Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

We’ve pulled together all of our favourite fashion looks and homewares to inspire your Mother’s Day gift ideas. Whether you’re giving or receiving this year we have all the options for those stylish fashion mums out there. Use our edit as a hint to your loved ones or as inspiration to buy for mum.

Homewares  for Mum’s Heart

1. Richard Nixon Throw in Navy, $320 and Bobo Scales Cushion, $95 both available at Harklo.

2. Dreamy Wall Hanging Meduim,$385 available from Harklo.

3. Kikki.K Greeting Card, $5.95.

4. Cylinder Vase, $135 available at Pleine Nature.

5.  Kiva Crystal Platter, $420 available at Harklo.

6.  Camilla Exclusive David Jones 175th Anniversary Print Cushion,$129 available online at David Jones.

7. Candle available at Pleine Nature.

8. Tea Set available at Turner & Lane.

9. Corban & Blair Beauty Frame, $63 available at David Jones.

10. Glass house candles, $39.95 available at David Jones.

Seriously Stylish Lady

1. L’Oreal Color Riche Made For Me Intense, $25.95 available at Priceline.

2. DKNY Broadway Watch, $149 available at David Jones.

3. Carla Zampatti on Shop the Runway.

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Willa Dot Scarf, $209.95 available at David Jones.

5. “How To” bag, $99.95 available at Nine West.

6. Panto Flat, $119.95 available at Nine West.

7. The Vogue Factor, available at David Jones.

8. Westfield Gift Card.

9. Kate Spade Thin Hinge Bangle, $59 available at David Jones.

10. Bally Mosa Waller, $372 available at David Jones.

Wrap Up of MBFWA 2013

The L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival ventured north to see a sneak peek of Spring/Summer 13.  Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia took over Sydney’s Carriageworks in a week long program of runways. Here are our highlights.

Jungle Journey

Entering a tee-pee grand stand, complete with burning cauldron and cacti garden in the centre, guests were catapulted into Camilla’s adventurous world. The journey through Camilla’s creativity never disappoints.

Titled Pachamama, inspired by travelling and reconnecting with Mother Nature the collection showcased jungle motif beading, South American influenced tassels, tropical banana prints and drawn on moustaches all combined with Camilla’s signature flowing kaftan.

The ultimate Camilla kaftan for Spring Summer is a kaleidoscope of tropical prints with fringing and tassel details. Fun and relaxed every detail of this collection was a true reflection of the designer herself.

Twisted Tailoring

Modern tailoring with a quirky twist was presented at Michael Lo Sordo. Always offering us his unique point of view on ultra-sophisticated dressing this collection was slightly futuristic, employing angular details and loose silhouettes.

Opening with colour accents of soft baby blue and moving to a cobalt, the collection featured mostly a muted palate that  focused more on the cut, one of Michael Lo Sordo’s strengths.

Highlights of the collection were the grey leather lapel jacket, baby blue jumper with black angular detailing and unusual cuts of shirts and trousers.

Ladylike Futurism

Alice McCall showed ethereal beauty in feminine  silhouettes perfect for Spring Summer. Drop waist dresses, frill shorts and lavender and blue tentacle space age prints, the collection was a ladylike version of the futuristic trend that was so prominent throughout MBFWA.

Silver knuckle rings on each finger and  standout Turquoise eyelashes added an extra edge to this beautiful collection. Signature graphic cutout details,  that have been a regular in the Alice McCall collections, took on a new form in flocked prints on transparent silk fabrics to give this item an updated feel.

Marilyn’s Americana

With the ability to focus so easily on producing thematic collections Kate Sylvester triggered an American dream on arrival to the Runway with baseballs on seats.

It soon become easy to see it was all in the stitch with Sylvester’s theme for Spring Summer with cool Californian girls on the Runway. The collection incorporated A-line silhouettes, knickerbockers and loose 50’s inspired knits and blouses paying homage to the collections heroine Marilyn Monroe.

Of course the collection highlight was the replication of the figure 8 circular stitching patterns found on the baseball, produced in caramel leather and bronze fabrics. The close consideration of the mood and the way it was presented throughout the collection was nothing shirt of brilliant.

Modern Elegance

Presenting a refined and moving collection,  Maticevski raised the bar for Australian fashion once again. With models criss-crossing on a white reflective runway and walking to a moving Yves Saint Laurent tribute in the form of his resignation speech the collection incorporated his signature embellishments and structured silhouettes yet with 1950’s features.

A simple genius moment present in the form of Neoprene wrapped dresses that cut architectural forms and the pièce de résistance of the collection being a Dior inspired ball gown with a harness leather bodice.

Minimal Menswear

Sleek minimalism inherent to the nature of LMFF’s National Designer Award winners From Britten was again woven through their collection for Spring Summer.

Selecting high performance fabrics for their exquisitely tailored jackets added a twist to menswear classics where the pallatte was mostly muted besides slashes of purple and turquoise.

Closing the Runway with a standout wool suit that included their impeccable tailoring and a brilliantly curated colour gradient across the entire front of the suit was a breathtaking moment. The suit transitioned from grey to black as it faded from seam to seam. This level of detail in menswear is rarely seen, however with the rise of From Britten and the explosion of menswear at a consumer level we should expect many more interesting innovations to come.

Cool Lifestyle

Opening the Runway to Pink Floyd, a display of soft and a luxurious lifestyle clothing followed at Flannel. Descending from Perth and known for their laid back yet refined sensibility Flannel’s Spring Summer 13 collection followed in that light.

With seventies folk elements in the collection highlights included a smock leather dress with frill underlay, tiered embroidered frill maxi dress and incredible knee high wrap sandals. All in luxurious fabrics and calming creams and citrus with intricate blue embroidery. Flannel is a sophisticated, cool and easy to wear lifestyle brand.

Popping Geometric

A sleek and polished production, Ginger & Smart’s collection was a study in geometry. Presenting  bold prints, block accessories and intricate origami cut-out pleating with body con silhouettes like the pencil skirt and crop top.

Using fluoro orange and cobalt blue to pop, the tailored suiting pieces were an evolution from Winter while the wet look fabrications gave many looks a new edge.

Always producing clothing for take charge women the clean lines and vibrant prints created a visual fest.

Androgynous Woman

Tucked away in an industrial street of Sydney, the Christopher Esber Runway produced a mechanic looking display yet on closer study it was obvious there was nothing uniformed about Esber’s application of fabrics, textures and palettes.

Always offering us something new the collection was a consideration of new cuts and fabrics with simple clean lines.  Layered in elegant shades, the collection saw a mixture of white, black, slate with peach and blue accents.

Teased strung out hair on the models and understated beauty looks amplified the androgyny within the collection.

Aurelio Costarella

Always providing a beautifully embellished silhouette and the embodiment of occasion dressing, Aurelio Costarella’s Spring Summer collection provided galmourous dresses and extremely wearable pieces.

The collection featured precise tailoring, stunning draping and a soft pallete of pastels, silver and gold. Celebrating he’s 30th year anniversary at MBFWA, Aurelio Costarella presented a clever installation of some of Australia’s top models including Kate Peck and Alice Burdeu they were scattered beautifully around the venue as guest were ushered in and around the exhibition.

Windows by Design – In Review

One of the biggest delights of the 2013 L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival Cultural Program was Windows by Design. The City of Melbourne became a treasure trove of fashion, art and design to explore. Twelve retailers across the city collaborated with leading Melbourne creatives to re-imagine their shopfront window for the month of March. Inspired by the colour trend forecasting from Dulux each window became an installation inspired by colour.

Alice EuphemiaDarren Sylvester inspired by Matt Black from Dulux

Alpha60Andy Mutton for Lightning Lighting inspired by Exploding Star from Dulux

David Jones & Camilla and Marc inspired by Mondrian Blue from Dulux

David Jones & Dion Lee inspired by Baltica from Dulux

David Jones & Mary Katrantzou inspired by Amazing Smoke from Dulux

David Jones & Willow inspired by Black from Dulux

Embiggen BooksHarvest Textiles inspired by Minted Gold by Dulux

FATSarah CrowEST inspiried by Naked Light by Dulux

Green with EnvyMarc Freeman inspired by Effervescent Lime by Dulux

Jeanswest & Andrew Treloar inspired by Silken Chocolate from Dulux

Mimco & Bec Cole + Wona Bae inspired by Hop Lips from Dulux

Nine West & Nellie Reinhard inspired by Lickedly Lick from Dulux

OmbraGwendolynneRichard Nylon inspired by Clare Valley from Dulux

Pieces of Eight GalleryKate Rohde inspired by Aquarium from Dulux

Polyester RecordsSteph Hughes inspired by Merimbula from Dulux

Tom GunnMiranda Skoczek inspired by Moxa from Dulux.

This trademark L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival event created stunning results for 2013 by inspiring creativity and colour throughout Melbourne retail windows, thank you to City of Melbourne and Dulux for supporting this initiative.

The Perfect Honeymoon

We have been inspired by the beautiful dresses seen on the 2013 Red Carpet Runway and pulled together a  mini honeymoon trend edit covering what to wear for your post wedding getaway and a look at one of our dream destinations so you can get swept away in style.

What to Wear on Honeymoon

For a city escape you can’t go wrong with super chic black and white. Add a couple of cocktail dresses, some cute accessories and you are ready for hot nights in the city. 1.Fresh Soul Streamline Dress, $89.95, 2.Fresh Soul Highway Dress, $85.00, 3.Sistaco Chain Collar Necklace, $49.95, 4. Naomi Levi Wonda Leather Clutch Wallet, $79.00, 5.Threads Emerald Ring, $19.95. Available via threadsandstyle.com.au.

For a beach getaway think bright and breezy. Keep it relaxed with kaftans and cute dresses and remember to pack a few scarfs for the cooler sea breezes. 1. Piper Lane Silk Kaftan, $149.95. 2.Naomi Levi woven leather tassel clutch, $79.00, 3. Ivys Electric Blue & Green Print Scarf $39.95, 4.Talulah Shining Petals Tunic Dress, $220.00. Available via threadsandstyle.com.au.

Dream Destination – The Sarojin, Thailand

Revitalise, romanticise or plan your next adventure from a beautiful boutique beach resort. We love The Sarojin in Khao Lak, Thailand for the ultimate luxury retreat. Visit www.sarojin.com to plan your romantic escape.

For more beautiful images, review the Red Carpet Runway presented by Harper’s BAZAAR Brides gallery here for wedding inspiration.

LMFF Trend Edit – Autumn Winter 13

We have been reliving the best runway moments and filtering through the most prominent trends seen on the runway to bring you our ultimate trend edit. From monochromatic colour schemes to busy graphic prints to the beloved winter staples of leather and capes, this edit has you covered for autumn/winter 2013.

A cleanse to the colour palette, the latest trend of MONOCHROMATIC dressing was amongst the strongest runway trends. Taking a single colour scheme, designers particularly favored pant suits and tailoring gravitating towards strong shades and clean textures. However for those of us who need to ease into the trend don’t under estimate the stylish impact of pastels, neutrals and deep shades of navy and maroon.

(L-R) Ginger & Smart, Kuwaii, Bul, Bianca Spender, Chrsitopher Esber, Michael Lo Sordo.

Don’t abandon your printed fantasies just yet, monochrome may be the latest trend but PRINTS are standing there ground getting louder, brighter and all over. Designers lavished in busy graphics and twin sets. The runway was a sea of floral, oriental, tribal, biblical and geometric shapes. In light of our guest of honor, Mary Katrantzou queen of prints herself; it would seem in fact the busier is better.

(L-R) YB J’amie by Yeojin Bae, Camilla, Bianca Spender, sass and bide, Cylk, Morrison.

SCARLETT FEVER hit the AW13 runways, draped, tailored and quilted. In various shades from head to toe it’s a combination of sultry, clean, vibrant and powerful. A colour proven to make the heart beat faster, we recommend everyone try this daring colour of the moment.

L-R Ginger & Smart, Monique White, YB J’amie by Yeojin Bae, Jayson Brunsdon, Karla Spetic, Ellery.

Forget 50 shades of grey; we are seeing BLACK and WHITE all over. Play with the scales of classic suiting, embrace elusive prints and be bold in graphic patterns and checks. No longer reserved for office and evening wear, black and white was seen across the runway in every shape, form, texture and style. Far from boring the classic colours are timelessly chic.

L-R Livia Arena, bassike, sass and bide, Ellery, Carla Zampatti, One Fell Swoop.

LEATHER is here to stay, instead of just your staple black biker jackets the luxurious material is transcending to capes, pants and head to toe looks in diverse shades and textures. Nearly every designer had leather details, if not entire looks. From cocktail to sportswear we can get enough and neither could the runway.

(L-R) bassike, Scanlan and Theodore, Kate Sylvester, Willow, Bul, MATICEVSKI.

Stepping away from powerful prints many designers played with reflective, richly textured or gleaming METALLICS. Made easy to wear through knits and deep shades anyone can rock this latest  trend, for those who feel provocative; take a primary shade that looks like it’s been dipped in glitter and you’ll be sure to find the spotlight beaming on you.

(L-R) Megan Park, Scanlan and Theodore, Kirrily Slvester, Eatson Pearson , Christopher Esber, Zhivago.

Infused through kimono style belts, rich embroidery and brocades the ORIENTAL influence continues as an emerging trend for AW13. Beautiful blossoms and Chinese dragons were reflected in prints paying homage to eastern muses. Fresh from the runway we can predict this trend encouraging us to all find our inner modern day geisha.

(L-R) Kate Sylvester, Camilla, Collette Dinnigan, Tigerlily, Ginger & Smart, Akira.

Playing with the illusion of hemlines and the boundaries between conservative vs. avant-garde many designers took to SHEER PANELS in their collections. Adding understated elegance to your LBD or midi skirt, simply pair with modest basics for a minimalistic style savvy ensemble that will transcend from day night.

(L-R) Collette Dinnigan, Karla Spetic, Christopher Esber, Jolet, Garth Cook, Strateas Carlucci.

Little red riding hood didn’t only give us scarlet fever; she made famous our hottest new trend the CAPE. Designers lavished in the latest adaptation of winter coats, with styles to fulfill everyone’s caped desires we recommend everyone wrap up for winter. Sharp shoulders and clean lines or wrapped with fringed details designers infused their own aesthetics into winter staple that adds poise to any outfit.

(L-R) Carla Zampatti, Arthur Galan AG, Bianca Spender, Saveus, Trois, YB J’aime by Yeojin Bae.

Sporty luxe was a huge influence for SS13 and its not stopping there, one of the most popular pieces filtering into AW13 is the BOMBER JACKET. Whether you like it voluptuous and padded or feminine and translucent the sporty chic style is a staple piece that can make any outfit street chic and urban cool. See how designers reinvented our favorite jacket of the moment.

(L-R) Josh Goot, Kate Sylvester, Trois, ksubi, Scanlan and Theodore, Ellery.

What a lovely winter it will be.  All styles are available in store now.  Visit lmff.com.au/shoptherunway to shop the looks now.

Images by Lucas Dawson Photography.

A stroll down memory lane thanks to our 2013 devotees

We caught up with our 2013 devotees to see what their favourite Festival moments were.

FENELLA ‘FENJI’ MCCALL
mydressupbox.blogspot.com.au

“My favourite Festival moment was being photographed in front of the Lavazza coffee cup who had collaborated with my sister from ‘Life with Bird,’ to produce an extra large coffee cup with a LifeWithBird print on it. This cup was at the entrance point to the runway shows, so I felt very proud that my sisters designs were chosen to be used on all the Lavazza cups that were handed out to festival goers. I was with an amazing group of people including my sister and husband Nicholas of Life with Bird, Jasmin my fellow devotee and Caggie Dunlop from Made in Chelsea. We had lots of fun and had a few write ups about it including in the MX, The Age and on many blogs.”

MEGAN CASTRAN
jewelchic.com

“I loved all the parades-I thought Famous for Fashion in the City of Stonnington won for the most WEARABLE! I do LOVE this pic I took of Graeme and Laura after it was all finished-it’s a look of Job well done to each other (view pic)!  I also LOVED Richard Nylon’s rainbow feather moustache (view pic). ALso LOVED the ARTHUR GALAN party.”

CHELSEA THOMAS
iheartbargains.com.au

“My favourite moment would have to be sitting front row at Harper’s Show on Friday night. The music, the vibe, the fashion….was exceptional. And a special meeting with some special bloggers following the show, made it even better”

LIZ CAMBAGE
twitter.com/ecambage

“My favourite moment from the week was the Fashion Industry Forums and the Business Seminar. I walked away with so much knowledge and feeling motivated. Every runway show was great fun and very inspiring.”

DAVIS YU
davisdiary.commaisondavis.com

“My favourite moment of the week would be the Red Carpet Runway show with all the brides. Super romantic and all the girls seemed to love being dressed as brides. It was really different from all the other shows.  Loved the super long gown, the flowers and right at the end when all the brides came out together. Also loved how the girls walked from the other end of the runway.”

To find out more on our 2013 devotees CLICK HERE.

The LMFF team top picks from the runway

Here at LMFF HQ, we have been reviewing our top runway looks to add to our winter wardrobe ASAP. See the team’s season picks from the runway below.

búl

“I really loved this look from búl as it’s so versatile – suitable for work, but with a feminine, yet sexy, edge. Now to book that cut and colour with my hairdresser…!” – Caroline Buckley, Head of Events Production.

Mary Katrantzou

“Having worked with Mary Katrantzou and her team so closely on preparations for her Business Seminar presentation, I am totally in awe of Mary’s ability to excel in both the commercial and creative aspects of her brand. Her ‘show pieces’ were awe inspiring.” - Emer Diviney, Business Events Manager

Pageant

” The parka is essential layer for winter and this one really stands out from the crowd” - Tom Glover, Marketing Intern.

Karen Yang
Sportsgirl National Graduate Showcase

“The jacket! Prints, colour and freehand drawing detail – all my favourite things in a single piece. Amazing.” - Mikala Tai, Cultural Program Manager

Bassike

“I love the red leather pants, they really make a statement when teamed with classic black for winter” - Raechel Lavelle, Head of  Partnerships and Business Development.

Kathleen Choo
Sportsgirl National Graduate Showcase

“This is my fave, it’s a real work of art. I love the origami folds, and have absolutely no idea how someone would make this, especially out of material.”  - Fiona O’Donoghue, Ticketing Executive.

Limedrop

“Print on print on print is so much fun and Limedrop take the matching set to the next level with this tote come backpack” - Haley Berryman, Marketing & Communications Senior Executive.

Camilla

“I really loved this look with the rustic colours and vibrancy gave me a real taste of autumn with its free flowing style.” - Tamara Speldewinde, Marketing & Communications Manager.

ksubi

“Modern Australian Luxe, Ksubi hits the nail on the head yet again!” - Joe Caserta, Events Production Coordinator

Christopher Esber

“An amazing coat is a winter must have, Christopher Esber gives it a point of difference with a hint of on-trend teal peeking out” - Graeme Lewsey, CEO

Mary Katrantzou

“Fun and flirty, I love this dress for the strong tailoring, embellishment and of course the wild Mary Katrantzou print.”  - Sarah Dinning, Designer & Creative Resources Manager

Yeojin Bae


“Even from the runway you can see Yeojin’s high level of skill in tailoring. This suit is so flattering in it’s fit plus it’s in the hottest colour of the season – scarlet fever! I don’t think you could have a bad day if you were wearing this look!”  - Laura Wiseman, Creative Resources Intern

Find your favourite looks with our Facebook albums here.

LMFF 2013 – Street Style Wrap Up by WGSN

What did everyone wear to LMFF 2013?  The dedicated trend-spotting team at WGSN were busy snapping away some of the key trends worn by our fashionable attendees.

Graphic Monochrome

Melbourne is wholeheartedly embracing the Monochrome trend.  Black and white was seen in block separates and graphic printed dresses.


Twin Set

A fresh take on all over print, youth are investing in two (even three) pieces of the same graphic. An alternative to a printed dress, matching jacket and short, blazer and miniskirt and and floaty silk blazer and pant sets are being worn.

Jacket over Shoulders

No matter what the type of outerwear, the styling initiated by fashion bloggers and adopted by all was to wear your jacket over your shoulders.

Curated Clash

The blogger set styled individual outfits with using clashing prints, layered jewellery and unconventional combos to create looks that scream tumblr tribe.

Sports Fusion

Sports jackets, trainers, basketball tanks and gym bags were all juxaposed with feminine skirts, dresses and accruement.

WGSN is the world’s leading trend forecasting & analysis company, to see more key trends from the Festival alongside other Fashion events worldwide visit wgsn.tumblr.com.

Shop the Runway this Easter Weekend

Even though the Festival is over for another year, you can still Shop the Runway long after the show. We are using this long Easter weekend to get some much needed R&R and start winter-proofing our wardrobe with Shop the Runway.

Shop many of the looks and designers right away via our exclusive online retail partner theiconic.com.au or locate your nearest stockist to track down the pieces you love and snap them up before anyone else.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend. Visit lmff.com.au/shoptherunway now to start shopping.

Runway Wrap – L’Oréal Paris Runway 06

Exuding a fresh youthful and uplifting vibe, L’Oréal Paris Runway 06 presented by Cosmopolitan was the girl everyone wants to be friends with. Short vibrant red hair and minimalistic make up were accompanied with some of the newest up and coming designers, along with more established names we know and love.

Saveus (pictured above), one of the newer kids on the block delivered a modern take on 50’s dinner dressing showing blue skirts in mint and pale pink hues and perfectly accessorised visors. Lucette, opened with an embellished cream dress and an amazing cable, embellished cream roll neck jumper that is perfect for the cooler months ahead. Rodeo Show (pictured below) presented the perfect little winter party dresses in prints, leather and lace. One of the highlights being the red lace dress that was complimented so well with the fiery red wig.

Cylk showcased their ‘Made in Melbourne’ collection presenting raw metalic silks in shades of grey, flashes of prints and colour peplums perfectly tailored pants. This socially conscience label will definitely be one to watch in the coming year. While another new comer who is going from strength to strength is búl (pictured below). Showing a very fresh and soft take on young womens clothing.  The collection consisted of drop back hem lines tied at front of skirt, long line cream trench with camel and Slate leather pants – a nice alternative to the abundance of dark leathers on the runway this season.

Closing the show with the Sydney sisters Watson X Watson presenting a sporting luxe collection that was young, fresh and fly. Denim dresses, cobalt blue, jersey fabrics and silhouettes reminiscent of modern tennis dresses. The collection was a great way to top off this uplifting, fun and sexy runway.

Shop the Runway and share your favourite looks from the show here.

Runway Wrap – L’Oréal Paris Runway 05

We had to refrain ourselves from biting our freshly manicured nails we’d been so eagerly awaiting the pairing of L’Oréal Paris Runway 05 presented by Harper’s BAZAAR with some of our most beloved Australian designers.

Opening the show with a crowd favourite, sass and bide (pictured above) provided monochrome looks, sequined panels, large scaled prints and elegant black velvets with crystal trimmings. This winter the now signature sass and bide cape will be a wardrobe staple for every fashion woman.

In true Ellery style (pictured below) cap sleeves, accentuated hips were mixed between classic cool and evening cocktail. Arthur Galan (pictured above) created leather vixens with black fedoras capes and gold embellishments.

Christopher Esber (pictured below) reinvented the black dress with his simple hem line and sculpted hips, the open pleating reveling a metallic underlay, beautiful in its simplicity and mix of classic style and modern edge.

The show continued on a sleek modern path, with the Harper’s BAZAAR teams take on sporty luxe. Karla Spetic (pictured below) stood apart from the dark wools, leather, and oversized coats with pastel pink and sherbet orange, a playful sporty take on girly hemlines paired with white converse shoes. Bassike (final image below) provided us with leather monochrome dresses and sporty caps, bold colours and soft silhouettes for the glammed up take on sporty dressing.

The runway was wrapped up in an abundance of capes both structured and draped, in leather, wool , metallic and fringed. Alongside monochrome tailoring they are set to be our wardrobe staple this winter. An idealistic cohesion between an assortment of designers, unified through the subtle effortlessness of L’Oréal Paris’ straight pinned hair, nude lips and smokey eye.

Shop the Runway and share your favourite looks from the show here.