In this bold take on Handel’s Semele, the heroine  is the prototype of 20^th century punk. Her descent into madness is brought to life on a gleaming white runway adorned with pouting models.

Semele Walk, 11-15 January at Sydney Town Hall. To purchase tickets visit the Sydney Festival website here.

To subscribe to more Sydney Festival TV click here.

Yves Saint Laurent was head of the House of Dior when he met businessman Pierre Bergé in 1957. Their relationship would forever change the fashion world, as the pair began the label Yves Saint Laurent in 1962 with Laurent as designer and Bergé as CEO.

For nearly five decades they worked together, establishing a label that became world-renowned for elegance, style and innovation. The two also fell deeply in love, and this beautiful documentary looks back on their lives and the impact of Laurent’s death in 2008.

This is an exclusive look at the life and work of this iconic fashion designer, with intimate accounts from the people who knew him best.

Interviews include industry heavyweights from Hubert de Givenchy, Sonsoles Diaz de Rivera and fashion authorities such as Pamela Golbin and Myra Walker.

From the romantic artworks of Goya, to the breath-taking fashion of Balenciaga, to the astounding flamenco guitar of Paco de Lucia – STUDIO guides you through the influential art and contemporary entertainment that makes Spain so beloved.

Whether you enjoy dance, sculpting, Spanish opera or simply want to see the BBC’s acclaimed series ‘The Art of Spain’, there’s something for everyone in STUDIO’s Passport to Spain marathon.

With only 9 uniform changes since 1959, Melbourne-born, Paris-based designer Martin Grant, whose designs have been worn by Cate Blanchett, Juliette Binoche and Kate Hudson, has been chosen to re-invent the airlines fashion style.

Martin Grant produced his first collection over 30 years ago and after re-locating to Paris opened his first boutique store in 1996. Now distributing four collections per year, Grants designs are sold throughout the world, including Japan, France, Italy and the United States.

STUDIO caught up with him before the big Qantas announcement, as he revealed to us how his passion for design, fabrics and colours have made him who he is today.

Diane Von Furstenberg – Wednesday 30 May 9.3opm

Donatella Versace – Wednesday 6 June 9.30pm

Jeremy Scott & Nina Ricci – Wednesday 13 June 9.30pm

Narciso Rodriguez & Alexander Wang – Wednesday 20 June 9.30pm

Born into a family of creativity, Garo was inspired by nature and science fiction allowing him to dream up his first design at just 11 years old.

Garo now owns a boutique in New York City where his artistic sensibilities influence his bespoke designs for artists, performers, and a host of amazing clients.

Each of his designs is made to suit not only shape and figure but also personality and personal style.

Catch him on STUDIO for the Australian Television Premiere of his reality series, Unleashed by Garo premiering Wednesday 16 May 9.30pm.

Working with celebrities such as Madonna and NYC’s most colourful characters – from brides seeking the perfect gown to drag queens coveting outrageous costumes – Garo Sparo’s specialty is making any inner desire a fashion reality.

This six part series features his most stunning transformations, as he helps his clients battle their inhibitions and unleash their true selves.

Ep 3: I’m Never Going To Take It All Off – Wednesday 30 May 8.30pm           
This week he helps a 6-foot woman who is often mistaken for a man, with the creation of a stunning ball gown.

Ep 4: A Little Bit of Pain – Wednesday 6 June 8.30pm
Garo meets a pair of acrobats seeking spectacular new outfits and a mother who wants to transform herself for her daughter’s birthday.

Ep 5: That’s a lot of Skin -  Wednesday 13 June 8.30pm
In this episode he breathes life into a burlesque act with lavish new costumes, and prepares a former banker for a Buddhist retreat.

Ep 6:I Kind of Feel Naked -  Wednesday 20 June 8.30pm
In this episode he works with a breast cancer survivor to help her embrace her new body, and helps a singer get her big start.

An up close and personal look at the life and work of the ageing “enfant terrible” of the fashion world, Vivienne Westwood. The film looks beyond her eccentricity and desire for shock value, examining what drives and influences her to create the quirky and original pieces which have made her reputation.

Throughout there is an artisanal attention to detail and process, which often involves her individually working by hand. We also witness at close quarters her complex relationship with her younger husband and “creative associate”, often leading to some tense and humourous exchanges and situations.

Kate Moss and Milla Jovovich are only two of the supermodels who strip down for this year’s Pirelli Calendar. You can see some of this year’s smouldering photos here. But before you rush out to buy a copy, we have news for you.

There are only around 1000 printed each year, and they are given exclusively to Pirelli’s corporate partners, celebrities and royalty. It’s an almost 50 year old tradition, and makes the calendar one of the world’s most prestigious publications.

This year’s high-fashion photographer was Mario Sorrenti, who chose to shoot the whole thing on the island of Corsica. You can watch meet Mario, and see behind the scenes at the shoot in this video.

If you can’t get enough Pirelli Calendar, STUDIO reveals the secrecy, big name models and hype behind the calendar in the fascinating documentary The Pirelli Calendar Saga this Wednesday at 8.30pm.