Guest post by Lucinda Bounsall from Farfetch.com- MBFWA Round-up

 

MBFWA Street-style

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If there is one thing that we’ve learnt from last weeks Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Australia it is that the Aussies should never be underestimated when it comes to fashion. There isn’t an official chart for which fashion weeks are the most successful or the most popular but it goes without saying that if there were one, we would all know who would take the top spots. ‘The Big Four’ (as they’re known) are comprised of New York, London, Paris and Milan and after such a hectic couple of weeks you wouldn’t blame all editors and fashion industry insiders for potentially not being able to muster up the energy to take the long trip down under.

But it looks like it was worth it after all, proving it to be totally and utterly worth the long haul flight and not just for the fantastic weather. Australia isn’t renowned internationally for it’s fashion exports, more it’s amazing landscape and kangaroos but it’s certainly making its mark on the style world now.

Set against the fantastic backdrop of cool industrial looking Carriageworks in Sydney, this year’s fashion week bought together some of the most influential and up and coming designers in one place over five days. The week kicked off with designers Camilla and Marc who presented a refined and sexy collection with cut out tops and lace long sleeved dresses.

Another sibling duo Ginger and Smart launched a vibrant collection of bustiers and pencil skirts in the season’s most popular silhouettes and all in bold clashing geometric and floral prints.

But it seemed that cult label Romance was Born (apparently Australia’s answer to Meadham Kirchhoff) were the run-away successes of fashion week 2013, with a riotous collection that made references to the seventies through their use of print, bold contemporary silhouettes, fairy tale like make up and coloured fringed wigs. With bright and fun references to pop art and such a frivolous attitude towards colour, Romance was Born seemed to sum up the vibe of the season in a nutshell. Now what more excuse does one need to do their make up like a Liechtenstein alien covered in glitter??

Romance Was Born

The way that Australia’s fashion scene is thought of seems to have been completely turned on it’s head in one fell swoop. Five days and over 50 fantastic shows left the fashion world re-thinking their perceptions of Aussie fashion. No longer will it be synonymous with ‘safe’ style but it now competes with London for the crown of the most cutting edge and innovative designers.


There were a number of trends that emerged from Australian Fashion Week, some amazing, some not quite so amazing and some you just wouldn’t have expected to come out of Australia considering the humidity (I’m talking leather trousers here!)

We take a little look at some of the best from Australian fashion week from some of our favourite street style looks:

Prints



Prints were absolutely huge at Australian Fashion Week and they were pulled off with aplomb, which might be due to the fact that it was actually warm enough to not have to cover up printed masterpieces with overcoats. There was an abundance of geometric, oriental, floral and every other pattern known to humanity worn in every conceivable way possible, showing a fantastic sense of imagination. There were subtle minimalist outfits with splashes of pattern. There were some designers that opted for matching printed tops and bottoms for a chic take on the trend as well as bold print clashes that created the impression of being nonchalantly thrown together but probably took hours!

Print Mania

The Crop Top

One trend that was spotted in abundance at MBFWA, the trend that took first place in the most worn category was the crop top. Luckily Australia’s natives are a body confident lot and thanks to the sun have tans that last longer than a month. Some wore chic cropped tops showing off a slight sliver of midriff and some chose a more drastic approach with bra tops paired with low-slung trousers bringing a stylish and youthful take on the trend.

Ultimately Australian Fashion Week was an unbridled success. Fashion insiders around the world are starting to sit up and take stock of what the country has to offer, especially considering it’s two decades of unbroken economic growth; which compared with the rest of the world is saying something. High-end luxury brands from Australia are experiencing solid growth that you would usually only expect from big name designers such as Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent. Australia really turned up the volume and stepped away from their safe easy going roots into slightly riskier territory and it turned out to be a step in the right direction for them, putting Australia up there on the map as one of the big contenders in the fashion world. Watch out everyone!

This blog post was written by Lucinda Bounsall who works at farfetch.com

xx

DESIGNER INTERVIEW: NEW DESIGN STAR- ZOE BROWN

Slowly but surely, Canberra is making it’s mark on the fashion map.

In the past, Canberran creatives have left our fair city for the Big Smoke, hoping to find more opportunity in Melbourne, Sydney or abroad.  No one ever really considered Canberra as having a ‘fashion industry’. Until now.

There has been a profound shift in the last few years, as talented designers, photographers, models, hair and makeup artists and stylists have created and harboured an extensive and inspired creative community. New opportunities have arisen and they are influencing our talent to stay put.  Fashion events and new publications are shining a light on our new fashion stars in a way that we haven’t seen before.

One such fashion star is Zoe Brown, an up-and-coming designer with a whole lotta talent.

Zoe

 

Zoe has had her fair share of media coverage recently as she forges ahead with her quirky label, Zoe Brown, which she will be showcasing at Canberra’s answer to Fashion Week,  Fashfest, in May. You only have to look a Zoe to recognize she has a love of fashion- her style is eclectic, individual and fashion-forward. She is getting noticed- for all the right reasons.

I chatted to Zoe about her label, inspirations and how she feels about the Canberran fashion scene.

Could you tell us about your history in fashion? When and why did you start your label, Zoe Brown?
I started at a young age; I have always loved fashion- dressing Barbie dolls and always customising my own clothing. I then studied fashion in college and just knew I wanted to continue and graduated from Canberra Institute of Technology in 2011. Since graduating I have continued to establish my label. My new label name will launch at FashFest!

What is your design aesthetic? How would you like women to feel when they wear your designs?
I guess it can be described as fresh, edgy, romantic- like a wonderland where you don’t know the guidelines, the rules or the danger. I like my clothing to be fun, and not to be taken too seriously. I also women to experiment and explore as some of my garments might not seem to be as wearable (as I love using sheer fabrics) but it’s all how you style it! Don’t be afraid!

What inspires you and your creations?
I know everyone says this but the elements of design have been embedded into my brain for so long that I feel I can turn anything into inspiration. I love designing about things I’m interested in, whether it is a new art form, pop culture, emerging trends, movies or music. I like my collections to evolve and show the world the things that I love!

What is your biggest achievement since starting your label?
That I am actually doing it! I’m always gaining new connections and relationships, as you never know where they are going to take you! I’m very keen on meeting as many people as I can and trying to be accessible to my consumer. I like that they are interested in me!

Being where you are now, do you have any advice for aspiring designers?
You might stress about doing it, but you will also stress about not doing it. I think it takes a lot of guts to start your own label; I’m still learning something new everyday and winging it! You need to do your research, start simple, be determined and make connections!

Who are your favourite designers or role models? How do they influence you?
As a child I loved Betsey Johnson’s collections. They were always so much fun and as an added bonus she does the splits at the end of her runway shows! I have also been a big fan of Jeremy Scott, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Emma Mulholland and Romance Was Born. I guess they all have this edge about them- non-serious fashion that is always theatrical and entertaining!

What does the future hold for Zoe Brown?
Releasing my first sellable collection!

Lastly, how do you feel about the fashion industry in Canberra?
I think it is very understated, but there are so many of us here now, we are going to take this place by storm! Its also a great place to meet lots of creative people, because it has been so neglected down here we end up collaborating with a lot of talented artists, musicians, photographers, makeup artists and stylists!

You can check out more of Zoe’s work at www.zoe-brown.com

xx

Latest post for Stylehunter.com: DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: SOFIA POLAK

 My latest interview for Stylehunter.com

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: SOFIA POLAK – Annie Brown

One of the biggest perks to being the Canberra Insider is that I have the opportunity to illuminate the creative talent we have here.

Canberra houses an amazing array of fashion designers that are often overshadowed because of our location and the perception that Canberra is all roundabouts and politics.

The truth is, Canberra is in the midst of a creative boom and our designers and other creatives are making their sturdy mark on the fashion map.

Cue: Sofia Polak

 Read the full article at Stylehunter.com

xx

Moving Mannequins at Westfield VIP Night and sparkly pants

Happy (belated) Easter everyone!

I hope it was sunny, relaxing, joyous and full of Cadbury!

I know I've been a tad quiet...it has been hectic. With the launch of AW13 fashion and everyone deciding that it's time for a new Winter wardrobe (myself included), it's been quite a time!

I do love Autumn and especially all the Winter clothes that are coming out. Boots, jackets, plush scarves ahhh bliss. The only thing I don't like about Autumn is that is comes just before Winter. Cold + Annie= cold grumpy Annie.

Anywho, speaking of Winter fashion, I wanted to share some pics from the VIP night I was involved in at Westfield Belconnen.

I had the very fun task of styling 'Moving Mannequins' for the event. They were styled according to decades to coincide with the Canberra Centenary. Each MM was dressed in pieces from the 50's to Now- identifiable to each decade but still wearable.

Madge, Debs, Audrey and Elvis- dream team!

I also got up and had a little chat on-stage. Do I look nervous? I know I was meant to picture everyone naked or something but I forgot and well...the crowd was larger than I had expected! I hope my sparkly pants didn't blind the audience!

Chatting away.

Can't wait for the next event!

xx