Archive for the ‘ Behind the scenes ’ Category
Melbourne – open for inspection
What: Melbourne Open House
When: 23 & 24 July, 2010
Where: All around our fair city
The Wrap:
On a crisp Melbourne Sunday there’s nothing better than heading out with metcard in hand, iPod in back pocket, no fixed schedule and a sense of curiosity. The Melbourne Open House program provided just such a Sunday plan, and being an activity that people have raved about over the last two years of its existence, I jotted down the directions to my first stop and started out.
Melbourne Open House takes place annually and offers the public the chance to discover the city’s built environment. The whole program is free and the buildings whose doors were thrown open included offices, civic buildings, garden rooftops, churches, shopping arcades, places of recreation, philanthropy, culture, worship and industry and span the historic, the modern, the environmentally friendly…a lot to cover in just two days!
I went for a sticky beak inspired by my love of architecture, interior design, an insatiable desire to see into spaces whose doors are usually closed and the perennial eager hope of every event professional – to stumble upon hidden venues to give a home to new event ideas. All these I saw, but I was even more fascinated by the unexpected discoveries inside each door – the industry of so many people towards a multitude of ambitions and how the spaces in which their toils are housed can genuinely shape what they do and can achieve. It was a fairly potent lesson in the power of design.
I wished I had spent the whole weekend exploring the Melbourne Open House program, but even one day spent paying full attention to the city in which I live and work, both its buildings and its people, showed me just how much more notice I should pay every day.
For more information visit: www.moh.org.au
Author: Yolanda Finch, Creative & Production Advisor
2010 Chambord Shine Awards
Longroom, Melbourne – Tuesday 6th July
LMFF strolled down to the Long Room on Tuesday night to check out the Melbourne heat of the Chambord Shine Awards. We descended into the dark mood lit chamber and took our seats on velvet lounges with French Manhattans in hand. Host Gracie Otto introduced the collections of emerging and semi-established Australian fashion design entrants, featuring feminine twists and flowing shapes to grace the Runway.
Congratulations to Melbourne winners Anna Campbell and Jolet, and a well-deserved People’s Choice finalist, cult Melbourne brand Limedrop, who will be moving onto the finals in Sydney on August 31.
We wish all entrants the best of luck and can’t wait to see the winning design worn by a celebrity at the Spring Racing Carnival and we’re even more excited about hosting the winning collection during LMFF 2011, thanks to our friends at Chambord.
Body Image Forum – Gorgi Coghlan
Gorgi Coghlan lead the panel discussion at the LMFF Body Image Forum. She provided the following reflection on the event.
“I’m feeling really inspired after the LMFF Body Image forum. It was such a positive night that resulted in some wonderfully constructive ideas to help promote positive body image within the fashion industry and community at large.
It was really refreshing to hear from modelling casting agents, professionals who work with men and women affected by eating disorders and magazine editors that they’re are all eager to do more to promote positive body image within their fields.
One idea that I suggested is a national ‘I love my body day’ . It could be a day when men and women embrace their bodies and write down what they love about them. I’d love to push this day in schools and get young people to accept their differences, and realise that this is what makes them unique. We also spoke about a ‘Body journal’ where young people could express their concerns, write down what they love about their body and paste in cuttings of what they think a positive body image is.
Hopefully this forum has started the process of change in promoting a healthy body image in Australia, and our fashion industry could lead the world by initiating a much needed re-focus. I applaud the LMFF and Karen Webster for being brave and tackling this important issue.”
Author/pictured: Gorgi Coghlan
FROM LMFF, MELBOURNE TO PREMIÈRE VISION, PARIS
Following his win of the L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival Designer Award presented by Woolmark, supported by Vogue Australia, Dion Lee has continued to reach amazing heights and we are so proud to be part of the network that is supporting his growth.
At only 24 and with just four finished collections to his fast growing reputation, the Sydney based designer took out the highly coveted LMFF Designer Award at an invitation only event during LMFF 2010.
Dion was amongst a high starndard of finalists, including Gary Bigeni, Dhini, Therese Rawsthorne, Konstantina Mittas, Lui Hon and Gail Sorronda.
Most recently Dion hosted a solo show, Facade, as part of the RAFW schedule which was supported by Woolmark. Facade showcased Dion’s Spring Summer 2010/2011 collection at the Sydney Opera House to rave reviews from both local and global media. It’s mind-blowing to think that only two years ago Dion Lee showed his graduate collection with three other students from Sydney TAFE.
By winning the LMFF Designer Award, Dion Lee will receive assistance from Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) to ensure his fashion career reaches new heights. His creative and technical genius, coupled with AWI’s support in implementing exciting wool and wool blend textiles is expected to lead to cutting edge garments worthy of international acclaim.
AWI has revealed to LMFF that it’s anticipated that Dion’s work will carry the Woolmark swing tickets and sew labels in future collections.
The LMFF Designer Award prize includes $10,000 cash plus an AWI-hosted trip to either the Pitti Filati fashion fair in Florence or the Première Vision trade event in Paris with introductions to AWI’s global supply chain network of spinners, knitters and mills. Dion recently told LMFF that he has decided to go to Première Vision trade event in Paris. We can’t wait to hear what this trip full of creative musings will deliver in his next collection.
LMFF wishes Dion the very best and looks forward to watching his bright star continue to shine both on our shores and off.
Photographer: Dion Lee after winning the LMFF Designer Award, photographer: Lucas Dawson.
LMFF CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANNOUNCED
If you haven’t yet heard the news Grant Pearce, has been appointed the Creative Director of LMFF starting July 15.
As Condé Nast Publications’ Asia Pacific Editorial Director GQ, Grant has held esteemed positions in this fashion publishing house; responsible for many of the world’s celebrated magazines including Vogue Australia and GQ Magazine.
We are all very exicted to say the least and can’t wait until Grant is in the office! Until then we thought that you should have the opportunity to get to know him so we held a little ‘get to know you session’ while he was in Melbourne recently.
What is the most exciting aspect of coming to Melbourne with LMFF?
LMFF is one of the most unique Festivals in the world not only because it is a consumer driven event but unlike any other ‘Festival’ it’s focus is fashion. LMFF has been responsible for introducing Australian fashion to the public in a positive, exciting and accessible manner, nurturing new local talent, supporting retail at the ground level and developing a Business Seminar directed at the Australian fashion industry that is second to none. I am seriously attracted by the professional reputation LMFF has gained and believe it is a new and exciting challenge to take the Festival to the next level.
How does the Australian fashion industry compare to that of the rest of the world?
What I love about the Australian fashion industry is how it has developed an individual identity that has been recognised both locally and internationally. Having been a part of the industry for more that 25 years it has been amazing to have watched careers such as Collette Dinnigan, Martin Grant, Scanlan and Theodore, Calibre, AG, Zimmerman and so many more create a very strong niche in the market along with a confident and sophisticated signature that has gone from strength to strength. Also, what I have seen emerge is an industry that has become focused on success in Australia rather than always making International comparisons. I think it takes leaving the country to recognise how important the business in Australia IS to Australia.
What excites you most about LMFF and what does the future hold?
LMFF is one of the most unique Festivals in the world not only because of its content but its standard. I am very excited to take LMFF to the next stage of its journey and explore some of the commercial opportunities as well as promoting it on a global stage.
The future of the Festival lies in the hands of industry and ultimately the consumer. I am looking at embracing all we have to offer in Australia not only in the fashion industry but creative talent on numerous levels. In combining these skills and providing new opportunities within the global fashion network I believe we can propel LMFF well into the future.
Strutting their stuff
LMFF Director, Karen Webster, General Manager of Finance, Events and Operations and Brooke Shell from Ann Morrison PR just spoke at the RSVP Melbourne event (May 26 – 27, at the MCEC). Inside a dome from Inflate Australasia (who are responsible for LMFF’s Sidewalk structure) the leading ladies shared their insight into the ‘behind the scenes’ of fashion and events.
Facilitator Meri Took of Staging Rentals & Construction Services asked the hard questions from how does LMFF statisfy it’s stakeholders to how does one plan for an event 365 days.
Thanks to those of you who popped along for the session.
L-R: Brooke, Kiri, Karen and Meri.
LMFF meets Garance Doré
LMFF was thrilled to receive an invitation to be part of the celebration with Garance Doré at the exclusive launch of the Winter With Westfield Designer Installation.
Hosted in the Styling Suite at Westfield Doncaster, we were privy to a preview of the collaboration between Garance and seven iconic Australian designers. LMFF is a big fan of Garance’s blog and were very excited to meet her in person, along with her partner Scott Schulman the man behind the world famous Sartorialist blog.
The collaboration sees the celebrated French illustrator, photographer and blogger team with Arthur Gallan, Bettina Liano, Country Road, Gorman, Leona Edminston, Thurley and Zimmerman.
The question and answer session hosted by Anthea O’Connor from Vogue Australia was insightful and simply inspirational – we’re all eager to start our own blogs after hearing about the fabulous life Garance is leading.
Garance Doré being interviewed by Jan Breen Burns from The Age
Garance Doré being interviewed by Anthea O’Connor
Garance Doré with Scott Schulman
Tony Glenville reflects on LMFF 2010
I imagine if you have read any of my comments you will want to know what the high spots were? Well the entire bloody week was a high spot!
MYER In-Store Event
We felt privileged to be at the exclusive Myer in-store event last night with some of Myer’s most stylish customers. Already jumping on the key trends of A/W they snapped up wears from Australia’s top designers in the new looks of the season – 80s and 40s inspired ensembles and the new must-have accessories such as the over-the-knee boot and military jacket. Bring on the chills of Winter so we can hit the pavement in our new winter wardrobes!
Author, Fay Nwokobia, LMFF Strategy Advisor
Photos by Lucas Dawson www.lucasdawson.com.au
Westfield launches the LMFF Fashion Bar
Karen Webster, Festival Director officially kicked off the start of LMFF’s activity at Central Pier by launching the LMFF Fashion Bar presented by Westfield Doncaster. Key fashion journalists, international guests to the Festival and Melbourne celebrities attended the launch in anticipation of the first runway showcase in Peninsula; L’Oréal Paris Runway 1 presented by Grazia.
Editor of Harper’s BAZAAR, Edwina McCann was also in attendance as she enlightened the audience with insight into a Fashion Fairytale Exhibition displayed in the bar. The exhibition was of photographs that captured the breathtaking shoot in the April issue of the Harper’s BAZAAR which featured the likes of Natalie Imgruglia, Emma Lung, Rachel Taylor and Sophie Lowe.
Famous faces won’t be the only people spotted throughout the week as Westfield Doncaster is drawing on the importance of YOU with its photographic exhibition, ‘Faces of the Festival’. The exhibition showcases patrons of the Festival including fashion lovers, stylists, designers and models – make sure you get your photo taken!
Author, Anna Riordan, Partnerships Executive
Collette Dinnigan
Photos by Lucas Dawson www.lucasdawson.com.au
Designer Forum
LMFF not only give all of you lovely folk access to the amazing world of fashion but we also love to inspire our designers, brands and retailers! The LMFF Designer Forum presented by Colonial First State Global Assest Management for 2010 did just that.
Talented Australian designer and re-branding whiz Michael Angel, insightful trend forecaster and fashion director Tony Glenville with creative consultant and photo journalist Linlee Allen have all taken to the stage to share their insightful experiences into the world of global fashion, marketing and branding. The experienced trio were led through an innovative discussion on creative direction in international markets by Fashion Director and Creative Consultant, Gabriele Hackwothy.
The conversation inspired and informed to the wealth of talented designers participating in LMFF 2010 who came to hear all the latest news as they navigate their businesses in these challenging times.
Author, Emma Boggi, Project Manager – Designer Forum
Panellists Linlee Allen, Tony Glenville and Michael Angel
Victorian State Government Representative Ms Jaala Pulford MLC
Photos by Lucas Dawson www.lucasdawson.com.au