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.

Thanks Party Pod! To see a whole lot more visit and tag yourself on the Party Pod Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/PartyPodHire.

The full campaign will be revealed on December 1st and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Photography courtesy of Woodrow.

Designer Toni Maticevski in the spotlight – we love his dress in the Australian section of the exhibition.

Romance was Born (foreground) designed by Anna Plunkett & Luke Sales.

Wedding dress by Christian Lacroix.

Linda Britten and LMFF Chairman Laura Anderson. This stunning dress, which laces up at the back, was designed by Linda for Laura’s wedding.

Wedding Dress by Gwendolynne Burkin. Veil by Richard Nylon.

Also on display in the exhibition are gowns by celebrated designers, including Vera Wang, Norman Hartnell, Christian Dior, Zandra Rhodes & Lanvin. Also included are stunning wedding dresses worn by celebrities Dita Von Teese and Gwen Stefani.

The exhibition is on at Bendigo Art Gallery until November 6th, 2011.

Images courtesy of Monty Coles – see more on theloupe.org.

The LMFF marketing and communications team will be sharing how they utilise Facebook, Twitter and other digital channels to engage with customers.  By sharing LMFF’s experiences and key learnings, you will walk away with new ideas you can utilise within your own business.

Topics will include: What is social media? What channels are right for my business? How can my business be more social? Ways of measuring social media.

Date: Wednesday 3 August 2011

Time: 10am – 11am

Price: $20 adult / $15 student

Venue: Lounge 9, HOYTS Cinema, Melbourne Central Shopping Centre, Cnr Swanston & La Trobe Streets, Melbourne.

To book your place, please fill our the booking form and return to LMFF via fax 03 9654 9679 or email fashion@lmff.com.au. For enquiries, phone 03 9654 5599 (contact Katherine Thomas). Payment by credit card only, before Tues 2 August.

Gwendolynne Burkin welcomes us into her Fitzroy studio, which sits directly above her store space just off Brunswick street, with a warm smile and the offer of a cup of Milo.  Bubbling over with ideas and excitement about some developments for the Gwendolynne label that are in the pipeline, Ms Burkin shows us around her studio – a treasure trove of beads, lace and heavenly trims.  Hand-finished gowns hang from the ceiling, reflecting the cool winter light streaming through the windows.

Thank you very much Gwendolynne for letting us take a peek into your studio! Visit Gwendolynne.

…More Studio Visits to come on the LMFF blog.

Photography by Brittany Singleton.

Read the latest press covering the next part of her journey…

When Ana Diaz’s parents fled El Salvador bound for a better life in Australia, it’s unlikely they could have predicted their young daughter’s early success. The 25-year-old business and fashion graduate, whose mother taught her to sew, has secured a major deal with one of the biggest names in Australian fashion retail.

Sportsgirl has contracted the emerging designer to create a signature range for sale in stores around the country. With more than 110 stores on the company’s books, Diaz’s diffusion line will give the Queensland University of Technology the kind of exposure of which most young designers can only dream.

Diaz will also join the ranks of famed designers who have contributed “Sportsgirls Like” collections including Rachel Rose of 18th Amendment fame, Richard Nicoll, Kim Ellery and the quirky duo behind Romance Was Born, Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales.

Her parents are reasonably proud, the young designer says as she explains it all came down to a catwalk in Melbourne. “I’d been selected to show my graduate collection at the Melbourne Fashion Festival as part of the emerging designers program and it was really well received,” Diaz explains. “A whole heap of stuff came out of it, including the opportunity to take part in one of the mentoring programs [Sportsgirl] runs.”

After a first-hand look at the fashion manufacturing and retail business, Diaz was asked to show a selection of her collection – the only full collection she has ever designed – in the window of the retailer’s Chadstone boutique.

“This whole time they never really said anything, never even hinted at a possible collaboration,” says the designer, who finished university last year. “A few weeks later I got a phone call out of the blue asking me to take part in a new campaign – I couldn’t believe it. “I guess they saw something they liked and they basically said to me, ‘do whatever you want’.”

Diaz, who flew to Melbourne yesterday to show her concepts at Sportsgirl HQ, said her collection was inspired by B-grade Italian cinema of the 60s and 70s.

Unlike the graduate collection that started it all, her new looks will draw upon the vampish cuts and bold colours and textures sported by the genre’s voluptuous murderesses. “After I’ve presented my early sketch ideas and concept to [Sportsgirl], they’ll choose a certain amount of the designs that will go into production,” Diaz said.

“It’s been very nerve-wracking and hard to manage but I’m really excited about. “My parents are intelligent and creative people but because of the situation in El Salvador, they had to change their lives – I’m just grateful they’ve given me the opportunity to get to where I am today.”

Diaz’s designs will hit stores next year.

Article via the Sydney Morning Herald.

Photography by Lucas Dawson.

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Applications for LMFF’s Graduate Designer Showcase open in August 2011 for the 2012 L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.  Sign up to our monthly newsletter ‘Swingtag’ or join us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest announcements.

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!

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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

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.

Dear LMFF team,

Hope you’re having a great week. Just wanted to shoot you a quick email to give you some updates as I promised!

We just returned from our Singapore trip and I’m happy to say that the show was a huge success! We were given the honour to close the five-day event where more than 1500 people came to attend our show and we were awarded with the Men’s Fashion Week ‘Young Designer of the Year’ award.

The surprise came at the end of the show when the chairman of the event, Frank Cintamani appeared on stage with famous aesthetician Dr Georgia Lee to announce that the doctor will be covering the cost of all the garments we made for the Singapore show including all airfares and accommodation related to trip as well as sponsoring our entire next collection for Spring/Summer 2012 which we are taking to Paris in June.

Thank you again for your never-ending support. We appreciate everything that you have done for us and I look forward to catching up with you back in Australia.

Best Regards,
Melvin

We are so proud of their achievements since LMFF and can’t wait to see what their next collection brings.  Song for the Mute will also be doing something exciting during RAFW in May so keep your eyes peeled to the LMFF blog for the latest news on that!

Visit www.songforthemute.com for stockists lists and more information.

Images: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Pictured: Graeme Fidler of Bally

This year’s L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival Business Seminar shone the spotlight on branding’s role in business, with brand equity , leverage and establishing a unique selling point all noted as crucial factors. The seminar, titled Brand: The Essence of Business, saw presentations from Acne Studios’ executive chairman Mikael Schiller, Esprit’s creative and business executives Jan Nord and Jorgen Andersson, the Dazed Group’s founder and editorial director Jefferson Hack, and Graeme Fidler, co-creative director of Bally.

Pictured: Jefferson Hack of Dazed Group

Host Robyn Holt, former editor-in-chief of Australian Vogue Living, brought branding’s role into focus by saying that as a result of the global financial crisis, consumers had become accustomed to discount sales and were reluctant to pay full price.  “Customers are intent on saving at levels we haven’t seen for a decade,” she said. “In today’s tough climate, how do you attract people to your brand and keep them there?”

Pictured: Mikael Schiller of ACNE

The vital importance of creative freedom – the heart of a distinctive brand – resonated throughout the seminar, and Acne’s Schiller said that despite the company having a raft of high-powered specialists, it has ignored one area considered by many as essential for a profitable business. “We have no one who does strategic marketing,” he said. “Our approach is very intuitive. It’s not about marketing. It’s about creating great things.”

To download the full report for FREE from WGSN.com simply register your details HERE, and access all the key insights. Visit WGSN and download now. 

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.

Here are the weekly top picks for the last month of March from Cultural Program Manager, Mikala Tai!

The final week of the Cultural Program sees us return to Shed 4. What better way to celebrate the fashion month of March with local emerging designers, live music, delicious snacks an art inspired by the runways of LMFF.

This Saturday and Sunday Shed 4 becomes the Finders Keepers market. Get ready to peruse over 150 stalls staffed by local designers selling handmade bespoke goodies. But what makes this market special for LMFF is the exhibition Drawn From Fashion. Inspired by Lucas Dawson’s snaps of the 2010 LMFF runways 15 artists have created artworks that respond directly to the images. This exhibition encapsulates the LMFF Cultural Program – where fashion inspires creativity.

Ethical Clothing Australia continues the sustainability conversation with a fun photobooth installed at Shed 4 so dont forget to grab a snap of yourself after your giddy spending spree!

This sees the close of yet another successful Cultural Program – I look forward to seeing you all at the market and toasting to a great month of fashion!

Pictured: One of the pieces from artist Elisa Mazzone who will be showing her work at Drawn From Fashion this weekend.

Fashion Weekend at LMFF presented by Shop Til You Drop provided us with three whole days of shopping the designer sales at Central Pier. With our brand new wardrobe we were ready to take on the LMFF Trunk Show-Ready to Wear presented by City of Stonnington.

Effortlessly classy  in Not Your Daughter’s Jeans

LMFF Sidewalk-Cotton On presented by City of Melbourne and The Herald Sun was frothy fun with feathers, paper mache sea creatures and sequin masks adding dress up party excitement to each outfit.

Saccharine sweet in Cotton On

There was romance in the air at the LMFF Trunk Show-Bridal presented by City of Stonnington. Women in the crowd were prepared to propose to themselves if it meant being able to don one of these creations for even an afternoon.

‘I do’ in Judith Valente

L’Oreal Paris Runway 7 presented by Cosmopolitan had designs by Alannah Hill, Bettina Liano, Joveeba, Maurie and Eve, Tallulah, Wayne Cooper and White Suede sharing the limelight with lots of playful ensembles.

From garden to dress garnishing, floral by Alannah Hill.

A goddess in Wayne Cooper

LMFF Offsite Runways 1 and 2 supported by Yen were a festival first, a perfect way to close the festival with something completely new and original. Located at the Penthouse Mouse at Shed 4, Docklands designs by Alexi Freeman, Jolet, Leonard Street, Livia Arena, One Fell Swoop, Metias, Thanh, above, Arj Selvam, Extinct, House of Baulch, Kuwaii and Trimapee. The Penthouse Mouse Bar was open before, between and after the Offsite Runways. It was fitted out with a band and neon signage, a fitting backdrop to allow all to loosen their ties and toast the week that was.

Fit to shimmy, shimmering in Alexi Freeman

A silver sensation, House of Baulch.

At The Herald Sun Marketing Breakfast Jonny Bauer (head of strategy, Droga 5) and Karson Stimson (founder and director, We are Digital) shed light on the theme of ‘navigating the world of digital marketing.’

Jonny Bauer

marie claire and L’Oreal Paris Beauty Workshop number two allowed for a greater number of beauties to be able to take home quality make up tips, becoming an instant expert after the session by L’Oréal Paris Make-Up Director Rae Morris and marie claire Beauty Director Emily Taylor.

Creating an artful visage

LMFF Trunk Show-Mimco had the audience hypnotized by glam accessories. Gorgeous shoes to inspire a strut in every woman on and off the runway were featured as were decadent leather bags and all manner of sparkling rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. After this show, we all just wanted to bathe in jewels.

Accessories galore in Mimco

L’Oreal Paris Runway 5 presented by Harper’s Bazaar shone the spotlight on Aurelio Costarella, Collette Dinnigan, Dion Lee, Jayson Brunsdon, Scanlan and Theodore, Toni Maticevski and Willow. This show was full of contemporary classic designs, investment purchases to buy now and love forever.

Free and flowing in Toni Maticevski

Sheer plus draping equaling a fierce look by Willow.

Designs by Alice McCall, Alpha60, Dhini, Gorman, Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester, Limedrop, Nevenka were featured on the L’Oreal Paris Runway 6 presented by Frankie Magazine, a colourful and ultra creative show.

Brights by Karen Walker

Quirky in Gorman

Thursday was the day for intellectual and creative stimulation with the LMFF Business Seminar.

Jefferson Hack

The event was hosted by Robyn Holt (publishing executive and global fashion commentator) and speakers included Graeme Fidler and Michael Herz (creative directors of Bally), Jan Nord and Jorgen Andersson (Senior Vice President Creative Director , Senior Vice President Director, Brand and New Buisiness, ESPRIT), Jefferson Hack (editorial director, The Dazed Group) and Mikael Schiller (CEO, ACNE Studios).

LMFF Sidewalk-Jeanswest showed us how to update our denim look with chic, casual ensembles perfect for weekend wear.

You can never have too many pairs of jeans when they are Jeanswest

L’Oreal Paris Runways 3 and 4 took Central Pier by storm in the evening. L’Oreal Paris Runway 3 presented by Madison, featured designers Arthur Galan AG, Bianca Spender, camilla and marc, Carl Kapp, Flannel, LIFEwithBIRD, Lisa Ho and Yeojin Bae.

Hot in leather by Carl Kapp

L’Oreal Paris Runway 4 presented by Instyle included designers Christine, Fernando Frisoni, Ginger and Smart, Lucette, Manning Cartell, Megan Park, Nicola Finetti and Thurley. The runway was fitted out with Persian rugs and vintage suitcases  which created a real holiday sentiment in the crowd.

Pure opulence by Christine

Patterned perfection in Ginger and Smart

The evening ended in raptures with the LMFF Menswear Runway presented by Specsavers and Peroni, supported by GQ Australia. This was a fresh concept for the festival which delighted the audience who were privileged to see the epitome of style, Helena Christiansen walk the runway. Designers included Arthur Galan, Alpha60, Autonomy, Campaign, From Britten, Farage, Three Over One and Vanishing Elephant.

smoldering on the Menswear Runway in Arthur Galan

smoldering on the Menswear Runway in Arthur Galan

Images by Lucas Dawson

LMFF Sidewalk-City Chic kicked off the day’s festivities in style, bringing glamour to Federation Square.

Red carpet ready in white fur and a shimmering floor length gown

The marie claire and L’Oréal Paris Beauty Workshop was next on the agenda with L’Oréal Paris Make-Up Director, Rae Morris and marie claire Beauty Director, Emily Taylor sharing insider knowledge on how to create both fresh and classic looks to compliment your personal style. Everyone present was shaken out of their makeup ruts and learnt tips and tricks to have them looking impeccable always.

Professionally made up and magnificent

LMFF Fashion Industry Forum 2 – E-tail Detail had industry experts Gual Barwell (Director-Asia Pacific, Contagious Magazine), Jo Hunt (Womenswear Brand Buyer, asos.com), Jemma Dyas (Marketplace Fashion Scout, asos.com) and Katherine Milesi (Partner, Deloitte) delving into the idea of harnessing online retail. It was a truly enlightening session.

The LMFF National Graduate Showcase presented by Sportsgirl was a testament to the sheer talent and dynamic vision of all students involved. Their designs showcased their potential for revolutionizing design with their imagination and passion.

Celene Bridge’s dark fantasy

The windows in the Prahran Town Hall were steaming up with the LMFF Trunk Show-Jack London. When we could tear our eyes away from the gorgeous pups, the sharp, edgy designs of Jack London our chiseled models was enough to have everyone in the room swooning.

A puppy, the perfect accessory for any man

The grand Royal Exhibition Building was a fitting arena for the show stopping gowns of Alex Perry, presented on our Red Carpet Runway.

For every belle of the ball

Megan Gale’s grace and elegence on the runway

Melissa George on the red carpet

Images by Lucas Dawson

Attracting all fashion magpies, sparkles by ELLERY.

Day Two started in style with the LMFF Designer Award, presented by Woolmark and supported by Vogue Australia.  The KMPG Banking Chamber’s glossy surrounds was the perfect landscape to view designs by finalists Arnsdorf, Bassike, Dress Up, Ellery, From Britten, Laurence Pasquier, Lui Hon and Song For The Mute. Each ensemble was feasted up on by the invite only audience including some of the most discerning industry eyes in the country including LMFF Creative Director Grant Pearce and Vogue Australia Editor-In-Chief Kirstie Clements.

Face of the 2011 Festival Melissa George with LMFF Creative Director Grant Pearce

Congratulations to Song for the Mute’s Lyna Ty and Melvin Tanaya who were announced the winners of the Designer Award 2011.

LMFF Fashion Industry Forum 1-Retail Detail was next on the agenda for the day. Held at BMW Edge, Federation Square the idea of harnessing retail potential was discussed by industry experts David Bush (General Manager-Womenswear David Jones), Peter Harris (President-Pedder Group), Erin Mullaney (renowned UK buyer) and Mark Ritson (Consultant and Associate, Professor of Marketing, University of Melbourne). It was a thoroughly thought provoking and stimulating session.

No one at Federation Square could escape the energy of the first Sidewalk show of the festival showcasing the brand Forever New. Prima Ballerinas in pointe shoes took to the runway marking the theatricality and frivolity of the show.

Lace, pastel colors and embellishment… a perfect fit for every Forever New girl.

L’Oréal Paris Runway 1, presented by Grazia and L’Oréal Paris Runway 2, presented by Vogue Australia and supported by Woolmark brought glamour to Central Pier in the evening. Runway 1 featured designers Carla Zampatti, Leona Edminston, Nina Maya, Rachel Gilbert, Romance Was Born, sass and bide and Tina Kalivas.

White fur fit for fashion royalty by Carla Zampatti

Moody and mysterious in Romance Was Born.

Runway 2 featured the LMFF Designer Award 2011 Finalists including Arnsdorf, Bassike, Dress Up, ELLERY, From Britten, Laurence Pasquier, Lui Hon and winner Song for the Mute. This was the first time Designer Award finalists were presented on a public runway so it a very special event. The immense talent of these fresh brands and their visions inspired everyone in the room.

Textured and sophisticated black by Lui Hon

Photos by Lucas Dawson

Here are some picture highlights from the show!

1. Opening Runway, Fashion Full Stop, Monday March 14 – $39

This show is amazing value!! We can gaurantee you will be entertained at this hour long celebration of Australian Fashion & Music through the decades.  Expect live performances from artists accross the decades including Guy Sebastian, Mark Seymour, Russell Morris, Marcia Hines, Owl Eyes, Metals and more!  We revisit many iconic designers, labels, styles and moments that have shaped this nation’s history in fashion from the 1960s to today.  From 4pm there will be activities and giveaways in the Foyer so come down early!  This event will launch LMFF 2011 with unprecedented splendour with over 60 models, musicians, dancers and over 100 designers on stage to create this part rock concert, part runway show. BUY TICKETS.

2. LMFF Trunk Shows (unique intimate runway shows throughout the week) – $49

A “trunk show” is a special presentation in which designers & labels showcase their collections directly to select customers at a retail location or another unique venue and we have four throughout the week! Theres Jack London for the boys who love fashion with a rock and roll attitude and classic tailoring, Mimco for the woman who loves to dress up and loves a killer accessory, Womans Ready to Wear for woman who want to see a variety of sophisticated designers and find inspiration in modern day looks and Bridal a must see for all brides to be!  BUY TICKETS.

Photo by: Lucas Dawson

3. marie claire & L’Oréal Paris Beauty Workshop, Wednesday 16 & Friday 18 – $35

L’Oréal Paris Make-Up Director, Rae Morris and marie claire Beauty Director, Emily Taylor show you how to put your best face forward in the season ahead.  This instructive and fun hour presentation will help you conquer the cosmetics counter and look your best with unmissable insider tips from the experts.  For only $35 it is a must see and includes a marie claire magazine and L’Oréal Paris gift bag (valued at over $100). There are two workshops this year, so for Wednesday 16 at 1pm CLICK HERE, and for the workshop on Friday 18 at 1pm CLICK HERE.

4. LMFF Menswear Runway, Thursday March 17 – $49

There are so many reasons to check out the LMFF Menswear Runway!  Firstly, it is the first time LMFF has produced a dedicated runway just for the boys, secondly the best in Australian menswear labels will feature including Arthur Galan, Alpha60, Autonomy, Campaign, From Britte, thirdly international supermodel Helena Christensen is coming out to Australia thanks to presenting partner Specsavers to walk in the show, and last but not least, every ticketholder will enjoy a free Peroni at the Woolshed Bar before the show and a gift bag!  Great value in what will be  a very memorable night! BUY TICKETS.

5. LMFF Offsite Runway, Saturday March 19 – $45

The new and exciting home to independently spirited fashion labels showcasing their collections. In collaboration with the annual Penthouse Mouse event (PHM11), LMFF presents Offsite Runway.  Featuring designers Alexi Freeman, Jolet, Leonard Street, Livia Arena, above, Extinct, House of Baulch and more!  This is the place to be for closing night of the Festival with us at the Penthouse Mouse Bar; open before and after each Runway. We have two amazing shows, for tickets to the 8pm show CLICK HERE, for tickets to the 10pm show CLICK HERE.

Photo by: Fernando Barazza

For tickets visit ticketmaster.com.au or phone 13 61 00.