Cultural Program continues as LMFF kicks off

With the Festival about to hit, we have been spending the week preparing at some of the most fashionable events around town.

Melbourne’s own Alpha60 released their Winter 2012 collection in a hautingly beautiful runway on Wednesday 7 at the eerie and beautiful Chapter Lane nestled  behind St Paul’s Cathedral (more pics to come).

Spend the week getting your fashion film fix with Hermes’ Hearts and Crafts film premiering in Melbourne at NGV: Australia on both Thursday and Saturday. Taking you behind the scenes of Hermes this is your opportunity to see this amazing film for free on the big screen. And if that isn’t enough head over to ACMI and see one of the many films they have this year focusing on fashion photographers.

Throughout March QV is holding free style workshops with some of LMFF’s favourite people including Face of the Festival Micah Gianneli, stylish Connel Chiang, photographer Woodrow Wilson and style guru Kate Vandermeer. Relax in the QV square and soak up the style.

And if you happen to be Southside pop into St Ali’s and peruse TheSuperCool an emporium of fashion themes objects that have been gathered from all corners of the world to ensure that you are SuperCool come Festival week.

Happy exploring!

One Week To Go!

The countdown is on, just one week until LMFF kicks off with a week of fashion, beauty and business events for everyone to enjoy.  LMFF has lovingly picked five events that won’t break the bank, leaving you no excuse not to get involved in all the Festival fun.  Below are a few of our top picks for this years Festival all under $50!

1. Fashion Industry Forums, March 13-14 – from $25

Over three events, diverse industry professionals will assemble to provide new insights and advice on some of the Australian fashions industry’s most pressing themes. Must see events for retailers, designers, marketers and industry professionals.

What’s the Industry Verdict? READ MORE.

The New Consumer READ MORE.

Fashion Finacing READ MORE.

2. Famous For Fashion Series, March 10 & 14 – $25

Shopping takes on another dimension when you hit Chapel Street, Toorak Road and High Street in the great City of Stonnington. Experience a unique runway show in one of two iconic locations within the precinct that is famous for fashion. Each show features the ultimate edit of the latest Autumn/Winter trends available in store from cocktail and evening wear to contemporary street and work wear.  READ MORE.

3. marie claire & L’Oréal Paris Beauty Workshop, March 14 – $35

Rae Morris, Make-up Director for L’Oréal Paris and LMFF, and Alex Noonan, Beauty Director for marie claire will reveal industry knowledge on how to achieve immaculate make-up every time. You will be sent away with a gorgeous L’Oréal Paris gift bag valued at more than $80, the latest marie claire magazine and new skills to ensure you achieve a flawless finish for every occasion. READ MORE.

4. L’Oréal Paris Runways, March 9-14 – from $49.95

Renowned for their drama and style, each L’Oréal Paris Runway presents the most sought-after collections from Australia’s top designers. Experience the excitement & allure of a world class runway show. These hallmark shows have a history of selling out so be sure to get in quick to avoid disappointment! READ MORE.

5. LMFF National Graduate Showcase, March 13 – from $39

Handpicked for their originality, creativity and craftsmanship from hundreds of applicants across Australia, these twelve graduates are gifted a break into the industry.  Witness design spirit at its purest with these breakthrough designers. READ MORE.

L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival runs from 8-15 March 2012.  Tickets are available now through Ticketek or online at lmff.com.au.

LMFF 2012 National Designer Award Finalists Announced

It’s official, LMFF is proud to announce this year’s National Designer Award finalists. The 2012 LMFF National Designer Award supported bynew festival partners Tiffany & Co. and The Weekend Australian Magazine celebrates designers within their first five years of business, who excel in creative design, fashion innovation, quality manufacturing and unique style. The finalists have been selected to personally present their work to our judging panel who will have the tough job of picking a winner.

And the finalists are…

ABOVE


Previously known as All of the Above, Melbourne Designers Nyssa Marrow & Kerry Findow have taken their in-house store label for their shop and made it into the reincarnated ‘above.’ The label concentrates on pieces that can be worn over and over again. Classic, wearable shapes that have the foundations of a well cut pattern, the collections always center around the basic wardrobe but are re-imagined from a structural point of view. www.abovelabel.com.

CHRISTOPHER ESBER


Sydney born & raised, Christopher Esber made his debut in 2010. Known for his interest in fabrics and methodical approach to design, Esber’s strengths evidently lie in his ability to refine his vision, while still allowing each piece a point of difference. His love of paired back minimal design and superb tailoring is continued through his ranges. www.christopheresber.com.au.

LUI HON


Born in Malaysia, Lui Hon graduated with Honors in Fashion Design from RMIT University.  Believing that fashion should be timeless and functional, his first label was the collaborative ‘Von’, where he put his theory into practice. His structurally strong, technically faultless and texturally intriguing designs led to Lui being a popular contestant on Project Runway. www.luihon.con.au.

MAGDALENA VELEVSKA


Macedonian-born, Sydney-raised Magdalena studied Fashion and Textiles at the esteemed University of Technology Sydney in 1998, undertaking classes in textile, industrial, visual and interior design, which all contributed to the functional, clean and structural aesthetic she has become synonymous for today. www.magdalenavelevska.com.

MICHAEL LO SORDO


Sydney Designer Michael Lo Sordo has undergone a lyrical growth both aesthetically and literally since he launched. Soft draping, lucid tailoring and distinguishing digital prints have all become signatures of the label. The foundations of this style are based on the famous words ‘less is more.” Michael’s ability to un-complicate the female form through simplistic linear direction has seen his signature aesthetic graduate from strength to strength. www.michaellosordo.com.

The winner to be announced at an invitation only event during LMFF on March 9.

L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival runs from 8-15 March 2012.  Tickets are available through Ticketek or online at lmff.com.au.

LMFF promotes Australian designers during London Fashion Week

Getting dressed has never looked so good!  The team are so excited to announce that this month, LMFF will present an Australian fashion designer submission titled ‘The New Antipodeans’ as part of  the International Emerging Fashion Talent Award (IEFTS), hosted by the British Fashion Council during London Fashion Week 2012.

Five talented designers have been included in the Australian submission to the Award including Dress Up, Song for the Mute, Limedrop, Christopher Esber and above.  LMFF will present a captivating photographic exhibit displayed as large format photographs on the exterior windows of Australia House, Strand, London featuring a series of images celebrating each designer’s work.

Below is the exclusive first look at the still and supporting film release as part of the submission titled ‘Getting Dressed’ HERE.

Thank you to the team. Project Manager Yolanda Finch | Creative Director Vincent Fantauzzo | Film Director Barney Howells | Photographer Michael Fantauzzo | Producer Luke Coulson | Music 1200 Techniques | Makeup Director Blanka Dudas for L’Oréal Paris | Hair Director Caterina Dibiase, Heading Out for L’Oréal Professional |Talent Boki @ Vivien’s Model Management | Melody Le @ Chadwick Management | Olivia Roush @ Scene Model Management | Director of Photography Edward Goldner |Camera Assistant Chris Childs | Clapper Peter Wells | Gaffer Chris Dewhurst | Lighting Assistant Rob Dewhurst | Grip Dean Garro | 2nd AD Robert Kowal | Film Edit Pixel Kitchen | Film Grade Digital Pictures | Exhibition Curator Katrina Schwarz | Installation Genix Imaging

L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival runs from 8-15 March 2012.  Tickets are available through Ticketek or online at lmff.com.au.

Romance on the Runway

Whether it’s a lover, a friend or you just want to treat yourself this Valentines day, there are so many options to choose from at LMFF.  Below are our top pics for the most romantic runways at LMFF 2012 – fall in love with these talented designers.

ALEX PERRY

L’Oréal Paris presents Alex Perry, the iconic designer behind the label synonymous with glamour and high-octane sophistication, is proud to present an exclusive preview of his Spring/Summer 2012/13 Ready to Wear Collection. Come and join the fashion industry elite and view this never before seen collection as it is unveiled to the world’s media and buyers in spectacular style.

Friday 9 March at 9:00pm – Presented by L’Oréal Paris – Tickets from $50 (Incl. GST) – BUY NOW

TONI MATECEVSKI

Ending the Festival week on a glamourous high, LMFF Red Carpet Runway presents Toni Maticevski who will showcase signature gowns from his by appointment, couture collection in an opulent one off show. Hauntingly beautiful, timeless and fragile, his clothes are born of emotion for an emotional response.  Celebrated for his exploration of design, silhouette, technique and his ability to elevate classic modes into modern statements, Toni Maticevski’s extravagence knows no bounds.

Thursday 15 March at 7:30pm – Tickets from $69 (Incl. GST) – BUY NOW

VON FOLLIES BY DITA VON TEESE FOR TARGET

Global fashion icon Dita Von Teese will be returning to Australia to showcase her new lingerie collection in collaboration with Target Australia.  In a world first, Dita Von Teese will take to the runway to showcase her favourite designs from the new Von Follies by Dita Von Teese range. Bringing a touch of sophistication and glamour to Australian women of all shapes and sizes, the collection is inspired by Dita’s long-time love of lingerie and will bring the essence of the sultry 1950s glamour girl to this not to be missed show.

Saturday 10 March at 8:30pm – Tickets from $49.95 (Incl. GST) – BUY NOW

Image credits: 1 & 2 - Backstage Alex Perry LMFF 2011, photos by Fernando Barazza, 3 & 4 – Toni Maticevski LMFF 2011, photos by Lucas Dawson, 5 - Backstage Toni Maticevski LMFF 2011, photo by Fernando Barazza, 6 & 7 – Von Follies Collection for Target featuring Dita Von Teese.

All tickets available now through Ticketek.com.au.

Fashion Graduates set to shine at LMFF 2012

The LMFF National Graduate Showcase presented by Sportsgirl returns for its fourth year in 2012 featuring an impressive line-up of graduate designers from across the country.

Following submissions of their final year folios, an industry panel including Graeme Lewsey – LMFF CEO and Elle Roseby – Sportsgirl CEO reviewed a record number of entries as they faced the difficult decision of selecting the top 12 graduates to appear on the highly coveted LMFF runway.  Below are the finalists who will be presenting their work under the guidance and support of industry mentors.

Courtney White – University of Technology Sydney, NSW

Stephanie McPherson – Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, VIC

Amelia Agosta – Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, VIC

Ju Young.Seo – Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, VIC

Laura HuiShan Li – Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, VIC

Rica Hardian – Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, VIC

Chris Ran Lin – Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, VIC

Tayler Ainley -  Curtain University, WA

Sally Edwards – Queensland University of Technology, QLD

Anna Langdon - Sydney Institute of Tafe, NSW

Natalia Grzybowski - University of Technology Sydney, NSW

Anisha Bhoyro - Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, VIC

Graduates and guests looking through the collections that will grace the LMFF runway in March.

The twelve finalists with Graeme Lewsey, CEO LMFF and Elle Roseby, CEO Sportsgirl

A special thank you to Concrete Blonde for providing the venue and their wonderful head chef, Ian Oakes for the delicious food.

The highly anticipated LMFF National Graduate Showcase will be held on Tuesday March 13 at 6.30pm at Peninsula, Central Pier, Docklands.

Tickets on sale now through Ticketek.

LMFF Studio Visit – Flannel

On a trip to WA earlier this year, LMFF were lucky enough to catch up with Kristy and John from Flannel at their new space in a converted chapel. The space is as light and airy as a Flannel collection and we couldn’t help but get excited for the cooler months ahead as we took a look at their autumn/winter 2012 collection.

Thank you for showing us around your anjelic studio. Visit Flannel.

Photos by Britt Singleton.

LMFF Studio Visit – Fenella Peacock

Fenella peacock greets us at her beautiful store, Nells Emporium, on a bright sunny Perth day and welcomes us inside for some deliciousness (of the fashion & food variety)!  Packed with whimsical jewelleryand floaty frocks just made for escapism, Nells is a little slice of heaven for foodies and fashionistas alike. We recommend a silk Fenella Peacock dress for a breezy getaway and a tall glass of nell’s homemade lemonade with your lunch!

A big thank you to Fenella for welcoming LMFF to getaway and share your beautiful surrounds. Visit Fenella Peacock.

More studio visits to come on the LMFF blog.

Post courtesy  of Brittany Singleton.

LMFF Studio Visit – LIFEwithBIRD

Bridget and Nick, the team behind LIFEwithBIRD, greet us at the top of the staircase that leads up into their loft-style Abbotsford studio space.  With white walls and glistening wood floors, the LIFEwithBIRD team is spread out across a spacious studio, scattered with art books, trinkets and treasures.  As we explore their space, they let us in on the development of the new collection, and let us know what’s exciting in their world right now.

Thank you Bridget and Nick for showing us around your beautiful studio. Visit LIFEwithBIRD.

Photos by Britt Singleton.

Trend Edit – Summer Shopping

We take a look at Australian designer collections to bring you some of the loveliest trends available in store now.  This is a new feature on the LMFF blog to inspire and help you seek out the most covetable items from our talented designers to add to your shopping list.  Let us know what you think and what you would like to see covered in future trend edits.

Have fun with colour in unlikely block combos this summer.  Tangerine, acid lime and cobalt will give your wardrobe a wakeup call with their lively hues.  Be bold and pair this look back with strong eye colours in blues, greens and pinks.

1. Karla Spetic www.karlaspetic.com
2. Karla Spetic www.karlaspetic.com
3. Josh Goot www.joshgoot.com
4. Dhini www.dhinicouture.com
5. Manning Cartell www.manningcartell.com
6. Mimco www.mimco.com.au
7. Steve Madden www.stevemadden.com.au
8. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eyeshadow www.loreal.com.au
9. Sportsgirl www.sportsgirl.com.au

Leave the coat at home, now is the time to sparkle and shine with metallic fabrics designed to  speak for themselves under city skylines.  Dresses are embellished with sequins and sure to shine just in time for the party season.  Finish the look with statement metallic accessories, the perfect heel and lashings of mascara for full effect.

1. Yeojin Bae www.yeojinbae.com
2. ELLERY www.elleryland.com
3. Thurley www.thurley.com.au
4. Rachel Gilbert www.rachelgilbert.com
5. Dhini www.dhinicouture.com
6. Mimco www.mimco.com.au
7. L’Oréal Paris Lash Architect 4D Mascara www.loreal.com.au
8. Mimco www.mimco.com.au
9. Nine West www.ninewest.com.au

Not just for the cooler months, leather is sticking around for summer by ditching its favourite shade of black to embrace lighter hues of nude, rust and tan.  Perfectly transformed into soft jackets, structured tops and short shorts, leather is here to stay for summer and one to wear year round.

1. camilla and marc  www.camillaandmarc.com
2. ELLERY www.elleryland.com
3. Gary Bigeni www.garybigeni.com
4. Flannel www.flannel.com.au
5. Mimco www.mimco.com.au
6. Mimco www.mimco.com.au
7. Gorman www.gormanshop.com.au
8. Mimco www.mimco.com.au
9. Gorman www.gormanshop.com.au

This is the colour of the season so inject some vibrant red into your summer wardrobe.   This colour packs a punch so wear it with confidence!  If the full red look isn’t your thing, why not hunt out the perfect shade for your lips and prepare to get noticed!

1. Yeojin Bae www.yeojinbae.com
2. Carl Kapp www.carlkapp.com
3. camilla and marc www.camillaandmarc.com
4. Flannel www.flannel.com.au
5. Josh Goot www.joshgoot.com
6. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick www.loreal.com.au
7. Sportsgirl www.sportsgirl.com.au
8. Mimco www.mimco.com.au
9. Nine West www.ninewest.com.au

LMFF Studio Visit – Aurelio Costarella

Aurelio Costarella’s space in North Perth is a hive of activity on the day we stop by for a Studio Visit.  Bridal fittings, shoppers browsing through his store, Post Emporium, and the team working in the studio to bring the next collection to life.  On this bright, sunny day, light streams through the window and brings the multicoloured silks of Aurelio’s collection to life on the racks – it’s a rich mix of silk, leather and marabou feather.  While clients try on dress after dress, we explore his store and studio space stacked to the rafters with treasures like scented candles and precious jewellery.

Thank’s to Aurelio for looking after us in Perth.  Visit Aurelio Costarella.

Photos by Britt Singleton.