Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Guest Blogger: Dhini in London

The most talented and lovely Dhini is shares her journey with LMFF as she explores Paris and London in search of inspiration for her new collection!

Thursday 16th June, land in London (just for the day and night), and leave for Paris tomorrow for a week, then back in London for 6 days….I pretty much hit the ground running really…this is a whirlwind trip – 7 days in London, 7 days in Paris, so no time to sleep – ‘you snooze, you lose!’ is my motto during this trip

My first stops is Selfridges, who are renowned for doing amazing windows and collaborative installations. They don’t always have something on, but I decided to try my luck…and I had no idea what was in store for me… how lucky was I to catch the installation called ‘Washed Up’!  From Oxford Street looking into the front window –I was awe-struck by a room filled with dead coral, and rising from this coral, huge glass cabinets containing mannequins clothed in amazing avant-garde pieces.

Above: Looking into the shop windows at Selfridges.

Above: The instillation emerging from the shop floor.

The glass cabinets that took you on an incredible underwater journey with  the dead coral acting as the amazing  landscape. ‘Washed Up’ is an installation curated by Judith Clark located in the Concept Store of Selfridges. and when I read the flyer at the entrance I discovered the coral came from illegal coral smugglers, seized at British Customs and then donated to the London Aquarium!

The pieces were grouped according to concepts – Structure & Geometry, Radiolarium, Texture, Atlantis, Oil Spill and featured designers such as Hussein Chalayan, Alexander McQueen and Gareth Pugh.

Above: Iris Van Herpen

Above: Iris Van Herpen & Gareth Pugh

Above: Phillip Treacy for Lady Gaga – Lobster Hat

That evening I decided to splurge a little bit for dinner and went to ‘Koffmans’ – the Michelin starred chef Pierre Koffman’s restaurant at the Berkeley Hotel Knightsbridge.  Went all out and had 3 courses. Well i didn’t really splurge! Interestingly, in London, even Michelin starred restaurant’s have special deals (un-heard of in Australia), and I managed to catch a specials night – lucky again!

Above: Escargot in a mushroom soufflé – entree


Above:  Cod with lentils – main

And to finish off, renowned pistachio soufflé with a dollop of pistachio ice-cream for dessert!  Followed by cocktails at the Blue Bar – a bar also at the Berkely next to Koffmans – bit of a late night! Hell, I fly out to Paris next morning!

Thanks for the pics from London – we love the instilation and are all feeling rather peckish now.

Visit Dhini’s Website.

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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Zara Mania

Zara opened it’s doors to Melbourne last week and unless you have been living under a rock, you will have heard the news and may have already parted with some of your hard earned coin here!  Below is a photo journey from our photographer friend Monty Coles capturing the hype over this retailing giant.

Jesus Echevarria chief communications officer spreads the word at an press meeting preluding the opening.

Opening day and the wait is over…



Zara is now open in Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne.

Thank you to Monty Coles for sharing these fabulous images – fore more images visit theloupe.org.



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Friday, May 27, 2011

An Ode to Mario Testino

Mario Testino has become one of the world’s most well-known and celebrated fashion photographers. His work has been featured across the globe in magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair and V and he has crafted and contributed to the imagery of leading fashion houses.  Testino has shot a wealth of celebrities including Kate Moss, Anjelina Jolie, Madonna, Ryan Gosling, Kristen Stewart and more recently captured Prince Willian and Kate Middleton looking classic and completely giddy prior to their wedding this year.  Here are just a few of our favourites.

A fresh faced Kate Moss in the CK Jeans campaign, 1998

Gisele Bundchen in ‘And God Created Gisele’, Vanity Fair, May 2009

Michelle Obama, G20 summit, July 2009

Burberry SS2011

Anjelina Jolie, American Vogue, December 2010

Prince William and Kate Middleton, 2011

A huge credit to Mario Testino and his amazing photography. For more of his amazing work visit mariotestino.com.

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Friday, May 20, 2011

Harrolds welcome Song for the Mute

Winners of the 2011 LMFF Designer Award, Song for the Mute, have just opened a temporary space in iconic luxury menswear store Harrolds both in Westfield Sydney and Collins Street Melbourne. The space opens Thursday, 19 May and will be part-store, part-studio with the designers on hand to walk customers through the experience.

It’s the first time Harrolds have ever placed an Australian designer in their brand mix, offering support to the Song for the Mute and designer Melvin Tanaya who is also part of the Harrolds team.  Congratulations Melvin & Lyna!

If you are a designer (or know an up and coming designer) interested in entering the 2012 LMFF Designer Award, please sign up to our monthly newsletter ‘Swingtag’ for announcements on when applications open. Sign up now.

Pictures courtesy of Song for the Mute.

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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Trend Talking with WGSN

We caught up with one of WGSN’s leading trend experts from London, Sue Evans, to find out a little more on what we can expect from this week’s WGSN trend seminar series.  Sue has been with WGSN since its launch in 1998 and was instrumental in creating the Catwalks, What’s in Store and Close-to-Season directories. During catwalk season, Sue’s analytical skills bring a compelling commercial perspective to the 20,000 images she edits.

Image: Leading WGSN trend expert from London, Sue Evans fills us in on upcoming trends and the Australian fashion market.

1. How did you come to be a WGSN Catwalk / Retail Expert?

I spent many years in the fashion industry working firstly as a designer and then as a fashion forecaster / consultant working with  major brands and retailers throughout Europe, USA and Japan. Obviously catwalk analysis and retail trends are a big part of forecasting and consultancy and so I built up a lot of experience in both areas. When the Worth brothers started WGSN they called me to see if I would be interested in setting up the Catwalks and Retail directories. The rest is history as they say…

2. What key trends  can we expect for the forthcoming season?

There are several key vintage inspirations for next season with influences spanning decades from the 20s / 30s / 40s / 60s and 70s – we even have a Grunge trend, celebrating the 20 year anniversary of Marc Jacobs seminal Grunge collection in 1992. Other key trends are very much about updating best sellers through colour – an important trend in itself.

Image: Luxe Grunge, a key casualwear story to develop for youth markets where traditional grunge looks are updated in luxe fabrications and a contemporary colour pallette.

3. Who is winning in retail right now and why?

John Lewis department store is the winner on the high street in the UK right now. They have opened up their fashion offer and have nearly all the key high street brands on their fashion floor so offering a broad product mix that targets several key customer profiles. They apply the same buying policy to their Homewares offer too so attract a wide range of customers. Zara seems to be winning in the fast fashion area – they have some great on trend pieces and colours in store for summer and they are flying out. And of course the lower-end stores like Primark continue to succeed on price and fast fashion pieces. Peacocks are the new cheaper-end store to watch.

4. What challenges do Australian designers face by having opposite seasons to key international markets such as USA & UK?

The main challenge in my opinion is not to jump on the northern hemisphere trends too quickly as that means the consumer is bored with them by the time the actual season hits. This has become an even bigger challenge now the Australian consumer has access to online shopping on an international scale

Image: A key colour trend from WGSN, dark teraccotta expected to dominate as one of the strong Autumnal colours.

5. There has been a lot of talk about fashion becoming ‘seasonless’, what is your opinion on traditional seasons and are designers and brands adhering to this or is or is the idea of seasonality disappearing?

I think designers are trying to make fashion more seasonless by developing more resort and pre-season collections so here is always a sense of newness in store. However I personally think pre-season is all a bit of a hype and the reality is fashion trends are slowing down and taking longer to permeate and peak so seasons are evolving gently into one another trend-wise, making is feel more seasonless.

6. Since you have been working at WGSN what have been some of your most memorable and favourite trends over the years?

I love the colour we are seeing this season and the vintage influences. I also loved the boho trend from about 6 years ago — but then that’s very me. I am more of an old hippy than a modern-day fashionista!

____________________

Sue presents WGSN trend seminars around the world and is in Melbourne now for the WGSN trend seminars, this is a must see event for buyers, stylists and designers, providing a roadmap for the season ahead. For more information on WGSN trend services please visit their website at www.wgsn.com.

Images courtesy of WGSN.com

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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Happy Feet in Hobes

The brain child behind the brand, Georgia Hobart tells us the basic premise of Hobes was to produce “simply styled, good quality unisex footwear with purpose”.  Designed as a contemporary and refined version of a classic laced shoe, The Original Hobe was the first style launched in the range in June last year. With a relaxed and well worn style, Hobes were initially launched in a range of muted colours in high quality soft suede, each hand made with an impeccable attention to detail.  This Original Hobe is available in an array of tones in suede & canvas materials, perfect for the cooler months!

Pictured: Just launched, the Original Hobe in Mustard

For Winter 2011, Hobes will now offer three styles: The Original Hobe, The Hi Hobe and The Lo Hobe.  In addition to the core colours you can find The Original Hobe offered in a beautiful rich mustard shade, deep chocolate and mist grey. The Hi Hobe is available in the traditional sand shade, chocolate, black and mustard. The Lo Hobe is produced from a very fine, super soft Napa leather and will be available in women’s sizes only in black.  Now it’s just a question of which pair to choose!

Pictured: The Original Hobe in Light Denim, Dark Denim and Sand Suede.

All Hobes styles retail for $159.  Visit hobes.com.au to purchase and for more information.

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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Say Bon Voyage to Bare Legs!

Taking inspiration from the ‘Luxury Traveller’ looks seen on the runway at LMFF 2011, say bon voyage to bare legs and embrace the hottest hosiery looks for Winter 2011.  Voodoo supplied the LMFF runways with an amazing selection.  Our top 3 picks?  Classic opaque, elegant sheers and contemporary textures.

CLASSIC OPAQUE – inky black opaque hosiery is a girl’s best friend in winter, the ideal balance of practicality and chic, as seen on the runway with the Megan Park collection.

ELEGANT SHEERS – The old-Hollywood style elegant sheer stocking is making a huge comeback this winter as fashion embraces all things luxe and ladylike.  Pair with sharp heels and sleek sunglasses for best effect, as seen with the international collections from the Christine boutique.

CONTEMPORARY TEXTURES – Done be afraid to embrace patterned and textured hosiery this winter!  The Thurley collection shown in the L’Oreal Paris Runway presented by In Style was paired back with semi-sheer vertical striped tights, mirroring the patterns of dresses in the range.  Have some fun and mix it up!

Follow Voodoo on Twitter for the latest looks and inspiration for winter, twitter.com/voodoohosiery or visit their website to find your nearest stockist www.voodoohosiery.com.au.

Photos by Lucas Dawson Photography.

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Monday, March 28, 2011

Love Shag

Lisa-Marie Acciarito, Stylist Assistant for Fashion Full Stop shares her love for vintage.

Did you love the retro vintage featured on the Fashion Full Stop runway? Want to know where you can find the best vintage in Melbourne? Shag is your answer.

The owners of Shag, Grant Francis and Jeremy Valentine have a manic obsession in collecting all things “old and interesting.” Jeremy’s love for vintage developed at an early age, “as a young lad with little pocket money, I found that I could buy amazing things in op shops and still have enough change for lollies at the corner store.”

Today Shag boys are buying up estates from insanely wealthy people, socialites, hoarders and collectors. Most of the vintage is sourced locally, as Jeremy confesses: “Melbourne has such an amazing wealth of fantastic vintage, secretly locked away in peoples’ cupboards.”

The Shag owners have no rules when it comes to buying store product, just so long as the things they discover inspire and excite them.

Stylist Michelle Jank was thrilled to feature some of Shag’s iconic Australian designer pieces in the opening runway show – in particular the museum Kate Durham jewellery and archive surf Mambo shirts.

Take on the Shag attitude as Jeremy explains “one’s wardrobe should be rich and diverse. To dress stylishly is to combine new, vintage and designer.”

Shop at Shag- a treasure-trove of vintage wonders and a haven of archive designer fashion.

To find your nearest Shag, visit www.shagshop.com.au/locations.





Photography by Fernando Barraza.

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Monday, November 08, 2010

Gracie Otto in Limedrop at Oaks Day

Filmmaker and Actor Gracie Otto was spotted at Crown Oaks Day wearing the winning design from this year’s Chambord® Shine Awards™ created by Melbourne duo, Clea Garrick & Nathan Price of Limedrop.

Gracie looked stunning in this winning design by Limedrop and partnered it with Peeptoe Shoes and a Mimco Clutch. Visit Limedrop’s website to view their range and buy this dress online http://www.limedrop.com.au/.

Pictured: Gracie in the Chambord® Shine Awards™winning design for 2010 by Limedrop in the Emirates Marquee at Oaks Day as part of the Spring Racing Carnival.  Thank you to Gina Milicia and Emirates for this image.

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Thursday, October 14, 2010

Melbourne Central Designer Series

It was a grey day in Melbourne yesterday, but the runway show as part of Melbourne Central’s Designer Series made us quickly forget the weather outside and focus on Spring Racing Fashion.  The show featured Allanah Hill, Arthur Galan AG, ZX Armani Exchange, ck Calvin Klein, Dom Bagnato and Thurly. 

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Monday, October 04, 2010

Catching up with Sarah Schofield

Sarah Schofield participated in the 2009 LMFF Student Showcase, and is now designing sunglasses for Dior in Paris!  We catch up with her to talk about fashion, Parisian style and why not to wear your trackkies down the street!

Congratulations on your fantastic success overseas, tell us what you’ve been up to since we saw you at LMFF?

I was studying with the Institut Français de la Mode in Paris for one year in accessories before being offered an internship with Dior.  We worked with major fashion houses in Paris to design collection of collections of sunglasses, shoes and bags, and then they made our prototypesa as part of this study I was required to create designs for some of the major fashion houses in Paris to which the Institut is well linked with. After completion, Dior offered me a 6 month internship programme as the design assistant for sunglasses.  I have been in Paris for one year now and love it - especially for the opportunities that Paris provides for the fashion world, however I do miss home a lot.

How did participating in the LMFF Student Showcase help shape your career?

I was really happy to take part in the Festival and found it was a great opportunity to create and showcase a new collection for the first time.  It was the perfect stepping stone after leaving university to get exposure in the fashion world.

What brings you home to Melbourne?

Friends and family. I love Paris but Melbourne will always be my home.

How do you find the Paris style in comparison to Melbourne?

I think in Paris there is amazing designer clothing worn by those who can afford it and people in the fashion industry, but the average person cares more about being classic or chic rather than about fashion. I think there is a big gap in the French market between Chanel and H&M, where as in Australia we have all our middle range Australian designers where you can get great, innovative clothes for reasonable prices. People in Australia seem much more into dressing up and with a sense of personality.

When did you first learn you had a desire to work in fashion?

My mum has clothes I started to make for myself and dolls at about 3 years old, so I think I always wanted to do this! I decided I wanted to move to Paris when I was 7.

Will you be coming back to Melbourne for the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival in March 2011?

I wish I was! But sadly I don’t think I will be able to get back. I think the Festival is great being an event that everyone can attend, so everyone can be a part of fashion.  Paris Fashion Week is purely for industry.

What is the best fashion advice you’ve been given?

Never wear tracksuit pants down the street, because guaranteed it will be the only day in a whole year you run into someone important!

Who is your favorite designer right now?

Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy, especially his couture collections.

What is your favorite city in the world?

Paris for its looks but Melbourne for its people! I also love Florence, it’s so beautiful and so welcoming and the food is amazing.

If you could have any celebrity wardrobe whose would it be?

Anna Dello Russos (the editor of Japanese Vogue) since I swear she owns more clothes then anyone on this planet! I love her style, so colourful and almost bordering on inappropriate and bad taste.

What are your plans from here?

I am still designing and growing my portfolio.  I love designing clothes and enjoyed shoe designing while studying – I can see myself doing this in the future.

We wish Sarah all the best for her internship and look forward to seeing more great things from her.

Visit Sarah’s website at www.sarahschofield.com

Images: Produced by Christian Dior 2010

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