, Bannockburn, phone 5281 7274.

Savour the flavour of Kazbah coffee
Birregurra’s Kazbah Coffee Roasters sources the highest quality green beans from a local distributor.
Kazbah ships online wholesale orders on the day of roasting to provide the freshest product for customers’ in-house brews.
Collection points at Birregurra and Winchelsea are also available.
Kazbah’s online shop also wholesales chai, deluxe drinking chocolate and brewing equipment.
More information and orders are available at kazbahcoffeeroasters.com, by emailing info@kasbahcoffeeroasters.com or sales@kasbahcoffeeroasters.com, or by phoning Joe on 0457 809 322.

East Geelong’s Zahara Interiors presents its latest wares for on-trend living.

Geelong’s Ebony and Ivory’s latest products for wow-factor decor.

Grovedale’s The Outdoor Furniture Specialists presents some of its favourite ideas for stylish backyards this summer.