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Jan Hurney
12 years ago

I was introduced to Laurence 9 years ago by his dear friend and my TAFE teacher at the time, Jeanette. Laurence very generously mentored me through my final 3 months of my course and then I was very privileged to have worked worked for him during 2003. Laurence's masterpieces were truly inspiring and his extraordinary artistry, talent and creativity placed him at the highest echelon of haute couture. His passion for his work knew no bounds and he made every piece unique and extremely special. Laurence talked so lovingly of his family whilst we were working and I would like to express my deepest condolences and sympathies to his family and also to his loyal and talented staff. Laurence was a larger than life character with a cheeky glint in his eye. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him

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Lynn Neilsen
12 years ago

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Lynn Neilsen
12 years ago

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Lynn Neilsen
12 years ago

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Lynn Neilsen
12 years ago

We were introduced to Laurence through a very dear friend. When our eldest daughter, Lara, was to be married, to Laurence we went. We came in, we sat down and he began to talk to Lara, as he talked he sketched. He then handed her the sketch. Tears began to flow down her cheeks and she said "I wasn't sure what I wanted, but this is exactly it!" What a wonderful gift he had - how special he made us and everyone who knew him feel. We returned when it was our younger daughter, Zoe, was to be married. We had a special request from the groom that there be no pink! He was sketching and talking but he wasn't feeling it and neither was Zoe. "I just always dreamed that I would dress you in pink!" said Laurence. "Show me" said Zoe. Of course, the bride wore pink (and the groom loved it!). We have the most amazing memories of the times spent with Laurence and as I write through tears blurring my eyes, our thoughts go to his family.

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Emilie
12 years ago

RIP Laurance, you will be sadly missed. You designed my wedding dress for early this year and it was beautiful, words can not describe how unique and precious it was. You always took great care in the work you did and I will always remember the time I went to you for dress fittings and we were there for hours talking. I will always remember you and one day I hope my daughter will wear my wedding dress. Thank you for making my special day a day never to forget and always being a great friend. I never got to personal thank you for the gifts you made me as my mum picked it up from you, but I will cherish them forever. Thank you Laurance and you will truely be missed my many. Emilie

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Goodbye dear Laurence. I was truly saddened to hear of your passing. You probably created the last of your masterpieces only recently. You designed my daughter's exquisite bridal gown, which she wore over two weeks ago. You were such an amazing artist, truly one of a kind but above all a beautiful person and a true gentleman. We will truly miss you. Love Stephanie, Helen and Julie xx

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Angela White
12 years ago

I wish to express my deep and heartfelt sorrow at the sudden loss of a brilliant,gifted artisan in his craft. Laurence,s personal warmth,care,gentle caring ways and of coarse his manic speed of conversation we stay with me always. You managed to make everyone of us feel beautiful & special no matter what. It ws an honour and privilage to have known you. You will be dearly missed . An enormous loss to all who knew him. R.I.P dear friend...Angela White

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Teresa Prestia
12 years ago

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Anellie Manolas
12 years ago

You were an inspirational artist Laurence and your effortless elegance, skill and flair were worthy of placing you up there with best couturiers of our time. As a person, you were equally grand. A kind heart and an amazing magician. I will never forget the princess that you made of me, even for a day. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You will be missed in this world.

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Gabrielle Mustaca
12 years ago

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Josephine Libri
12 years ago

I first met Laurence in 2001 when I went for my first appointment for my wedding dress. What I remember was his warmth, humour and his passion for his work. I always felt welcomed and I always looked forward to every dress fitting not only for the dress but for his conversation. For the first time in my life, putting on that wedding dress, I felt truly beautiful. He was a true master. Last year my sister and I were fortunate enough too see Laurence once again at his studio and he had not changed one bit. He was still the same person that I remembered when I first met him. He still had that creative energy and drive and that warmth. He will he greatly missed.

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Gabrielle Mustaca
12 years ago

Laurie, My dear friend, I cannot believe you have left us. There was still so much for you to do here with us. You designed my wedding party, and boy did you make a statement. "A Masterpiece" is what you called it. I will treasure our friendship forever and hope my daughter wears my wedding dress you made for me. I will be telling her just how talented you were and how we became very good friends. Talking on the phone for hours but seemed for like 10 minutes on a monthly basis. Laurie although you used to tell me that I am an inspiration. You are MY inspiration and always will be. I thank you for being my friend and know you will never be forgotten. Always in my heart..... I'll be seeing you xxxx All my Love, your friend Gabrielle Mustaca

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Titty kar kar
12 years ago

Laurence I stil cant believe that you have gone! It is nearly 30 years ago that we met .I have leaned so much from you. We have shared many things and we still had plenty to do .I miss you so much and I am at a loss as what to do without you. On a Professional level the talent you had and the expertise and care to fine detail of all that you did for all your very pivileged customers I am sure that they wll now find it very difficult to find anyone here or over seas who even comes close to the Fabulous Masterpieces that you would create Always in my Heart Love Titty karkar

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Susie Tsakiris
12 years ago

Good bye my dear friend, a beautiful person, a gentleman in all ways, private yet very sincere; a fabulous and unique talent full of creativity, who in his own words 'would bead to insanity' you will be missed but never forgotten i love you! Susie Tsakiris

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Grace Mendicino
12 years ago

Saddened greatly by the loss of a great artist / designer / creator and professional. Your memory will live on through the many, many glamourous gows you created including my own when I look back and the care and detail you bestowed on anything you touched. Loved our chats about my world and your world - having only recently met but touched by your care.

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Lilly Oppedisano
12 years ago

R.I.P Laurence Shiels - you were our master designer for the last 20 years, we will truly miss your amazing talent! You were really one of a kind! Thank you for all our wonderful dresses! Will never forget you!

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Daniela vicano
12 years ago

You will be greatly missed... You were such an amazing talent, larger than life and unique. Thank you x

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Daniela vicano
12 years ago

You will be greatly missed... You were such an amazing talent, larger than life and unique. Thank you x

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Roslyn Wingens
12 years ago

What a tragedy! Laurence will be deeply missed. A huge loss not only to his family and friends but to the Australian fashion industry. I will treasure the memories of our regular weekly phone calls (he was a favourite customer of Bloom Fabrics before it closed).Somehow we always seemed to digress from business to share our thoughts and feelings on many other fronts. Laurence was a much admired and respected designer with a rare and amazing talent and somewhat left of centre attitude. MHDSRIP

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RIP Laurence Shiels , thankyou for making the best dress I've ever owned, it's true you were an artist, it wasn't about how you made me look on my wedding day, it's about how you made me feel! Australia has lost it's very own Gianni Versace, very sad! PS..I should have taken your advice about having 1 GOLD sleave and 1 mint sleave, none the less I dont have any regreats about the 5 other colours and my fabulous PINK veil!!!

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Nicky Velani
12 years ago

RIP Laurence.. I am deeply saddened to hear of your passing. You were a master- a creative genius, an true artist, and your work was a piece of art. I remember you calling me, when I was about to embark on a new venture of opening my bridal salon, and you wished me luck, and complimented me on my fresh approach to bridal. As an excited 19 year old, to hear This from my idol, was music to my ears. You will be missed - my condolences to your family and to all your friends that grieve the loss of a wonderful man

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Nicky Velani
12 years ago

RIP Laurence. I remember you calling me when I was an excited 19 year old about to embark on my new venture of opening a bridal salon. You wished me all the best, and complimented me on my fresh approach to bridal fashion. I will never forget that. You were a master of your work, and the ONLY couturier in Sydney (if not Australia) that can proudly say they practise the fine art of haute couture. You have left a massive void in our industry, that sadly no one will ever be able to fill. With lots of love Nicky Velani

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Nicky Velani
12 years ago

RIP Laurence. I remember you calling me when I was an excited 19 year old about to embark on my new venture of opening a bridal salon. You wished me all the best, and complimented me on my fresh approach to bridal fashion. I will never forget that. You were a master of your work, and the ONLY couturier in Sydney (if not Australia) that can proudly say they practise the fine art of haute couture. You have left a massive void in our industry, that sadly no one will ever be able to fill. With lots of love Nicky Velani

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Teresa Prestia
12 years ago

A true artist, passionate, exquisite design. Each and every time my family & I had meetings for gowns we commissioned, Laurence would engage in conversation. His love for his family shone through as did his admiration for those families who worked hard, a far cry from their humble migrant beginnings. He was a loving, loyal & honest man, well respected and loved. A true gentlemen. We will miss him. T

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