APRIL ROSE PENGILLY: Theatrics

On Wednesday night, I froze my booty off at the State Theatre for the launch of the Sydney Film Festival (SFF) and premiere of the film HANNA. On my arm was one of my best friends, Alex, with whom I have been friends for about 17 years (wow, am I that old? Shudder). We were both in dreadful, whingy moods due to a number of factors including but not limited to: being freezing cold; discovering that the State Theatre bar only accepts cash (after ordering and becoming very excited about several items which had been set down in front of us/poured), of which we had none; finding that our seats were not together; several lengthy speeches (one of which I had already heard, word for word, at the SFF program launch event!). Our diva attitudes aside, it was a lovely introduction to the festival and HANNA was a great film. Saoirse Ronan's performance could not be faulted and she is definitely one to watch.

With my girl Alex

Alex's lust-worthy Alexander Wang clutch

Dress: Manning Cartell
Earrings: Colette
Cuffs: Shakuhachi
Shoes: Siren

With 'LBF' director Alex Munt

"Oh hey, everyone. Whatcha doing back there?"

The following night, poor Tim raced to my place after a delayed flight home from the Gold Coast, managing to change clothes in approximately 10 minutes and get us to the re-launch of Sydney's flagship Cartier store on time. The dress code was "the essence of red", so I swathed myself in drapey, crimson Wayne Cooper, while Tim tucked a bright pocket square into his jacket. The store looked wonderful, having been given a facelift to appear more "like a home", and I got my diamond drool on (I'm sure the ladies will agree that it's a specific kind of drool) in the new section of the store housing wedding related gems and one breathtaking diamond-encrusted ring in the shape of an ornate flower.

Tim wears...
Jacket: Ben Sherman
Tee: Hurley
Trousers: Rip Curl
Shoes: Betts

Dress: Wayne Cooper
Clutch: Mimco
Ring: Colette

Next up, on Friday night, it was finally time for the big one... The premiere of my first feature film, LBF! I was a little nervous, but also very excited that it had all finally come together - we began filming at the end of 2008! My girl Alex was there as she had taken care of costuming, while Tim came along to support and because a song by his band, Operator Please, features in the film. We had sold out all the tickets before I even realised that my friends and family were supposed to purchase them, so the MCA in Circular Quay was filled to the brim. A couple of quick speeches, and we were off! Afterwards, some of the bands associated with the film played, with Kids At Risk getting the party started (lead singer and guitarist Septimus Caton is in LBF, as is their song "Sugar"). I quietly ducked out about halfway through the set, so I'm not exactly sure how the film was received, but have heard several nice things today.

Insert sigh of relief here.