Please welcome, Thomas Armfield to the dancefloor at Magnet PR & Events!

Thomas hails from the beautiful Southern Highlands, he studied Fashion Business and Design at FBI Fashion College before gaining full time employment at Fashion PR agency The ARC Factory.

Whilst having a love and respect for fashion; culture and lifestyle PR was more suited. Lover of social events and attends many throughout Sydney, he has a passion for Australian Theatre and has practically grown up in the foyer of places such as Belvoir Street, as well as Caberet, Musical Theatre, Opera and Film.

The majority of his friends are mostly performers or creatives of some type, “I am always asked if I am an actor”, he says!

I love the excitement and play of ideas that you are exposed to when seeing a live show- and that it is an experience that cannot be repeated. I also love the social aspect of an Opening Night and celebration of a show!

Apart from Theatre Thomas loves fine cuisine and venues plus good drinking, at great bars making him ideally suited to promoting Magnet’s venues and foodie clients. “I love good style in lifestyle- whatever form that may come in- home, fashion, books, culture, design, film art etc.”, Thomas says.

“I am really excited to be joining the magnet team and looking forward to broadening and developing my skills in Public Relations and Event Management”.

We welcome you Thomas! (say hi to him on Thomas@magnetpr.com.au) xx

From Sydney with Love, here are some of Magnet’s cute gift ideas to say ‘I love you’ to that someone special Valentine’s Day next Tuesday 14^th of February, 2012!

A gorgeous Carpenter Tan’s sustainable wooden comb or compact hand made in wood for your loved one is a gift not only they will use every day but treasure forever (as seen in Sun Herald’s ‘S’ last week):

http://www.brightwood.com.au/collections/compact-mirrors

Splurge on a cashmere ‘love’ crew sweater from Banjo and Matilda:

http://www.banjoandmatilda.com/collection/star-crew-red-2.html

Or take your lover out to dinner or drinks at one of Sydney’s many cosy hot-spots and cuddle up to them in a corner whilst drinking some St-Germain cocktails, see here for a list of venues on Time Out:

http://www.au.timeout.com/sydney/bars/features/10271/st-germain-for-valentines-day

 …or nothing beats some beautiful flowers from the best in the industry, Susan Avery Flowers, you can place your online order here:

http://www.susanavery.com/g/1074553/contact-us.html

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Magnet PR & Events xxx

Calling all Brides to Be!

We are talking about that ever so important thing when it comes to your wedding…your dream dress!

By now you have probably done your research, printed out heaps of pics, torn out ones from mags and even been to see some designers and tried on many dresses. You may even have found ‘the one’ but I encourage you to take a chance and stop in at ‘Savvy Brides’ new store located at 357 New South Head Road on the corner of Manning Road in Double Bay. They have a large range of preloved and sample wedding gowns from top bridal designers like Vera Wang, Johanna Johnson, Oscar De La Renta, Lisa Gowing, Johanna Johnson and Steven Khalil all at heavily discounted prices.

You had better be quick as with all good finds, the good ones get snapped up quickly!

Not all the gowns here have been worn before, sometimes a bride may order a dress and then her circumstances change so she can’t wear her dress such as she falls pregnant, does not choose to get married or simply finds another dress more suitable…therefore what better way than to give that beautiful dress up for another bride to wear, at Savvy Brides.

Seriously, it’s worth it to make an appointment! Check out her website www.savvybrides.com.au

Well it’s the day before Christmas eve and I am in the office waiting for a courier to pick up some very beautiful media gifts from Magnet’s newest client, Brightwood Trading.

Brightwood Trading have just launched their gorgeous new website and their first brand called ‘Carpenter Tans’, a beautiful range of exquisite hand finished wooded combs and accessories including compact mirrors, gift sets, children’s combs and jewellery originating from a region in China renowned for their intricate hand carving.

If one is lucky enough to own and use one, you will treasure and use it forever plus Tans has an incredible philanthropic philosophy: more than 30% of Tan’s craftsmen have a physical disability – including the founder who was told he had limited chance of success in life and has gone onto to build a multi-million dollar organisation – the company believes in providing equal work opportunity to disadvantaged people.

Also, in case you did not know, using a wooded comb stops you getting those awful split ends and is much better for your hair!

Check out the range on the brand new website in which you can also buy online – www.brightwood.com.au

Also, if you are looking for an awesome new dining establishment in the inner east to dine out at over the holiday break, you can’t go past ‘VENUU Restaurant and Wine Bar’, located within the St Margaret’s complex on Bourke Street in Surry Hills (near the Beresford Hotel) VENUU boasts great value, modern Italian fare in a warm, friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. Don’t hesitate to check them out if you are after a delicious meal, they are open 7 nights from 6pm each night, phone (02) 9360 0067 to book or just show up!

Make sure you tell them you heard about them through Magnet PR’s blog and you will get the VIP treatment J

Here is a photo of their delicious brownie dessert…YUM!!

Merry Christmas to you all…

Love, Kim xx

Yes blogs are everywhere at the moment and if you are like me and time poor, I guess you really need to be picky about which ones you read.

One of my personal fave’s is Josie’s Juice written by Josie herself a journalist of many years whose stories you would have read in all the popular magazine titles. Josie’s Juice is where I go to get up to date with what’s going on and one of my most favourite blogs to catch up on all things celebrity, pop culture, gossip, beauty and fashion!

http://josiesjuice.blogspot.com/

Love, Kim xx

Recently I have come across 2 specialist fashion stores for the boys in Sydney which I highly recommend if you are in the market for something special.

Firstly, I was in the market for some Bow Ties for an event I am doing very soon and a friend kindly pointed me into the right direction of ‘Le Noeud Papillon Sydney’ a business that specializes in making beautiful silk bow ties. The French call a bow tie ‘Le Noeud Papillon’ which translates to ‘the knot of the butterfly’ and its history is derived originally from Croatian mercenaries during the Prussian wars of the 17th Century, who used a piece of cloth to shut close the collar of their shirts. Traditionally bow ties are made of silks and, in the case of formal wear, the bow tie should match the lapel of the jacket. See here for more info:

www.lenoeudpapillon.com

Secondly, I visited ‘Harrolds’ menswear in the new Westfield in the City and was blown away at how amazing this store is, I felt like I was visiting a store overseas in London or Paris. They not only have a superb range of designer brands for men, the service was exceptional! We received drinks alongside sitting in very plush sofas whilst my fiancé tried shirts on. See here:

www.harrolds.com.au

Lastly, here is a great website which features some great ideas for groom’s in preparation for his wedding - http://www.essentialgroom.com.au/

Hope you have enjoyed my recent secrets for the boys! The photos are my 2 fave bow ties J

Love, Kim xxx

What is the true value of Publicity?

This is a controversial issue and many people have differing opinions, in case you may be interested, here is mine…

For obvious reasons, I am passionate about Public Relations and a strong believer that gaining editorial and product placement for our clients as we do every day here at Magnet PR & Events, is a powerful and creative tool for promoting businesses, brands and concepts…..and obviously there is a great demand for this kind of publicity!

I happened to start my career in Advertising and whilst working for Mojo Partners and Young and Rubican found out that Advertising has its place as well. I worked on corporate campaigns for the launch of Telstra.com and many well-known FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) whereby a clever Advertising strategy is paramount. We all catch ourselves saying “Have you seen that dumb AD on TV at the moment for Toohey’s New, where the guy falls into the bath of ice…” just the fact that you have spoken about this to your friend, makes this expensive advertising campaign work in boosting the brand’s recognition to be top of your mind.

PR is editorial based, therefore the client pays nothing to the media to get their company featured. Once a magazine reader has read a story or the TV viewer has seen a show which appeals to them about a topical issue they relate to featuring our clients, they are more likely to buy that product or book in with that expert is featured – therefore PR is more credible than Advertising as you have the journalists endorsement and finds you fit enough to tell the world about.

For newer brands launching on the market, a clever Public Relations strategy is the way forward to launch and generate awareness of that brand. You see journalists love the next big thing, they are constantly on the lookout for new and exciting products/people and stories they can write about in their pages. It’s a clever publicist’s job to get journalists excited about our clients brands and therefore featured amongst their pages. This not only wins big brownie points with clients as it gets their phones ringing, website hits souring and people talking about them. As the years go by, it never fails to make me happy to watch a client’s excitement as I show them an exciting piece of press we have obtained for them. Their confidence grows more and more when they go through the process of being shot for a story or interviewed for an article…PR becomes a pleasurable drug or an addictive substance…once they have a taste of fame, they want MORE!

Magnet PR & Events has produced awesome PR results for many brands over the years, see here for our client base. We worked managing the PR for 5 years with Planet Cake, Australia’s largest couture cake decorating business as well as obtaining over 25 articles in the press for ISCD over a year. We have launched many popular dining establishments in Sydney such as Firefly Bar and Bacco Wine Bar Pasticceria and also the ever so popular Rambutan.

All in all, what some people don’t understand that there is a creative and extremely strategic method that goes into securing good PR for a brand or business and it does not come easy. Therefore we like to work with clients who actually appreciate and understand how the process of securing press for them is actually a fine art to respect and be grateful for. Once we have secured your name in the media, it is there forever, it is the gift that keeps on giving!

Best wishes from PR land….I will leave you with a few examples of some of my favourite PR placements.

Kim xx

I had a recent experience which portrayed to me the cultural differences between men and women, specifically with an ethnic background. I found that men of an ethnic background ooze an aura of charm and confidence, making me question to myself as to whether I am being hit on or just idolised and respected as a woman. Someone that appreciates different cultural cuisines this encounter made me look forward to attend premier Sydney caterer’s the George Khouzame Groups- ‘Masterchefs of Middle Eastern Cuisine’ dinner at the Ivy on October 15, 2011

This group are passionate about sharing and portraying modern Middle Eastern Cuisine and Culture in Australia and 2011 marks their 25^th Anniversary.

A 10 course dinner of the most delicious Middle Eastern Food this country has to offer my mouth waters every time I look at the chefs food images of what they can create. Hosted by the gorgeous Peter Evans, TV personality and chef from the Hugo’s group, and a guest appearance by funny man, Paul Fenech from TV show ‘Fat Pizza’. The chefs who are flying in from their home cities to prepare dishes for us include:

·         Greg Malouf (Momo, Melbourne)

·         Shane Delia (Maha, Melbourne)

·         Joe Barza (international chef from Beirut)

·         Vincent Gadan (Patisse, Sydney)

Word has it that some of the chefs have blown their ingredient’s budget for this dinner to produce entrees such as:

Walnut crusted pork belly, celeriac semolina, fried cauliflower, Tahini - Prepared by Chef Shane Delia

Venison bastourma, duhka quail egg, Japanese mayo, pickled cucumber – Prepared by Chef Shane Delia

I personally am really looking forward to trying the following main:

Moghrabieh with Lamb Cutlet – Prepared by Chef Joe Barza

With modern Lebanese entertainment on the night, cocktails upon arrival using Arak and renown Lebanese winery, Massaya Wines being served all night, the night should be truly incredible!

Majority of the corporate tables are filled but single tickets are $250 each and still available by emailing Najee Khouzame on najee@georgeknouzame.com

Last night saw the Ultimate Wedding Planning Party come to life at the Opera Point Marque after 6 months of planning. The inaugural event had over 260 guests, including newly engaged ladies and gentlemen, media guests and many wedding event professionals. A part from the magical weather which blessed the day, to officially kick of the event, a spectacular performance was showcased by the gorgeous ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Carmelo Pizzino and his dance partner Alana Patience.

Guests were treated to bridal runway shows by wedding dress designers - Lisa Gowing, VELANI by Nicky Velani, Sarah Janks, Collette Dinnigan and Camilla Kaftans for honeymoon attire with all shoes provided by Nat-Sui.

Formalities included insightful advice by Alicia Richardson, Editor of The Knot, Anthony Del Col Wedding Stylist from Staging Connections, Graham Monro from gm photographics, Abraham Joffe from Untitled Films and Paris Cutler from Planet Cake. To create a true romantic atmosphere, beautiful floral arrangements were placed around the venue by Susan Avery Flowers and decadent chandeliers were placed high in the marquee by Chandeliers to Die for.

Delicious canapés were served throughout the night by Opera Point Events and Aria Catering while refreshments included Yarra Burn Sparkling Wine and St Germain Elderflower Liqueur cocktails. The mood was truly executed by all things bridal and wedding related as guests were delighted to be a part of the Ultimate Wedding Planning event, reporting to have made confident decisions for their wedding day.

Guests were able to liaise with industry professionals at partner stands and discuss valuable wedding planning tips. Event Partners included Sparkle Cupcakery, Ooh! Ahh! Invitations, Roll up in a Rolls,  Le Bon Bon Stationery, Maya Medispa, Sydney Wedding Registry, De La Mod Stationery and Tourism Noosa plus many more. Entertainment was provided by Sweethearts Music, Sydney Wedding Dj’s and the Press Club Band to truly set the scene.

Ladies were able to have makeover touch ups by Bobbi Brown professional make-up artists throughout the entire evening as well as enjoy a hand massage using decadent Jo Malone product. A truly beautiful and boutique event portraying Sydney’s ultimate wedding professionals assisting guests to create a special day…their wedding day!

In the lead up to the Ultimate Wedding Planning Party this Thursday August 25^th, it was Lights, Cameras, ACTION for Anthony Del Col, celebrity wedding planner for Staging Connections and Magnet PR & Events’ Kim Veverka. Topic of conversation was focused on current wedding styling themes.

These wonderful ideas could not have happened without the help of Susan Avery Flowers and Events Styling, with over 30 years’ experience styling weddings for many international and local celebrities at all venues all around Sydney. Susan is the pinnacle of event stylists in Sydney, especially when it comes to weddings and creating that extra special ambience with her creations. Susan Avery supplied all props for the segment today! All the Channel 7 crew that saw the centrepieces were blown away at how amazing they looked. The flowers definitely helped spread some wedding vibes at the studio. Thank you Susan and your wonderful team for putting the arrangements together. We are looking forward to what is in store for you at the Ultimate Wedding planning Party!

If you miss out on watching the segment this morning, check it out online here:

http://au.tv.yahoo.com/the-morning-show/video/-/watch/26382359/ultimate-wedding-trends/

To make an appointment to speak to Susan Avery, call her on this number : (02 9363 1168

Or alternatively, you can visit her around the corner from the Magnet PR & Events office!

59 Jersey Road

Woollahra NSW 2025

www.susanavery.com.au

Music at a wedding can be overlooked at times in the planning process. But just like choosing the right flowers, dress,

and location are crucial when the decision is made on setting the tone for your special day, music is also important

 when taking into consideration the overall theme of your wedding.

Wedding songs are one of the elements remembered the most by guests, so it is always wise to make your music choices

as personable and relatable to yourself and your partner. Whether you choose a live band, a string quartet, a DJ or even do it

yourself with an iPod playlist, your musical choices will set the mood and the pace for your wedding day. It is a very good idea

that you consider your feelings, personalities and wedding theme to create the right atmosphere.

With the Ultimate Wedding Planning Party Event only one week away- deciding who takes charge of your music could be easier

than you may think! Press Club Band is Sydney’s most dynamic and vibrant party band and they will be performing on the night.

Press Club Band has only the best professional full time musicians who have played all over the world. From the Tokyo Hilton in Japan,

the Jumeirah Hotel Group in Dubai through to Greenwich Village in New York. All Press Club Bands’ musicians are the best session players

in Sydney - you won't find any backing tracks here!

For more information, visit the bands website on http://www.clubband.com.au/pressclubband/

Natasa x

Wedding Dress, also known as the Perfect dress, the dress which makes the bride feels a million dollars and the dress that will leave the groom thinking “I’m the luckiest man alive.” Finding this dress is probably one of the biggest challenges in a woman’s life.

The type of material, the length, the cutting, the fitting should all look perfect on the bride as she glows and shines throughout her biggest day.

Lisa Gowing is the designer to find for your wedding as her new collection of luscious and luxurious vintage inspired gowns defines her as an industry leader in Australia which is accessible online and in her studio.

Celebrating her 12th anniversary, her newest collection of demi couture gowns in Spring 2010 is inspired from the glamour in the 1920’s to 1950’s. Lisa Gowing’s designs are all hand made with pure silk as well as hand placed jewels and European lace detailing. Lisa’s ready to wear collection is all made locally by Lisa and her expert team using the famous couture techniques as these gowns feature luxe and beautiful fabrics and feminine detailing with layers of soft silk and delicate trims with European laces.

Lisa Gowing’s wedding gowns will be showcased at The Ultimate Wedding Planning Party on August the 25th as part of the fashion parades.

http://www.ultimateweddingplanningparty.com/

http://lisagowing.com/

Last night, 250 media, VIP clients and socialites celebrated the official launch of the Food Society, Sydney’s newest catering and dining establishment located at 91 Riley Street, Darlinghurst. Greeted at the door by gypsy trumpeters, The Black Train Band, guests stepped onto the red carpet inside the 1950’s inspired decor or Grandma’s comfy lounge as we like to call it, to experience an eclectic mix of modern European fare that the Food Society has to offer.

Guests tickled their tastebuds with Food Society canapés by chefs Richard Slarp and Ben Peterson, such as Seared Tuna with Dried Tomato, Lemon & Salsa Verde, Confit Rabbit with Pear & Honey Chutney on Brioche, Mushroom and Leek Tarts with Watercress, Spinach and Ricotta Burek with Ajvar plus sweet styles such as Cherry Dumplings with Lemon Syrup, Tiramisu shots and Chocolate Macaroons. A decadent buffet table full of cheese, meats, breads, olives and pickles created a centrepiece to the room and something to snack on any time.

No-one went thirsty last night as they enjoyed a welcome cocktail, ‘Apple Pie’ with Babicka vodka from the Czech Republic, Kilakinoon Champagne, La Zonna wines, Zlaty Bazant Beer, Warka Strong plus Antipodes water from New Zealand.

Guests were also able to have their fortune told by coffee cup reader by Deniz, the Turkish psychic and hear the jazzy vibes of the live singer and pianist, Courtney Severini.

Food Society’s design and original rustic interiors, consulted by designers from Bosnia leave you with something new to look at every time you visit. Both sides of the business are combined in an environment designed around an open kitchen for both its restaurant and off-site catering.

Established by long-time colleagues, Brendan Lloyd and Sonia Stanojevic, the kitchen team has over 150 years experience covering Sake, Belinda Franks and service legends who have managed VIP’s such as legendary band, U2 and head honchos from Merryl and Lynch, New York. The restaurant menu crosses the Baltic from ‘Beetroot & vodka cured ocean trout blini’s or Piergoni with roasted winter vegetables and house made ricotta’, it is the perfect date restaurant with a sit up bar and an open kitchen so you can watch all the food prep action!

http://foodsociety.com.au

91 Riley St, Darlinghurst

Open Monday and Wednesday to Sunday from 5.30pm