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.

Let’s hear it for the boys

This week LMFF held castings for the men of the Festival. Menswear will feature in the uber cool Independant Runway on Sunday March 11 featuring ksubi, One Fell Swoop, Jolet, Song for the Mute, Extinct and more. View the full line up HERE.

Images courtesy of our friend Monty Coles, to view more of his amazing shots visit theloupe.org.

The 2012 Program is Out

LMFF celebrated the launch of the program last week by hitting the streets of Melbourne bright and early to hand out free Herald Sun newspapers, custom wrapped wtih a special LMFF style guide on what to wear to the Festival.  The famous steps under the clocks at Flinders St Station came alive as five models previewed the autumn winter fashions from the upcoming Festival catching a lot of attention from passers by. Grab your copy of the official program in your local cafe or boutique or visit lmff.com.au to view the entire program of events.

All clothing and shoes were supplied from David Jones, all jewellery courtesy of Tiffany & Co. Models wear from left to right:

Olivia from Giant Models wears Therese Rawsthorne Peach Silk Dress, Tiffany & Co Ring and Bracelet, Black Steve Madden Shoes
Erin from Giant Models, White Carla Zampatti Dress, Tiffany & Co Necklace and Ring, Steve Madden Shoes
Abul from Giant Models, Carl Kapp Gown, Tiffany & Co Bracelet and Necklace, Nude Steve Madden Shoes
Mary from Giant Models, Gold Bianca Spender Gown, Tiffany & Co Accessories, Nine West Shoes
Emily from Giant Models, Purple Sequin Thurley Gown, Tiffany & Co Accessories, Steve Madden Shoes

Tickets to LMFF 2012 available now from 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 2012 Campaign

The Festival adopts a fresh and vibrant approach to the campaign for 2012. Embodying the Festival’s new energised spirit and direction, the campaign has an all-embracing quality to it with a strong sense of community.  The campaign features a line-up of individuals each involved for their independent sense of style, intriguing lifestyle pursuits and relationship with the Festival.

Internationally acclaimed Australian models Myf Shepherd, Nicole Trunfio and Alexandra Agoston headline the campaign alongside “Friends of the Festival” artist Vincent Fantauzzo, Principal Dancer for The Australian Ballet Andrew Killian, Restaurateur Sharon van Haandel, blogger, personal shopper and stylist Micah Gianneli, DJ/Producer Andy Murphy and Radio Journalist and Newsreader Lauren Brain.

Supporting the still imagery is a rich series of induvidual videos used to profile our friends – look out for the release of these videos in the coming months.

Alex (below) wears Aurelio Costarella jacket & pant, Mimco clutch.

Andrew (below) wears Calibre jacket, Vanishing Elephant t-shirt, own pant.

Andy (below) wears Calibre blazer under own trench.

Lauren (below) wears Kuwaii dress, Gorman belts, own jewellery.

Micah (below) wears Alex Perry dress, own vest.

Myf (below) wears Manning Cartell jacket, Alice McCall dress.

Nicole (below) wears Carl Kapp dress.

Sharon (below) wears Thurley jacket, own pants.

Vincent (below) wears Calibre blazer, own top and pant.

Make-up direction from Rae Morris for L’Oréal Paris, Photography by Adrian Mesko & Jordan Graeme, Art direction and production by Paper Stone Scissors.

LMFF 2012 – Campaign Launch Party

Last night over 300 of Melbournes most fashionable turned up to party and celebrate the new campaign direction for the 2012 Festival.  The 2012 campaign puts everyday consumers in the heart and soul of it and is geared to profile our talented designers and support Australia’s diverse retail environment. Guests made the most of the Party Pod photobooth and literally put themselves into the campaign frame to make for some fabulous snaps! Below is just a taste of the fun and frivolity from the photobooth!

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

Behind the Scenes – LMFF Campaign Shoot 2012

Who said that shooting a campaign was all work and no play? At our 2012 Campaign Shoot, we got busy capturing the essence of our Friends of Festival, but not after some mischief making, light-hearted laughs and lots of coffee. Hair and Make-up teams from  L’Oréal Paris enhanced their natural beauty and then it was Lights, Camera, Action! Here is a sneak peak at what we got up to…Can you guess who our Friends of Festival campaign stars are?

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

Photography courtesy of Woodrow.