Author: Britt Singleton, Designer & Creative Liaison

The LMFF team has been busy:

• Visiting Australian Made: 100 years of fashion on at the Ian Potter Centre visit the NGV for more information. It’s on until January 23, 2011 and it’s free so there’s no excuse for not experiencing a bit of Aussie history.
• Attending a special preview at Her Majesty’s Theatre for what’s been described as the world’s most magical musical Mary Poppins, thanks to our friends at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins. Buy your tickets now to not only see the show but visit a piece of historic Melbourne architecture. Visit here.
• Falling in love with the Spring Collection of Forever New which included an ethereal performance by Delta Goodrem in the surrounds of the Ripponlea Ballroom. The wonderful romance and nostalgia amid the moonlight garden party was breathtaking.
• Taking up the rare (and free of charge – now that’s rare too!) opportunity to discover the hidden wealth of architectural, engineering and historic buildings nestled around the city as part of the initiative  Melbourne Open House . Read more
• Visiing Design Made Trade , part of the State of Design Festival to explore the diverse and inspiring offering from Australia’s leading furniture, fashion and industry design brands and makers.
• Tasting some of the Melbourne International Film Festival feast of cinematic delicacies from over 50 countries.
• Attending the Melbourne Theatre Companies Dead Man’s Cell Phone – the Australian premier took place here in Melbourne.
• Celebrating fashion, art and music at the launch of Melbourne Central’s Two Blocks event which had a huge line up of DJs, runway shows and live art installations. Read more
  

Alice Euphemia, Look.Shop.Shop

LMFF has been inspired by State of Design’s program and in particular Look.Stop.Shop. The initiative was a design-led walk through Melbourne’s City Centre. A selected group of retailers created special window displays and in-store installations exploring sustainable design.

Look.Stop.Shop included a broad field of traders from department stores to tiny boutiques, vertical retailers, designer-owned and operated spaces and pop-up shops for fashion, books, furniture, flowers and objects. We love this due to the fact that it demonstrates the unity and creativity of the fashion industry while encouraging the public to explore our wonderful city and retail destinations.

The installations were located on street-level stores so we could explore the retail landscape any hour of the day. Funny thing is we’re guessing that many people didn’t even realise that they were participating in the program! That’s what has captured our imagination and the very best of Melbourne’s creative scene – the fact that you don’t even know that you’re participating in art!

One of LMFF’s favourite retailers Alice Euphemia took this even further. Alice Euphemia introduced it very own band of expert ‘Fashion Doctors’ to help transform your old treasures. Alice Euphemia’s Look.Stop.Shop window display was based on tips and treats from the past – celebrating vintage finds and old-fashioned advice. During the State of Design Festival, Alice created a list of essential hot tips for looking after your favourite clothes. This was a gift for people on the LOOK.STOP.SHOP trail was released at the Fashion Doctors ‘clinic’ on Saturday July 24. The Fashion Doctors were clever, avant-garde crafty and deft with needle and thread! Their advice transformed our “I like it but it’s just not right” pieces into a beloved favorites. We just think its genius and if the piece still isn’t right Alice provided a collection site so that the items could be donated. Brilliant!

Pollon, Look.Stop.Shop

Alphaville, Look.Stop.Shop

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

LMFF’s Partnership Executive Anna Riordan and Creative & Production Advisor, Yolanda Finch, attended the launch of Melbourne Central’s ‘Two Blocks’ Festival last night, before Melbourne Central is transformed into a hub of creativity with unique art exhibitions, live paintings, a pop-up fashion event, parties and music performances. The Rushcutter boys, Nick Bracks, Phillip Boon and Rhys Ulrich were also in attendance as they will be taking part in the festivities which span the streets and laneways of Melbourne over the next two weeks.

Log onto the Melbourne Central website (www.melbournecentral.com.au) to download the list of activities taking place as part of the Melbourne Central Two Blocks Festival but the LMFF team will definitely be heading back today to watch the Freerunning Demonstrations by Trace Elements.

Nick Bracks and Rhys Ulrich

Rushcutter boys Brett Wolfenden, Vincent Danielle and Jaime Robbie Reyne with Viktoria Laux

Creator of BODY, Dainy Sawatzky and LMFF Creative & Production Advisor, Yolanda Finch at BODY HQ.

Dainy got us up to speed with all the developments of the BODY brand, including the impending launch of the ‘elements‘ range, incorporating lounge, yoga and casualwear to complement the core of the existing range.

We were also lucky enough to be let in on the back-story of the sweet printed silks in the Spring/Summer range.  All of the prints were developed directly from the drawings of Dainy’s four year old daughter,  who will certainly treasure these pieces when she’s old enough to really understand!

To find out more about BODY and the new elements range, head to www.body.com.au

Author: Britt Singleton, Designer & Creative Liaison

The two companies are a perfect match, with each valuing the qualities of excellence and romance in everything they do.  For example, following the planting of Victoria’s first vineyard in 1838 at Yering Station, Swiss immigrant, Paul de Castella planted an avenue of 330 Elms along the original driveway to welcome his new bride. Today the mature and majestic Elms, now heritage listed, give visitors a timeless reminder of romance, lingering love and heritage.

We had the pleasure of swinging by the new Nevenka retail space yesterday at 12 Howey Place, Melbourne and got to touch-and-feel the great product in store, where Rosemary Masic (the designer behind the brand) gave us a sneak peek into the Spring/Summer collection that will be arriving in store in the weeks to come.  The lookbook for the Gypsetter collection was actually shot on location at Yering Station – see some of our favourite picks below!

For furthe information on either Nevenka or Yering station, please go to http://www.nevenka.com.au/ or http://www.yering.com

Author: Britt Singleton, Designer & Creative Liaison

If however (like us) you can’t get one of those, Manning Cartell’s new collection ‘SPANISH TALES’ should do quite nicely!  Inspired by Spanish Tales of romance, Manning Cartell Spring 2010 integrates draping, tucking and folding across a beautiful range of sheer loose knits, French lace, boned silk mini dresses and underwear as outerwear.

The LMFF team will be making their way down to the Melbourne’s GPO Manning Cartell store (below) to take a peek at the range in the flesh and perhaps take home our own little piece of Spanish romance…

Manning Cartell ‘Spanish Tales’ will be available from all Manning Cartell boutique’s  (The Strand Arcade, Paddington and Melbourne’s GPO) as well as select stockists nationwide from July 2010.

Standout pieces that we’ve got our eyes on include…

The languid buds skirt, a lovely little number that captures a lovely balance of feminine and noir.

The Road Not Taken dress has a moody graphic that’s just what we need to get on board with the season’s ever present trend for print.

The Green Ray tunic has also caught our eye – a great print and a perfect way to flash just enough flesh (while keeping it G rated).

For more information, go to www.manningcartell.com

Author: Britt Singleton, Designer & Creative Liaison

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.

The Got that Beat pant (below) got our hearts thumping – those stripes!!

The Instructions Harness (below) is all the protection a modern-day warrior could need.

The First Time clutch (below) could do some serious damage – just don’t hold it in your cocktail drinking hand!

So much to love available in stores from now through to September.  Get some sass & bide love (or lust) in your life – Happy shopping!

http://www.sassandbide.com/

Author: Britt Singleton, Designer & Creative Liaison

The sensible purchase:

The Stand Off Wallet (in ‘pancake’ $229.00 AUD).  Lovely clean lines, buttery soft leather and chunky chunky hardware.  Love it!

The ‘You’ll use it every day so it’s absolutely amazing value’ purchase

You’ll want to carry the Tatoo Bubble Hobo (in ‘black’ $499.00 AUD) with you every day.  The plaited straps, tassel closure and a lovely textured panels will add depth to even the simplest of outfits.

The ‘I must have it because I want it’ purchase:

The Baroque Shootie in black suede ($349 AUD) will take you from dinner to dancing and everywhere in between.  One part sensible (comfy plaftorm, ankle strap, sturdy heel) to ten parts fun, this chic shootie is one of our favourites.

The minimal effort, maximum effect purchase:

And the winner is……..anyone who gets their hands on this amazing neckpiece.  The Kaleidescope choker ($229 AUD) is the piece that will make any outfit ‘pop’!  Working just as well over a grey marle t-shirt as it will over a fitted black dress, this choker is a real standout.  Chunky layers of bold colour and just a hint of sparkle are exactly what we need to give our wardrobes a lift.

If you would like to investigate all things Mimco, head to www.mimco.com.au

Author: Britt Singleton, Designer & Creative Liaison

http://www.alicemccall.com/

Author: Britt Singleton, Designer & Creative Liaison

Author: Caroline Buckley, Event Executive

Kiri: Treat yourself to a special treatment in the Day Spa and have lunch in the café at the Peninsula Hot Springs. The perfect way to spend a lazy day – that’s all about you!

Peninsula Hot Springs are approx 1.5 hours from Melbourne www.peninsulahotsprings.com

Janelle: Cooking on a Sunday afternoon … Above is my Almond and Orange biscuit

Caroline: I like nothing better than wrapping myself in my winter woolies, jumping on the tram and heading to the galleries to loose myself for a few hours.  These trips into town also usually involve some laneway shopping and coffee!

Saraid: Switch on the oven and embrace slow cooked dishes while enjoying a tops bottle of Curly Flat Pinot Noir

Anna: I love sneaking away to the country or beach with friends for a big lunch, before retiring by the fire with a bottle of red.

Chauntel: Nothing beats some shopping – it gets me outdoors and active! I love walking along the strip shops in High Street Armadale, Chapel Street and St Kilda.

Rug up and wander in and out of stores… stop off for a fabulous lunch and a sneaky glass of red to get your energy back. What am I coming home with? Boots and shoes! Lots! Ebony M on Toorak Road has some divine D Co boots (on sale now!) and I can’t go past the fabulous May clogs I just bought on Carlisle Street in St Kilda East. Above are my Sportsgirl wedge boots – love them!

Antoinette: shopping up a storm at the sales from boutiques to big retailers and lots of chai lattes from local cafes.

Fay: Scheduling in some time for hot baths filled with bubbles/oils and a pair of toasty slippers and a fluffy towel ready for when you step out. Snuggling in my beautiful alpaca MaxMara coat which keeps the winter elements at bay!

Brittany: Nothing keeps you cozier than a divine wooly knit in a chilly Melbourne winter.  Pop into Alice Euphemia and treat yourself to an oversized TV jumper to snuggle up in on the couch, just add a roaring fire and a handsome companion for a perfect winter combination!

Yolanda: Blush coloured leather A.F.Vandevorst knee-high riding boots from the Zambesi Flinders Lane sale.  Colour of the season, investment piece obtained at a merciful fraction price in winter sales, practical even for walking in to work in the crisp air, constant style snaps to brighten the greyest days.

THERESE RAWSTHORNE

Therese Rawsthorne’s ‘Loop dress’ offers endless possibilities.  A refreshing mid-calf length and sheer/opaque contrast offers lots to play with.  The layering options are endless!  Transeasonal, chic and just a little bit naughty, we pick this dress as one of the key investments for Spring/Summer 2010.

www.thereserawsthorne.com

NEVENKA
The pattern play and cheerful detailing in Nevenka’s ‘Unconsciously Romantic dress’ has us dreaming of balmy days at the beach.  Just the right balance of folk and contemporary, this is a dress built for lazy afternoons.

www.nevenka.com.au

ROMANCE WAS BORN

You can’t get much more Summery than a swimsuit, and much loved duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales of Romance was born deliver the absolute standout of Spring/Summer 2011.  From the Renaissance Dinosaur collection, the sizzling T-Rex one-piece swimsuit is our major lust-have.  Perfect for a relaxing swim, just add a full skirt over the top for after-beach drinks!

www.romancewasborn.com

Author, Britt Singleton, LMFF Designer & Creative Liaison

What a wonderful Melbourne night the girls at LMFF had last night!

With many thanks to the team at Avant Card, we had supper at the cool lane-way bar Cabinet and then made our way over in the chill to the NGV International for the opening of European Masters: Städel Museum, 19th–20th Century.  The breadth and depth of European artistic styles and artists were on display including some awe-inspiring works from Henri Rousseau, Franz Marc and Max Beckmann - this exhibition didn’t disappoint!

Images: the entrance to the Nationally Gallery of Victoria, NGV International

Author: Caroline Buckley, LMFF Event Executive

“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

On a wintery Melbourne night we zipped up our coats and hunched down Swanston Street against the chill, curious to find out who this new label was that was taking over the retail space in Curtin House (formerly the much loved Order & Progress).  Something mysterious happened: when we stepped into the elevator we were in the chilly city and when we alighted on level 3, we were in a charming and welcoming beachhouse – we’d arrived at búl.

Designer Virginia Martin was in attendance, wearing a grey suede, fringe layered, dip-backed dress that was as confident and cheeky as it was subtle and sophisticated.  Which speaks for the whole range – a well rounded and ultra wearable collection of separates in natural fabrics, easy-going colours and prints that lend an air of luxury and ease that can be welcomed into most urban wardrobes.

If you’re as curious as we were about the label name – ‘búl’ is Virginia’s family nickname – a charming touch to a very personal and endearing new label, housed in a store that is a pure pleasure to visit.

Author: Yolanda Finch, Creative & Production Advisor

We are very proud of our efforts to lead an industry discussion that confronts, challenges and congregates the Australia fashion industry. Last night LMFF hosted a gathering of representatives from all aspects of the Australian fashion industry. The forum focused on body image and the way it affects the Australian industry and consumers.

A panel representing industry experts in retail, media and the broader fashion community discussed the continuing challenge to create a unified approach to promote positive body image in Australia. The panelists included:

Karen Webster – Festival Director, L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival

Sarah Oakes – Editor, Cleo Magazine

Prue Thomas – Strategic Brand Manager, Sportsgirl

Matthew Anderson – Director/Melbourne Manager, Chadwick Management

Naomi Crafti – Community Development/Education Officer, Eating Disorders Foundation Victoria

The discussion was lead by Gorgi Coghlan from Network Ten’s The Circle and took place at ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) in Melbourne.

The forum was based on a simple premise: perceptions and issues around body image impact on us all and can be proactively addressed for the benefit of business and consumers alike. And we think we did just that. Key outcomes of the gathering included looking at the next steps we can all take to identify our responsibilities around the issue. We also ensured that we celebrated what positive initiatives individuals and businesses were taking and how we can follow their lead.

LMFF would like to thank all the participants of the forum including the panelist and host Gorgi Coghlan. LMFF’s Body Image Forum could not have been hosted without the support of the Victorian Government.