The vitals: Carrie, Daily Addict's Founder, hosted an exclusive workshop event for readers interested in creating their own bar.  A chance to connect with some of The Premise mentors, hear from bar industry experts and ask questions up close and personal.  

What went on:  Web and Social Media advisor Ian Lyons started with stating a harsh fact: Nobody cares as much about your bar as you do, and then followed with the big opportunity: Figure out what your customers care about and be that loudly. He talked through steps on how to create something worth talking about, making it about your customers (by personalising, being of service, generating emotional connection and asking for feedback). He also gave some tips on how to leverage online and use smart targeted advertising in social tools like Facebook.

Bar industry heavy weights Sven Almening and Barry Chalmers of Eau De Vie and bar consultancy Behind Bars gave a candid case study on their recently opened speak-easy bar. Hitting home what they stood for and how that ethos permeates everything that they do - from the first warm welcome as customers enter their bar, to making truly innovative cocktails and treating their guests with a great night out experience.

The workshop participants asked heaps of questions and got the dirt on all sorts of booze-serving and bar management matters.  

What we're addicted to: two of our readers have already made it through as Round 1 The Premise finalists (congratulations Wendy and Martin)! 

What else:  Entries are now open for Round 2 of The Premise (one shot to create your own bar) www.thepremise.com.au. Cheers to all in the running.

Date:  21 July 2010

Location: Eau De Vie, Darlinghurst Sydney

Read our features here:

http://www.dailyaddict.com.au/lifestylefeature/Drambuie+and+The+Premise

http://www.dailyaddict.com.au/lifestylefeature/Eau+De+Vie+Bar%3A+Play+it+agai...

27 of Australia's emerging fashion designers in three cities showcased their designs for a place in the finals of the Chambord Shine Awards. From classic tailoring to the outrageously avant-garde, these talented designers created outfits representing the concept and visions of their brand.

A carefully selected panel of Chambord's Council of industry judges (included was Chief Daily Addict, Carrie Choo along with our Melbourne Editor, Kate Vandermeer) selected 9 brands for the finals in Sydney to be held on August 31st.

Brisbane brand Subfusco, was awarded the tenth spot through the public online vote via Facebook. Subfusco, will join Brisbane finalist George Wu, Talulah and Jacqueline Buck Couture. From Melbourne, Anna Campbell, Jolet and Limedrop made it through, Whilst in Sydney designers Danielle Van Camp, Luela and Lulu in Chains were selected.

The winning designers from the three cities now have seven weeks to create a Chambord inspired outfit and headpiece suitable to wear at the Spring Racing Carnival.

The winner will receive double page spread coverage in Marie Claire and a change to showcase their piece to 2000 consumers at 'An  Evening with Our Designers' at the Strand Arcade in Sydney. The winning design will also be worn by a fashion forward celebrity during the Spring Racing Carnival and the designer will receive sponsorship to take part in Australia's major consumer fashion festival in 2011.

We’re always excited about the opportunity to see and support new fashion talent. Chambord is offering Australian fashion designers the opportunity of a lifetime at the 2010 Chambord Shine Awards.

This year both Carrie (Daily Addict Founder) and Kate (Daily Addict’s Melbourne Editor) are judges for respective Sydney and Melbourne Showcases.

Chambord Shine Award Runway Showcases have been held in Brisbane at Cloudland Bar and Melbourne at The Longroom. The Sydney showcase will be held tonight at The Loft to a panel of industry media, fashion taste-masters and local identities.

Three talented designers from each Showcase will be chosen, alongside a wildcard vote from the Australian public via Facebook, to each receive $1000 and four weeks to create the perfect Chambord inspired Spring Racing Carnival outfit.  They’ll be given the chance to shine as a finalist in the Chambord Shine Awards Final in Sydney at the historic Strand Arcade on Tuesday 31^st August.

We want to wish our Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney emerging fashion talent the very best and a fabulous show.